Proposal for New USMB "Invite Only" Threads.

[flacaltenn]

Too many rules and now safe spaces for snowflakes.

No thank you.

Yeah...looks like chaos will ensue

Are you THAT pessimistic? Nobody here has any adult discipline or control? This is why it's a trial. If it does crash and burn -- I'll be pessimistic also. But there is no other space on USMB where YOU can choose the people you want to discuss with. I think it would relieve A LOT of frustrations.

If I had a nickel for every PM I've gotten about "why TF can't moderation keep the trolls and the brain-dead out of my thread??" -- I might be able to spend a week at Mar-A-Lago..

Even the TROLLS can have a party.. Within the rules of topical discussion.

 

[Rocko]

Why only twelve people?

Because it's a trial. If there is compliance and interest -- we would certainly open that number up at a later date.
Not everyone is gonna be interested in EVERY topic they are invited to and we want to cut down on the alerts that people receive..

Are these threads going to be moderated and if so why?

Because the object is to promote more moderate cooperative discussion. And to allow people to explore serious topics with folks they trust and choose without the ever-present interference of trolls and opposing zealots. If you want private discussions -- you can't beat PMs. If you LIKE the constant warfare, trolling and personal sniping in EVERY other USMB thread -- you probably wouldn't use it.

There's no reason why all these threads need to be echo chambers with like-minded people. Although they can be. One hope is that folks will find trusted members "of the other side" to bring in to balance discussions

My personal opinion is that these Invite Only would require VERY LITTLE if ANY moderation by USMB staff. Other than intruders who simply don't read OPs or don't know what Forum they are in.

And in the process neglect other posters. Got it

What "neglect" is that? Is it REALLY necessary to have ALL DISCUSSIONS with absolute rights for EVERYONE to troll and deflect and flame?

Trolling is impossible to avoid. Look at the clean debate forum. I dunno sounds like some elitist shit to me, but have at it

 

[Rocko]

USMB Mod Staff is preparing to roll out a new feature. This is a TRIAL, not a guarantee that it will work out. The success of this concept depends largely on the ability of our members to "self-moderate" themselves and cooperate with the rules for this feature. It is NOT open yet. THis is an opportunity to comment on the plan and the rules. The explanation here is LONG. So if you tl;dr it -- this feature is probably not gonna work for you..

The feature is having "Invite Only" threads. They will all reside in the Structured Debate forum for now. For those of you not familiar with the Struct Debate forum, it's a place where the OP can stipulate an ADDITIONAL 3 rules for the thread participants in addition to normal Zone2 moderation. You will be able to still use the ORIGINAL Struct Debate rules OR create an Invite Only thread that meets all the guidelines below.

The concept is that any member can start a thread on any topic that would be acceptable in Zone2 or Zone3 and choose 12 people to "invite in" for the discussion. Sorting out the invites and who are people you want and trust is all on you.. In the future, the number of invites may increase and I've tested that at LEAST 25 are possible.

Read the guidelines carefully. They are more complicated than other forums and we must get compliance on every one of them to make this work. I honestly believe this could be the most popular feature on USMB and give folks a break from being constantly on the front lines of a very nasty Amer. political divide while having to deal with Mega trolls and Ultra partisan Battle Bots. It's NOT a safe zone. It's NOT a "chat room" or clubhouse. These are topical discussions meant to promote more uninterrupted adult discussion.

Comments/suggestions are welcome -- but stick to discussing this feature and the rules.

Rules for Posting "Invite Only" Threads -------- Forum not opened yet !!!!

For an "Invite Only" thread in the Structured Debate Forum ---- where OPs have always been allowed to stipulate 3 additional rules of their own. Under an "Invite Only" format this will automatically adopt 2 rules automatically -- you need not specify these..

Make Rule One that Site Wide Rules apply and threads will be Zone3 moderated

In addition -->
-- flaming or mention of ANY MEMBER (including moderators) who is not in the Invite list is not allowed. Not even by pseudonames or pet names. You want to flame USMB members, don't whimp out. Take it to the Flame Zone where they can flame back. You want to go 9 rounds with another member -- take it to the Bull Ring.

Make Rule Two be to include an "Invite List" of mention alerts (like @FCT @DTMB @catpaws) embedded in the OP for everyone to see. Can be anywhere in the Opening Post AFTER the Bold Red "Invite Only" warning.

Make Rule Three ---- any one additional rule that the OP desires to specify that does not violate the Site Wide or Zone3 rules.. If you WANT to make an additional rule -- place it near the TOP of the Opening Post after the red and bold "invite" required warning (see below).

You could still use the Structured Debate forum under the original Guidelines or use it for Invite Only threads.


