New "Clean Start" Policy on Creating Threads

[WillPower]

What happens when threads "wander"?

Threads always wander just like regular conversations, that's why an OP has to have some power in his/her own OP to police the thread and have flagged posts deleted...no questions asked.

 

[hjmick]

Did you know that Hershey's is making sugar cookie flavored Kisses for the holidays this year?

 

[WillPower]

We always HAVE been a Discussion board. We've always focused almost solely on getting thread topics to be discussed and not on arbitrary content issues.. STILL completely committed to the Free Speech thing.. But lately, the thread titles and Opening Posts have been giving Free Speech a bad name..

The basic rules are not gonna change much.. There's already a clause for not allowing "baiting and polarizing" Titles and OPsR=21665]Dont Taz Me Bro[/USER]

Free speech is impervious to having a "bad name" and that makes speech you hate all the more difficult to tolerate but the Constitution says we must. As for "baiting", it's the essence of a lively discussion and way to expose liars. Imagine telling a prosecutor he can't bait a defendant to get the truth out of him in court. And now you're going to ban "polarizing" posts? LOL! What is your target audience.....the Mormon church? There ain't nearly enough HOT BLOOD here anymore so you're charging those trying to get something going with a crime? I ain't long for these parts....already decided not to OP here anymore after today. By next week at this time I'll be gone johnson.

 

[Tijn Von Ingersleben]

I've seen these sorts of rules used as slim excuses for moderators to shelve posts they don't like - any provisions for preventing that?

If there's topical content in the post and it doesn't contain the 4 or 6 things like family, pedo, beasty, n-words, etc -- ANY mod will overturn that deletion..

But NOW -- requires a couple more calories to type an on topic post...

BTW - if you ever RUN ACROSS a deleted post with "sufficient topical content" that's been deleted, make sure you add me to the PM list.. The problem is that folks who are posting 10 or 15 posts per hour in 3 or 4 different threads -- I GUARANTEE -- they dont remember the content of the deleted post.. Because in the 593 times I;ve CHECKED -- that deleted post NEEDED to be deleted...

I noticed you posted n-words. If ****** is censored why would that post be deleted or otherwise banned? Asking for a racist friend.

 

[Disir]

We always HAVE been a Discussion board. We've always focused almost solely on getting thread topics to be discussed and not on arbitrary content issues.. STILL completely committed to the Free Speech thing.. But lately, the thread titles and Opening Posts have been giving Free Speech a bad name..

The basic rules are not gonna change much.. There's already a clause for not allowing "baiting and polarizing" Titles and OPs. That will be footnoted with something like the following..

Titles and Opening Posts
1) Title must contain sufficient clues about the ACTUAL expected discussion. Titles like "How stupid are These People" can't be SEARCHED or indexed for search for the use of members or mods to find and manage existing active threads.

2) Titles must be free of INFLAMMATORY words, name calling or "pet names".. Those things are what make a title "baiting".

3) The "user content" in OPs that the existing rules require needs to be "stepped up".. "Get a load of this" -- is no longer sufficient topical content"... Must be 2 lines or more.. The more the better.. Must SUMMARIZE the topic to be discussed and why you think it NEEDS discussion..

To sum that up.. We're REQUIRING the Original Posters to START a clean topical discussion.,. No more juiced incendiary titles and ranting OPs.. If it's important enough for you to dash to a keyboard to poke it in -- need to put in the effort to start the discussion with YOUR views of the topic..

Post Content
Currently the Rules require "specific topical content" in EVERY post.. And the moderation method for that is stone simple..

Post has "specific topical content" --- stop reading, ignore the rest, it's legal.
Post LACKS "specific topical content" -- It's illegal.. Delete and/or warn...

1) That rule will edited to read "must contain substantial and relevant topical content".. This means that unsubstantiated generalizations about groups or political opponents is NOT ALONE sufficient as "specific topical content" anymore.. Yeah, you have to stop and think and spend a few calories composing a post..

2) Repetition, badgering, harassment, and repeatedly ignoring requests to clarify or answer questions MAY get you booted or warned... This may be specified in the official rules in the coming days.

3) Meme pics are OK - if they are about topic and NOT just personal and fit the definition of substantial and relevant.

