notyoueither
January 8, 2006, 16:20
quoted from an old, old thread:
Returning to the issue of veto, I propose that any new member must pass a poll, with a twist. Some groups use an interesting approach known as the black ball. In these groups when a membership issue is voted on it is done so with a box containing marbles. There are many white balls and a few black. Each member in turn reaches into the box and deposits a ball into a third compartment. When each has done so, the contents of the third compartment are examined by all. If the deposited balls are all white, the applicant is accepted. If there is a single black ball, he or she is rejected.
That sort of system works with a small number of people. It ensures that no one is forced to coexist with someone completely anathema to them. It does require that people be reasonable and not petty with their choices.
If we do this, then we would post a poll with White, Black, Abstain as the only options. A single Black vote would deny the application. Abstain would have no effect. People granted admission would see the forum and see the number of voters. People denied would never see it.
Here's how it goes.
Vote White for yes, let him in.
Vote Black for no, I have very strong reasons for not wanting this person on the team.
Vote Abstain if you do not care either way.
If after 96 hours (usually 48, but longer since it is a new forum) there are no votes for Black, and assuming that a reasonable number of people vote White or Abstain, then History Guy will be granted entrance to the team. A single Black vote would deny entry.
Returning to the issue of veto, I propose that any new member must pass a poll, with a twist. Some groups use an interesting approach known as the black ball. In these groups when a membership issue is voted on it is done so with a box containing marbles. There are many white balls and a few black. Each member in turn reaches into the box and deposits a ball into a third compartment. When each has done so, the contents of the third compartment are examined by all. If the deposited balls are all white, the applicant is accepted. If there is a single black ball, he or she is rejected.
That sort of system works with a small number of people. It ensures that no one is forced to coexist with someone completely anathema to them. It does require that people be reasonable and not petty with their choices.
If we do this, then we would post a poll with White, Black, Abstain as the only options. A single Black vote would deny the application. Abstain would have no effect. People granted admission would see the forum and see the number of voters. People denied would never see it.
Here's how it goes.
Vote White for yes, let him in.
Vote Black for no, I have very strong reasons for not wanting this person on the team.
Vote Abstain if you do not care either way.
If after 96 hours (usually 48, but longer since it is a new forum) there are no votes for Black, and assuming that a reasonable number of people vote White or Abstain, then History Guy will be granted entrance to the team. A single Black vote would deny entry.