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Topic

Topic ID 3373

04/02/2008 by Admin

Admin wants to know...

A difficult one this. Every so often, a new member comes along whose posts are characterised by childishness and immaturity - those whose level of understanding or ability to deal with reasoned argument are significantly hampered enough to disrupt a discussion. Some would say that these people are entitled to a point of view and should be allowed a voice, regardless of how they express themselves. Others might argue that their contributions distract attention away from discussions, or have the effect of dumbing them down. How should the forum respond to members who consistently post comments that demonstrate an unwillingness or inability to take part in serious discussion?


Replies

Reply ID 48770

04/02/2008 by shunt

I think I know to whom you refer. More stupour that stupid, from the style, I'd say. The question is, how long does it take to establish "consistent". Does admin email offenders in such cases or is all moderation on the forum?


Reply ID 48776

04/02/2008 by Leo Densian

Difficult indeed. I think most people will recognise to whom you refer and whilst the majority of the posts verge IMO on gibberish, at the same time the 'offender' did kick off the noteable thread... [Edited by Admin to remove information identifying a member] Is there a facility available Admin where a poll can be set up as is sometimes available on other forums? Let the majority decide seems to be the fairest way.


Reply ID 48777

04/02/2008 by shunt

Too hasty action would have lost us several members who, once they'd got used to the style of the forum, have contributed much entertainment, humour and wisdom. Sorry Admin. It has to be your call, otherwise we could get into a situation of a volatile member being goaded into a position by some of our more eloquent verbal gladiators that would lead to them being "voted off".


Reply ID 48781

04/02/2008 by Aelle

Would it be possible to introduce some type of carding system, as used in a number of sports and display cards in the box above the offender's messages where the show profile, reply with quote etc. icons are shown. Clearly the football system of just yellow and red would be a bit harsh but maybe a five point system (four warnings and out on the fifth)would be workable, with all cards rescinded if the offender showed 'good behaviour' after a certain period of time.


Reply ID 48782

04/02/2008 by aubend

Tricky one as even if sometimes quite amusing, it can soon become tiresome and may prevent other members from posting either through tedium or, worse, fear of personal insults.


Reply ID 48784

04/02/2008 by Admin

quote:
Originally posted by Aelle
Would it be possible to introduce some type of carding system, as used in a number of sports and display cards in the box above the offender's messages where the show profile, reply with quote etc. icons are shown. Clearly the football system of just yellow and red would be a bit harsh but maybe a five point system (four warnings and out on the fifth)would be workable, with all cards rescinded if the offender showed 'good behaviour' after a certain period of time.
The Acceptable Use Policy already covers this. We're not talking about a breach of the Terms and Conditions, but a style of posting. There is a clause in the AUP that says you have to be over 13 to use the forum. However, this of course refers to physical age, not mental age [;)]


Reply ID 48787

04/02/2008 by Avery

I think that Admin could email the member and let them know that there is a problem with their posts and the reasons why. Then maybe they could be put on some kind of probation period so that Admin could monitor the posts. Until such a time when the problem ceases or admin takes the decision to cancel membership.


Reply ID 48791

04/02/2008 by JohnSmith

Just be done with it and kick shunt off the forum [;)]


Reply ID 48792

04/02/2008 by shunt

quote:
Originally posted by JohnSmith
Just be done with it and kick shunt off the forum [;)]
Aw nuts! I've been rumbled.[:o)]


Reply ID 48798

04/02/2008 by nora batty

quote:
Originally posted by Admin Some would say that these people are entitled to a point of view and should be allowed a voice, regardless of how they express themselves. Others might argue that their contributions distract attention away from discussions, or have the effect of dumbing them down. How should the forum respond to members who consistently post comments that demonstrate an unwillingness or inability to take part in serious discussion?
I think the posts should be allowed (under point 1, above), but with an Admin warning that posters should think carefully before responding to any post that meets the criteria in point 2. In my opinion the posts should be allowed to sit as I don't think we should censor, but we can choose to ignore if necessary.


Reply ID 48800

04/02/2008 by warren_peace

Have an Engage Brain policy before posting, maybe a short test to discover sobriety ?Oh no hang on....


Reply ID 48804

04/02/2008 by James007

Just meet ignorance blissfully with arrogance and continue 'on-topic' without reference to the post?


Reply ID 48811

05/02/2008 by Steve

Or just wait until the offending party breaks one or more rules, as no doubt they eventually will.