4) Posts on the 1st two opening pages of a thread will be CHECKED by moderation when they visit.. These will be HIGHLY moderated, because the course of thread is determined largely in the 1st pages... If you're caught dropping into a brand new topic just to attack or flame -- you'll be warned and banned for one day.. Assuming there isn't more damage to the thread later on.. If you don't care to DISCUSS the topic first -- DONT DROP IN.. This is probably the most common issue we have with "tone", anger, and stinkyness of this place lately. It's a personality pile-on on Pg1.. Not happening anymore.. Keep a distance from members you consider "retards or morons".. Just ignore what you consider to be crap.. Don't prance thru it barefoot..

Transparency on Warnings.

In addition, to add to visibility of who and what is being warned, Moderation will be leaving visible WARNED posts and adding a flag like -- Mod Note: This is a WARNED post.. Do not reply to it.

Obviously it's a bit of public shaming, but more IMPORTANTLY it gives members feedback about the MASSIVE amount of work that moderation does here everyday.. It's also important to see EXAMPLES what what content and material is actionable and we HOPE folks will see daily what rules are enforced and how..

Note that we cannot do this for EVERY post that went into the warning.. If the member was warned for 3 or 10 posts -- the others will simply be deleted.. So you still wont know the EXTENT of ALL the work that was done on that thread, but it's a start on moderation transparency..

When we say "do not reply" we mean it.. If you have questions -- PM a mod or two..

---------------------------------------------------------

How about we stop there and make these adjustments and hope that improves the tone and anger issues? We realize that the problems this nation face right now don't ORIGINATE on USMB.. We just want to prove that Discussion boards are still relevant to IMPROVING the discussion in the land.. Understand that a fair number of members are here for the brawl.. That's why we created the Taunting Forums.. They are not gulags for punishment.. They are there for folks that WANT to brawl and not be constrained to topics.. We won't be moving as much stuff "downstairs".. A fair portion of failed threads will likely get closed instead.. But if you want ranty/flamey titles/OP/Posts -- we'll open more downstairs forums for that..

AyeCantSeeYou WillHaftawaite Coyote Kat Meister Dont Taz Me Bro

Have you considered taking some forums...............like general discussion and making them no politics zones? It is real hard to remember that some of these people are human. It could be the "almost anything goes" forum.

 

[Dogmaphobe]

Transparency on Warnings.

In addition, to add to visibility of who and what is being warned, Moderation will be leaving visible WARNED posts and adding a flag like -- Mod Note: This is a WARNED post.. Do not reply to it.

Of course, ACTUAL transparency would involve the mod who warned the post signing their name to the warning. Otherwise, there is obviously no transparency.

Will the mods be signing their names to these warnings?

 

[RetiredGySgt]

It's still entirely subjective.

Yup completely subjective and believe me there are several Mods that openly skirt the subjective line banning and deleting posts that embarrass THEM or their beliefs but are completely on topic. Further there are several mods that OPENLY do EXACTLY what WE are being warned not to do. Wanna bet THEIR posts don't get moderated?

 

[eagle1462010]

I appreciate a good warning instead of time in the hole. Just tell me to delete. I don't give a rat's ass. I will delete.
Thanks Mods...y'all negroes is solid n'sheeit.

It's only 2 or 3 warnings in a couple months that gets you "time in the hole".. And with making posting require a bit more effort -- I imagine some folks might be racking up warnings sooner than others...

I think I will fall into that category comfortably. As a high rate offender I truly appreciate ANY consideration.

How about a cruise for "hole time"?? We can lease a Carnival or Disney ship pretty cheap right now??
With no Internet access....

I saw enough water already to last a lifetime.........no deal on the cruise..........LOL

 

[citygator]

Starting when? I think I violated every rule in the last 2 hours.

 

[Deplorable Yankee]

We always HAVE been a Discussion board. We've always focused almost solely on getting thread topics to be discussed and not on arbitrary content issues.. STILL completely committed to the Free Speech thing.. But lately, the thread titles and Opening Posts have been giving Free Speech a bad name..

The basic rules are not gonna change much.. There's already a clause for not allowing "baiting and polarizing" Titles and OPs. That will be footnoted with something like the following..

