A new thread/forum

[Fandango 1,439]

Here's an idea that I think is great, and will alleviate a major issue that comes up from time to time here. I think there should be a new sub forum here. And for anyone who knows me, they will know how much I generally LOATHE the idea of creating new sub forums. But I think this is a good one!

So, the general complaint that I see all the time is with the way posters are disciplined here after breaking TOS. People say it's shrouded in secrecy, and usually the issue is all kept on the hush hush - offending posts are removed as if they never existed, nothing public is ever mentioned about the follow up, so usually the person who was offended really has no idea how or IF the situation was dealt with. And the offending poster in question has his/her reputation left untarnished publicly...after all, if someone cannot see what tripe they post, then all's well.

For instance, I disagreed with someone in an 'upper' forum, and that person in turn told me in Spanish to 'fuque my mother'. Nice huh? I don't want to report it, i don't even want it invisibilized. I want people to see it, and see what kind of person this poster really is. I think if there was a sub forum where it could be brought to light, THEN if action is taken, it be SHOWN to the rest of the posters here that 'this behavior isn't tolerated'....well, I think it will also illustrate to people that VJ does take the TOS seriously.

Not that it's just wiped away and done all hush hush as if it never happened in the first place.

Ewok - let alone how many hits each page would generate there think about it, it's win-win

Edited October 16, 2010 by Happy Bunny

[VanessaTony 3,567]

I don't disagree, but I don't agree.

I think that you are correct that sometimes it isn't right that certain posters are treated with respect when they are rude (and some rude ALL the time but no-one ever sees it!) and they are "allowed" to be rude, get their comment off their chest, perhaps upset the person they meant to upset and take pleasure in that no-one will ever know... then their rude comments are "invisibilised" so it's like it never happened.. I think there needs to be some sort of "warning" about which posters are known rude people, but who dictates what this warning is and how it's worded?

Do we perhaps have their profiles marked with "suspended 10 times for rudeness", or some other such thing. Perhaps we could have a "helpfullness" meter and a "personability" meter? But then one person can ruin a person good reputation simply because they got the wrong end of the stick when advice was given (this has happened many times before that someone took offence where none was meant).

Perhaps instead of "invisibilising" the post the person who was "attacked" such as in your case, could be asked whether they want the comment removed, or the person simply called out on it such as a "quote" of the remark by the moderator (or a comment in the person's actual post from a moderator in bold or something), the person blocked from posting in that thread again, and the person told in open forum "this type of comment is against VJ TOS, administrative action taken". Some people simply report people because they know it's rude and wonder if it's been reported.

This option opens the doors for people to make comments such as "don't be so sensitive" or "he typed it wrong, it was supposed to be spelt ####" and again calling you sensitive. Opens the door for the derailment of the thread as people post their indignation at a rude post (in which case it should be mentioned in the moderators comments that this shall not be quoted or referred to lest administrative action taken.. at least till people get used to the new system).

But then... I also think that people will be less likely to post and offer advice if they think they're going to be "named and shamed" if someone takes offence to something where it was a matter of poor english skills, or something. What if people start to feel victimised if the only reason they're being shamed is because they didn't express themselves well? Is there perhaps a way to apologise and have the shaming removed? Maybe a "three strikes and you're out" kinda thing where only habitual rude people get shamed and not people who are simply exasperated after a hard day and took it out the wrong way?

I think it's a good idea that some changes need to be made because I do agree with you that some people get away with WAY too much.. but I think it's a fine line to tread... esp when this is first and foremost an Immigration Forum and not a personality forum.

Edited October 16, 2010 by Vanessa&Tony

[Ban Hammer 13,398]

maybe in addition to the hearts, every suspension gets a new icon

[TBoneTX 45,486]

Sometimes, people make an awful post, are rightfully chastised for it by the Moderators, feel terrible about it, are glad that the post was removed from sight, and are tempted to send a PM of apology to the Offendee (perhaps someone with whom they agree more than they disagree, all told), but are hesitant to do so because of the potential reaction from the Offendee, si man.

[TBoneTX 45,486]

Along the lines of what the OP proposes, but with a slightly different wrinkle: How about a section (a sidebar area, perhaps) that lists threads that have been totally removed from view? The list need not feature thread links (the threads are gone, after all), but merely their former title. A brief reason could be given ("OP requested removal," "TOS violations," etc.). This would save fruitless searching for a thread that existed in the afternoon but is gone by nighttime. Pros & cons?

[Nik+Heather 121]

I think such a forum would simply be a scab to be picked at, personally, and has nothing to do with the purpose of VJ. What do personality issues between members have to do with helping people through their immigration process?

On another note, being lately the target of a removed post - those emails when people reply to your post also make for good scab-picking. If I hadn't been emailed, I wouldn't have seen this person's removed reply!!