Is it me or is this site moody as of late I notice locked threads quite a bit. Can't speak your mind without certain mods getting trigger happy with the lock button lol. Of course this one will be locked for coz I say what I feel lol.

Its been open for 20 minutes and not locked yet

Threads are locked for TOS violations, when they are not salvageable or are so old that the mold has mold.

The Mods confer on most threads that are locked. On occasion, threads are immediately locked if gross violations of TOS are identified.

Also if the OP requests it be locked. That is just an old standing rule.

so eric, ask that this one be locked

LOL. Eric trying to invoke Freedom of Speech on here. Some speech aren't meant to be expressed. For example, throwing tantrums.

I think that it would be a better move by the mods that when a decision has been made to close a thread, for TOS violations, that the mod be required to cite the actual TOS violation that has occurred, rather than to use a blanket statement, "due to TOS violations". Sometimes it is obvious ~ other times one is left scratching one's head. I must say that I think some threads are locked, without members really knowing why. I also believe that when a choice to lock a thread is made based on the OP not having returned, is a pity. Some people don't have access to VJ as often as others, or they may be traveling and when they come back to view their query it's shut down. After all, this forum is a members forum, and if there is some censorship or moderation that doesn't apply, the members should have a say in how that is being handled and what remedies should be considered.

In my humble opinion, locking a thread for TOS violations isn't the best way to handle the problem (unless the entire thread is a TOS violation.)

I think it would be a better idea to just delete the offending posts.

the mods are volunteers that'd be a full time job on some days.

I don't understand why deleting a post would take more time than locking a thread. Can you explain ?

Actually we tried that course of action in the beginning, however after much discussion how members wanted to have these situations handled, we decided to go with the numerous suggestions to let the record stand. We use a combination when appropriate, however lean more towards locking.

It will never please everyone, but we do try to make the best decisions for the site. Adding if there is ever a question for a mod or a question on their actions, please feel free to PM any of us.

OK I appreciate the explanation.

I would like to add that you all do a fine job. Thank you !

I guess throwing tantrums is not a good way to get your point across after a member insults you i just learn to brush them off ignore them not worth being suspended over loool.

Very well stated. Given our other responsibilities in life (job, family and so forth), it would be rather laborious to cite TOS violation specifics or nail individual posts (although that will occur, if possible).

Moreover, many threads stray so far to the left or right, that the lock should be very obvious to all regular members of VJ.

Overall, we lock about .005 percent of threads, mostly in off topic, MENA and Effects of major family changes on immigration benefits. The issue is that the subject threads draw much passion from the community and are very high profile. Who complains about a 2 year old thread that we closed, that someone inadvertently resurrected anyway? Generally no one.

The passion driven threads are generally hot and unstable. After 5 or 6 posts that are well over the top, we close them. Why, Because TOS violations have occurred and will continue unabated without intervention. This has been proven time and time again.

Speaking of resurrecting threads, I'm going to follow up on what I did last year resurrecting old threads.

Do not spam the board. This is your official warning.

I been a member for a long time. I'm no spammer. Totally off-topic!

My specific query is related to the Effects forum, which I think is a valuable asset, and information there is not found many other places. I think it is a disservice to VJ to lock down threads that provide attypical case information.

It would still be considered spamming. So, you have the request to refrain.

DM,

I agree that this is extremely valuable information (that you are a major contributor to), until members continue to argue without end on the proper solution. As a result, insults typically ensue.

At some point, moderation is required. We issue warnings, sometimes respected, sometimes not.

Following that action, a decision must be made for the sake of the website. We take that action.

How is digging up old threads consider spamming? Is the old threads still part of VJ? Maybe if a person was posting links to porn sites and posting them on here now that is spamming?

Why not consider reprimanding the offenders instead of removing the dicussion entirely? I recognise that this would require someone to follow the thread to determine where the problem began, but isn't that really the right way to provide effective moderation? When someone reports a post, don't the moderators read the discussion?

It just seems that current practice of closing the discussion only causes either a new thread about the very same subject to be started or else the individual, (the subject of the discussion), is having his/her query shut down and in some parts of this newsgroup that could send a very different messages to members and newcomers than I suspect VJ wishes.

Have to agree with this. There are some questions raised in threads which are unusual and don't arise on a regular basis. If a new member uses the search facility (as they are sometimes chastised to do 'read the guides! Search the forums before posting a new thread!') and digs up an old thread which addresses their particular question why would it be deemed necessary to lock the thread rather than remove an offending post? One or two offensive posts in a more useful thread should be removed and the member posting unnecessary and inflammatory opinions warned.

I can understand why Off-topic threads which run wild are better locked but not Immigration specific threads particularly if they contain information posted by members who have historically posted useful info but do not frequent the forum anymore.

If a thread is locked, at least it is still visible...so users can still read the valuable information within the thread. Someone who wishes to read about the discourse described therein can still do so, they just cannot offer their .02$ When posts are made invisible, it truncates the thread and disrupts the flow, IMO. The lockdown a thread never happens without fair warning, I've seen mods come in and give those warnings....its just that when the insults start flying nobody listens. Reprimanding the offending users, would cause the same effect that you're mentioning DM, only in a different way. The reprimanded user could create new accounts just to be able to 'have their say'. Not sure what the best way is....but if the thread degenerates into a free-for-all mudfest, I think locking is the only option available.
Coincidentally, in a perverse way....locking a thread may serve to make it 'attractive' as some will specifically click and peruse the thread if they see that it has been locked....curiosity and all.

-P

I totally agree .

I like locked threads. They're fun to read.

Why are locked threads fun to read if you can't post a comment.

I still think that a mod can give a warning, before locking a thread, and if the offenders persist, then give thema time-out (a day ban) and then let the thread continue. Mods could post something like, "XYZ member's post removed & sanctioned. After a while, I would imagine that members that typically like to cause friction would not want that sort of information floating around, and maybe it would be incentive for them to toe the line

9 times out of 10 if we have removed certain posts we WILL post "off topic/offending comment have been removed". 9 times out of 10 we will also send a PM to the member(s) concerned explaining why it was removed. This could be because it was out of line, or merely because it was quoting someone who was out of line.

Why dear Mags... I noticed your title is now trademarked! Congratulations!

I created a thread and everyone ignores me.