Okay, I'll just jump in here and try to make a point...
Quoting DariusKyrak:
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I agree that the forum block is a weak solution that ignores the problem rather than dealing with it.
I can't disagree with that. Without naming names, there is a specific user that I have seriously considered blocking, but I didn't, and I won't - Simply because the user actually do make valid points from time to time. Unfortunately they only appear in about 1% of that persons post, but they are there, even if they aren't always presented in the best way...
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From the invelos side, I think that the 'report bad post' idea is probably the most useful, and I don't think that it will stifle VALID free speech
The idea is not bad, but I think that this will overwhelm Ken and Gerri with reports - unless the function is made so that they will only be alerted to a post if, say, 10 people have clicked the "Report bad post"-button. This way will (hopefully) weed out the "I don't like this ****, so I'll just report him." But if 10 people have reported the same post, Ken and/or Gerri can be reasonably assured that there is an actual problem and deal with it, instead of wasting time looking through reports that stems from nothing but personal grudges.
Unfortunately, the deciding factor in whether this is going to happen or not is Ken. I hate to say it, but it seems to me that Ken is doing everything he can to avoid confrontations - the introduction of the blocking feature just confirmed this suspicion to me...
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I don't think that any automated system will work at all.
Agreed!
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I constantly change my mind about moderators. Sometimes I think they're good because they have authority, but sometimes I think this makes people rely on them rather than facing the problem themselves. For example, for dropping litter in a busy street, ten people turning round and telling them off will have much more of an effect than hoping a policeman will spot it and issue a fine.
While true, I can't help but thinking "but what if those ten people all reported this to a policeman who then issues a fine?" That way around, it will probably have an even more profound effect, as the offender will be "double-punished!" That brings us back to the "Report post"-button: If someone was told of because 10 or more people had reported a post, I think that would carry more weight than everything else. Ofcourse, some people are beyond reach, and, while I don't favour this option, banning may be the only option left...
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I think that I'm of the opinion that if several people (note the 'several') call someone out on an unreasonable comment (without engaging in a discussion about it), that will have the most impact. Especially if there is an expectation of an apology if several people call it out.
An apology? I ahve seen it from some people here, but from the people that (in my mind) pose the problem? I wouldn't hold my breath...
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Using the Topic Post Count Per User post as an example (because it has several potential points of contention and I read it recently), I see the following as being worthy of being called out:
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Skipnet50's first post (specifically the last three words - I don't have tat much of a problem with the rest).
Well, to me, it just shows that Skip apparantly has a problem controlling his temper...
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Nadja's post
Honestly, that one left me gasping for air! To quote Homer Simpson: It's funny 'cause it's true!
To make things worse, Skip actually goes to prove this point in his reply (last post on page one), where he once again proclaims "If you don't agree with me, you're part of the problem"...
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Skip - French comment
It's called "projection." He's actually describing himself, but because he doesn't like what he sees, it's easier to blame the french...
However you look at it, you must admit that Skip has a way of coming across as an arrogant know-it-all. If he's right that the french are arrogant, then Skip must be french...
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Let's say we did start calling people out. What would you say?
- [Quote] This comment is unnecessary, please apologise.
It's neutral, but... I don't know.
- but still kind of childish, I think... I would prefer something along the lines of "That was uncalled for - please think twice before posting."
That said, in the
vote, I went with "My posting (or lack of) is largely unaffected by the attitudes of others, but I recognise a problem (with specific users)." The key word here is "largely," as I have actually chosen not to post some specific questions, simply because I
knew that a certain person would be over me in an instant, saying "did you IQ-test come back negative" or something along those lines. It seems that this particular individual thinks everybody are idiots, just because they don't know something he does (or doesn't - it doesn't seem to matter to him).
I may be blessed, but in the forums and usenet-groups I usually participate in, that kind of behaviour is simply not accepted - and most important of all: It doesn't occur!
It isn't accepted here either, but untill Ken says it isn't, some people will still think it is and practise it. Moderators? I don't think these specific individuals will respect them - "they're not Ken!"
So, unfortunately I think that there isn't really anything anyone can do before Ken decides to get involved and take action to solve it. Even more unfortunately, I'm afraid that this will never happen...