A Note On The Site

I’ve been having a discussion with Porpentine about the site and what we publish and why. I’ve also been reading reactions on Twitter, etc. I would like to make it clear:

• Someone once said that you are only as good as your worst [insert thing here,] that these things define you. I agree inasmuch as people will remember these things the most, I don’t, however, think that overall (arguably) Good Work is erased because of a stumble;
• Stumbles–I own to them. I also recognize them for what they are, which is to say, not indicative of an overall “site philosophy.” The site largely functions on my judgements, and these will not always be sound. I’ve tried gathering the help of other editors with mixed success, I’ve tried reaching out to people who I think have better judgement than me, but people do not have the time and inclination–a site is a lot of work. The best I can do is to listen and learn;
• I am always open to talking about things, provided that the conversation actually tries to make me understand why you have an issue with something–not simply that you have an issue.  I can’t make decisions based on the fact you have an issue–not ones that I can learn from so as to make sure I don’t make the mistake again in the future. I need reasons: not because I don’t think you have a point, but because if I made the mistake, then it follows I don’t understand, right? Okay, help me understand. I’m listening.

Anyway, that’s all based on Adam Ruch’s latest article. Do I think there were problematic bits in there? Yes–much in the same way I think there are problematic bits in just about anything I publish (which is to say, that alone doesn’t disqualify something from appearing on the site BUT, again–my judgement will fall short.) I also think there are some worthwhile things in there which admittedly have gotten muddled amidst tone, gatekeeping, and so on.

I know there are things that are invisible to me that may not be to other people. I wish I was better at recognizing them, and, hopefully with your help, I can. I hope I’m not overstating my blindness to issues (or even that this is a big constant, because overall I think the site errs on the side of being a good one!)–I’d just like to make it clear that no, I don’t always catch them. There’s a reason so many issues persist even when they affect the people who uphold them: they’re insidious.

I know people realize this, but when you come with the pitchforks, everyone gets thrown under the bus: someone was silenced, a person becomes not just responsible for it but victim, tensions rise between those affected as if they’re on different sides…I don’t want that to happen.

The easiest thing, were it possible, would be to nip these issues in the bud–but in situations like these, where that’s not an option, the next best thing I can do is listen and learn and do better next time. I’m sorry that perhaps in my adjusting to making the site better someone else might be a casualty, but it’s not done on purpose, nor do I want that to happen.

I’d like to apologize to anyone I’ve made feel unsafe, unwanted, antagonized, and so on. Intentions don’t matter, so I’ll save telling you I didn’t mean it, and will simply close with the reiteration that I hope you understand I am willing to listen.

For now, I hope we can recognize this as what it is: growing pains.