I don't necessarily see a huge problem with moderation on the thread, but it's kind of one of those situations where we don't know until we try it. Remember, locking posts isn't the only tool available to the moderation team to deal with troublesome users, and it's not like they can't lock the post temporarily if need be (I remember having to do that several times back when we had the Off-Topic post hosted on this wiki). Disagreements happen, and they can transition into personal attacks and very heated discussion, in which case cool-off blocks can be handed out to those responsible for violating policy.

If you want to try the dedicated thread then I have no objection to that. I can imagine it being a challenge for the moderators, but if the mods are willing to try then that’s fine. I just don’t want other threads to be automatically locked, or for discussions to automatically be ended, if the conversation turns towards JK’s views.

Agree with @Icecreamdif here. We can't just automatically lock any posts simply because Rowling’s views come up. That's why I suggested we only moderate the post when the discussion of her views is delved into too deeply, to the point it's no longer about the original post topic.

And by "moderate", I suggest only asking users to stop discussing her views and pointing out the single dedicated thread instead of immediately locking the post. It would be pretty upsetting to be hanging out with friends under a post that literally makes your day, and all of a sudden it just gets locked because one particular topic is mentioned.

Here's what I'm proposing:

1. Mentions of and brief discussions on Rowling's views are allowed in any comment sections.

2. If Rowling's views are discussed to the point that the discussion starts to cause a conflict, becomes a significant separate topic, or the discussion no longer regards the original topic of the post, moderators or admins will ask users to cease discussing Rowling's views and provide a link to the single dedicated thread for that topic.

3. If, after step (2), the discussion about Rowling's views still proceeds, the post may be locked.

Here's what I'm proposing:

1. Mentions of and brief discussions on Rowling's views are allowed in any comment sections.

2. If Rowling's views are discussed to the point that the discussion starts to cause a conflict, becomes a significant separate topic, or the discussion no longer regards the original topic of the post, moderators or admins will ask users to cease discussing Rowling's views and provide a link to the single dedicated thread for that topic.

3. If, after step (2), the discussion about Rowling's views still proceeds, the post may be locked.

Good enough for me, I guess.

1. Mentions of and brief discussions on Rowling's views are allowed in any comment sections.

2. If Rowling's views are discussed to the point that the discussion starts to cause a conflict, becomes a significant separate topic, or the discussion no longer regards the original topic of the post, moderators or admins will ask users to cease discussing Rowling's views and provide a link to the single dedicated thread for that topic.

3. If, after step (2), the discussion about Rowling's views still proceeds, the post may be locked.

I'd be alright with this, as well.

So is this still going on or has a decision been made?

^^^^ (Here's what I'm proposing: 1. Mentions of and ...)

@CHT64 May I request an official vote? This discussion hasn't come to its conclusion, and I believe it is time to bring it to one.

Yes thank you! Sorry, it’s been on my mind but I’ve had a ton of stuff going on irl. If it isn’t posted in the next 24 hours, you’re welcome to spam me lol

It's alright, no rush, just making sure the topic's still around. Tysm in advance :D