Getting Tired - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Brian Carlton · #16 08-31-2010, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LUVMBDiesels

This crap is out of control and the mods seem to be more interested in scoring points off people than moderating the forum.

I can see why Bot decided to drop off...

I find it interesting that you have failed to notice the change in tenor of OD over the past four years.

When you arrived, OD was populated by many political threads that always degraded into the sniping and insults that you loathe. It was generally quite liberal with regard to what was tolerated and what was not.

We had many complaints by those with beliefs similar to yours who simply wouldn't go to OD because of the toxic atmosphere.

Since my arrival two years ago, this has largely changed. We've cracked down on the insulting behavior to a large degree and we strictly enforce a policy that restricts direct insults to other members.

Because of this policy, and the general calm that has prevailed, there were many members who departed the forum. Without the capability to direct insults at others, these folks moved on to blacker pastures. I've got a list of them if you wish to PM me............and your referenced member is included.

At the moment, there is a single target on the forum that is largely disrespectful to other political beliefs and it's causing ongoing harm to the forum. We'll manage this issue in due time if it doesn't self-correct via the infraction system.

Although folks may get a bit testy at times, we are not operating under a prevailing condition of animosity. Should you disagree with this statement, and I believe you do, feel free to post a poll of whether we should perform a greater role in terms of moderation. Understand that moderation of OD is a balance.........too liberal and the forum gets out of control..........too strict and members leave because they are dissatisfied with their inability to speak as they see fit.

As far as your statement that the mods are interested in "scoring points off people", this is simply a delusion on your part and has absolutely no basis in fact.

davidmash · #17 08-31-2010, 06:47 PM

There is a reason that you don't discuss politics, religion and sex among friends. Beliefs on these issues are generally tightly held and people have killed for all three.

As far as that forum is concerned, the insults and jabs don't really bother me so much. Every now and then I'll snipe back but for the most part I just move on and skip over the people who's posts I do not care for. I think we can tell if tempers will run hot by the title of the thread. If it has to do with politics or religion, chances are there will be some strong opinions. Other threads not so much. I come here because the beliefs are tightly held. I have no interest in arguing with someone who has no firm opinion.

powerpig · #18 08-31-2010, 07:18 PM

Another car enthusiast forum I belong to requires a paid subscription to post in the politics and religion forum. It's not visible to to non subbed members. Just a thought.

Brian Carlton · #19 08-31-2010, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by powerpig

Another car enthusiast forum I belong to requires a paid subscription to post in the politics and religion forum. It's not visible to to non subbed members. Just a thought.

Moderation of the forum would be more difficult. The act of payment would provide unrealistic expectations of total freedom of speech.

Remember, there is no requirement for anyone to press that key that takes them to political threads. Therefore, there is no need to eliminate their capability of doing so without a fee.

PaulC · #20 08-31-2010, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Carlton

Moderation of the forum would be more difficult. The act of payment would provide unrealistic expectations of total freedom of speech.

Remember, there is no requirement for anyone to press that key that takes them to political threads. Therefore, there is no need to eliminate their capability of doing so without a fee.

Well...this fee idea has a few interesting possibilities. One's membership in the VIP section could be directly linked to having a member's valid credit card on file. Naturally this elite section would be moderated, and should infractions occur, such a member would be assessed a modest fine based on the color card for the infraction. Yellow infraction? $50.00. Red card infraction? $100.00. Serial infractors would be assessed an additional sum, say $500.00 if their infraction points exceed a certain threshold. The assessments would be deposited in an interest-bearing account, and at the end of each fiscal year, 50% of the account balance would be presented to the site operator for putting up with all of our bullspit over the years, and the remaining 50% would be used to purchase a SL550 to be raffled off to those members who were infraction-free as of the date of the raffle.

As an alternative to the inconvenience of a credit card assessment, some of our more obnoxious members may pledge Berkshire-Hathaway stock...

powerpig · #21 08-31-2010, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Carlton

Moderation of the forum would be more difficult. The act of payment would provide unrealistic expectations of total freedom of speech.

Remember, there is no requirement for anyone to press that key that takes them to political threads. Therefore, there is no need to eliminate their capability of doing so without a fee.

