Moderation and the report button

[ped]

[font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][size=4]Hi guys[/size][/font]

[font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][size=4]I hope you all had a nice festive season and are sufficiently rested.[/size][/font]

[font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][size=4]I come to you with some news about the way things are here on BC. First of all there is a lot of work going on behind the scenes to find a developer who can work with us and deliver some improvements to the current software so I'll keep y'all updated with that.[/size][/font]

[font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][size=4]Secondly, I want to remind people about the 'report' button. I guess it's natural that this time of year is quite stressful for people and it usually comes across on the forum where people have shorter fuses and think about what they've written less than usual.[/size][/font]

[font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][size=4]We're really lucky on BC to have a massively relaxed approach to moderation. Half the threads here (mainly in Off Topic) wouldn't stand elsewhere, but we're happy to leave them as long as things remain civil. I have recently had a few PMs from people saying that they've been unhappy with comments here and there, and without the 'report' button being pushed on those comments it makes the moderators job very difficult.[/size][/font]

[font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][size=4]You cannot imagine how lucky me and Steve feel to have a team of moderators who look after the forum as well as they do. I don't thank them enough and want to make their lives easier by asking everyone to be [/size][/font]extra vigilant over the next few weeks. We're all adults here, so if you see any posts which contravene the rules (paying particular attention to section 6(a) - posts that are unlawful, illegal, threatening, harmful, abusive, harassing, stalking, tortuous, defamatory, libellous, vulgar, obscene, offensive, objectionable, pornographic) then please, report immediately. The report button can be found next to the 'quote' buttons in the bottom right. You'll need to click it on the offending post.

More often than not if we PM someone about a post, and the language or nature of their comments, we find they have simply got a bit carried away and regret the post themselves. We're all lucky to have this site to use, so let's help each other out by posting CONSTRUCTIVELY, being FRIENDLY and CONSIDERATE.

I'm taking over the admin role for a while and will be dishing out warnings to anyone who feels they want to challenge this. I'd rather not have to close 'political' threads, for example, but if needs be, I can fall back on the T&Cs and do so. I'm the first to admit that some members have been getting away with behaviour for too long - the feeling is that once it's established we're shooting ourselves in the foot by tackling it as we're seen as then picking on a particular person, post or thread. Well, that's how it is when we have so many members and posts. If you post something nasty, whether you've been getting away with it for years or whether it's a first time, either it'll go unspotted (in which case you can think of yourself as lucky, if it's not reported) or it'll be removed and you'll get a PM.

Remember - I'm talking about a small minority here. In general, the community here is excellent, and one I'm hugely proud of. There are so many excellent stories to tell and support given to one another everywhere I look. In some ways, this makes the odd 'nasty' post seem all the more detrimental. The membership does a good job of talking down most potentially volatile discussions, however I don't think that's the community's responsibility in general - people come here to enjoy themselves.

Anyway, enough from me. I hope this reaches you as intended, and please remember to report anything you feel might get you punched in real life. I can send Nellie round to do the 'wet work' so be warned.

Thanks everyone for the support and have a nice weekend

ped

[RandomBass]

Should I 'Report' this thread for the objectionable mis-use of the word 'weather' in the opening post? Or is it a seasonal thing?

Coat got, once again....

Cheers

Geoff

[ped]

[quote name='RandomBass' timestamp='1388845186' post='2326756']
Should I 'Report' this thread for the objectionable mis-use of the word 'weather' in the opening post? Or is it a seasonal thing?

Coat got, once again....

Cheers

Geoff
[/quote]

Do'oh, yes I've corrected myself and given myself a warning.

[Kirky]

Thanks Pedro, and your team - I'm sure you have everyone's support.

