TOS Violations and Moderator Responses

[Teddy B 17,251]

I see. If this is the case, then that is an issue. It sounds like some folks may be trying to game the system to ding other members -- via bringing in mods that are not as up to speed on the forum (they may spend time on other forums) and may more readily 'mod' folks.

We have regional mods in other forums to help with these types of things -- in short, an insider that would see through this and even alert the other mods when they see abuse by folks (using the report button). We had planned to add a new 'local' mod to this forum to help -- thoughts?

Also, requiring a poster to request access to the forum eliminates the fly by folks who get offended and report posts from a conversation they're not even participating in.

Edited May 30, 2014 by Teddy B

[GandD 5,966]

I see. If this is the case, then that is an issue. It sounds like some folks may be trying to game the system to ding other members -- via bringing in mods that are not as up to speed on the forum (they may spend time on other forums) and may more readily 'mod' folks.

We have regional mods in other forums to help with these types of things -- in short, an insider that would see through this and even alert the other mods when they see abuse by folks (using the report button). We had planned to add a new 'local' mod to this forum to help -- thoughts?

Assuming the mod had an understanding of the personalities present (which really don't change much) and could maintain a non-biased point of view (IMO a problem in the past) I think it would help. But still, that's only gonna be as good as the person you choose. Of course this is just my point of view. I also don't get offended very easily so sometimes there's a disconnect between what I think is ok and what other participants think is ok. The latest blow up about the abbreviation of Chinese Communist as an offensive term was probably from people who, for their reasons, were genuinely offended. How you bridge that gap, I have no idea.

[Teddy B 17,251]

Assuming the mod had an understanding of the personalities present (which really don't change much) and could maintain a non-biased point of view (IMO a problem in the past) I think it would help. But still, that's only gonna be as good as the person you choose. Of course this is just my point of view. I also don't get offended very easily so sometimes there's a disconnect between what I think is ok and what other participants think is ok. The latest blow up about the abbreviation of Chinese Communist as an offensive term was probably from people who, for their reasons, were genuinely offended. How you bridge that gap, I have no idea.

A modified TOS for that forum stating "you agree that you are entering a forum where some content may be offensive" would take care of that.

[GandD 5,966]

Also, requiring a poster to request access to the forum eliminates the fly by folks who get offended and report posts from a conversation they're not even participating in.

The mods should have a good understanding of where the reports are really coming from. This may indeed be a majority of the reports. If that's the case, the invitation only forum might be best.

Obviously you guys know who the reports are coming from. Mostly random users would seem to be answered with an invitation only forum. Reports like the ones I mentioned would be best solved with an "in-touch" moderator.

[B_J 2,752]

I see. If this is the case, then that is an issue. It sounds like some folks may be trying to game the system to ding other members -- via bringing in mods that are not as up to speed on the forum (they may spend time on other forums) and may more readily 'mod' folks.

We have regional mods in other forums to help with these types of things -- in short, an insider that would see through this and even alert the other mods when they see abuse by folks (using the report button). We had planned to add a new 'local' mod to this forum to help -- thoughts?

This is exactly what needs to be done.

Also, letting people view the forum but not post might work, as long as "viewers" are not allowed to report problems. Let the reporting happen by those who participate in the forum.

[B_J 2,752]

I think it would be very possible for the regular posters to create the rules for the modified TOS and also choose the local mods themselves. Subject to approval, of course.

[Crashed~N2~Me 970]

The TOS could be very simple =

No Racism, No Hate Speech, No Pornography, (maybe include..No Ad Hominem?). Other than that = Gloves off & have fun.

[mota bhai 2,675]

"No ad hominem" is too vague, would be ripe for moderator abuse.

[B_J 2,752]

The TOS could be very simple =

No Racism, No Hate Speech, No Pornography, (maybe include..No Ad Hominem?). Other than that = Gloves off & have fun.

I think we'll have to be very precise on how we define racism and hate speech.

[Teddy B 17,251]

I think it would be very possible for the regular posters to create the rules for the modified TOS and also choose the local mods themselves. Subject to approval, of course.

One thing that I've noticed is that we tend to work things out on our own in that forum without too much moderation. When the Mods get a bit heavy handed, the problems seem to get worse because someone always ends up feeling slighted. Some people in that forum may not care for each other, but it does seem that most of us have a general respect for one another.

Edited May 30, 2014 by Teddy B

[B_J 2,752]

One thing that I've noticed is that we tend to work things out on our own in that forum without too much moderation. When the Mods get a bit heavy handed, the problems seem to get worse because someone always ends up feeling slighted. Some people in that forum may not care for each other, but it does seem that most of us have a general respect for one another.

True.

It's one big dysfunctional family.

Plus, we have the most fun when a thread goes off topic, but then a mod comes in and complains about being off topic. /sigh

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

The TOS could be very simple =

No Racism, No Hate Speech, No Pornography, (maybe include..No Ad Hominem?). Other than that = Gloves off & have fun.

How is this different from the current TOS?

[The Nature Boy 4,224]

Seriously, its that the mods feel like they have to act when there is a report. Certain members, Ewok, consider people on the opposite side of the isle to be enemies and purposely lurk trying to find "gotcha" moments to report. The button is being used maliciously and sometimes, unfortunately, mods abide.

What g and d said

[mota bhai 2,675]

I think we'll have to be very precise on how we define racism and hate speech.

Too much precision makes it very easy to game the system.

The problem with the rules against racism and hate speech is that the moderation team lacks diversity. There is very little minority perspective. I don't need a bunch of Caucasians telling me what is or isn't racist.

Edited May 30, 2014 by mota bhai

[The Nature Boy 4,224]

Assuming the mod had an understanding of the personalities present (which really don't change much) and could maintain a non-biased point of view (IMO a problem in the past) I think it would help. But still, that's only gonna be as good as the person you choose. Of course this is just my point of view. I also don't get offended very easily so sometimes there's a disconnect between what I think is ok and what other participants think is ok. The latest blow up about the abbreviation of Chinese Communist as an offensive term was probably from people who, for their reasons, were genuinely offended. How you bridge that gap, I have no idea.

Darn you would be a good mod