Captain Ewok - an idea to help with moderation

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Captain, could you create an option for moderators to be able to block or ban a particular member from a thread in the event that they are continuously and deliberately disregarding the TOS? This would be a better solution than simply locking the thread if such violations don't call for an outright suspension from the entire site.

Right now, it is quite easy to get a thread locked by just coming onto a thread and being disruptive, and currently the standard response from moderation is to give general warnings followed by locking the thread where it is taking place. However, the problem isn't with the thread itself but with a one or maybe a few members who derail an otherwise meaningful discussion.

[justashooter 430]

Captain, could you create an option for moderators to be able to block or ban a particular member from a thread in the event that they are continuously and deliberately disregarding the TOS?

now that would be a cool way to stop people from inappropriate personal attacks.

BTW, is that sig image really apporpriate for this site? people have been censured for use of the term "anchor baby" on this site before.

[^_^ 5,021]

Good idea.

BTW, is that sig image really apporpriate for this site? people have been censured for use of the term "anchor baby" on this site before.

You should try reporting it. See what the mods think.

[Sofiyya 1,687]

I like it, Stevie!

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Wow. Thanks guys. 99% of my ideas get shot down.

[justashooter 430]

Good idea.

You should try reporting it. See what the mods think.

it doesn't offend me. i'm easygoing. but then, there are a lot of thin skins on this board.

[William33 110]

Under Admin consideration. Yes, I mean Captain Ewok.

Topic closed for Admin consideration.

Edited August 18, 2010 by William33

[Captain Ewok 1,930]

Intriguing idea. I will see if it is technically feasible to do.

[Guest testaccount]

can I post here..?

[Captain Ewok 1,930]

No, you were banned from the topic .

@El Buscador, request granted. I hope this helps!!

@All, I am giving permission to the mods to use this as a tool to ban members from topics if they are persistently causing problems in a topic. This will allow moderators to remove member access to specific threads instead of a full blown suspensions for cases of disruptive trolling after an initial warning. Prior to now the only method was a full blown suspension. This tool will allow people to retain access to other areas of the site but have access removed to a topic only.

@Mods, you will see the tool at the top of threads. Guideline is as follows: Issue a warning FIRST that a member may have their access removed to a topic if they continue trolling / disrupting the topic. If they do not stop you can ban them. If they commit a TOS infraction of merit then the suspension system should be used as normal policy states. This should help everyone if done right .

[Pooky 3,909]

Suggested, researched, enacted ... SORTED in under 5 hours!

And that's how the furry little ###### makes good suggestions happen.

[Dodi 69]

Mox,

That would require EVERYONE participating in the change. If half of us want a change, and half don't, it's going to be very slow going. You also have people who are seriously disruptive on purpose (as you guys keep mentioning in other threads) who would keep posting attacks and baiting posts just because they CAN. Sometimes the button pushing is the only way to stop them. I'll be the first to agree that discretion should be used when making the call to block someone from a thread, but when people like those you guys have been mentioning pop up specifically to 'pounce' on a juicy thread, that thread ban might be the way to go.

[Gemmie 142]

I'm pleased with the idea.

BUT I still think moderators need to be less trigger-happy.

[Nik+Heather 122]

It's not a FIRST resort. Just a few posts up, Ewok says, warning first, button pushing second. The problem is that people making posts which cause the thread to be locked or to get suspended IGNORE the warnings. As Dodi says arbitration/mediation only works when people are willing to come to the table. Instead, when someone says that a comment was a little over the top, there isn't any reasonable response, rather "You can't censor me!!!"/"Lighten up" etc.

[^_^ 5,021]

I'm pleased with the idea.

BUT I still think moderators need to be less trigger-happy.

I don't know if you're aware of what was happening last night which triggered this idea. Poster A was going on and on making one bigoted statement after another. One or more posters reported him, Kathryn took action by removing the bigoted content from the thread. Meanwhile, Poster B flamed him a little and corrected him on some of his claims. Poster B was suspended for two days by Kathryn, presumably for a personal attack on Poster A. Meanwhile, Poster A merely had his content removed but his posting abilities remained (as of last night) intact.

There is simply too much variability in outcomes, which really hurts the credibility of VJ moderation.