Forum rules / code?

[mb2k01]

I'm hoping this post reads suitably and isn't mistaken for a Behind the Red Door submission...

 

Does this site have any predefined rules or a code of conduct?

Do the Moderators work to this list, or just use their own individual judgement?

 

The reason I ask is that I am genuinely interested, but also because there seems to be a large inconsistency with what is deemed acceptable and unacceptable on here lately?

 

The most recent examples that come to mind are the removal / locking of the "FedEx Smoker" thread - I participated and got thanked in it, kept track of it, but certainly can't think why it would have needed to be removed?

Also the Teacherswebfolder thread - blatant advertising from a company who isn't an official sponsor!

This must seem like a bit of a kick in the teeth for the decent companies like CP, NetCtrl, Smoothwall (and many others) who devote time, money and expertise in these forums for the same luxuries the above company seem to be getting for free?

 

I don't want to seem overly negative on the job the Moderators do - I know they give up a large amount of time and energy to try and keep our community troll-free and I thank them for that. I'm just not convinced that the policing of this site is consistent, or follows a code or rule set that the rest of the site could be aware of and try and adhere to?

[garethEds]

I didn't notice the fedex xmoker thread get deleted - that was mine!!!

 

Gutted. That was a good discussion thread and I don't think it got personal or offensive in any way.

 

GJE

[sparkeh]

I asked the same question a while ago but got no response.

 

If you log out and login again you get the terms of use but they aren't in depth or anything.

[garethEds]

Personally I think if any thread is deleted there should be a reason given - even if it is just to the original poster.

 

Of course I'm sure it has been pointed out but the mods are volunteers and do the job through goodwill. They have a tough job. However some explaining would be handy sometimes.

 

GJE

[sparkeh]

Personally I think if any thread is deleted there should be a reason given - even if it is just to the original poster.

 

Of course I'm sure it has been pointed out but the mods are volunteers and do the job through goodwill. They have a tough job. However some explaining would be handy sometimes.

 

GJE

 

Personally I agree with this and it keeps coming up as an issue.

On any forums I mod, if I edit/delete I always send a quick PM to explain why, generally this cuts out the "Why was my thread deleted!!!11!1!??" type of threads.

 

Edit: Before this comment comes up, I really do understand that people are volunteers and busy etc and don't want to come across as disparaging anyone. And to put my money where my mouth I am always prepared to volunteer my help in any way - I am not going to say that people should be doing stuff I am not prepared to do myself.

Edited December 16, 2009 by sparkeh

[localzuk]

I believe the rules have always been 'be nice, and its up to the moderators and admins' individual judgements, with dos_box having the final say on any issue'. And that a formal set of rules would cause more trouble than they're worth. Can't remember the exact discussions about this before but that's what I remember anyway.

[Dos_Box]

We generally work on the 'Netiquette' rules, but whenever a post gets flagged or begins to get out of hand there is a lot of discussion going on behind the scenes as to what action to take. Sometimes posts do dissapere suddenly. This can be for a variety of reasons, often when a larger company leans on the OP and they ask for it to be removed, or when the thread begins to deteriorate beyond resonable discussion. Trust me when I say we don't do things lightly, and when the admins are away sometimes things get overlooked. As for the TeachersWebFolder thread I have been away for a couple of weeks and am about to get my big bad editing head on. It is however (in most posts) a reasonable reply to a thread started by a long time member. Some posts are however blatant publicity and I shall deal with them shortly. I have a meeting starting shortly and will deal with it after that.

[garethEds]

We generally work on the 'Netiquette' rules, but whenever a post gets flagged or begins to get out of hand there is a lot of discussion going on behind the scenes as to what action to take. Sometimes posts do dissapere suddenly. This can be for a variety of reasons, often when a larger company leans on the OP and they ask for it to be removed, or when the thread begins to deteriorate beyond resonable discussion. Trust me when I say we don't do things lightly, and when the admins are away sometimes things get overlooked. As for the TeachersWebFolder thread I have been away for a couple of weeks and am about to get my big bad editing head on. It is however (in most posts) a reasonable reply to a thread started by a long time member. Some posts are however blatant publicity and I shall deal with them shortly. I have a meeting starting shortly and will deal with it after that.

 

Thanks for the response. I do understand the hassle that moderating a forum can cause. Done it myself on the RM Communities - but there were clear rules there.

 

I don't understand why you cannot delete individual posts and then warn the offending poster. Deleting a full thread seems like a tough line - especially when people have spent time posting.