[Thunderbird]

I think the mods do a great job I recently had a post removed by a mod as it was deemed a bit stereotypical and I was then sent a PM by another mod who explained to me that the post had been removed and why which I appreciated and understood as to be honest I did not see anything wrong with my post as I wrote it but when I was told why it was removed I understood why I so yeah I think the mods do a great job and I agree that some people really have been taking the pee and think as it is the new year we should all be kind and respectful to each other and also respect the forum and the mods and keep it the great place iit is

[ped]

[quote name='Thunderbird' timestamp='1388847438' post='2326791']
I think the mods do a great job I recently had a post removed by a mod as it was deemed a bit stereotypical and I was then sent a PM by another mod who explained to me that the post had been removed and why which I appreciated and understood as to be honest I did not see anything wrong with my post as I wrote it but when I was told why it was removed I understood why I so yeah I think the mods do a great job and I agree that some people really have been taking the pee and think as it is the new year we should all be kind and respectful to each other and also respect the forum and the mods and keep it the great place iit is
[/quote]

Longest sentence ever!! Thanks for the comments; we don't get it 100% right all the time but we always act in good faith and happily we rarely go beyond a few friendly PMs with the 'accused'. With a forum this size and a team of volunteer mods with day jobs and other things (some even go outside once in a while) all we can do is try our best.

Cheers

[Happy Jack]

[quote name='ped' timestamp='1388844485' post='2326747']
... which contravene the rules (paying particular attention to section 6(a) - posts that are unlawful, illegal, threatening, harmful, abusive, harassing, stalking, tortuous, defamatory, libellous, vulgar, obscene, offensive, objectionable, pornographic) then please, report immediately.
[/quote]

I'm not entirely convinced that you actually meant "tortuous" there. Perhaps "tortious". Hopefully not "tortoise".

[ped]

[quote name='Happy Jack' timestamp='1388848530' post='2326813']


I'm not entirely convinced that you actually meant "tortuous" there. Perhaps "tortious". Hopefully not "tortoise".
[/quote]

Yeah it does seem a bit extreme.

[icastle]

[quote name='ped' timestamp='1388844485' post='2326747']
posts that are unlawful, illegal, threatening, harmful, abusive, harassing, stalking, tortuous, defamatory, libellous, vulgar, obscene, offensive, objectionable, pornographic)
[/quote]

Damn.

I'm going to have to start wearing trousers when posting now.

[ped]

[quote name='icastle' timestamp='1388849553' post='2326827']


Damn.

I'm going to have to start wearing trousers when posting now.
[/quote]

Trousers don't matter when your junk is on your forehead LOLLLL

Ok another warning for me.

[alyctes]

[quote name='ped' timestamp='1388850808' post='2326848']
Trousers don't matter when your junk is on your forehead LOLLLL

Ok another warning for me.
[/quote]

Depends how he wears his trousers

But generally, yes. Good for you, and I appreciate the hard work and attention that mods and staff put in to keeping BC a nice place to be.

[icastle]

[quote name='ped' timestamp='1388850808' post='2326848']
Trousers don't matter when your junk is on your forehead LOLLLL

Ok another warning for me.
[/quote]

We're about to witness a little piece of Internet history here folks.

Ped's about to ban himself from his own forum.

[discreet]

[quote name='icastle' timestamp='1388849553' post='2326827']
I'm going to have to start wearing trousers when posting now.
[/quote]

I find the kilt very versatile when posting on Basschat.
Warm in winter and refreshing scrotal ventilation in summer. What's not to like?? ...Don't answer that.

[icastle]

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1388852135' post='2326876']
I find the kilt very versatile when posting on Basschat.
Warm in winter and refreshing scrotal ventilation in summer. What's not to like?? ...Don't answer that.
[/quote]

Consider it as unanswered as an unanswered question posed by an anonymous being from the planet '?'.

[waynepunkdude]

Good to have you on those duties.

[skankdelvar]

[quote name='Happy Jack' timestamp='1388848530' post='2326813']
I'm not entirely convinced that you actually meant "tortuous" there. Perhaps "tortious".
[/quote]

Tortious

(1) TORTIOUS: Being in the nature of a [i]tort[/i]; in common law jurisdictions, a civil wrong which unfairly causes someone else to suffer loss or harm resulting in legal liability for the person who ...

