Do We Need Changes To This Forum

db5 · Post by **db5** » Sun Oct 05, 2014 4:45 pm

algale wrote: Accordingly, I'd propose that Admin see if they can add a function so that the person who starts a thread can block or delete
posts to that thread.

Do I understand you correctly? You want the originator of a topic to be able to censor any views that he/she does not agree with. Is that correct or did I miss something?

db5 · Post by **db5** » Sun Oct 05, 2014 4:52 pm

forrestb wrote:1) ADMIN needs to have a penalty box for those that violate the subject of a thread, or post inappropriate comments. And repeated violations is worthy of expulsion. Is ADMIN willing to assume that responsibility? Trying to have multiple 'volunteers' can be unwieldy and maybe bias those with a stake in the thread's issue. Come on, folks! We have a Community Forum for non-thread or non-Shopsmith or non-woodworking items.

One of the best forums I've see is Lincolnsonline.com. The Admin is a taciturn female in OKC. There are other Admins (under-sheriffs) each with technical expertise in specific areas, often overlapping. They have the authority to send email messages to someone who is off-base or trending in that direction and to throw someone into the penalty box for a week or more for violating rules repeatedly or being offensive in language or content. I think it would be of value to institute such a process here.

algale · Post by **algale** » Sun Oct 05, 2014 4:55 pm

db5: Most of that thread hijacking and tangents that folks have complained of has got nothing to do with expressing points of view contrary to the original thread; they simply have nothing to do with the original thread. It would be like me responding to your question by asking about the best way to keep squirrels off my birdfeeders. It might be an interesting discussion worthy thread, but it is way off topic. My idea, which is far from perfect, is not to censor viewpoints you disagree with. It is a tool that allows the person who originated a thread to keep the thread on topic by deleting and blocking tangents and other thread hijacking, which is becoming an epidemic on this forum among some.

roy_okc · Post by **roy_okc** » Sun Oct 05, 2014 5:05 pm

db5 wrote:Do I understand you correctly? You want the originator of a topic to be able to censor any views that he/she does not agree with. Is that correct or did I miss something?

Yes, it could be used for censoring, but my thought is that it would be used more so to rid the thread of unwanted garbage/way off topic posts.

I don't know how much 'disagreement' type posts should exist within a woodworking tool forum's threads, especially in the non-Community areas. However, there has been a rash of 'disagreeable' posts by a small number of members that at least several other members find at annoying. If these types of posts were kept in their own Community threads, it wouldn't be so bad, but there is a problem when they are in half or more of woodworking/tool posts.

roy_okc · Post by **roy_okc** » Sun Oct 05, 2014 5:07 pm

db5 wrote:There are other Admins (under-sheriffs) each with technical expertise in specific areas, often overlapping. They have the authority to send email messages to someone who is off-base or trending in that direction and to throw someone into the penalty box for a week or more for violating rules repeatedly or being offensive in language or content.

These 'under-sheriffs' are more commonly know as moderators.

algale · Post by **algale** » Sun Oct 05, 2014 5:10 pm

roy_okc wrote:Yes, it could be used for censoring, but my thought is that it would be used more so to rid the thread of unwanted garbage/way off topic posts.

I don't know how much 'disagreement' type posts should exist within a woodworking tool forum's threads, especially in the non-Community areas. However, there has been a rash of 'disagreeable' posts by a small number of members that at least several other members find at annoying. If these types of posts were kept in their own Community threads, it wouldn't be so bad, but there is a problem when they are in half or more of woodworking/tool posts.

Roy said it better than I did. Thanks.

algale · Post by **algale** » Sun Oct 05, 2014 6:51 pm

At this moment we've got more votes suggesting the forum needs "other changes" than we have posts explaining what those "other changes" should be. If you are one of the folks who thinks "other changes" need to be made, I urge you to speak up.

Ed in Tampa · Post by **Ed in Tampa** » Sun Oct 05, 2014 6:52 pm

Hey did you guys see the game on TV today? KIDDING!!!!!!

I understand the high jacked thread problem and I think we all need to be more careful about that. Hopefully with the exception of the above comments I haven't done that too often.

But I'm more than a little confused about people being offended. I wish when someone is offended instead of letting it fester they either PM the person or state their concern on the forum.

I have never intentionally tried to offend anyone but I probably have. Why I don't know and I can't fix the problem if I don't know.

We are all adults here and I think instead of letting things go to the point that good people want to leave they should speak up and call out the offender. If it is a misunderstanding I'm sure they will/can work it out if it is more than that then we as forum members can go to Admin and ask them to deal with the offender.

Posting on the internet is difficult for some people that depend on body language to alert others to whether they are joking, being sarcastic or down right mad. Without that body language people can get offended and the offending party has no knowledge of it.

Why can't we simply say "hey that remark was offensive", or "I could get mad if I took what you posted as you posted it." Again if someone is here to pick a fight it will quickly be evident to everyone and everyone can go to admin and say this guy is a problem.

That my two cents and that is all it is probably worth.

ChrisNeilan · Post by **ChrisNeilan** » Sun Oct 05, 2014 8:49 pm

Something needs to be done. I can't remember where, but on some forums (or maybe it was Facebook) there is a function where you can "report this post". From there a moderator can make the determination of appropriateness.
A "penalty box" is a great idea. Better than an outright suspension of account. Some people can learn through behavior modification.
I suspect that we all on occasion go at least slightly off topic, and some wiggle room should exist. I myself will keep this in mind as we go on.

joedw00 · Post by **joedw00** » Sun Oct 05, 2014 9:37 pm

The "report this post" is in the upper right corner of the post.Look for the triangle.

Shopsmith Forums

Do We Need Changes To This Forum

Should Admin Allow A Thread's Originator To Block/Delete Posts To That Thread