Other guidance for members using the Structured Debate Forum under Invite Only rules would be:

- The first line of the OP MUST BE the following statement in Red Bold..

This is an Invite Only thread. If your member name does not appear in the alert call list -- DO NOT POST HERE -- do not even use the rating buttons on posts in this thread.

- simply and politely tell intruders the rules and ask them to leave. Then report them if they dont. Moderators will thread ban any intruders automatically. If it's chronic abuse, warnings and other sanctions may be applied.

- these threads WILL BE closed if members NOT on the Invite list are flamed or named in any way.. (Maybe some requested mod help for those that slip up once if someone REQUESTS a post deletion)

-- no material from these threads LEAVES those threads to be quoted elsewhere on the boards. This applies to both invited and uninvited members. Moderators should not MERGE or MOVE any threads out of or into the Structured Debate forum.

-- Moderation will NOT add members to the invite list or delete members from the invite list or recognize any additions NOT in the Opening Posts ----- so get it right in the Opening Post. Similarly Moderators will not eject invited members from an existing thread except for violations of the Invite Only rules. Live and Learn. Make another thread. And behave like a good guest if you want to be in Invite Only threads. How an OP decides how an invite list is created is SOLELY up to the person who creates the Opening Post.

-- if a person is alerted to one of your threads and requests in that thread that you DO NOT invite again, please respect that request. Who gets invites is solely up to the membership to sort out. But keep a list of those who DO NOT want to participate in the invite threads that you create.

- We're gonna start out with a limit of 12 invites per thread until everybody is familiar with the rules and bugs are shaken out of the rules. Moderation MAY increase that number in the future..

- Topic control is STILL in effect. So don't forget a specific Title and OP like any other Z2 or Z3 thread. These are discussion topics, not chat rooms. The purpose is to get better TOPICAL discussion. Make the Title and OP thematic or fairly narrow. Moderation will cut a LOT of slack on friendly personal banter -- but the TOPIC needs to be respected. Moderation may close if the topic is nowhere in sight.

Wow. Sounds really confusing a shitload of work for staff. Why not just put back social groups? Tis the same thing.

Exactly

 

[SassyIrishLass]

Too many rules and now safe spaces for snowflakes.

No thank you.

Yeah...looks like chaos will ensue

Are you THAT pessimistic? Nobody here has any adult discipline or control? This is why it's a trial. If it does crash and burn -- I'll be pessimistic also. But there is no other space on USMB where YOU can choose the people you want to discuss with. I think it would relieve A LOT of frustrations.

If I had a nickel for every PM I've gotten about "why TF can't moderation keep the trolls and the brain-dead out of my thread??" -- I might be able to spend a week at Mar-A-Lago..

Even the TROLLS can have a party.. Within the rules of topical discussion.

I'm just stating my opinion...have at it but my guess is it's going to chaos.

Shoulda left the damn groups alone but noooooo.

 

[flacaltenn]

USMB Mod Staff is preparing to roll out a new feature. This is a TRIAL, not a guarantee that it will work out. The success of this concept depends largely on the ability of our members to "self-moderate" themselves and cooperate with the rules for this feature. It is NOT open yet. THis is an opportunity to comment on the plan and the rules. The explanation here is LONG. So if you tl;dr it -- this feature is probably not gonna work for you..

The feature is having "Invite Only" threads. They will all reside in the Structured Debate forum for now. For those of you not familiar with the Struct Debate forum, it's a place where the OP can stipulate an ADDITIONAL 3 rules for the thread participants in addition to normal Zone2 moderation. You will be able to still use the ORIGINAL Struct Debate rules OR create an Invite Only thread that meets all the guidelines below.

The concept is that any member can start a thread on any topic that would be acceptable in Zone2 or Zone3 and choose 12 people to "invite in" for the discussion. Sorting out the invites and who are people you want and trust is all on you.. In the future, the number of invites may increase and I've tested that at LEAST 25 are possible.

Read the guidelines carefully. They are more complicated than other forums and we must get compliance on every one of them to make this work. I honestly believe this could be the most popular feature on USMB and give folks a break from being constantly on the front lines of a very nasty Amer. political divide while having to deal with Mega trolls and Ultra partisan Battle Bots. It's NOT a safe zone. It's NOT a "chat room" or clubhouse. These are topical discussions meant to promote more uninterrupted adult discussion.

Comments/suggestions are welcome -- but stick to discussing this feature and the rules.

Rules for Posting "Invite Only" Threads -------- Forum not opened yet !!!!

For an "Invite Only" thread in the Structured Debate Forum ---- where OPs have always been allowed to stipulate 3 additional rules of their own. Under an "Invite Only" format this will automatically adopt 2 rules automatically -- you need not specify these..