(2) TORTIOUS: Contraction - "This tort is scrumptious!" (see also [i]Chillax[/i], [i]Frenemy[/i])


[color=#ffffff].[/color]

Edited January 4, 2014 by skankdelvar

[Billy Apple]

[quote name='skankdelvar' timestamp='1388854441' post='2326915']
Tortious

(1) TORTIOUS: Being in the nature of a [i]tort[/i]; in common law jurisdictions, a civil wrong which unfairly causes someone else to suffer loss or harm resulting in legal liability for the person who ...

(2) TORTIOUS: Contraction - "This tort is scrumptious!" (see also [i]Chillax[/i], [i]Frenemy[/i])


[color=#ffffff].[/color]
[/quote]

Flan

[xilddx]

I'd love to know what people complain about, because I've hardly ever seen anything that's worth hitting that button other than scammers, and the occasional bullethead. Maybe those who complain aren't confident enough to post their thoughts and can only complain privately, in which case what's that as a contribution to the debate? Not a lot. Is it the silent majority?

Am I being judgemental and ignorant of what really goes on behind the BC curtains? Probably.

The mods and admins do an amazing job here, no doubt of that.

[skankdelvar]

[quote name='Billy Apple' timestamp='1388854561' post='2326919']
Flan[/quote]



[size=3]Flan[/size]

[size=4]Anyhow, now's as good a time as any to register my gratitude to the mods and admins. Keeping the balance between wildly varying opinions while damping down outbreaks of egregious pashun must be perfectly enervating.[/size]

Hats off to you, one and all!

Edited January 4, 2014 by skankdelvar

[Dad3353]

[quote name='xilddx' timestamp='1388855046' post='2326927']...I've hardly ever seen anything that's worth hitting that button other than scammers, and the occasional bullethead...[/quote]

Quite a lot (in fact, perhaps most...) of 'objectionable' content gets 'pulled' in time, before most stumble across it. There's always some that get through, or threads that escalate rather quickly, that's why the button is available for all to use, and you're all encouraged to do so, if the contents warrant it. The rarity of needing to do so underlines both the 'backstage' activities of the mods and the need to be reminded from time to time that it is, indeed, for all of us to help keep up the high standards achieved here. The achievement is a group effort; all are involved and to be thanked. Long may it continue to be so...

[BassTractor]

[Throws cap up in the air]
Thanks, Ped!
I too warmly applaud any action that makes BC a more considerate, kinder place.


However, how is one going to moderate when people post "lawfully" but mean - without strictly breaking the rules?
Point in case: recently, a known BC member (not me) was treated very unkind in Off Topic by people who only alluded to the person in question, without mentioning names. (BTW; me too I'm avoiding names right now, mostly to try and protect that victim's anonymity but not only because of that.)
This victim's anonymity (I don't know the correct term for it, but allow me to call it "anonymity" just for now) made sure that he either didn't defend himself and risked the false notions about him getting even more cemented, or did defend himself at the risk of being called paranoid.
Another member asked who this person was, and a mod of sorts stated something along the lines of naming names making things worse (= more cruel?). The offenders seemed not corrected or moderated or whatever.
In the mean time, as far as I can understand, there [i][b]was[/b][/i] appalling behaviour, and there [b][i]was[/i][/b] a victim.

(BTW, I too, in response to something I'd written, have received posts and PMs that to me seemed from a different planet altogether, as if the "bad" that I'd done gave other people a free pass to write whatever vicious stuff they liked. However, please accept that this post is not a "Booohooh! Poor me!" post. I hate course, unkind behaviour, but can absolutely tackle it if that is needed. I write this paragraph only to make it very clear that the preceding paragraph really isn't about me (couldn't be either, as I avoid Off Topic as much as I can).)


My take is that generally, some people care less than others about BC, other members or other aspects, and are more willing than others to find ways to hurt other people or to just write frustrations off their chest whilst carefully keeping their texts within certain boundaries so as to be hard to moderate.
Some people seem allergic to open visors.


