This post is primarily for Anna from Monash: check out the
Feminist Media Watch, which was not only the stuff of controversy a short while back, but is also a good example of a group blog managing to work despite the sensitivity of the topic discussed. The big task of serious group blogs, or even forums: how do you give everyone a say while making sure that no-one in the group is offended?
Ultimately (and this is something that we can hopefully achieve) success comes down to consideration on everyone's part rather than the need to set down some fundamental controlling ideology. When people say "I didn't realise you'd find that offensive" or "I didn't mean that seriously", it's really a nice way of saying "I'm too lazy to take your position into account" or "I thought I'd get away with it 'cuz I'm cute." Obviously there's no need for intense self-policing in day-to-day life, but if you're in an environment where emotions are volatile and sensitivity is high, consideration should be second nature.
To everyone else, apologies for being cryptic. You might be surprised to know that feminism has been the main topic of my discussions for the past week.