 

The Ospreys Rugby forum have a three strikes and out rule - they also post the offending names in a sticky at the top of the forum. They also contact the offending poster.

 

Just an idea. Of course if you want another Mod - I'm more than happy to help out.

 

GJE

[Dos_Box]

I've just edited down the TeachersWebFolder thread. It was a blatent disregard for our rules on many posts.

[sparkeh]

And that a formal set of rules would cause more trouble than they're worth.

 

Really?

Playing Devil's advocate here but perhaps a more formal structure would cut out some of the recent nonsense as it would be clear what is acceptable and what isn't. Everyone's judgement is different and some people feel that what they post is generally ok and get het up when it is edited. Its better to say "Hey you broke the rules, rather than "You offended our sensibilities."

 

Also this links in with the "What are we?" topic - perhaps if the direction people want to take it to be taken seriously as a professional site, it could do with some rules?

[localzuk]

My experience of forums with strict rules always ends up the same way - people picking out tiny bits of them and shouting at each other over supposed infractions. You end up with more discussions about rules than the purpose of the forum.

 

But then, I spose at the moment without, you end up with posts screaming 'Censorship!' whenever something is removed.

[mb2k01]

We generally work on the 'Netiquette' rules, but whenever a post gets flagged or begins to get out of hand there is a lot of discussion going on behind the scenes as to what action to take. Sometimes posts do dissapere suddenly. This can be for a variety of reasons, often when a larger company leans on the OP and they ask for it to be removed, or when the thread begins to deteriorate beyond resonable discussion. Trust me when I say we don't do things lightly, and when the admins are away sometimes things get overlooked. As for the TeachersWebFolder thread I have been away for a couple of weeks and am about to get my big bad editing head on. It is however (in most posts) a reasonable reply to a thread started by a long time member. Some posts are however blatant publicity and I shall deal with them shortly. I have a meeting starting shortly and will deal with it after that.

 

Might it be worth considering the creation of more specific in-house rules? That way every poster can be aware of whether their post is appropriate or not, and then also make an educated guess as to why their post was editied / removed?

 

I'm sure it would be something that lots of us would assist with. Maybe all members could submit ideas in a specific thread about it, so that the community ends up having a sense of creating it themselves?

[Number6]

I don't think a heavy set of rules is needed, but maybe something like this which is displayed above the text entry box prior to any post on another forum. Clear, simple and adequate.

 

POSTING TIPS

When using our forums, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. Please review our community guidelines to see how these apply to your posts.

 

- Please treat other users with respect.

- Please ensure your reply is constructive and adds to the discussion.

- Pointless posts will be removed and may result in you losing posting privileges.

- To avoid misunderstandings, please don't use 'txt spk' and try to ensure your post is relatively typo-free.

- Use the ALERT button to flag inappropriate posts rather than responding.

[garethEds]

A quick link to the RM Communities Charter:

 

RM Community Page

 

GJE

[dalsoth]

With regards to the Fedex thread. I posted something that was pulled up by particular (same ones each time) members over the words "little hitler" which were referring to nobody in particular but rather an over officious type of person or character. I was then subjected to lots of nazi comments and negative remarks and such which were absolutely nothing to do with what i had said or in the spirit of the words used or indeed anything to do with the conversation that was going on.

 

I got quite offended at this and made my feelings known. I guess this is why the thread was pulled. A shame that certain people constantly try to goad others on these forums and ruin threads. I have asked the mods to look into my posts on the Fedex thread to see where i warranted the negative attacks because it is quite clear to me certain people have a chip on their shoulder and are making that clear whenever i post.

 

I do feel though that a certain moderator has absolutely no impartiality and will take sides when members have a disagreement. In this particular instance i did in fact use inappropriate language so i can appreciate that my comment needed to be edited, although the sarcastic remark on the public edit by the particular mod was not appreciated and only annoyed me more. I have mentioned this behaviour in a message to the moderators as i feel it only encourages others when they see a moderator being rude and picking sides.

 

I apologise for your thread being removed Gareth, it was a good conversation and was pleasant until towards the end. Hopefully it can be put back without the unhelpful comments about nazis that sprung up for no valid reason.

 

If you do not like something that someone has said and feel it is not suitable or is offensive, i would suggest you either pm that person or perhaps as a last resort, report the post and leave it to the mods. Flaming does not help the situation.

[sparkeh]

A quick link to the RM Communities Charter:

 

RM Community Page

 

GJE

 

Yeah thats a good example of rules that aren't too heavy.

I mod Communities and its easy to point people to a reason in the charter why their post have been edited.

