Something that I picked up from the 'meta-discussion' that took place was some people would rather have opted out a particular discussion (and not got the emails in their inbox). My understanding is (please correct me) is that opt out is only available through forum subscription. In which case, we could have a main forum as ongoing social forum (no need to move posts) but have other forums for specific topics. I have to confess that I am not clear about how it would work 
Frances Bell
Posts made by Frances Bell
If this course is not open to google (or maybe even guests) then this could open up an opportunity for those who are sensitive about the publicness of what they say (e.g those from a 'watched' society) to engage in discussion.
However some of these may not wish for the rough and tumble of the social format and topic may be better in this case.
However some of these may not wish for the rough and tumble of the social format and topic may be better in this case.
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I am one of those people Josep. It has been an unexpected benefit for me of
the last week that I feel I have got to know you better, and I am convinced
that you have a real commitment to the Moodle community.
Martin's solution has some real promise to continue the social forum and open up periodic
discussion
about what happens around here (though I for one need a break from that for a while).
I also want to talk some more with you about ways of reducing misunderstanding in the forum,
and how Moodle might support those.
I now understand better about 'Particularly Helpful Moodlers' - I am glad that they have not
become police or school prefects
Rock on Josep.
I am not very familiar with the social format but if, as Martin seemed to indicate, we could discuss social topics and topics that may comment on and possibly influence the direction of Moodle then these may not sit well together.
Even if the guidelines try to describe a procedure, the process will be as enacted and perceived by participants. It's not the 'rules' - it's how they are applied. Also a process will include a way to change itself over time.