Locking threads isn’t the solution.

[The Backward OX]

Recently we’ve suffered the disappointment of being unable to post to various threads due to lockdown, which in turn was caused by the behaviour of a pair of posters within those threads.

So this means the actions of two have repercussions for many. That doesn’t seem right.

There are other ways available to Admin of keeping these warriors from ripping into each other.

I personally made a private appeal to one of them, saying that as it takes two to tango, simply ignoring the other would eventually cause the flames to die down. That suggestion was not taken up. However if Admin are loathe to put bans in place, perhaps they could suggest strongly to either or both parties that they use their “ignore” facility as a precursor to being banned. Self-policing in other words. It would be easy enough to see if it was being done. The results would speak for themselves.

Edit - I know there are those who will say this pair thrive on their fighting. Ok, so let's assume that is so; what then is the solution? C'mon, get creative here.

[lin]

Ever run a forum before?

[SeanFields]

I agree, warn and then ban is the best solution. Especially in a situation such as the one in question where it continues now to the point of one half of the posters continuing it on to other posters. Locking threads generally causes further feelings of anger.

[Selorian]

The problem with threads like these, making suggestions of what staff should or shouldn't do to deal with the situation, is that the people making them have no idea what is, or has already, been done, tried, or discussed. If you have thought of it, it's a safe bet that we already did long before you made the post recommending it. If you want to help in finding a solution, then stay out of it and quit making posts like these. Dealing with such posts only takes us away from the task at hand.

Creating threads like this one, or posting opinions in them, only furthers to derail the true purpose of what this site is all about...Writing! Let staff take care of running the site and dealing with issues, you enjoy it to the best of your ability until things are resolved.

[Hodge]

I don't think those threads should be locked because I get really, really bored at work in the afternoons.

[The Backward OX]

Originally Posted by Selorian

The problem with threads like these, making suggestions of what staff should or shouldn't do to deal with the situation, is that the people making them have no idea what is, or has already, been done, tried, or discussed. If you have thought of it, it's a safe bet that we already did long before you made the post recommending it. If you want to help in finding a solution, then stay out of it and quit making posts like these. Dealing with such posts only takes us away from the task at hand.

Creating threads like this one, or posting opinions in them, only furthers to derail the true purpose of what this site is all about...Writing! Let staff take care of running the site and dealing with issues, you enjoy it to the best of your ability until things are resolved.

You're right of course. As usual, I didn't think.
Perhaps you should lock it now.

[Hodge]

While it may be the staff's job to deal with issues, it's our job to create issues for them to deal with.

When Lin and Maia fight, everybody wins!

[k3ng]

Originally Posted by Hodge

I don't think those threads should be locked because I get really, really bored at work in the afternoons.

I'm with you on that mate. It's been really entertaining.

[Mike C]

Originally Posted by Selorian

The problem with threads like these, making suggestions of what staff should or shouldn't do to deal with the situation, is that the people making them have no idea what is, or has already, been done, tried, or discussed.

I can speak from experience - before things get to that point a moderator will kindly point out the error of your ways.

If a telling-off doesn't work, the next step is to take the childens toys away. Threads generally only get locked after anything relevant has already been said anyway.

[SeanFields]

Originally Posted by Selorian

The problem with threads like these, making suggestions of what staff should or shouldn't do to deal with the situation, is that the people making them have no idea what is, or has already, been done, tried, or discussed. If you have thought of it, it's a safe bet that we already did long before you made the post recommending it. If you want to help in finding a solution, then stay out of it and quit making posts like these. Dealing with such posts only takes us away from the task at hand.

Creating threads like this one, or posting opinions in them, only furthers to derail the true purpose of what this site is all about...Writing! Let staff take care of running the site and dealing with issues, you enjoy it to the best of your ability until things are resolved.

I believe if an issue is important to someone they have every right to discuss it. The Admins and Mods of this site need to realize they work for the contributers not the other way around. Running an Internet forum is like a business without customers it doesn't exist. Contributers give Admins and Mods their jobs yet they act as if they are the 'boss' of something. Using your forum isn't a priviledge. Each of us are customers and it is the Admins and Mods job to keep our experience pleasant not belittle us when we wish to discuss pertinent issues.

With the censorship from a couple of weeks ago and now this I think it would serve well to the Admins and Mods to realize their place on the food chain.

Without us there is no you, give us at least a little respect. Don't treat us like mushrooms, we don't need to be kept in the dark and fed poo.

Thank you,
Sean Fields

PS: If I am banned so be it, this had to be said.

PS: If I am banned I ask anyone interested to email me at sean.e.adams@gmail.com

[Charlie_Eleanor]

Originally Posted by SeanFields

give us at least a little respect. Don't treat us like mushrooms, we don't need to be kept in the dark and fed poo.

While I believe that admins have to do what they have to do, most of the time, I agree with this statement. I am not sure why we can't have a thread to blow off steam about admins. It would make me feel more respected, as right now I don't feel respected by the admins at all (and I usually pay them EVERY respect, i.e. back down when I need to, etc.)

I may not be as harsh in my accusations as Sean, but I agree that I feel disrespected. If there are enough people who feel this same way will the mods take their actions into consideration, oh and will you tell us about it? Or am a barking up a dead tree? Of course, without a place to collectively place our concerns (a thread) there isn't a way for us (the members) to see a trend in opinions of members vs admins.

Ug, could go on all day, but I think you get my point.

[rcallaci]

Of course you have every right to state your opinions and state your mind as long as it does not break the rules that are in place or cause disruption to the forums in general. This is not a police state but a writing forum.

We respect all our members (for we are members as well) and try to make this forum to run as smoothly as possible with minimal disruption. If that means ruffling a few feathers along the way in order to keep chaos at bay, then that's the price one has to pay .

my warmest
bob

[SeanFields]

I appreciate your prompt reply Bob. I will also say the Admin 'problems' I have seen have come from one member of the staff for the most part. Perhaps a more diplomatic way of stating things would help.

However censorship on a creative forum violates some very basic principles. I understand censoring harrassing or inappropriate remarks but to censor a name is a bit much.

[Foxee]

Recently we’ve suffered the disappointment...

That happens a lot in life.

[Selorian]

Some comments from that one member of staff?

I give respect where respect is due. Members who disregard multiple requests from staff aren't being respectful, so, yes, I will cease being diplomatic. And I think it says something about my willingness for this discussion to continue by the simple fact that this thread wasn't locked after I made my initial reply.

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