Make Rule One that Site Wide Rules apply and threads will be Zone3 moderated

In addition -->
-- flaming or mention of ANY MEMBER (including moderators) who is not in the Invite list is not allowed. Not even by pseudonames or pet names. You want to flame USMB members, don't whimp out. Take it to the Flame Zone where they can flame back. You want to go 9 rounds with another member -- take it to the Bull Ring.

Make Rule Two be to include an "Invite List" of mention alerts (like @FCT @DTMB @catpaws) embedded in the OP for everyone to see. Can be anywhere in the Opening Post AFTER the Bold Red "Invite Only" warning.

Make Rule Three ---- any one additional rule that the OP desires to specify that does not violate the Site Wide or Zone3 rules.. If you WANT to make an additional rule -- place it near the TOP of the Opening Post after the red and bold "invite" required warning (see below).

You could still use the Structured Debate forum under the original Guidelines or use it for Invite Only threads.


Other guidance for members using the Structured Debate Forum under Invite Only rules would be:

- The first line of the OP MUST BE the following statement in Red Bold..

This is an Invite Only thread. If your member name does not appear in the alert call list -- DO NOT POST HERE -- do not even use the rating buttons on posts in this thread.

- simply and politely tell intruders the rules and ask them to leave. Then report them if they dont. Moderators will thread ban any intruders automatically. If it's chronic abuse, warnings and other sanctions may be applied.

- these threads WILL BE closed if members NOT on the Invite list are flamed or named in any way.. (Maybe some requested mod help for those that slip up once if someone REQUESTS a post deletion)

-- no material from these threads LEAVES those threads to be quoted elsewhere on the boards. This applies to both invited and uninvited members. Moderators should not MERGE or MOVE any threads out of or into the Structured Debate forum.

-- Moderation will NOT add members to the invite list or delete members from the invite list or recognize any additions NOT in the Opening Posts ----- so get it right in the Opening Post. Similarly Moderators will not eject invited members from an existing thread except for violations of the Invite Only rules. Live and Learn. Make another thread. And behave like a good guest if you want to be in Invite Only threads. How an OP decides how an invite list is created is SOLELY up to the person who creates the Opening Post.

-- if a person is alerted to one of your threads and requests in that thread that you DO NOT invite again, please respect that request. Who gets invites is solely up to the membership to sort out. But keep a list of those who DO NOT want to participate in the invite threads that you create.

- We're gonna start out with a limit of 12 invites per thread until everybody is familiar with the rules and bugs are shaken out of the rules. Moderation MAY increase that number in the future..

- Topic control is STILL in effect. So don't forget a specific Title and OP like any other Z2 or Z3 thread. These are discussion topics, not chat rooms. The purpose is to get better TOPICAL discussion. Make the Title and OP thematic or fairly narrow. Moderation will cut a LOT of slack on friendly personal banter -- but the TOPIC needs to be respected. Moderation may close if the topic is nowhere in sight.

I like the idea. I don’t get this stipulation though:

"-- no material from these threads LEAVES those threads to be quoted elsewhere on the boards. This applies to both invited and uninvited members.”

Why is that? If someone makes a memorable point, it reflects the feelings of that member. They should be liable/applauded for it elsewhere as conditions warrant.

Well that is the same situation with the Zone 4 Sections you cannot quote from Zone 4 threads in the Open Forum.

Oh. Okay. What someone says should be quotable across all zones IMHO. But for the mods, their sandbox, their rules.

Thanks for the info!

As Lucy just pointed out -- that is not a precedent. We don't allow ANYTHING from Zone4 to go anywhere else. And why should we let folks who weren't invited rip that convo and take it elsewhere to flame it?

 

[Gracie]

I'm still gobsmacked at the whole idea. FZ is for losers who like to drag posts down there to make fun of..anywhere found on USMB. But speshul folks started a speshul thread for speshul people cannot do the same? It's wonky, flac. If the place ain't broke, don't fix it. You have the FZ for losers. Everyone else upstairs bickers and fights as well, but most MIGHT learn something from differing views. Maybe. Possibly. Still....Speshul Threads is kinda retarded.

 

[Gracie]

there is no other space on USMB where YOU can choose the people you want to discuss with

Yes there is. Or was. Social Groups. They invited whom they wished. Less hassle for staff if you brought that part back. But...as I am fond of saying..your beach, your waves and good luck!

 

[Coyote]

The social groups caused more problems for moderation. Why not give this a chance? If it works, great, if it doesn’t it doesn’t.

