Places to Chat
I feel this
Chatterbox: Chirp at Cricket
I feel this
I feel this community has grown less welcoming to certain groups of people. I just want to ask if everyone here tries to be as accepting and non-discriminatory as possible. It's a community I love, but I may have to leave it if some changes are not made.
Thank you
I'm sorry you feel this way, whoever you are. Everyone is equally welcome here.
Admin
Please see new note from Admin at the end of this thread.
submitted by +
(June 25, 2017 - 9:25 am)
(June 25, 2017 - 9:25 am)
I've been on here a total five, getting on six years. I've never had an issue with discrimination or not being allowed to have conversations and discussions. If you're trying to discuss something that the Admins, for good reason, don't approve of, then this simply isn't the place for it. The CB is not created for adult or mature topics, even if they're happening today in society. Besides, we see and hear enough of that through everything else, we really don't need it here too. This site was created with a younger audience in mind, and if you dislike the guidelines then I encourage you to look for a place where you feel more comfortable. The CB is a site centered around a literature and imagination magazine for kids. We're allowed to discuss world topics but not if it's going to upset or be inapproriate for young readers. Even older readers don't want to see that everywhere we go either.
I'm sorry you're offended but this may help: remember that CB isn't here for just you, or just a set group of people, but everyone, and not everyone will agree or be okay with hearing it. None of us are "owed" being allowed to discuss whatever we want here. The guidelines were preset and the Admins have graciously spent their time making sure we're all happy here. Instead of fighting them, maybe we can spend more time thanking them. This may be part of their job, but it's not an excuse to argue and complain at them.
Please consider the rest of us here. Thank you.
(June 27, 2017 - 7:59 pm)
I am only human, and as such, I must follow my ideals to the best of my ability. A community that has faced hardship should always be held in consideration when you judge other's bias. As the Washington Post's motto states "Democracy Dies in Darkness." I am simply providing my colourful light.
(June 28, 2017 - 12:28 am)
To some extent that is understandable. But the thing is none of us are living in darkness. This is a site created with a somewhat specific age group in mind, as well as specifc purposes. It's not meant to discriminate but it does mean that there have to be boundaries. If you want to follow youre ideals go ahead but it does't mean you can spread your ideals wherever you please. If your ideals are inappropriate or unsuitable for a site such as this then you have to accept that and stop trying to force them on other people. Even just wanting to talk about it or bring up a subject can be, to some extent, forcing it. Many communities have faced hardship, conservative minded and liberal minded groups alike. Keep that in mind too. Again, we're not living in darkness and do not need enlightenment of the type you're talking about here. We're all clearly aware of the goings-on in our society and don't need it brought up here as well. Some of us like a little peace and quiet from that. You're more than welcome to remain here but if you don't like the fact that not all of us want to bring up such subjects, nor are the Admins deeming it okay, then you need to find elsewhere to talk about it, perhaps even with your parents. So as much as you're asking us to keep you in consideration, keep us in consideration as well.
I originally joined this site because it was kept clean and light and the Admins took care to preserve that for which I am infinitely grateful. But if it becomes polluted then I'll be forced to leave, as will others. Many parents don't wish for their children to be confronted with world issues all the time, and wish to educate them in their own time in their own ways. It's not up to this site to do it. If this site becomes bogged down with mature/worldly/inappropriate topics then many parents aren't going to allow their kids on here, and they'll also draw a negative view of the Cricket magazine and company as a whole.
So please, keep in mind you're not the only ones effected.
Well said, BHR. Thank you!
Admin
(June 28, 2017 - 11:24 pm)
(June 29, 2017 - 10:36 am)
I've read all the coments... And why did you delete mine?
I don't know to what specifically you are referring. Comments are screened at the discretion of Admin.
Admin
(June 29, 2017 - 10:47 am)
Um... Amen? If we're discussing inappropriate content, then the Admins taking ANY religious stands falls into that category. Maybe it was an accident, and you're just saying 'amen' as in praising her comments. However, if you're so carefully scanning and editing our comments, maybe you should be a bit more careful yourselves.
Amen just means "That's what I say." or "I agree." No religious meaning intended.
