[Closed] Overzealous modding again.

I think the term 'big-hitter' is rather sad.........it's an internet forum FFS.

As far as Fred goes, I'm of the opinion that his positive input, when weighed against his negativity/arguing, is, on balance, detrimental to the site and as has already been pointed out, he will have a pop out of the blue at seemingly random targets and then claim total innocence when he has elicited the desired response. He also tends to choose his targets carefully to ensure back-up from his 'bighitting' supporters. This banning may well be a result of the cumulative effect rather than just a single post.

Just my opinion as a relatively low level poster who has observed him in action over the years. 8)

I got a warning for opening a thread about the loss of the "Modern Art" thread..

And that was a really great debate, hardly any abuse going on (hahaha) Yet other more abusive threads get through the net, certainly one threads running now that ought to get closed but hasn't (yet)

Why dat den?

Random.

I've also heard it rumoured that some people actually come on here in 'their own time'

Insanity!

[i]people actually come on here in 'their own time'[/i]

Really? That's just wierd.

You'll be telling me people take a dump outside of office hours next!

what pray tell is a big-hitter?

Here's one
[img] [/img]

Fantastic pair of breeks 😀

yossarian - Member

Let's be fair here, the 'usual suspects' know full well what triggers a Mod lockdown....

....yeah I guess, and much humour can be had from steering the ship upto that line. Thats where good and appropriate modding comes in. The consistency and humourous element of moderation has disappeared from the forum, whether thats down to a shift in policy or personnel I don't know.

Yes, much humour, but usually at some elses expense.
The WUMs are able to play the game pretty well, just teetering on the edge of the rules but their behaviour often pushes normal posters over the edge.
The worst thing IMO is the constant nagging provocations rather then the occasional outbursts.
Frank exchange of views yes, it's what forums are for, not a problem if occasionally someone posts a bit OTT, they get warned, post gets deleted.
Constantly repeating the same point and pretending not to understand why it winds people up is provocative trolling, usually repeat offenders, so bans get issued for a seemingly innocent post ("straw on camel's back syndrome") then the 'usual suspects' start bleating that it's not fair when they know full well (usually via off-forum mailings) what's going on.

Makes me think some of the bust ups may be prearranged just to generate a bit of cockfighting 🙄

"It's only the internet" really is no excuse.

[img] [/img]

Woody - Member
I think the term 'big-hitter' is rather sad

I think it's a parody of what the b-h's think of their own on-line significance 😆

If anyone actually went to the trouble of pre-arranging a 'cock-fight' on an internet forum, then that is surely time to do the decent thing and go for a long walk with the whiskey and a revolver. Seriously.

Its really very simple, the forum and website belongs to the owners, if you dont want to follow their rules or decisions find somewhere else, complaining about it is just as tedious as some of the arguments on here in the first place

Ummm - oh, yeah O.K., then.

complaining about it is just as tedious as some of the arguments on here in the first place

+ 1,000,000

Can anyone lend me a Mint Sauce key ring for a few days?

I know Elf a little bit, I think he's a very clever and well-read person who enjoys an intellectual debate. What's more interesting/remarkable is why people 'bite' with such fervour. His propensity for debate bothers me not one jot and, eg, his Architectural Appreciation threads are very good indeed.

However, what DOES bother me is the unchallenged use of the phrase "go out for a bike ride", allowing GlitterGary to use that name (sorry, but it's in very bad taste), ageism (which I complained to the mods about and did not get any reply at all), and sexism.

There, I've said it, I await the digs about it being 'your time of the month dear?' - which is almost always what happens when a woman complains about sexism.

The blocking script works really well, although I only use it for one contributor.

There, I've said it, I await the digs about it being 'your time of the month dear?' - which is almost always what happens when a woman complains about sexism.

That's a bit reductive.....

*checks calendar*

Nah, I don't dole out sexist insults until next week.

"I know Elf a little bit, I think he's a very clever and well-read person who enjoys an intellectual debate."

I personally find this in bad taste. As is the way of the world.