 

[Gracie]

USMB Mod Staff is preparing to roll out a new feature. This is a TRIAL, not a guarantee that it will work out. The success of this concept depends largely on the ability of our members to "self-moderate" themselves and cooperate with the rules for this feature. It is NOT open yet. THis is an opportunity to comment on the plan and the rules. The explanation here is LONG. So if you tl;dr it -- this feature is probably not gonna work for you..

The feature is having "Invite Only" threads. They will all reside in the Structured Debate forum for now. For those of you not familiar with the Struct Debate forum, it's a place where the OP can stipulate an ADDITIONAL 3 rules for the thread participants in addition to normal Zone2 moderation. You will be able to still use the ORIGINAL Struct Debate rules OR create an Invite Only thread that meets all the guidelines below.

The concept is that any member can start a thread on any topic that would be acceptable in Zone2 or Zone3 and choose 12 people to "invite in" for the discussion. Sorting out the invites and who are people you want and trust is all on you.. In the future, the number of invites may increase and I've tested that at LEAST 25 are possible.

Read the guidelines carefully. They are more complicated than other forums and we must get compliance on every one of them to make this work. I honestly believe this could be the most popular feature on USMB and give folks a break from being constantly on the front lines of a very nasty Amer. political divide while having to deal with Mega trolls and Ultra partisan Battle Bots. It's NOT a safe zone. It's NOT a "chat room" or clubhouse. These are topical discussions meant to promote more uninterrupted adult discussion.

Comments/suggestions are welcome -- but stick to discussing this feature and the rules.

Rules for Posting "Invite Only" Threads -------- Forum not opened yet !!!!

For an "Invite Only" thread in the Structured Debate Forum ---- where OPs have always been allowed to stipulate 3 additional rules of their own. Under an "Invite Only" format this will automatically adopt 2 rules automatically -- you need not specify these..

Make Rule One that Site Wide Rules apply and threads will be Zone3 moderated

In addition -->
-- flaming or mention of ANY MEMBER (including moderators) who is not in the Invite list is not allowed. Not even by pseudonames or pet names. You want to flame USMB members, don't whimp out. Take it to the Flame Zone where they can flame back. You want to go 9 rounds with another member -- take it to the Bull Ring.

Make Rule Two be to include an "Invite List" of mention alerts (like @FCT @DTMB @catpaws) embedded in the OP for everyone to see. Can be anywhere in the Opening Post AFTER the Bold Red "Invite Only" warning.

Make Rule Three ---- any one additional rule that the OP desires to specify that does not violate the Site Wide or Zone3 rules.. If you WANT to make an additional rule -- place it near the TOP of the Opening Post after the red and bold "invite" required warning (see below).

You could still use the Structured Debate forum under the original Guidelines or use it for Invite Only threads.


Other guidance for members using the Structured Debate Forum under Invite Only rules would be:

- The first line of the OP MUST BE the following statement in Red Bold..

This is an Invite Only thread. If your member name does not appear in the alert call list -- DO NOT POST HERE -- do not even use the rating buttons on posts in this thread.

- simply and politely tell intruders the rules and ask them to leave. Then report them if they dont. Moderators will thread ban any intruders automatically. If it's chronic abuse, warnings and other sanctions may be applied.

- these threads WILL BE closed if members NOT on the Invite list are flamed or named in any way.. (Maybe some requested mod help for those that slip up once if someone REQUESTS a post deletion)

-- no material from these threads LEAVES those threads to be quoted elsewhere on the boards. This applies to both invited and uninvited members. Moderators should not MERGE or MOVE any threads out of or into the Structured Debate forum.

-- Moderation will NOT add members to the invite list or delete members from the invite list or recognize any additions NOT in the Opening Posts ----- so get it right in the Opening Post. Similarly Moderators will not eject invited members from an existing thread except for violations of the Invite Only rules. Live and Learn. Make another thread. And behave like a good guest if you want to be in Invite Only threads. How an OP decides how an invite list is created is SOLELY up to the person who creates the Opening Post.

-- if a person is alerted to one of your threads and requests in that thread that you DO NOT invite again, please respect that request. Who gets invites is solely up to the membership to sort out. But keep a list of those who DO NOT want to participate in the invite threads that you create.

- We're gonna start out with a limit of 12 invites per thread until everybody is familiar with the rules and bugs are shaken out of the rules. Moderation MAY increase that number in the future..

- Topic control is STILL in effect. So don't forget a specific Title and OP like any other Z2 or Z3 thread. These are discussion topics, not chat rooms. The purpose is to get better TOPICAL discussion. Make the Title and OP thematic or fairly narrow. Moderation will cut a LOT of slack on friendly personal banter -- but the TOPIC needs to be respected. Moderation may close if the topic is nowhere in sight.

