So whenever that happens and people are having an issue with it I'd appreciate it if people would post something along the lines of "can this please go back on topic?", I know it is done sometimes already, but mostly with support threads, hardly ever in GC.
If it was my thread, I'd say, although if I came back after a few hours to find a page or two of spamming, I'd probably just go "sigh, ffs" and let it die its death/delete it. It's not really fair on the mods to have to go through and delete posts which aren't specifically breaking rules.
If it was someone else's thread, I wouldn't feel comfortable asking people to stay on topic, since it's not my place to say so. It might also just increase the spamming, or descend into an argument. When Liv did it, it came from a mod, and so would possibly get a different reaction than if I said something.
For me, there is a difference between a thread organically and naturally evolving and developing into something different, and a thread becoming a spam-war between a small group of people. The former I am totally fine with, it is the latter that irritates me.
Could people be encouraged to PR things when they make informal complaints? Though I know the mods are ALL the busy as it is!
I think it was you posting the rule about hijacking in one thread not too long ago? While at the time I found it a little harsh it was very effective and as far as I can tell people made an effort to go back to discussing the original topic again. Little reminders help and while I can only speak for myself I think that the majority of people would don't mind as long as it's done politely.
I find its a lot of members who come into chat who will informally complain and I do encourage people to PR but its not always effective.
Yes that was me, the thing is I know its effective but I do hate to feel like Im being the bad guy and pissing on peoples bonfires. Its something I should be used to but not always!
Was it harsh because of the way I said it or because I said it at all? I tend to be quite informal in chat when I tell people to stop general chatting in 4 so maybe Im not as formal on the forum as I should be, I dont know....its hard to remember to do everything right :P x
There are times to stay put, and what you want will come to you.
But there are times to go out into the world and find such a thing for yourself.
I aint no abacus but you can count on me.
If it was my thread, I'd say, although if I came back after a few hours to find a page or two of spamming, I'd probably just go "sigh, ffs" and let it die its death/delete it. It's not really fair on the mods to have to go through and delete posts which aren't specifically breaking rules.
If it was someone else's thread, I wouldn't feel comfortable asking people to stay on topic, since it's not my place to say so. It might also just increase the spamming, or descend into an argument.
I would agree with this.x
There are times to stay put, and what you want will come to you.
But there are times to go out into the world and find such a thing for yourself.
I aint no abacus but you can count on me.
Im not being cloak and dagger, I dont have a problem with a particular person I have mentioned the things that annoy me as have other people.
Also its not about individuals or their personalities, its about things that people do, thats not clique specific, its about behaviour that people find annoying and so on.
Exactly. And that is why I'd prefer to not name names, as it becomes about the person, rather than the action/behaviour.
Liv, I think I was mostly being sensitive and taking it personal at the time. Right now I think it was a good and legit move. A few of us got carried away and I'd rather have people tell us to stay on topic then complain about us while we will never know how people feel about it. One of my thoughts was indeed that things tend to be less strict in GC due to the nature of the board. But I think you were very right to make people aware of what they were doing in that thread.
I can understand the point of people not bothering with threads that have gone off topic for more then a few posts. I also see how people would think they would get a negative reaction. Just unfortunately I don't have any other suggestions how to deal with the issue.
i personally don't feel like PRing lots of things is effective, because I've found that a lot of issues can be handled without needing the mods. for instance, a lot of "rule breaking" that i see (and i'm mostly on the support forums, not general) is by new members who don't know how things work, or by someone who is really upset, and all that is needed is a gentle reminder. if we PR everything, i feel like it turns the mods and normal members into police, and causes friction, and excessive work for the mods... perhaps it would be helpful if we tried to teach people a little script to use when they want to remind someone of rules, so that it doesn't seem so personal, and regular members are more empowered to speak up respectfully when something like hijacking has happened
this is my magical medicine cabinet. Left to right they contain: courage, hope, calmness, and strength.
The magical part: They NEVER run out, so borrow some any time you want.
Then again I've seen such reminders turn into full-blown dramaz. There are things like people posting numbers etc where telling the person that it's rule breaking might help. But sometimes people feel attacked and get defensive.
Then again I've seen such reminders turn into full-blown dramaz. There are things like people posting numbers etc where telling the person that it's rule breaking might help. But sometimes people feel attacked and get defensive.
Exactly. If the first person to reply responds with a polite and helpful reminder of the rules it's fine. But when the next three, four, five posters all post and lambast the original poster it is unnecessary.
If there is rule breaking (like numbers) I would post to tell the thread starter, as well as PRing the post, as that way I can be sure the post will be edited if the thread starter doesn't. If that makes sense.
TBH, I don't like the idea of yet more rules, more guidelines and of telling people what to do/what not to do. Some things should just be common sense. Although RYL is a public forum, it is a forum for us all, and consideration and general etiquette should be a part of that. But that sort of thing comes from individuals, not from the top.
Then again I've seen such reminders turn into full-blown dramaz. There are things like people posting numbers etc where telling the person that it's rule breaking might help. But sometimes people feel attacked and get defensive.
I made a thread a while ago called 'escalating posts' where I asked people why they PRd a thread and then replied saying the same thing as a lot of times it blows up and then gives the mods a lot of work....its quite an interesting read!x
There are times to stay put, and what you want will come to you.
But there are times to go out into the world and find such a thing for yourself.
I aint no abacus but you can count on me.
TBH, I don't like the idea of yet more rules, more guidelines and of telling people what to do/what not to do. Some things should just be common sense. Although RYL is a public forum, it is a forum for us all, and consideration and general etiquette should be a part of that. But that sort of thing comes from individuals, not from the top.
and thanks Alpha :)
Last edited by Gordon. : 27-01-2013 at 04:03 PM.
Reason: thanking the wrong person :')
Founder of: Capstealy avoidance method 3 aka The Steph Da First Method The picture above was kindly created by Sentient Treacle (leafy girl)
i wasn't thinking of it being a rule. i was thinking of it being a suggestion for people. like in school when they try and teach people effective ways to communicate. it doesnt' mean that everyone HAS to do it, but it means that people at least have an idea of how to if they want. like, i think i remember there being a sticky a while ago about effective ways to ask for support and to give support. no one was forced to follow it, but the information and tips were there for people who wanted to
this is my magical medicine cabinet. Left to right they contain: courage, hope, calmness, and strength.
The magical part: They NEVER run out, so borrow some any time you want.
Exactly. If the first person to reply responds with a polite and helpful reminder of the rules it's fine. But when the next three, four, five posters all post and lambast the original poster it is unnecessary.
I find this is very very common, if one person has said it I never understand why other people say the same thing!x
There are times to stay put, and what you want will come to you.
But there are times to go out into the world and find such a thing for yourself.
I aint no abacus but you can count on me.
For a lot of people it isnt one person, also have you ever stopped to think about how someone would feel if everyone had an issue with them? Say for example there were 15 people who had an issue with Charlie, I cant imagine she would feel that awesome if she was reading this thread and everyone was saying how everything she does pisses them off.
If the people who have problems with other people pm them when they notice these things happening,you wouldn't end up with a thread like this,where it does like like things have been left to fester for far too long.
Im not siding with one side or the other,where as the majority on this seem to be,that's why i commented,to offer a different perspective,maybe i shouldve chosen my wording better,its something for me to think about when.i post replies.
Though i do draw the line at basically being told to pee off somewhere else just because i offered my view.
Very welcoming.
But is hasnt been person specific has it?I understand where youre coming from but I dont think that was the intention.x
There are times to stay put, and what you want will come to you.
But there are times to go out into the world and find such a thing for yourself.
I aint no abacus but you can count on me.
