As it stands now, this community serves mostly as a way to get money. That isn't a bad thing, but cash is not a 1-size-fits-all solution to every problem. Taking care of a persons needs is always priority #1, but at times, said person is unfit to handle money in a way that reliably alleviates those needs. Traditional, local, mutual-aid networks can usually address this in the form of community pot lucks, clothing exchange, etc. Here we are more or less limited to advice and more money.

Making a rule about unsolicited advice and being critical of users, limits us to just money as a tool to solve problems. Sometimes people need a tough conversation to grow as a person, sometimes people need to be reminded of the situation they are in. Yes, the capitalist system is oppressive. Yes, there are systemic issues that prevent us all from succeeding. That doesn't mean there is no situation where decision making is a factor. Sometimes, you do actually need help making better choices. This isn't to shame people for making bad decisions, sometimes there are psychiatric reasons, sometimes they genuinely don't know any better, but you still should speak up so they can potentially correct the problem and learn.

This rule effectively creates a hug-box where we all pretend that personal responsibility doesn't exist, that there is simply nothing to be done. It's incredibly infantile, it's a cope, and the people in this community deserve better than that.

EDIT: I feel I may have had a change of heart after reading the comments left by @EelBolshevikism If you are looking for a somewhat comprehensive response, those comments are likely a good starting point.

  • ExtimateCookie
    ·
    7 days ago

    It's a common conservative trope to bring up people who will abuse any form of social aid. They focus on how some undeserving lazy people will "hack" the system of that aid, driving attention from the benefit of that aid even if some do actually abuse it. Being critical in the posts would not shame the people who do that, it might drive away people who actually need aid. Speaking from a personal experience, I only ask for help after I beat myself up enough and it's not the time for me listen to a lecture. I've never asked for money online like this and finding this community actually surprises me and gives me hope. I once summoned d enough courage to ask a friend for help, not much money, just a loan to buy enough food. They ended up lecturing me about things I already know. What's worse is that they live in Europe and I am in a "third world country" suffering from health issues that make it hard for me to work consistently. I was already so depressed but the lecturing made it much worse and confirmed all the blame I blame msyelf all the time. This made me not ask for anything anymore, and I saw that the world is so dark that even a few bucks to save your life wouldn't be given by a friend. I am of course open to improve in any way but not when I am feeling so down and need to find food. I am much better now and can manage food and rent and necessities. But I still get a bad feeling from that lecture. It's the feeling that if things go wrong for me I might just die because no one cares.

    • Blockocheese [any]
      ·
      5 days ago

      Id care, comrade. I'm sorry a "friend" kicked you when you were down meow-hug

      • ExtimateCookie
        ·
        4 days ago

        Thank you, comrade. That's good to know. The loneliness that came from that feeling is somehow worse than not having money. We all should have people who care in our lives.