Anonymous wrote:Hi, I'm somewhat new here. I've responded to questions, but have never asked one of my own. How do I find a link to start a new topic? Thanks so much, and I love the site.
Anonymous wrote:jsteele wrote:Anonymous wrote:Has your view on what you might consider a misogynist, racist, mean, defamatory, or just plain nasty post that should be deleted shifted over the years?
Yes, dramatically. When we first started I pretty much thought anyone should be able to post just about anything. I was of the opinion that words were just words and if you didn’t like them, you could ignore them. I was very much in “the cure for speech you don’t like is speech you like” camp. But then I started to understand the impact of abuse minorities and women constantly face, especially online.
It also took me a while to learn something that I don’t think is really understood about a site like this. Those that tend to use racist and misogynistic language and so on comprise a fairly large group of users — far larger than I think we like to acknowledge. Moreover, they can be among the most active users. There is a certain fear of blocking them or removing their posts because doing so can cost you a big chunk of your users. But, what I’ve found is that the negative impact of such posters far outweighs any benefit they might bring with their traffic. Moreover, their activity chases away many other users who don’t want to deal with them. So, wholesale blocking actually grows traffic to the site rather than decreasing it. It is almost counter-intuitive.
I love everything about this. I will support your site more just for this.
Anonymous wrote:Do you think this site gives a good or bad impression of parents in the DMV? For someone new coming to DC, looking for schools and housing info, for example. Do you think they would be thankful or do you think they might get a bit scared?
(In case you are wondering, as someone who did move to DC recently, some of the comments and the general tone of posts made us really question if DC was the right place for us).
jsteele wrote:Anonymous wrote:Has your view on what you might consider a misogynist, racist, mean, defamatory, or just plain nasty post that should be deleted shifted over the years?
Yes, dramatically. When we first started I pretty much thought anyone should be able to post just about anything. I was of the opinion that words were just words and if you didn’t like them, you could ignore them. I was very much in “the cure for speech you don’t like is speech you like” camp. But then I started to understand the impact of abuse minorities and women constantly face, especially online.
It also took me a while to learn something that I don’t think is really understood about a site like this. Those that tend to use racist and misogynistic language and so on comprise a fairly large group of users — far larger than I think we like to acknowledge. Moreover, they can be among the most active users. There is a certain fear of blocking them or removing their posts because doing so can cost you a big chunk of your users. But, what I’ve found is that the negative impact of such posters far outweighs any benefit they might bring with their traffic. Moreover, their activity chases away many other users who don’t want to deal with them. So, wholesale blocking actually grows traffic to the site rather than decreasing it. It is almost counter-intuitive.
Anonymous wrote:
Did you stick with this eating plan for your weight loss? Or did it evolve over time?
https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/701112.page
What are you eating now to maintain?
jsteele wrote:Anonymous wrote:Jeff, if you're still doing this AMA:
You mentioned that you work out for two hours a day. What is your exercise routine exactly? What kinds of exercises? How has it changed since the pandemic?
Just taking inspiration from your weight loss story.
My exercise routine changes from time to time depending on circumstances. We have a rowing machine, a treadmill, and an indoor cycle. Plus, we live in a very walkable neighborhood bordering on Rock Creek Park. So I will tend to use some combination of all of these. Recently, I have been rowing 5000 meters and then cycling for 30 minutes. Then, I go for a four mile walk outside. If the weather is bad, I use the treadmill instead. Sometimes I run, but not for a few weeks because I have a foot that has been giving me trouble. I often will hike on trails in the park, but these days those are too crowded so I avoid them. Sometimes I will also replace walking or running with outdoor cycling.
I've talked a lot before about my weight loss and exercise. My Apple Watch has been essential for providing inspiration and feedback. I am obsessed with closing my circles. One down side to this is that it doesn't allow for rest days, which I probably need but never take. In my opinion and experience, while exercise has lot of benefits, it is not the primary driver of weight loss. Cutting back eating and changing eating habits has a much greater impact.
Anonymous wrote:Jeff, if you're still doing this AMA:
You mentioned that you work out for two hours a day. What is your exercise routine exactly? What kinds of exercises? How has it changed since the pandemic?
Just taking inspiration from your weight loss story.
Anonymous wrote:This was really awesome Jeff - thank you!
Anonymous wrote:Why do semi erotic ads from Second Life showing up this week when I go to the Political forum? I did not realize Second Life is still alive.