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Copied from a recent, recent threat:
quote: originally posted by notyoueither
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.
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.
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