Member Moderation

[Chris]

We have to many idiots on here for something like this.

I'm just saying I think you have to allow for some it and only stop it when it gets out of hand and detracts from discussion. Like Peter said, sometimes the topic drifts.

[Common]

I disagree Chris and the reason is simple, every member has their own idea what moderation should be, they have their own opinion of what should be allowed and what not..There are personality clashs and out right dislike.

You cant turn the law over to the mob thats involved in it it....Moderation is designed to do just that moderate.
I suggest and you should know this chris, that if you have a problem with moderation or any moderator.

May I suggest you first discuss your grievance with him in a pm...if you cant agree, then you have the option to write to the admin...just pm title ADMIN and he will get it.

TPF threads alone are an example of how easily abuse emerges.

[Standing Wolf]

This came up about a week ago. I've waited to keep my question separate from any specific instance.

I think members should participate in moderation, at least to a moderate extent. What I mean is say you start a topic and someone posts off-topic, well then I think you can point it out, even request others to stay on topic. If you see what you think to be trolling, you should be able to call it out. Maybe you've started a tPF thread and want to give someone a chance to contribute before requesting a TB.

Mods sometimes warn and TB against that so I'm wondering isn't there some moderate line between what's acceptable and what's not? To me, that line might be saying it once but not repeating it many times. To me, that line might be doing it quietly without digressing from and wrecking the topic.

If you do it lightly, quietly, and it's ignored, the next step is to report it to the mods and let them handle it.

Anyway, what do you all think?

Chris, are you saying that Mods warn folks not to tell other posters that they're off-topic or trolling? I'm not sure I've seen much if any of that. Where I've seen Mods get involved in that sort of thing is if, as Pammy points out, there's an extended back-and-forth slapfight that departs from the thread topic entirely, or if (as we see WAY too much) two or more posters begin comparing notes on how stupid, trollish, etc. another member is (e.g., "That Chris sure is a moron." "Yeah, what is his problem, anyway?"). Simply stating "Your post is off topic" and then maybe briefly explaining why you think that, shouldn't trigger any negative actions from the Mod team.

[Chris]

Chris, are you saying that Mods warn folks not to tell other posters that they're off-topic or trolling? I'm not sure I've seen much if any of that. Where I've seen Mods get involved in that sort of thing is if, as Pammy points out, there's an extended back-and-forth slapfight that departs from the thread topic entirely, or if (as we see WAY too much) two or more posters begin comparing notes on how stupid, trollish, etc. another member is (e.g., "That Chris sure is a moron." "Yeah, what is his problem, anyway?"). Simply stating "Your post is off topic" and then maybe briefly explaining why you think that, shouldn't trigger any negative actions from the Mod team.

I've seen it. It seems to be when it's done in excess and disrupts discussion.

I'm raising the question to try and find out where the line is.

[Standing Wolf]

I've seen it. It seems to be when it's done in excess and disrupts discussion.

I'm raising the question to try and find out where the line is.

Every discussion is different; I don't think it's practical to suppose that one rule or set of rules about it could be applied to all. If I'm attempting to have a serious discussion and someone posts what I consider to be an off-topic comment, I can (1) ignore it and move on, (2) simply state that I don't see the relevance of the comment to the thread topic and move on, (3) make an issue of it by engaging in a multi-page argument about whether the comment was relevant, or (4) Report the Post. Options 1 and 2 should have no negative consequences for me. Option 3 signals that I'm more interested in controlling the discussion than having a discussion, and may well lead to a Warning for all parties involved - which it should. Option 4 is, in almost all cases, going to be a waste of time.

[RMNIXON]

We have to many idiots on here for something like this.

Some that would abuse it for personal vendettas to be sure.

We already have one Curmudgeon who claims your off topic when he starts losing the argument among other lame tactics.

[Chris]

Every discussion is different; I don't think it's practical to suppose that one rule or set of rules about it could be applied to all. If I'm attempting to have a serious discussion and someone posts what I consider to be an off-topic comment, I can (1) ignore it and move on, (2) simply state that I don't see the relevance of the comment to the thread topic and move on, (3) make an issue of it by engaging in a multi-page argument about whether the comment was relevant, or (4) Report the Post. Options 1 and 2 should have no negative consequences for me. Option 3 signals that I'm more interested in controlling the discussion than having a discussion, and may well lead to a Warning for all parties involved - which it should. Option 4 is, in almost all cases, going to be a waste of time.

Your 2) and 3) seem to draw a line between acceptable and unacceptable member moderation. And that's what I want to hear.

[RMNIXON]

And since we are on the topic of Moderating I would like something to be done about suspected Sock Puppets and those who just use the forum for occasional OP thread spamming and then disappear without any participation.

[Cletus]

Let me be clear on this. What I am about to say is my opinion only and does not in any reflect the thinking of the Moderation team or the administration of this forum. I am posting this as a forum member with an interest in seeing the board become as good as it can be.

I have long thought along the lines of what Chris is proposing. If the forum members can self police if you will, there would be less need for intervention from the Mods. What I am talking about here is not being empowered to impose any kind of sanctions, but taking the initiative to say "Hey, that's out of line" or "You might want to read Rule # _________ before you continue down that path" or "We're getting off track here, let's try to get back to the topic being discussed"... things like that, expressed tactfully and with the intent to keep the discussion flowing in a civil manner.

The problem I see with that is how some members would suggest to what is intended as a helpful suggestion by another poster. I think that would be the biggest obstacle to making something like that work. It would take a general understanding of the intent and a willingness to accept a little constructive criticism that doesn't come down with a flash of lightning and big banner from Mt.Olympus. It would also require genuine good intent from the person pointing out what he perceives as a problem. If someone starts nitpicking and making an issue of every little possible rule violation, when the more productive course of action would be to actually just let it go and fade away, it will just create animosity and make things worse.

I don't see anything wrong with trying to keep our own house clean without calling the cops every time someone looks at you sideways, but it has to be done right... tactfully, respectfully, and responsibly.

Just my personal thoughts on the issue.

[Cletus]

And since we are on the topic of Moderating I would like something to be done about suspected Sock Puppets and those who just use the forum for occasional OP thread spamming and then disappear without any participation.

Use the Report Post feature to bring it to the attention of the Mods when you see it and they will definitely look into it. I can't guarantee action will be taken, but can guarantee it will be investigated.