I like the idea. I don’t get this stipulation though:

"-- no material from these threads LEAVES those threads to be quoted elsewhere on the boards. This applies to both invited and uninvited members.”

Why is that? If someone makes a memorable point, it reflects the feelings of that member. They should be liable/applauded for it elsewhere as conditions warrant.

Well that is the same situation with the Zone 4 Sections you cannot quote from Zone 4 threads in the Open Forum.

Oh. Okay. What someone says should be quotable across all zones IMHO. But for the mods, their sandbox, their rules.

Thanks for the info!

As Lucy just pointed out -- that is not a precedent. We don't allow ANYTHING from Zone4 to go anywhere else. And why should we let folks who weren't invited rip that convo and take it elsewhere to flame it?

But...you do allow it. Just look in the FZ and you will see lots of threads started just to diss someone that said something somewhere else. Even if the person isn't down there, they get bashed. So yeah..you do allow it.

 

[Gracie]

The social groups caused more problems for moderation. Why not give this a chance? If it works, great, if it doesn’t it doesn’t.

I ain't here that much any more like I used to be anyway..so...sure. If people can behave in the Coffee Shop..no reason why they can't in other threads. I guess.

Anyway...good luck.

 

[Kat]

Groups could not be modded with this software. vBulletin, yes. So Groups were not as good as some may think.

 

[flacaltenn]

USMB Mod Staff is preparing to roll out a new feature. This is a TRIAL, not a guarantee that it will work out. The success of this concept depends largely on the ability of our members to "self-moderate" themselves and cooperate with the rules for this feature. It is NOT open yet. THis is an opportunity to comment on the plan and the rules. The explanation here is LONG. So if you tl;dr it -- this feature is probably not gonna work for you..

The feature is having "Invite Only" threads. They will all reside in the Structured Debate forum for now. For those of you not familiar with the Struct Debate forum, it's a place where the OP can stipulate an ADDITIONAL 3 rules for the thread participants in addition to normal Zone2 moderation. You will be able to still use the ORIGINAL Struct Debate rules OR create an Invite Only thread that meets all the guidelines below.

The concept is that any member can start a thread on any topic that would be acceptable in Zone2 or Zone3 and choose 12 people to "invite in" for the discussion. Sorting out the invites and who are people you want and trust is all on you.. In the future, the number of invites may increase and I've tested that at LEAST 25 are possible.

Read the guidelines carefully. They are more complicated than other forums and we must get compliance on every one of them to make this work. I honestly believe this could be the most popular feature on USMB and give folks a break from being constantly on the front lines of a very nasty Amer. political divide while having to deal with Mega trolls and Ultra partisan Battle Bots. It's NOT a safe zone. It's NOT a "chat room" or clubhouse. These are topical discussions meant to promote more uninterrupted adult discussion.

Comments/suggestions are welcome -- but stick to discussing this feature and the rules.

Rules for Posting "Invite Only" Threads -------- Forum not opened yet !!!!

For an "Invite Only" thread in the Structured Debate Forum ---- where OPs have always been allowed to stipulate 3 additional rules of their own. Under an "Invite Only" format this will automatically adopt 2 rules automatically -- you need not specify these..

Make Rule One that Site Wide Rules apply and threads will be Zone3 moderated

In addition -->
-- flaming or mention of ANY MEMBER (including moderators) who is not in the Invite list is not allowed. Not even by pseudonames or pet names. You want to flame USMB members, don't whimp out. Take it to the Flame Zone where they can flame back. You want to go 9 rounds with another member -- take it to the Bull Ring.

Make Rule Two be to include an "Invite List" of mention alerts (like @FCT @DTMB @catpaws) embedded in the OP for everyone to see. Can be anywhere in the Opening Post AFTER the Bold Red "Invite Only" warning.

Make Rule Three ---- any one additional rule that the OP desires to specify that does not violate the Site Wide or Zone3 rules.. If you WANT to make an additional rule -- place it near the TOP of the Opening Post after the red and bold "invite" required warning (see below).

You could still use the Structured Debate forum under the original Guidelines or use it for Invite Only threads.


Other guidance for members using the Structured Debate Forum under Invite Only rules would be:

- The first line of the OP MUST BE the following statement in Red Bold..

This is an Invite Only thread. If your member name does not appear in the alert call list -- DO NOT POST HERE -- do not even use the rating buttons on posts in this thread.

- simply and politely tell intruders the rules and ask them to leave. Then report them if they dont. Moderators will thread ban any intruders automatically. If it's chronic abuse, warnings and other sanctions may be applied.

