Another Interview

Hello there! So I am posting another interview. It is the same set of questions as the interview I did with the lead of Catholic Mom, because I want to get a general understanding about a few areas before I dive in deeper with these cafe mom members. Enjoy!

1. What groups are you involved in on cafemom?

Several Autism/Asperger Awareness groups, Our Own Game Room (I am an admin. for this group), Current Events and Hot Topics( this is a Cafemom sponsered group), several Anti-Vaccine Groups, and some special interest groups ie Twilight Fans, Webkinz Fans, etc.

2. How do the communication norms differ from group to group? (i.e. are the topics of discussion different in different groups? Do you notice certain posts flagged or removed from one groups discussion board that may not be removed from another groups discussion board?, etc.)

The discussions are very different in each group and center around the theme. I have never came across a flagged post. Every once in awhile I will catch a reference to a deleted post, but most of the "hot" groups have a cavet in the membership about reporting to cafemom. If the members are sensitive, it is recommended not to join.

3. How do you think cafe mom decides to filter certain content? Do you think it is consistent throughout the site?

I'm not for sure on this? I would guess that Cafemom has a set of standards, but the groups are monitored by individual "owners" and "administrators". Anyone can set up a group, and without a report to Cafemom, the site could be extremely varied.

4. Do you think that filtering positively or negatively affects the community? Considering that people may be offended by others' opinions, even if they may simply be an opinion, not something outwardly inappropriate?

I think when Cafemom deletes a post or locks it, it is probably for the best. Sometimes there needs to be a "grown-up time out". I am sure that participates get frustrated, but like I have mentioned there are MANY groups dedicated to venting and/or debating unrestricted...it should be done there.

5. Why did you decide to join cafemom?

My mom and sister were members and LOVED it.

6. Have you had a positive experience on the site? If so, please describe.

I love Cafemom. One of the most positive experiences I have had are in the Autism Awareness/Support groups. Going through the suspicion, diagnosis process, and daily living with an autistic child is extremely hard, and the support in a large communty even if it is online is invaluable!! It has literally helped me keep my sanity!

7. Have you had any negative experiences or know anyone who has had a negative experience on the site? If so, please describe.

The only negative experience I have had has been in one group. It was a personality clash and I just left the group...no big deal.

8. Do you feel that posting photos of young children is a safe idea considering that anyone can create an account on cafemom? Do you think there are any ethical concerns related to this issue? Or even privacy concerns?

I have worried about having pictures of my kids, but I do post and keep my account private. I have several long-distance family members that use this to keep in touch. I love playing around with my pictures of my boys. As far as ethical concerns, I don't really know. It would be more difficult if the other parent was completely against it, or there were some outside issues like that.

9. Do you find that members of other groups with conflicting opinions about motherhood, religion, politics, etc. post their conflicting opinions on other groups discussion boards? If so, please describe your experience with this? Also, if so, are these comments filtered at all?

I haven't had any problems with this.