[bossman]

@garethedmondson:

 

Don't tell me you post on there as well!!! Crikey!!! is there no place I can go to get away from these insane people ;)

 

Only joking as I feel also there is no real need for heavy rules as we are all grown up responsible Geeks!! are we not?

Surely the forum has worked well most of the time why do we need to change a winning formula?

 

I would put it to the vote Dos_Box to see who actively wants to see oppression (sarcasm) by strict Rules being put in place!!

[garethEds]

Yeah thats a good example of rules that aren't too heavy.

I mod Communities and its easy to point people to a reason in the charter why their post have been edited.

 

Heh - I used to Mod the Communities.

 

GJE

[garethEds]

@garethedmondson:

 

Don't tell me you post on there as well!!! Crikey!!! is there no place I can go to get away from these insane people ;)

 

@bossman - I'll have you know I was one of the first on the Communities many moons ago. There were a group of us who tested and posted to a closed forum when it was being tested. Some of that group still post there. I do every now again again but since we have moved to a non-RM school I have pulled back from posting a lot. I even pushed for the Vanilla forum on the Communities.

 

You noobies to the Communities need to respect the elders

 

Gareth

[busby]

I don't think a heavy set of rules is needed, but maybe something like this which is displayed above the text entry box prior to any post on another forum. Clear, simple and adequate.

 

Those i feel are fair and basic common sence, but i do say the more a person is educated the less common sence they have. i would not have a problem seeing those "guides to posting" everytime i post on this forum as it is educational. i have fixed many problems since i have joined edugeeks just by reading threads and posting some of my own.

 

You would think People would be a bit more "grown up" and post responsibly but i do sence we have a few College students on here maybe studying I.T. just like flaming for the "fun of it" and to get a reaction to impress whoever, which then spoils it for everyone else.

 

I do think it is a bit harsh to remove the full thread rather than the offending posts and a word to say why they where removed. i do believe that is etiquette.

[GrumbleDook]

Sometimes the discussions degrade on many forums (and the problem has been around for years in other places such as usenet and BBs) as people view the ability to type as the right to say anything then wonder why things can spiral down.

 

A good example of a thorough debate about a clearly divided opinion can be some of the religious discussions that have taken place ...

 

I don't like the idea of strict rules ... you will always get people who want to change them, push the boundaries or just cause trouble. Of course, there is nothing wrong with having a few pet trolls as long as people recognise them for what they are ... entities just trying to stir things up. Thankfully most of the trolls here do it why dry humour, understanding of the limits they brush up against and the fact that should a mod or admin say 'wind your neck in a bit' they can take it on the chin.

 

People also mistake passion and anger.

 

Guidelines are good ... mods work harder (but could work harder ... that is *always* the case that some mods do more than others ... partly time people have, partly dedication of certain folk) and occasionally need some fresh blood in to keep views fresh (as was done just after BETT).

 

Being a Mod (or admin) is not a right or a perk ... it is a privilege and honour ... and a curse! Strict rules make it more so.

 

The other thing to remember is that you don't *have* to respond to posts ... you can ignore them and if enough do so then the stupid stuff generally dwindles away.

[mb2k01]

The other thing to remember is that you don't *have* to respond to posts ... you can ignore them and if enough do so then the stupid stuff generally dwindles away.

 

That is a fair point, but the flip side is that if only a small percentage refrain from posting an oposition to an unsuitable post then you run the risk of unsuitable posts increasing and not being challenged enough!

If there was a guide/rule then the unsuitable post could be avoided in the first place or removed safely/without issue.

[russdev]

What I will say is this very topic is something that we plan to have bit of discussion about at BETT so think after BETT things will be bit more clearer..

 

Russ

[SteveBentley]

I think CCL's forum rules, point number 7, is possibly the best forum rule ever

 

CCL Online - FAQ: CCL Forum Rules

[bossman]

@all:

 

One only has to look at the governments constant interference with the laws and rules of this country and how this fails constantly.

 

If this forum was to adopt strict Rules which obviously would have to be updated from time to time then this would also degrade the type of postings which we have on here.

 

It is because of the wide variety of topics that I remain on here (Wish he would b****r off then I hear you say hehe!!).

 

I love all the debates that take place on here and if for one moment I thought that this would be restricted because of certain rules then I would certainly look at other forums to join.

 

I agree that some topics can get out of hand and people flame one another into the bargain but this is what life is all about and gives this forum its flavour.

 

I vote "NO" to having strict rules on this forum, all those in favour "Get thee behind me" :)