- these threads WILL BE closed if members NOT on the Invite list are flamed or named in any way.. (Maybe some requested mod help for those that slip up once if someone REQUESTS a post deletion)

-- no material from these threads LEAVES those threads to be quoted elsewhere on the boards. This applies to both invited and uninvited members. Moderators should not MERGE or MOVE any threads out of or into the Structured Debate forum.

-- Moderation will NOT add members to the invite list or delete members from the invite list or recognize any additions NOT in the Opening Posts ----- so get it right in the Opening Post. Similarly Moderators will not eject invited members from an existing thread except for violations of the Invite Only rules. Live and Learn. Make another thread. And behave like a good guest if you want to be in Invite Only threads. How an OP decides how an invite list is created is SOLELY up to the person who creates the Opening Post.

-- if a person is alerted to one of your threads and requests in that thread that you DO NOT invite again, please respect that request. Who gets invites is solely up to the membership to sort out. But keep a list of those who DO NOT want to participate in the invite threads that you create.

- We're gonna start out with a limit of 12 invites per thread until everybody is familiar with the rules and bugs are shaken out of the rules. Moderation MAY increase that number in the future..

- Topic control is STILL in effect. So don't forget a specific Title and OP like any other Z2 or Z3 thread. These are discussion topics, not chat rooms. The purpose is to get better TOPICAL discussion. Make the Title and OP thematic or fairly narrow. Moderation will cut a LOT of slack on friendly personal banter -- but the TOPIC needs to be respected. Moderation may close if the topic is nowhere in sight.

I like the idea. I don’t get this stipulation though:

"-- no material from these threads LEAVES those threads to be quoted elsewhere on the boards. This applies to both invited and uninvited members.”

Why is that? If someone makes a memorable point, it reflects the feelings of that member. They should be liable/applauded for it elsewhere as conditions warrant.

If there was a lot of self control on a Message board -- it wouldn't be abused. It's in the rules because we pretty know some folks can't control themselves when they cant spray paint up a thread.

If it's your OWN material and it meets the requirements of the Zone you want to repost it just paraphrase it without any included quotes from others.

 

[HereWeGoAgain]

Why only twelve people?

Because it's a trial. If there is compliance and interest -- we would certainly open that number up at a later date.
Not everyone is gonna be interested in EVERY topic they are invited to and we want to cut down on the alerts that people receive..

Are these threads going to be moderated and if so why?

Because the object is to promote more moderate cooperative discussion. And to allow people to explore serious topics with folks they trust and choose without the ever-present interference of trolls and opposing zealots. If you want private discussions -- you can't beat PMs. If you LIKE the constant warfare, trolling and personal sniping in EVERY other USMB thread -- you probably wouldn't use it.

There's no reason why all these threads need to be echo chambers with like-minded people. Although they can be. One hope is that folks will find trusted members "of the other side" to bring in to balance discussions

My personal opinion is that these Invite Only would require VERY LITTLE if ANY moderation by USMB staff. Other than intruders who simply don't read OPs or don't know what Forum they are in.

Of course you're going to avoid the trolls since it's invite only.
I dont have a problem with mods monitering a thread to make sure nothing is being said that could potentially get USMB in trouble which I thought was a concern.
I just dont understand why having private threads is a big deal under these guidlines.

 

[SassyIrishLass]

The social groups caused more problems for moderation. Why not give this a chance? If it works, great, if it doesn’t it doesn’t.

That's what made then great...less moderation and less trolling

 

[Lucy Hamilton]

Too many rules and now safe spaces for snowflakes.

No thank you.

Yeah...looks like chaos will ensue

Are you THAT pessimistic? Nobody here has any adult discipline or control? This is why it's a trial. If it does crash and burn -- I'll be pessimistic also. But there is no other space on USMB where YOU can choose the people you want to discuss with. I think it would relieve A LOT of frustrations.

If I had a nickel for every PM I've gotten about "why TF can't moderation keep the trolls and the brain-dead out of my thread??" -- I might be able to spend a week at Mar-A-Lago..

Even the TROLLS can have a party.. Within the rules of topical discussion.

I think to give it a Trial but I am not certain how it will work in general.

 

[Lucy Hamilton]

The social groups caused more problems for moderation. Why not give this a chance? If it works, great, if it doesn’t it doesn’t.

I ain't here that much any more like I used to be anyway..so...sure. If people can behave in the Coffee Shop..no reason why they can't in other threads. I guess.

Anyway...good luck.

The Coffee Shop is in The Lounge that is why there is better behaving, no politics, religion, arguing etc allowed in The Lounge, it is usually when politics and religion are the topic that things can go downhill.

