TOS Violations and Moderator Responses

[The Nature Boy 4,224]

Maybe you need a go between. Let me know what you want to say to xxx and I'll pass it along.

We are not banned from Private message that I am aware of.

Edited May 24, 2014 by The Nature Boy

[Kathryn41 3,205]

These topics are on the agenda for discussion at our next Moderators meeting which is scheduled for next week.

[The Nature Boy 4,224]

These topics are on the agenda for discussion at our next Moderators meeting which is scheduled for next week.

I will be there as the rowdy union Representative

[Kathryn41 3,205]

I will be there as the rowdy union Representative

[spookyturtle 9,465]

Here are a few recent moderator replies that I think do a good job explaining things so that the forum users know what is going on. Personally I think that a bit of detail goes a long way to avoid misunderstands, paranoia, etc. I hope that these types of explanations will become the norm. There will always be some disagreement, but at least we will know where they are coming from.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/497511-front-loading-at-us-embassy-lagos/?p=7029416

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/497109-roll-call-of-fallen-commrades/?p=7030309

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/497109-roll-call-of-fallen-commrades/?p=7030029

[UncleBeer 244]

Personally I think that a bit of detail goes a long way to avoid misunderstands, paranoia

"Paranoia"? Threads are being decimated because people are supposedly occasionally posting "off topic". That's just draconian and entirely unreasonable, especially in the "hot topics" portion.

While it's nice that some moderators take the trouble to explain their actions, others seem to hide behind the justification that no "offensive" posts should be allowed (and the determination of 'offensiveness' is left entirely up to the particular moderator).

I know it adds to the workload, but the possibility of review of disciplinary actions seems the best solution.

[Captain Ewok 1,871]

I think there should be a reasonable approach here. In OT if the OP does not request it, then threads should not be closed for OT... just a thought. What does everyone think?

[Jacque67 7,328]

I think there should be a reasonable approach here. In OT if the OP does not request it, then threads should not be closed for OT... just a thought. What does everyone think?

I think mods should keep out of OT. Generally we can sort it out among ourselves, and if not, the ignore option is available.

[UncleBeer 244]

It'd be great to tweak TOS to help alleviate these recent problems, but ultimately it all comes back to a moderator's (notice singular case) use of judgement and common sense, which can't always be relied upon. That's why an appeals process is crucial.

[Novembro 1,763]

I think mods should keep out of OT. Generally we can sort it out among ourselves, and if not, the ignore option is available.

Word. And we have the lovely report button if things get seriously out of hand.

[luckytxn 2,264]

If a good running discussion is going then it should stay and get rid and thread ban someone that came in to derail the reasonable discourse. I have seen his happen. We go along and having a good time and then one crude post and it degenerates to attacks. There are few members that bring discord to the OT or/and P&R forum now and again. If the same people are getting thread ban and bring little else to the OT and P&R forums is it possible to ban them from them forums only and that allows them to remain productive in other areas if they choose?

I think there should be a reasonable approach here. In OT if the OP does not request it, then threads should not be closed for OT... just a thought. What does everyone think?

[Captain Ewok 1,871]

Just a reminder to folks that we do indeed have a mod meeting tomorrow. We are covering many if not all of your concerns .

[luckytxn 2,264]

Yeah I know. Good luck.

Just a reminder to folks that we do indeed have a mod meeting tomorrow. We are covering many if not all of your concerns .

[one...two...tree 2,762]

I think there should be a reasonable approach here. In OT if the OP does not request it, then threads should not be closed for OT... just a thought. What does everyone think?

Agreed. For minor infractions within a thread, a verbal warning by a Mod before being thread banned would also be helpful. This place shouldn't have to be handing out suspensions except on the rare ocassion where someone clearly and deliberately ignores being warned. Mods should be focused on keeping the discussions fairly civil while recognizing the context and flow of the exchanges that take place. Trying to moderate in a paint-by-numbers approach just doesn't work here.

[Pooky 3,694]

Disagreements on subject matter, intent, or opinion should not warrant moderator action.

Personal insults, attacks on character, or unfounded accusations of personal wrongdoing, on the other hand, should have consequences. In the context of keeping a constructive dialogue going, these consequences, if the transgression is obvious, should be severe from the outset.