Admin
(July 1, 2017 - 8:53 pm)
I am a cber but going by a diffrent name right now since I don't want to be kicked of the cb.
1) If Cricket is based of an appropriate age, then why are you 19 and on here?
2) I believe that 5th-9th graders are the average of the CB population and 5th graders are only 10-11 (and maybe sometimes older) and in 5th grade a couple of the state's enforce them to watch the news at school, the parents have no control over it what so ever.
3) This is mainly at Admins, why do we have a Down To Earth if all we are going to talk about there is AEs instead of what it is used for, World issues.
4) The children using this have complete control over them self and can click on this thread and read the main thing, whatever that is called, and decide if their parents would be okay reading this or not.
5) I believe that this is not innapropriate, this is worldy, and this topic is not very mature either. Worldy topics can be like a topic about China's awesome food, I do say so myself that would be an amazing thread.
Thank you for understanding.
1. Cricket is aimed at readers ages 9 and up. Reading and interest levels vary. A good story is eternal for all ages. We have many adult subscribers, too.
3. Down to Earth is for everyday, worldly topics appropriate for our age range. We'd love to have someone start a thread about the food of China—and of other countries! Good idea!
Admin
(June 30, 2017 - 9:29 am)
Perfecto! One, thread about food is great. But to the point: I feel whether aimed toward one age or another, we need to look. The CB is mainly 11-13. Our most active members are 13-15! Because a ton of younger kids can't be on as much as the older ones.
I agree 100% with these points. Admin, to me #4 is important. A nine or ninteen year old has the ability to say "No, not reading this!" And I know from experience many kids's parents overwatch them as they are online. Many have to read things to their younger kids, say 8 or 9. If they or the child dislikes what they see, they don't have to be on there! We shouldn't be excluding people or topics.
(June 30, 2017 - 2:43 pm)
Ah, speechless!
(June 30, 2017 - 3:54 pm)
@Daisy
I think BHR was talking about younger people, because after all, parents of younger people are more likely to be sheltering to them. I like the age range here, it makes all feel welcome. But if we are talking about political and worldly matters is that not somewhat inappropriate for the younger children on the CB?
You are right. Children are go to school and are taught whatever the teachers end up teaching them and parents have no or little control over that. That is why I and many other people on the CB and around the world are homeschooled. Because our parents don't want other people filling our minds with what we don't believe.
Please I would LOVE to talk about aspects of the world, talk about food in China by all means! Talk to me about history and culture! I would love that...but please, keep it clean the way the Admins ask us. Like I and others have said, this website is made appropriate for the age range that we have here.
Yes, the kids here have control over themselves. However the Admins are here for a reason. To keep control over the subjects we talk about here so that everyone is and feels welcome.
Also @everyone please understand that the Admins are trying to be honest and fair here. Their job is to keep your parents happy with what they see their kids reading. They let us be pretty free in what we talk about, but some things must be on the line. The Admins must make the decisions that follow the guidlines appropriatly for this website.
(July 1, 2017 - 10:47 am)
I know that quote.
(June 29, 2017 - 7:55 am)
You see, this is where I disagree. For the most part, a lot of people are accepting to everyone here. I don't think drastic changes need to be made. I have my own opinions on issues, and if someone doesn't agree with me, it doesn't mean they don't like me or they are trying to hurt me. We all are one community of creative, intelligent, and amazing young minds that work together to write, have fun, and influence the world around us.
(June 27, 2017 - 10:25 pm)
Please don't take this question in the wrong way, because I'm not trying to be rude whatsoever. But why was my post cut short?
I don't remember. Keep in mind our guidelines of being appropriate for even our youngest readers.
Admin
(June 28, 2017 - 6:17 am)
Oh. I don't recall making it inappropriate, but whether it was on purpose or just happened, that's fine and I'm sorry if it wasn't suitable.
(June 28, 2017 - 11:35 am)
I just want to clarify what I said: I didn't feel we need dramatic change, nor that it is a tremendous issue. Just that I do see a bit of an issue because no humans are perfect. We can't just suddenly change everything. So I hope no one was offended by that, + or the others.
(June 28, 2017 - 10:30 am)