 

[boedicca]

I have a theory. That is my theory, it is mine and belongs to me, and I own it and what it is, too:

The USMB Hegemony is building a set of Zones that align with the Circles of Hell in Dante's Infeno.

Zone 4 is for Greedy Greedheads.

This of course means that:

Zone 1 is for PAGANS
Zone 2 is for those who are insane with Lust
Zone 3 is for Gluttons

Really, Zone 4 would be more aptly labelled Zone 5, 7 or 9, and Zone 3 as 6 or 8.

Just sayin'.

And remember, this is My Theory.

 

[Lucy Hamilton]

USMB Mod Staff is preparing to roll out a new feature. This is a TRIAL, not a guarantee that it will work out. The success of this concept depends largely on the ability of our members to "self-moderate" themselves and cooperate with the rules for this feature. It is NOT open yet. THis is an opportunity to comment on the plan and the rules. The explanation here is LONG. So if you tl;dr it -- this feature is probably not gonna work for you..

The feature is having "Invite Only" threads. They will all reside in the Structured Debate forum for now. For those of you not familiar with the Struct Debate forum, it's a place where the OP can stipulate an ADDITIONAL 3 rules for the thread participants in addition to normal Zone2 moderation. You will be able to still use the ORIGINAL Struct Debate rules OR create an Invite Only thread that meets all the guidelines below.

The concept is that any member can start a thread on any topic that would be acceptable in Zone2 or Zone3 and choose 12 people to "invite in" for the discussion. Sorting out the invites and who are people you want and trust is all on you.. In the future, the number of invites may increase and I've tested that at LEAST 25 are possible.

Read the guidelines carefully. They are more complicated than other forums and we must get compliance on every one of them to make this work. I honestly believe this could be the most popular feature on USMB and give folks a break from being constantly on the front lines of a very nasty Amer. political divide while having to deal with Mega trolls and Ultra partisan Battle Bots. It's NOT a safe zone. It's NOT a "chat room" or clubhouse. These are topical discussions meant to promote more uninterrupted adult discussion.

Comments/suggestions are welcome -- but stick to discussing this feature and the rules.

Rules for Posting "Invite Only" Threads -------- Forum not opened yet !!!!

For an "Invite Only" thread in the Structured Debate Forum ---- where OPs have always been allowed to stipulate 3 additional rules of their own. Under an "Invite Only" format this will automatically adopt 2 rules automatically -- you need not specify these..

Make Rule One that Site Wide Rules apply and threads will be Zone3 moderated

In addition -->
-- flaming or mention of ANY MEMBER (including moderators) who is not in the Invite list is not allowed. Not even by pseudonames or pet names. You want to flame USMB members, don't whimp out. Take it to the Flame Zone where they can flame back. You want to go 9 rounds with another member -- take it to the Bull Ring.

Make Rule Two be to include an "Invite List" of mention alerts (like @FCT @DTMB @catpaws) embedded in the OP for everyone to see. Can be anywhere in the Opening Post AFTER the Bold Red "Invite Only" warning.

Make Rule Three ---- any one additional rule that the OP desires to specify that does not violate the Site Wide or Zone3 rules.. If you WANT to make an additional rule -- place it near the TOP of the Opening Post after the red and bold "invite" required warning (see below).

You could still use the Structured Debate forum under the original Guidelines or use it for Invite Only threads.


Other guidance for members using the Structured Debate Forum under Invite Only rules would be:

- The first line of the OP MUST BE the following statement in Red Bold..

This is an Invite Only thread. If your member name does not appear in the alert call list -- DO NOT POST HERE -- do not even use the rating buttons on posts in this thread.

- simply and politely tell intruders the rules and ask them to leave. Then report them if they dont. Moderators will thread ban any intruders automatically. If it's chronic abuse, warnings and other sanctions may be applied.

- these threads WILL BE closed if members NOT on the Invite list are flamed or named in any way.. (Maybe some requested mod help for those that slip up once if someone REQUESTS a post deletion)

-- no material from these threads LEAVES those threads to be quoted elsewhere on the boards. This applies to both invited and uninvited members. Moderators should not MERGE or MOVE any threads out of or into the Structured Debate forum.

-- Moderation will NOT add members to the invite list or delete members from the invite list or recognize any additions NOT in the Opening Posts ----- so get it right in the Opening Post. Similarly Moderators will not eject invited members from an existing thread except for violations of the Invite Only rules. Live and Learn. Make another thread. And behave like a good guest if you want to be in Invite Only threads. How an OP decides how an invite list is created is SOLELY up to the person who creates the Opening Post.

