Meta ( not Metta ) Discussion On Forum Policy

[Jhana4]

This quote is from an explanation a moderator gave in another thread about that thread previously being locked:

@moderator

Q8 Why don’t you allow discussion of Personal practice, personal problems or diet and medical issues?

A : This forum is not a support group. Moderators cannot ensure that your personal revelations will be well received by the community. It is not possible to render meaningful assistance on such issues through the modality of an anonymous Internet forum! If it is really necessary to discuss such topics, it should be done with reference to generalities, such as would be found in a book or in a Dhamma talk. Alternatively, those interested in such conversation can use the Personal Message (PM) feature to discuss among themselves.

The internet should not be anyone’s prime source of information or advice. Apparently simple life hacks such as diet, exercise and meditation can often produce adverse effects, and sometimes even be life-threatening. Users should always contact their own doctors, dietitians, therapists and spiritual advisors before embarking on any course of action which could potentially be hazardous to their physical or mental health.

I don’t disagree with this policy.

I do want to discuss it without suggesting that it be changed.

I run a rather large discussion forum ( not related to Buddhism ) on another web site.

I too disallow medically related discussions for the same reasons.

I also disallow discussions about suicidal feelings. As noted in the quote above, the Internet can be mean.

Having said that I eventually allowed milder emotional health issues to be discussed. The cold reality is that many, many, people do not have access to therapy, a monastic, or even someone to talk to.

Unfortunately, there aren’t many alternative Buddhist forums, let alone ones that are useful for applying the dhamma to your personal life. Of the two I know about, one is populated by kids. The other is populated by crackpots and people who enjoy turning every subject into an academic styled nitpicking debate.

No questions, no requests, and no answers.

I just wanted to express my thoughts. I hope that is allowed and understood.

Have a good weekend!

[Ric]

Thanks @Jhana4, moved to the Meta category.

With Metta,
Ric

[NgXinZhao]

@Jhana4

Of the two I know about, one is populated by kids

I assume this is r/Buddhism and the other one is Dhammawheel.

I would recommend r/Buddhism. There’s quite a lot of regulars who can give good advice, even some minor counselling there. Although their policy is also strict on no attainment claims etc. It’s good enough for less than that level.

Just need to know to ignore the ones who are not helpful, and identify the regulars who are helpful.