Not at all.
The simplest explanation is that we cannot have a dedicated administrator for N&CE.
We would like to implement updates and look into various other features that members would enjoy rather than spend a great amount of time in one forum, a forum that isn't a core issue to Mothering, just something that we all enjoy.
We do see how much it was enjoyed by many members. It was a difficult decision and not one that anyone wanted to make.
I moderated those areas for some time so I do think I am pretty aware of how severe the situation was getting. I hope people know me from my several years moderating Activism, War & Politics, N&CE and Politics that I wouldn't back down from a board unless I was genuinely concerned and worried. Back in the day people of all over the spectrum would happily post together, have interesting discussions and everyone would walk away still friends. But it is a lot different now, it seems people do not *want* to post with people who believe differently than they.
We did try and reduce the amount of baiting and divisive posting but nothing was working.
I am not trying to blame anyone, I think it is just an unfortunate result of the hostile tone that the political scene has taken in general. It is very difficult to moderate. There is just a geniune lack of civil discourse going on.
I do think members here might have thought we were lecturing them. I am sorry if that is the case.
The nasty tone is so pervasive, I have seen it in really unexpected places like the liquor store or things on my facebook that would be UAVs here. Someone threatened a political figure on my facebook. I was really horrified.
Several other websites and forums have also made similar decisions in regard to Political posting. I have been watching it on other boards, for my information and it isn't any better anywhere else.
It is really unfortunate.
I am sorry.