Edit: Wunundred!!! (Sorry, it had to be done). Cringe. 😆

100 GET IN!

[edit] that was 101. [s]arse[/s] bum holes. [/edit]

Can you say that without getting banned? Is the swear filter not working?

I personally believe that type of post has no place on the forum

With all due respect who appointed you the moderator of good taste?

No one - to be fair to TJ, he did say clearly that it was his personal opinion on the matter.

With all due respect who appointed you the moderator of good taste?

You appear to have trouble understanding the concept of "personal belief".

One of the less attractive features if you have the temerity to return comment on one of the God's emails, is the receipt of the "killer put-down" in return...

Mmmpphhttt 😆

forums are always better with no mods

druidh - Member
The blocking script works really well, although I only use it for one contributor.

😀

can someone email the above to druidh?

There needs to be a separate, private forum, for the big hitters
A 'VIP' lounge where they can fwap away to their heart's content out of sight of the public eye
STW Towers just needs kettle them up and close the door

Good ridance to bad rubbish IMO.

He's gonna be loving all the attention.. 🙄

He's gonna be loving all the attention

He's probably cuddling himself right now in front of our very noses.

karinofnine

I'm sure elf will appreciate your support.

Some people may say that his unstinting efforts to maintain political and sexual correctness are highly commendable and appreciated. Others may say that it is merely a desperate effort to ingratiate himself with any female on this site and is nauseating.

Who knows 😉

it's the whole self-proclaimed saviour of everyone and anything whether they need/want saving or not hypocritical martyrdom that really grinds my gears

he seems a lot more down to earth and less neurotic than many here..

druidh - Member

"It's only the internet" really is no excuse.

This is also part of the official STW stance on the forum, as stated by Mark [url= http://www.singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/its-really-quite-intimidating-on-here#post-2721828 ]a couple of weeks ago[/url].

Big hitters, REALLY 😆

I've just scrolled through all this and am yet to find a stern message from Mark telling us even if many think the rules are applied inconsistently, it's his forum and if you don't like it then you can...etc etc

ChrisL - In that incidence, Marks comment there was aimed pretty squarely at me. Amongst others

I considered myself told off, and have subsequently wound my neck in a bit, in so much as i now consider how something could be misconstrued. The fact that i actually 'think' at all before posting something is, in itself, progress

I certainly never set out to intimidate anyone

I would love to enter this discussion, though the last time I commented on someone I received an email saying how my comment had lost myself a sale 🙁

si - could you not have a 'professional' login for work stuff and an 'unprofessional' one for insults?

Ah well I've just been warned, no idea what for.

I'm going to respond to this thread but I'm not going to get into a debate. Technically this thread should be removed as it breaks the rules about discussion of moderation in open forum. Questions should normally be put directly to us via email.

The reason, I'll clarify, is because no matter how justified or otherwise the moderation.. No matter how clear cut the reason... there will always be someone who disagrees and wants to debate and argue the decision. This just leads to moderators being dragged into debate and argument that serves no one other than the person who wants to argue. The moderators are all under strict instructions to not engage in open forum after moderation.

I can break that rule as I am one of those responsible for implementing that rule...

I take issue with the inconsistency/random argument.

In 90% of cases we respond to reported complaints from users of the forum. This is how the forum has to work as there are simply thousands of posts a day and it would take a huge team of moderators to approve and moderate each and every post. I've said this many many times before and I suspect I'll be saying it again and again until I retire... just because it's there on the forum does not mean we have approved it. If you find it offensive or that it should be moderated for whatever reason then report it to us so we can look at it.

Further more... individuals on this forum are NOT treated equally. If you frequently break the rules then you have used up your warnings. The thresholds then for action that will be taken against you are reduced. Previous warnings and action taken ie.. your record, WILL be taken into consideration and this will dictate if you are banned or just warned.

Fred has been moderated so often that we don't bother warning him on the whole - he just gets banned. This has been explained to him many many times and yet he still doesn't modify his behaviour. The fact that some of the time he's 'good' does not mean that when he's 'bad' he gets excused. The fact he's ' a nice person in real life' means nothing. This IS real life. What you say on a forum is read and taken on board as much as what you say to someone's face. That is fundamental to the behaviour we expect of all posters. You may disagree with that... you are entitled to disagree.. but the basis of our forum is based on that simple and clear premise.