-- if a person is alerted to one of your threads and requests in that thread that you DO NOT invite again, please respect that request. Who gets invites is solely up to the membership to sort out. But keep a list of those who DO NOT want to participate in the invite threads that you create.

- We're gonna start out with a limit of 12 invites per thread until everybody is familiar with the rules and bugs are shaken out of the rules. Moderation MAY increase that number in the future..

- Topic control is STILL in effect. So don't forget a specific Title and OP like any other Z2 or Z3 thread. These are discussion topics, not chat rooms. The purpose is to get better TOPICAL discussion. Make the Title and OP thematic or fairly narrow. Moderation will cut a LOT of slack on friendly personal banter -- but the TOPIC needs to be respected. Moderation may close if the topic is nowhere in sight.

I like the idea. I don’t get this stipulation though:

"-- no material from these threads LEAVES those threads to be quoted elsewhere on the boards. This applies to both invited and uninvited members.”

Why is that? If someone makes a memorable point, it reflects the feelings of that member. They should be liable/applauded for it elsewhere as conditions warrant.

Well that is the same situation with the Zone 4 Sections you cannot quote from Zone 4 threads in the Open Forum.

Oh. Okay. What someone says should be quotable across all zones IMHO. But for the mods, their sandbox, their rules.

Thanks for the info!

As Lucy just pointed out -- that is not a precedent. We don't allow ANYTHING from Zone4 to go anywhere else. And why should we let folks who weren't invited rip that convo and take it elsewhere to flame it?

But...you do allow it. Just look in the FZ and you will see lots of threads started just to diss someone that said something somewhere else. Even if the person isn't down there, they get bashed. So yeah..you do allow it.

No nothing from there or Badlands or The Rubber Room can be brought out of Zone 4, eg. you cannot copy and paste, Screen Shot etc anything from a Badlands thread and post it in Politics, Current Events, General Discussion, The Lounge or any other section in Open Forum.

 

[flacaltenn]

Why only twelve people?

Because it's a trial. If there is compliance and interest -- we would certainly open that number up at a later date.
Not everyone is gonna be interested in EVERY topic they are invited to and we want to cut down on the alerts that people receive..

Are these threads going to be moderated and if so why?

Because the object is to promote more moderate cooperative discussion. And to allow people to explore serious topics with folks they trust and choose without the ever-present interference of trolls and opposing zealots. If you want private discussions -- you can't beat PMs. If you LIKE the constant warfare, trolling and personal sniping in EVERY other USMB thread -- you probably wouldn't use it.

There's no reason why all these threads need to be echo chambers with like-minded people. Although they can be. One hope is that folks will find trusted members "of the other side" to bring in to balance discussions

My personal opinion is that these Invite Only would require VERY LITTLE if ANY moderation by USMB staff. Other than intruders who simply don't read OPs or don't know what Forum they are in.

Why not make these Invite Only Threads invisible to those who are not Invited, that way not only do you not have to be bothered with getting involved to delete posts and thread ban those who are not Invited but insist on posting, also there would be no problem with the using of the ratings buttons as you cannot rate what you cannot see, you cannot rate or read what you do not know even exists. So the Invite Only Threads would only be visible to those Invited and also to all the Mods but nobody else.

As it is from your OP description etc IMHO these Invite Only Threads as stated are not going to work, if your intention is to restrict in your terms Mega trolls and Ultra partisan Battle Bots it will not work because the former will all still Funny EVERY POST and the latter probably will not want to be involved as it could all be too restricted in general for a full on Battle Bot situation. So based on this I vote No, if the threads were Invisible I would probably vote Yes for the reasons I explain in my paragraph one.

Frankly, don't have the best coupling with Admin and it's hard to make threads invisible to all but a CHANGING subset of the membership. Would need the software to RECOGNIZE an invite list to even do that. And I don't think the capability is there.

I have different peeps that I would invite to a thread on the Israel/Pali issues. Or an Enviro issue. Or a race issue thread. That flexibility is BETTER than having a fixed "group". The idea is to give ANY "upstairs" convo a private room for that thread. But only in ONE forum. The Structured Debate forum..

 

[HereWeGoAgain]

I have a theory. That is my theory, it is mine and belongs to me, and I own it and what it is, too:

The USMB Hegemony is building a set of Zones that align with the Circles of Hell in Dante's Infeno.

Zone 4 is for Greedy Greedheads.

This of course means that:

Zone 1 is for PAGANS
Zone 2 is for those who are insane with Lust
Zone 3 is for Gluttons

Really, Zone 4 would be more aptly labelled Zone 5, 7 or 9, and Zone 3 as 6 or 8.

Just sayin'.

And remember, this is My Theory.

I'd have to think on that.....