Titles and Opening Posts
1) Title must contain sufficient clues about the ACTUAL expected discussion. Titles like "How stupid are These People" can't be SEARCHED or indexed for search for the use of members or mods to find and manage existing active threads.

2) Titles must be free of INFLAMMATORY words, name calling or "pet names".. Those things are what make a title "baiting".

3) The "user content" in OPs that the existing rules require needs to be "stepped up".. "Get a load of this" -- is no longer sufficient topical content"... Must be 2 lines or more.. The more the better.. Must SUMMARIZE the topic to be discussed and why you think it NEEDS discussion..

To sum that up.. We're REQUIRING the Original Posters to START a clean topical discussion.,. No more juiced incendiary titles and ranting OPs.. If it's important enough for you to dash to a keyboard to poke it in -- need to put in the effort to start the discussion with YOUR views of the topic..

Post Content
Currently the Rules require "specific topical content" in EVERY post.. And the moderation method for that is stone simple..

Post has "specific topical content" --- stop reading, ignore the rest, it's legal.
Post LACKS "specific topical content" -- It's illegal.. Delete and/or warn...

1) That rule will edited to read "must contain substantial and relevant topical content".. This means that unsubstantiated generalizations about groups or political opponents is NOT ALONE sufficient as "specific topical content" anymore.. Yeah, you have to stop and think and spend a few calories composing a post..

2) Repetition, badgering, harassment, and repeatedly ignoring requests to clarify or answer questions MAY get you booted or warned... This may be specified in the official rules in the coming days.

3) Meme pics are OK - if they are about topic and NOT just personal and fit the definition of substantial and relevant.

4) Posts on the 1st two opening pages of a thread will be CHECKED by moderation when they visit.. These will be HIGHLY moderated, because the course of thread is determined largely in the 1st pages... If you're caught dropping into a brand new topic just to attack or flame -- you'll be warned and banned for one day.. Assuming there isn't more damage to the thread later on.. If you don't care to DISCUSS the topic first -- DONT DROP IN.. This is probably the most common issue we have with "tone", anger, and stinkyness of this place lately. It's a personality pile-on on Pg1.. Not happening anymore.. Keep a distance from members you consider "retards or morons".. Just ignore what you consider to be crap.. Don't prance thru it barefoot..

Transparency on Warnings.

In addition, to add to visibility of who and what is being warned, Moderation will be leaving visible WARNED posts and adding a flag like -- Mod Note: This is a WARNED post.. Do not reply to it.

Obviously it's a bit of public shaming, but more IMPORTANTLY it gives members feedback about the MASSIVE amount of work that moderation does here everyday.. It's also important to see EXAMPLES what what content and material is actionable and we HOPE folks will see daily what rules are enforced and how..

Note that we cannot do this for EVERY post that went into the warning.. If the member was warned for 3 or 10 posts -- the others will simply be deleted.. So you still wont know the EXTENT of ALL the work that was done on that thread, but it's a start on moderation transparency..

When we say "do not reply" we mean it.. If you have questions -- PM a mod or two..

---------------------------------------------------------

How about we stop there and make these adjustments and hope that improves the tone and anger issues? We realize that the problems this nation face right now don't ORIGINATE on USMB.. We just want to prove that Discussion boards are still relevant to IMPROVING the discussion in the land.. Understand that a fair number of members are here for the brawl.. That's why we created the Taunting Forums.. They are not gulags for punishment.. They are there for folks that WANT to brawl and not be constrained to topics.. We won't be moving as much stuff "downstairs".. A fair portion of failed threads will likely get closed instead.. But if you want ranty/flamey titles/OP/Posts -- we'll open more downstairs forums for that..

AyeCantSeeYou WillHaftawaite Coyote Kat Meister Dont Taz Me Bro

I bet the leftards keep yas busy

 

[fncceo]

Herbert! Herbert!

 

[Oddball]

 

[flacaltenn]

Free speech is impervious to having a "bad name" and that makes speech you hate all the more difficult to tolerate but the Constitution says we must.