When you post on here you are not engaging in a private conversation. What you say is being broadcast to thousands by the very fact they are able to read it. The 'if you don't like what I say then don't read it' excuse does not apply. It's already been read. No matter what you put in the title of a thread you are not excused from this. As much as you would moderate your own statements if you were stood on a stage in front of an audience you must do the same on our forum.

We do not care how you are allowed to behave on other forums. We do not care how moderators handle things on other forums. We moderate only one forum and this is how we do that.

You may debate issues as much as you want but if you start to insult in anyway the other person for their views then you run the risk (if we see it or it gets reported to us) of being moderated.

What you consider 'fun' is not welcome here IF it is at the expense of another.

In other words you must show respect for other users at all times, regardless of their pov. If we catch you doing otherwise you will be moderated.

These are the terms of use for this forum. These are the same terms we had 10 years ago.

Is it too much to ask to be nice to each other?

That's rhetorical...

Elfinsafety - is not a wind up merchant or a troll, or a first class A-hole, he is someone, like myself, who doesnt change his opinion just because people say he should. That is precisely the problem that he has - people cant stand it when they cant bully someone into change.

The modding has been a joke for a long time on here. Some of the mods are excellent, but some are absolutely terrible.

As for the pub analogy, I have never said anything one here in any guise that I wouldnt say to anyone anywhere.

No matter how clear cut the reason... there will always be someone who disagrees and wants to debate and argue the decision

No there isn't.*

*Sorry.

[i]he is someone, like myself, who doesnt change his opinion [s]just because people say he should[/s] even when it's wrong[/i]

F

This IS real life

+1

No matter what you put in the title of a thread you are not excused from this.

Lol.. we should just put "Warning! Abuse content" at the beginning of every thread* 🙂

* this is just a bit of silliness, not being anti-mod or anything.

Mark's point re. modding arising from reports is a fair one.

Bt who reports stuff? u iz GAY!

Questions should normally be put directly to us via email.

Well, if you ever replied...

Bt who reports stuff? u iz GAY!

Reported for homophobia.

I bet someone has...

bye everyone!

DezB - I find that offensive and upsetting because nothing could be further from the truth. Enjoy your ban, or will it be a warning, or will they simply let it go...

Elfinsafety - is not a wind up merchant or a troll, or a first class A-hole, he is someone, like myself, who doesnt change his opinion just because people say he should. That is precisely the problem that he has - people cant stand it when they cant bully someone into change.

Why can't you change your opinion in light of new or additional information, or even looking at it from a different perspective? Putting forward a different viewpoint does not in itself constitute bullying.

Holding a belief is one thing but a refusal to entertain another is very narrow minded.

Elfinsafety - is not a wind up merchant or a troll

Of course he is and he's admitted as much several times and a few times said that he's trying to be less so. He loves an argument/discussion and while he may not specifically change an opinion, if he doesn't particularly have an opinion on something he'll definitely take the opposing view to start a discussion/argument.

That's what IMO is destructive to the forum, not the holding of an opinion which you discuss/debate/etc. Deliberately and consistently trying to get a rise out of people is not a positive thing be it online, in a pub, wherever.

I don't think anyones saying you even have to change your opinion.

Just stop posting it on here when it becomes clear it's pointless?

DezB - I find that offensive and upsetting because nothing could be further from the truth. Enjoy your ban, or will it be a warning, or will they simply let it go...

I don't think he was being serious.

The point I was making is that people have been banned for less....

Deleted. No point, won't make any one change.

The point I was making is that people have been banned for less....

Further more... individuals on this forum are NOT treated equally. If you frequently break the rules then you have used up your warnings. The thresholds then for action that will be taken against you are reduced. Previous warnings and action taken ie.. your record, WILL be taken into consideration and this will dictate if you are banned or just warned.

<goes to wipe shit off nose so I can go for a ride as I'm NOT at work> 8)

**opens door, looks round, sighs, and leaves quietly**

The inconsistency of a lot of things in life [even internet forum moderating] is what makes life fun a lot of the time.

