A NEED ARISES
Hi everyone
This thread derives out of discussion in several other threads, notably,
http://murga-linux.com/puppy/viewtopic. ... 4&start=60
and
http://murga-linux.com/puppy/viewtopic. ... 3&start=60
...neither of which is specifically about moderation discussion,, but which became derailed with its discussion. I have put it in the 'Miscellaneous' heading
Essentially this discussion is intended to be about suggestions and ideas for better forum behaviour, giving rise to non-insulting posts, as a result of recent 'bad form' posts resulting in bans for some
John Murga has made his views fairly clear -
Moderation has fallen, mainly on Flash's shoulders, as PG hasn't been available....so John has made 4 new Mods, though as yet, not all are confirmed/acceptedJohn M wrote:The only thing I have ever wanted was common sense, and I hoped for civil discourse.
Common sense being a relative term, which I think has a minimum common denominator.
I know many people that ignore the off topic area, and it is a bit of a pain sometimes, so if you think it shouldn't exist I would recommend you ignore it too.
I appreciate feedback around how I can make this site and it's community work better, as it is important to me and I want it to be a better place.
However, rules around what you can and can't talk about I do object to.
Freedom is another relative term which is important to me.
Unfortunately freedom isn't free it seems
Some find moderation OK, others, OTT, others, blatantly wrong
Bottom line is - this is a PUBLIC forum, read by people of ALL AGES, NATIONALITIES, RELIGIONS [if any] SEX, [and sexual preferences] and SENSIBILITIES
It is ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE to please everyone, but, in my humble opinion, this website is generally FAR BETTER than many similar sites...however, I am aware the recent problems have highlighted a bad taste brought upon Puppy's web presence, due to tolerance of criticism being taken to extremes - moderation is NOT an easy task, and this thread is NOT to criticise, but to see if the moderation can be improved, and understanding of the expected 'common sense' increased, and acted upon
My personal view is that moderation is an essential, else bullying becomes rife, and would ruin a shared valuable resource
..... but, that it should also at least try to be consistent, fair, and open
I have suggested placement of 'to be deleted comments' into an invisible part of the forum, as a major criticism of current practice, is that the coherence of threads is lost....if it was editable and could be put back, less the offensive words, this would solve that problem, I believe
Also there have been criticisms of 'favoured members' posts NOT being deleted/censored, i.e. favouritism
Personally, I don't agree with that occurring, and would ask mods to make reasons known, and answer to such criticisms openly
If you are subject to moderation deletion, please start a thread asking for an explanation, if you weren't given one, and also seek comment from other poster/members, as to whether they thought it fair or not.
Hopefully we will all learn, and share our tolerances, and help make the forum better 'managed'
If you should get banned, if it is not obvious why, then I can only suggest creating a new ID and asking, again for a reason, and views of the forum
Again, personally, I think bans could be lifted, if the behaviour causing the ban is agreed to be amended/changed [with an arguably expected, almost guarantee of permanent ban if it is repeated]
Asking for reasons is an attempt to demonstrate openness, and consistency....but, at least, cool down before asking!
Rules: Can we have freedom and rules?
As John said, 'freedom is a relative term'
I think the purpose of this discussion is about making this forum, and any need to moderate it, work relatively well, relatively freely, and relatively cringe-free
If you feel inclined to use expletives, even in jest...is it too 'controlling/censoring' to suggest using ** in place of mid vowels, in any chosen words.....the meaning will still be clear
If you disagree with someone's views, just say, if you have to comment, 'I disagree with....xxxx ....because....etc',
.....rather than resort to name calling or insult, which really isn't what is wanted or necessary
This can be a mature discussion, and you may just become more mature if TOLERANCE becomes your way of seeing others
I hope these suggestions will be seen as fuel for the 'common sense' which John refers to, and future discussion of it, with a view to mutual self-benefit
PS Can any new Mods please let everyone know who they are?
Many thanks
Aitch