You're lecturing someone who didn't just discover freedoms, liberty and Civil Liberties.. Free speech gets a bad name when the MAJORITY of it personal slander, diversion, repetitious sloganeering, generalizing about groups, parties, and races.. In that sense, it has little value.. All that fancy talk was to preserve DIALOGUE, DEBATE, SCIENCE, RELIGION, not 4th grade level hissy fits and taunting...

 

[flacaltenn]

What happens when threads "wander"?

Threads always wander just like regular conversations, that's why an OP has to have some power in his/her own OP to police the thread and have flagged posts deleted...no questions asked.

That's not gonna happen.. If an OP neglects to REPORT topic diversions in their threads to moderation and it comes under moderation --- it's most likely gonna get closed because too many illegal off-topic (wandering) posts exists. THAT -- is the rule.. A no "wandering" rule..

And then the OP is gonna whine that moderation closed their "perfectly good thread" -- aren't ya? LOL... If you want wandering topic-less threads -- open them in Badlands. We'll never care if you "wander"...

 

[flacaltenn]

Did you know that Hershey's is making sugar cookie flavored Kisses for the holidays this year?

Dont tease...

 

[flacaltenn]

Transparency on Warnings.

In addition, to add to visibility of who and what is being warned, Moderation will be leaving visible WARNED posts and adding a flag like -- Mod Note: This is a WARNED post.. Do not reply to it.

Of course, ACTUAL transparency would involve the mod who warned the post signing their name to the warning. Otherwise, there is obviously no transparency.

Will the mods be signing their names to these warnings?

There's not a warning generated that doesn't have a moderator name on it if a PM is sent. Occasionally we'll hit the warn button before we check the box for PM and customize the warning.. USUALLY -- a follow-up PM comes right along behind that..

If anyone gets a mysterious warning with no mod included -- contact Mod Staff immediately and ANY mod can trace that with the thread link and tell you who sent it.. Would take 1.5 minutes..

Have you ASKED??? How many times has this happened to you?

 

[flacaltenn]

Starting when? I think I violated every rule in the last 2 hours.

You're probably good. But we have you now on record as "being informed".. LOL...

 

[Marion Morrison]

This is because I called that Billy with the "critical thinking" avatar out last night with an actual critical thinking exercise which he failed miserably at, huh?
3-minute MAX exercise...he failed.

 

[Dogmaphobe]

Transparency on Warnings.

In addition, to add to visibility of who and what is being warned, Moderation will be leaving visible WARNED posts and adding a flag like -- Mod Note: This is a WARNED post.. Do not reply to it.

Of course, ACTUAL transparency would involve the mod who warned the post signing their name to the warning. Otherwise, there is obviously no transparency.

Will the mods be signing their names to these warnings?

There's not a warning generated that doesn't have a moderator name on it if a PM is sent. Occasionally we'll hit the warn button before we check the box for PM and customize the warning.. USUALLY -- a follow-up PM comes right along behind that..

If anyone gets a mysterious warning with no mod included -- contact Mod Staff immediately and ANY mod can trace that with the thread link and tell you who sent it.. Would take 1.5 minutes..

Have you ASKED??? How many times has this happened to you?

How many times?

Almost all from the last 6-12 months or more, I would say. I can't think of too many that WEREN'T anonymous.

 

[flacaltenn]

Transparency on Warnings.

In addition, to add to visibility of who and what is being warned, Moderation will be leaving visible WARNED posts and adding a flag like -- Mod Note: This is a WARNED post.. Do not reply to it.

Of course, ACTUAL transparency would involve the mod who warned the post signing their name to the warning. Otherwise, there is obviously no transparency.

Will the mods be signing their names to these warnings?

There's not a warning generated that doesn't have a moderator name on it if a PM is sent. Occasionally we'll hit the warn button before we check the box for PM and customize the warning.. USUALLY -- a follow-up PM comes right along behind that..

If anyone gets a mysterious warning with no mod included -- contact Mod Staff immediately and ANY mod can trace that with the thread link and tell you who sent it.. Would take 1.5 minutes..

Have you ASKED??? How many times has this happened to you?

How many times?

Almost all from the last 6-12 months or more, I would say. I can't think of too many that WEREN'T anonymous.

We just went over this in private.. I know for a fact your six or seven warnings going back to last fall were completely identified.. Want me to post them here???