Besides getting banned/suspended from somewhere like here is hardly going to affect you in any discernible way

vive la différence

Where would we be if we tried to make everything conform and be consistent eh? - that's right, Germany

I think Mark is wise to let this one roll. These threads are great for releasing a wee bit of tension (until the next time).

I wouldn't want to be a moderator. I'd imagine its like refereeing a premiership football match. You'd be lucky to get away without attracting the vitriol of at least 50% of the people present.

There are certain Paul Scholes characters making thigh high challenges. Then you've got the Fergies demanding 6 minutes of extra time. Hey ho

he is someone, like myself, who doesnt change his opinion just because people say he should.

As for big hitters, lol, anyone who thinks of themselves like that is so up their own arse.

I don't post on here much because I'm lucky enough to be busy doing other things, I pop on here now and then, when ever I do there is always so crap like this going on. Someone banned, someone moaning about the ban and others saying good riddance to bad shit....repeat to fade. The bellend always is back on in a matter of days anyway.

I don't know why people get so up tight about things that happen on here, I like to have a bit of a tussle from time to time if the days a bit boring and I want a bit of an argument, but that's all it is a timewaster.

[i]I find that offensive and upsetting because nothing could be further from the truth[/i]

How silly. How could you not pick up on the point that an [i]opinion[/i] cannot be wrong?
I was more referring to Elfin anyway, cos I like getting emails from him after I've abused him.
Wouldn't give a flying monkey fudge if I was banned so click the report post button!

Who TF ever changes their mind because someone says so?

Reasonable, well balanced people if that someone has made a reasonable argument for it that changes your perception.

Reasonable, well balanced people if that someone has made a reasonable argument for it that changes your perception.

That's because they were wrong, not because someone says "you must agree with me".

si - could you not have a 'professional' login for work stuff and an 'unprofessional' one for insults?

Could do, but i would prob forget which one is logged on 🙂

As for big hitters, lol, anyone who thinks of themselves like that is so up their own arse.

I see this phrase a bit. I think its aimed at me sometimes. I know exactly who I am on this form. a prolific poster of strong opinions. No more, no less. Some will listen to me, some will discount anything I say 'cos its me. some might think my opinions valuable in some areas. I do not consider myself a big hitter in anyway.

I expect to me taken exactly as seriously as I deserve and am under no illusions as to how that varies. I certainly do not consider my loud shouty verbose voice to have any more value that (for example) the cosidered druidh - rather the opposite I guess.

I see this phrase a bit. I think its aimed at me sometimes.

I try to take comments by users on the context they are written and try not to let "previous" cloud what they say, hard to do sometimes. I've even agreed with you not that far back.

dobbo - aimed at me as one of a group

Can we close this up now

It's always the same people getting banned by and large, those same people that generally use alter ego logins and those same people that argue that its so unjust once one of the other "big hitters" has been banned.

If it was a pub those big hitters would be the ones that sit at the bar thinking they own it 🙄

Can we close this up now

just stop reading it if you want

Or do you have some desire to control what other read and post?

There are some folks on here that really REALLY need to get a life. You're arguing about some idiot that got banned for being an idiot. Its an internerd forum, does it really matter?

tj - your posting is frequent rather than prolific

Mark - Resident Grumpy

[img] [/img]

tj - your posting is frequent rather than prolific

Thanks to Mark for letting this run.

I understand that some poster will be treated differently because of their past. I personally disagree with that as a way of doing things and I think it devalues a forum but thats the mods choice.

What I find much harder to accept is the double standards in those with no history.

I struggle with long sentences.

But clearly TJ reported elfin and gw and got them banned, then started this thread to exonerate him of all guilt. Or just to troll. Or both.

"big hitter" aka "EPIC FORUM BATTLE LEGEND" is used mostly by me I think, if anyone thinks I am begin serious when I come up with this **** they really need their irony detector serviced.

TandemJeremy - Member
I expect to me (sic) taken exactly as seriously as I deserve

Some would argue that you do 😀