An interesting idea that could be applied to forum moderation

I don't mute. I don't ignore. I don't censor. I don't mind moderation, but, if the mob is able to mod I think I just may lose my ability to post altogether. (>_<

I like to think that it has a way of working itself out "naturally".....let nature take it's course.

Agree with LittleMe...have been called a troll and probably on a few ignore lists myself, just for disagreeing or having off the wall opinions....I even grasp something occasionally from someone who "should" be on an ignore list....but isn't.....so you're missing the boat there, if you have a long list. I have no list. I see it all.

There were a few times when I reported a particularly offensive post for removal.....but then thought that might not have been too wise.....as it left a very clear message as to what that person is made of.....and probably should have been left up for reference.

I've got no problem sending a private note to someone brand new who is posting and giving them a heads up that the person who just dropped a hateful comment into their thread, does that to everyone, so don't take it personally.....and I've got no problem posting that right in the thread, as well.

Although posting it in the thread may be considered "feeding the troll".....I tend to consider it a public service announcement.....because there just isn't enough hours in the day to contact each individual that was insulted, privately.

And social work is *soooooo* badly paidl, isn't it?

Pep (Surrounded in rl by do-gooders)

Yes, my #1 rule on forums (which I have been guilty of not following 100% of the time) is to not take anything too serious and take nothing personal.

Once more the Wisdom of Walker Moore.

"It's only a Forum. No one dies".

There is still SOME moderating going on, but I don't think any of us have a clue as to what rhyme or reason is involved.

Threatening to gets you attention though.

Pep (Words can be surprisingly powerful)

PS Even cats aren't allowed to die here, apparently!

And she didn't die. QED.

You beat me to it. Pep's actions there were the seed for this thread.

Including the moderators?

Pep (There is ONE immutable rule: no dead cats)

So can being an asshat. QED.

Brenda (Uses her post count to prove her theory)

Pep's just arrived in that thread. Let's see what happens now.

That one was tacky, IMO.

If anyone thinks that the forums can be the CAUSE of someone dying, then I guess things like SL and WoW really do cause marriage failures.

There is still no proof that any of her statements are real and that she is not just being a drama queen. Even if all she says is true - it is not BECAUSE of the forums -- she seems to have a whole lot of issues she is dealing with.

Did you threaten something like that then, Brenda?

Pep (Or are most of your posts to resuscitate the Living Dead in the Undying Thread? )

You're a bit slow on the uptake, sunshine . . .

Pep ( . . . *this* thread happened!)

No, most of my posts are meant to be timeless gems, full of insight, wisdom, and devastating wit.

But they *are* darling!

Pep (Just like mine, except nicer)

humble apologies to LittleMe

If someone is as precariously on the edge as she appears to be, then yes, a poorly timed hurtful post could have a dire consequence. No more, no less. There are times when one should tread lightly, regardless of how cynically they consider such a thread.

I've got a few problems with that article. More than a few. And this is directed to that author's opinions.

The author refers to "newbies"....and I hate that word....as coming in to spoil the old-timers' fun. Well, the Q&A message boards on any topic.....sole purpose is not to provide "fun" for some static old timers who are on the same wavelength. They are to provide answers from a broad range of people to whoever may need them....most likely that will be a newcomer. Those answers also need to be submitted by other newcomers or old timers who are NOT on the same wavelength as the majority.

That author has a problem with newcomers coming in and changing up "his community" and making it less fun for him. He needs to Get a Life.

If regular members get pissed off by newcomers asking the same questions over and over again....well then, just leave or don't answer. That's what a Q&A board is for.....to ask and answer questions.....yeah, they're going to come up over and over again.....Hello....they're basic questions....someone new is reading every day.

If one can't be bothered to answer the same questions over and over again.....well, perhaps it's time to take a break.....or maybe even have a light bulb moment that a Q&A message board is to ask and answer questions, and not developed for their sole personal enjoyment in having a social circle.

The author says there is social pressure "to behave"....and that the blocking he suggests will work that out. Although that runs a bit along the lines of letting nature take it's course....not really. Your comments are going to be blocked by a bunch of grumpy old timers which generally make up the majority. Who are they to judge what is "behaving."

I'm not going to "behave" according to a clique's standards....and not going to be pressured by them to conform to their ideals.....and if I ask for advice.....I want it to come from that type of person as well.

What he's suggesting is simply a form of control for he and his old timer friends to control who contributes to his crotchety old timer social network, which he has mistaken the public Q&A message board system to be. If he wants that....he can head over to myspace or facebook.

I do agree with you on the newbies stance and also the FAQ's. But as someone who dates back to the BB days and has been in medical forums, which put this one to shame, I do know how hopelessly frustrating the problem of moderation can be at times. LL has walked away from this one and it does generally behave itself. I just see this as a tool that would be easy to implement and would solve some remaining problems.

My "tacky" comment applied to the link being posted in response to the comment that "no one dies on the forums"

If you have paid any attention at all to my postings here, you would never have assumed that I would consider her post tacky.

Carp! Incredibly sorry and profuse apologies. I am backtracking and cleaning my post.

Agreed. The offensive poster can take 300 other threads and use it for their fodder. NOT that one.

To do so was extremely poor judgment and indicates a madness and sickness that is shameful.

I chose not to make a public service announcement in that thread....but to send it privately, as I'm sure others have done.

I also chose not to flag it....someone else might flag it.....but left it as reference that the sarcasm and sickness is now at a level unacceptable from a human being.

Also want to suggest in this thread....referring to the other thread....that debating the merit or analyzing further all the nuances of what is going on....IN that thread....is probably not wise. Not convinced it is wise to do so in this thread either.....considering the timing.....hopefully she has enough IMs to keep her busy, and no time to read.

I do appreciate you taking it out of that thread, Jesse......and want to suggest again....that people show some restraint this once, and be very, very careful about the comments they leave there.