I see your point, but most people wouldn't pay to post their beliefs. Have a off topic section free of political and religious rants and a paid section where anything goes. It would cut down on people joining what's supposed to be a car forum just to rant about things that have nothing to do with cars. In fact, if you charged a penny a year to join this forum, it would eliminate a lot of the stuff that is upsetting the members. I don't participate in the political or religious discussions here, so I really don't have a dog in this fight. Just offering suggestions that would make some happy.

SirNik84 · #22 08-31-2010, 07:58 PM

I have to say, when I first started to haunt the OD it was already political... On one of the other car forum I'm on they outlawed all political talk because they were loosing members, so having a chance to talk politics was kind of nice... this was around the Bush-Kerry election. after the election I was hoping the politics would die down, I mean what was there to fight about... but it didn't, then the next election came, and at that point I was no longer reading anything that seemed political.

I like some political talk. but people should remember that opinions are like @$$holes and everyone has one, and they all stink.

heres some "college level" reading that everyone should have to read!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Butter_Battle_Book

Remember, in the end, its all BULL!

Brian Carlton · #23 08-31-2010, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by powerpig

Have a off topic section free of political and religious rants and a paid section where anything goes.

There is never going to be a forum where "anything goes". It immediately turns disrespectful due to human nature and the entire aura of the forum is harmed because of it. The fact that it's a paid forum is notwithstanding.

layback40 · #24 08-31-2010, 11:11 PM

Sticks & stones .................
I am sure you have all heard it as a kid.

All on here are basically decent people, if ever I offend, best send be a rocket by PM & likewise I would do the same.

Some on here at times appear to try and get others to poke fun at them, me included.

At times these forums do become a avenue to let of a bit of steam.
If you wish to tell me I am a stupid, racist idiot from down under, its ok, dont sook when the rolls are reversed!!
At the end of the day, if some one flames you, there is always the off button.

The moderators have a thankless roll to perform. If you ever see that they have intervened & you agree, show them the decency of a PM letting them know that you think they have done the right thing!! Every one needs 2X as many positive comments each day as negative ones to maintain good mental health !!

Billybob · #25 08-31-2010, 11:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Carlton

At the moment, there is a single target on the forum that is largely disrespectful to other political beliefs and it's causing ongoing harm to the forum. We'll manage this issue in due time if it doesn't self-correct via the infraction system.

As opposed to something obviously largely respectful to other political beliefs and harmless to the forum like "Bush and the Republican bimbos and fascist fellators that elected him".

LUVMBDiesels · #26 08-31-2010, 11:45 PM

Well I am glad this discussion got started.

I am all for political speech, but the ceaseless name calling and mud dragging is turning me off. Can we not post valid arguments and have a civil discussion?

Brian, I am sure you are under the gun all the time and I respect you - I surely would not want to moderate this forum.

We are all guilty of dragging personalities into the debate. I would love to see a political or other thread where a discussion can be held without resorting to school yard name calling,. It debases the argument of whoever start it.

That's all, let's be civil and think before we post.

I know I will be watching my tongue (and I hope I do not fall back to my old ways) We all have ideas that should be shared but not ridiculed.

I have a thick skin, and do not really get involved in this but reading page after page of people calling each other bimbos, morons, idiots etc GETS OLD!

OK end of rant...

PaulC · #27 08-31-2010, 11:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Billybob

As opposed to something obviously largely respectful to other political beliefs and harmless to the forum like "Bush and the Republican bimbos and fascist fellators that elected him".

You should reach out to this fellow that Carlton is talking about. I'm sure that he would listen to you.

elchivito · #28 08-31-2010, 11:55 PM

Seems to me like this forum is pretty tame. I don't see a problem. Personal attacks are pretty easy to identify and deal with. Anytime a forum is "open" format, you're going to get serious disagreements. Can't take the heat......

t walgamuth · #29 09-01-2010, 06:03 AM

It is a lot calmer than when I first came here about five years ago. If you don't want the nonsense endless political posturing etc, it is generally pretty easy to identify those threads if nothing else by who posts them.

Mike D · #30 09-01-2010, 07:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by okyoureabeast

It's not all insults and mockery. I did end up wrapping my smoke alarm in a condom when I made my lunch today

EEEyyeeeww! This is a "family" type board!