Reply ID 48817

05/02/2008 by Marilyn

I think James is right just keep on topic and ignore off topic post or those trying to get attention / wind up other members


Reply ID 48825

05/02/2008 by Kitty Kat

Whatever happened to freedom of speech [:)]


Reply ID 48827

05/02/2008 by shunt

quote:
Originally posted by Kitty Kat
Whatever happened to freedom of speech [:)]
Indeed, my membership relies on HOL allowing any old nutter to contribute.


Reply ID 48831

05/02/2008 by Kitty Kat

quote:
Originally posted by shunt
quote:
Originally posted by Kitty Kat
Whatever happened to freedom of speech [:)]
Indeed, my membership relies on HOL allowing any old nutter to contribute.
Can we form a gang?[:D]


Reply ID 48892

07/02/2008 by aubend

Well this thread seems to have had the desired effect... or maybe [Edit] had a quiet word [;)] [Edited by Admin to remove information identifying a member]


Reply ID 48931

08/02/2008 by codek2

damn, i keep missing these posts identifying the perpetrator, doh!


Reply ID 48937

08/02/2008 by Marilyn

quote:
Originally posted by Rooster
Now I am confused. Admin edits a post from Aubend removing a name, then Steve quotes the original post with the name still there. Or am I losing it? Help????
I think Admin removed Steves post


Reply ID 50667

15/03/2008 by Mad Mick

quote:
Originally posted by Admin
A difficult one this. Every so often, a new member comes along whose posts are characterised by childishness and immaturity - those whose level of understanding or ability to deal with reasoned argument are significantly hampered enough to disrupt a discussion. Some would say that these people are entitled to a point of view and should be allowed a voice, regardless of how they express themselves. Others might argue that their contributions distract attention away from discussions, or have the effect of dumbing them down. How should the forum respond to members who consistently post comments that demonstrate an unwillingness or inability to take part in serious discussion?
Shoot em ...thats what i think anyway!!....Mars Bar anyone??


Reply ID 50668

15/03/2008 by Mad Mick

quote:
Originally posted by Kitty Kat
Whatever happened to freedom of speech [:)]
hehehe! freedom of speech...you have to be joking right?? incase you have been asleep for the last few years..this is the brave new world we are living in...you cant possibly think that you may still say what you think., surely?


Reply ID 50679

16/03/2008 by Kitty Kat

quote:
Originally posted by Mad Mick
quote:
Originally posted by Kitty Kat
Whatever happened to freedom of speech [:)]
hehehe! freedom of speech...you have to be joking right?? incase you have been asleep for the last few years..this is the brave new world we are living in...you cant possibly think that you may still say what you think., surely?
Evidently - we are not allowed to express our opinions without someone editing them or removing them. Marilyn - has it never occured to you that Steve is actually Admin?!!!!


Reply ID 50680

16/03/2008 by Leo Densian

quote:
Originally posted by Kitty Kat Marilyn - has it never occured to you that Steve is actually Admin?!!!!
Multiple user ID's are prohibited - allegedly [;)]


Reply ID 50684

16/03/2008 by Kitty Kat

quote:
Originally posted by Leo Densian
quote:
Originally posted by Kitty Kat Marilyn - has it never occured to you that Steve is actually Admin?!!!!
Multiple user ID's are prohibited - allegedly [;)]
Easily done if you just use two different email addresses or computers, surely?!


Reply ID 50692

16/03/2008 by shunt

quote:
has it never occured to you that Steve is actually Admin?!!!!
....moves in mysterious ways, his wonders to perform and a wearer of more than one hat.[;)]


Reply ID 50699

17/03/2008 by Marilyn

quote:
Marilyn - has it never occured to you that Steve is actually Admin?!!!!
Yes I had worked that out!


Reply ID 50703

17/03/2008 by Dude

Hmmmmm. Well, I think I know who we are talking about.....so that begs the question..... If I'm not 100% sure, are they really causing that much trouble? I mean, its not like I don't visit here regularly. Or maybe I'm just blistfully naive...... Or maybe its me!!!!! [img]http://prince.org/i/s/icon_err.gif[/img]


Reply ID 50718

18/03/2008 by Dreamer

There are various reasons for using this forum. Many of the regular posters are simply rumour mongers. If it were not for this forum they would be seen gossiping to the neighbour over the garden fence about the family just moved in down the street. Many others use this forum to learn of that gossip about restaurants, markets or local trades etc – so it can be valuable in making ones mind up about which service to choose. The chaps you are referring to poke fun at those posters who, frankly, tend to be up their own arses. And, IMHO, I think the word ‘fun’ is right. Their posts can be humorous and some of the more pompous posters do need to be poked from time to time. A man a bit cleverer than what I am said “I do not agree with you but I will defend with my life your ability to say it”. Censurship of the anarchists would betray this most noble of British attitudes.


29 replies