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wthepoo
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« Reply To This #120 on: November 13, 2008, 01:47:07 PM » |
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Richard,
thanks for your thoughts and efforts; I think it is a nice idea but...
(1) we should definitely be careful in our posts/ratings - I think I remember reading here about one case (happened before "my time" on KF) where an MFI paused/ended its cooperation with Kiva also because of insulting/harsh posts here on KF (or someone claimed so or thought so, even though there had been indications for different reasons - I don't exactly recall, but wasn't it a Field Partner from Bangladesh?). These polls, especially when starting with two MFIs that are likely to receive very unfavourable ratings (and one that is likely to receive great ratings), may incite such derogatory posts, IMHO, and
(2) I think we cannot really tell what kind of job the MFIs are doing in general - just for Kiva lenders (quality of photos/write-ups, journal frequency, information policy, maybe interest rates, reliability with repayments etc. - which is of course important and even essential for us lenders); possibly MIFEX - to name but one - is doing an amazing job in caring for their borrowers and in overcoming an exogenic crisis... and we don't know but start nagging about not being informed (for very good and justifiable reasons - but I think it's rather Kiva's obligation to care for the lenders than the MFIs'). Thus, these ratings are bound to have a very limited scope.
Thus, I am not so sure if these polls are really helpful, and I rather suggest a thread (probably there is one... then we could resurrect it or open a new one) where lenders can recommend MFIs that really care for their lenders by commendable journal posts, communication policies, etc. I think that would also be very useful to new lenders or lenders with just a few loans with just a couple MFIs to know where to look next. Or... (would be my 2nd choice, though) open similar threads about all Kiva Field Partners - maybe in a sub-topic.
Just my 2 cents.
Best wishes,
Wolfgang.
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wind5001
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« Reply To This #121 on: November 13, 2008, 01:52:42 PM » |
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Wolfgang,
ad 1) It was the Indonesian MFI MBK-Ganesha. Which was a harsh loss for Kiva because they really catered to lowest income entrepreneurs, with loan sizes of sometimes a mere $50.
In general: I am glad you voiced your concerns here. I felt uneasy when I saw the polls popping up, but couldn't exactly tell why. You put my uneasiness in words, which is funny, because both your and my mother tongue is German, and I still felt you represented my feelings well in English...
I'd therefore also urge to step back on that polling, especially when we only have a few MFIs that might produce results that we can already expect. It is enough that it is dealt with problems when they arise.
Oli
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RichardF
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« Reply To This #122 on: November 13, 2008, 02:02:42 PM » |
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Wolfgang & Oli, I respectfully disagree. This is a discussion community by lenders for lenders. Censorship also has been a recurring issue here. The Kiva Friends Terms of Use and Guiding Principles set the tone for what is acceptable and unacceptable discourse here. Polls in and of themself are well within these boundaries. If individual comments cross the line then they need to be addressed on a case-by-case basis by the moderators and board owner. |
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wthepoo
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« Reply To This #123 on: November 13, 2008, 02:12:57 PM » |
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Richard,
oh my, believe me, I don't want to censor anyone - least you. These polls are perfectly legitimate, of course, and if you want to go ahead, by any means do just that.
I just wanted to express my concerns, and I still think that these polls - or even more so potential posts in the respective threads - might prove not to be exactly "helpful" for the stated reasons. If you don't share these concerns, I can't do anything about that.
Best wishes,
Wolfgang.
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Diane R
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« Reply To This #124 on: November 13, 2008, 02:16:53 PM » |
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Especially considering we do not know the sensitivities of Kiva's on-going discussions with MFIs like Eb-F, MIFEX, Wedco, etc., I feel it would be inappropriate at this time to be airing further grievances against the MFIs themselves in "rate these MFI" poll threads. Status updates from Kiva are what we need; we don't have enough information to know why these MFIs have not been performing as we had hoped.
But of course as Wolfgang says, if you don't share these concerns, I can't do anything about that.
--Diane.
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RichardF
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« Reply To This #125 on: November 13, 2008, 02:23:26 PM » |
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So we have different perspectives on the world. Nothing wrong with that. In addition, no one has to reply to the surveys if they don't want to, and no one needs a survey to say what's on their mind.
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wind5001
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« Reply To This #126 on: November 13, 2008, 03:46:49 PM » |
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And that is why I voiced my concern. And did not vote in the polls. I think Wolfgang's pointing out of the MBK debacle is valid still. So, we agree that we disagree. I just don't want that "Katzenjammer" ("lamenting like cats") when things get nasty on those threads...
Each to his own.
Censorship was not what was intended. I don't like it when big words are thrown around. And censorship is one such word...
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cpbailey
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« Reply To This #127 on: November 13, 2008, 03:57:29 PM » |
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The best form of censorship is self-censoring.
There is a test I like for deciding if something should be said...
1. Is it true?
2. Is it nice?
3. Is it necessary?
yeah, so I close on that note and won't be voting.
Colette
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