I think the important question is:
Is the moderator team willing to and equipped for tackling these people?
If not, I fear that stricter moderation is only going to lead to a raise in sub-surface aggression, and looser moderation might actually bring BC closer to the aimed for result.


Rather than enforcing rules about forbidden behaviour, is there a way one can enforce rules of good behaviour?
Mind you, I don't have the answer to that question, but I do know that when I worked in child protection, we made contracts with kids from dysfunctional families, and every single sentence in those contracts was about what was allowed - nothing about what was forbidden. Worked a treat.

BTW, I'm aware that BC is not the kids from dysfunctional families.
.
.
.
.
.
.

BC is the whole dysfunctional family!

Edited January 4, 2014 by BassTractor

[RandomBass]

I love the comparison of the BC community to dysfunctional kids.

[discreet]

[quote name='RandomBass' timestamp='1388857190' post='2326979']
I love the comparison of the BC community to dysfunctional kids.
[/quote]

BC's dysfunctional kids are unusual in that most of them are middle-aged.

[ped]

[quote name='BassTractor' timestamp='1388856946' post='2326973']
[Throws cap up in the air]
Thanks, Ped!
I too warmly applaud any action that makes BC a more considerate, kinder place.


However, how is one going to moderate when people post "lawfully" but mean - without strictly breaking the rules?
Point in case: recently, a known BC member (not me) was treated very unkind in Off Topic by people who only alluded to the person in question, without mentioning names. (BTW; me too I'm avoiding names right now, mostly to try and protect that victim's anonymity but not only because of that.)
This victim's anonymity (I don't know the correct term for it, but allow me to call it "anonymity" just for now) made sure that he either didn't defend himself and risked the false notions about him getting even more cemented, or did defend himself at the risk of being called paranoid.
Another member asked who this person was, and a mod of sorts stated something along the lines of naming names making things worse (= more cruel?). The offenders seemed not corrected or moderated or whatever.
In the mean time, as far as I can understand, there [i][b]was[/b][/i] appalling behaviour, and there [b][i]was[/i][/b] a victim.

(BTW, I too, in response to something I'd written, have received posts and PMs that to me seemed from a different planet altogether, as if the "bad" that I'd done gave other people a free pass to write whatever vicious stuff they liked. However, please accept that this post is not a "Booohooh! Poor me!" post. I hate course, unkind behaviour, but can absolutely tackle it if that is needed. I write this paragraph only to make it very clear that the preceding paragraph really isn't about me (couldn't be either, as I avoid Off Topic as much as I can).)


My take is that generally, some people care less than others about BC, other members or other aspects, and are more willing than others to find ways to hurt other people or to just write frustrations off their chest whilst carefully keeping their texts within certain boundaries so as to be hard to moderate.
Some people seem allergic to open visors.


I think the important question is:
Is the moderator team willing to and equipped for tackling these people?
If not, I fear that stricter moderation is only going to lead to a raise in sub-surface aggression, and looser moderation might actually bring BC closer to the aimed for result.


Rather than enforcing rules about forbidden behaviour, is there a way one can enforce rules of good behaviour?
Mind you, I don't have the answer to that question, but I do know that when I worked in child protection, we made contracts with kids from dysfunctional families, and every single sentence in those contracts was about what was allowed - nothing about what was forbidden. Worked a treat.

BTW, I'm aware that BC is not the kids from dysfunctional families.
.
.
.
.
.
.

BC is the whole dysfunctional family!
[/quote]

Hi Bert

It's all about nipping it in the bud as soon as something is noticed, but us or by the membership. Although in the example provided there's no rule broken as such (not directly, at least) we can still add users to our watch list and close the thread and PM the members in question. I'm happy to warn and ban without direct circumvention of a given rule if something is clearly causing problems because nobody has to put up with it.

The more we know as mods the more we can do to keep things friendly.

[RandomBass]

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1388857486' post='2326985']
BC's dysfunctional kids are unusual in that most of them are middle-aged.
[/quote]

Aye and I fall firmly in that category.