Proposal for New USMB "Invite Only" Threads.

[OldLady]

Basically just a Debate Forum with more than two members. Nothing wrong with that, except most of the spammers here are not here to debate, they're here to spam, and shut down the other Party's spam. Don't see how it can be 'un-moderated', and in any case the 'Group' feature worked just fine for that , didn't it?

Try a 'No memes' rule and a no fake news rule, see if that will work. lol ...

Nah, memes are the best part, half the time.

 

[Dalia]

Now I have a headache

I do not understand anything either I hope that Lucy Hamilton will slip me among the Americain conservatives , i hope so ?

 

[Meathead]

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.

Sounds very safespaceish

 

[flacaltenn]

I was a member of a couple of groups when we had them. I barely ever posted in them though. I'm here to fight leftist douchebaggery in public!

I've been thinking about that, too. Do I know six reasonable conservatives? Yeah, probably. It would take some work to come up with six, though.

Like I said earlier -- you take folks OFF the battlefield and reason with them without the constant conflict -- and you'd be SHOCKED (I mean SHOCKED) how reasonable they become. I've had that opportunity with folks who in the constant thread wars seem like jerks become trusted friends to converse with.

In a sense -- USMB is doing a dis-service to Amer. discourse by putting every one on the front lines in every thread. Time to change that.

Smaller convos usually are more productive anyways. Even without the legions of tribal warriors and trolls..

Are posters from other boards saying that USMB is corroding their language? Are they going to FB and saying "Hey, I can say that on USMB!"
I agree with you, by the way, that we all have some responsibility for behaving like human beings, even if we are on social media.

Heck, I sure HOPE they are telling Google, Facebook, Twitter that "they can say that on USMB". That's why I'm hoping WE survive the political apocalypse and they don't. ( I can fantasize right?)

To be brutally honest -- this whole "invite only" feature is an attempt to position us a message board with relevance in the social media world. Doing it by REQUIRING some poster discipline and giving spaces for EVERY TYPE of conversion that folks want to have.

Honestly? It's way too much noise and conflict for me anymore. It's not increasing my learning about Current Events, the Enviro, Politics, Intl Relations in this kind of toxic national environment. The "shell shock" is constant. Everywhere you go. This "feature" is nothing more but an evil plot to make us LESS like the noise and spectable of Jerry Springer and a BIT more like "Crossfire". You young-uns go look that up ya hear...

Self-moderation, ability of self association, discipline, more moderate convos. I don't think the moderation problems are gonna be the "invited".. Pretty clear we're pissing off some people just by adding a CHOICE like this. Sorry kids. It's time to turn down the noise SOMEWHERE on USMB..

 

[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.

Sounds very safespaceish

No more a safe space than a candidate debate stage or Congressional committee hearing. Think of it as a private party. Can get testy and rowdy. But folks will probably leave as friends. Am I a dreamer or what?

 

[Meathead]

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.

Sounds very safespaceish

No more a safe space than a candidate debate stage or Congressional committee hearing. Think of it as a private party. Can get testy and rowdy. But folks will probably leave as friends. Am I a dreamer or what?

It's a bit of a Kum-Bay-Yah thing.

 

[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.

Sounds very safespaceish

No more a safe space than a candidate debate stage or Congressional committee hearing. Think of it as a private party. Can get testy and rowdy. But folks will probably leave as friends. Am I a dreamer or what?

It's a bit of a Kum-Bay-Yah thing.

It CAN be. Depends on who you're "comfortable" discussing with. You want to be a parrot head or ditto head -- fine. I'm hoping it will go further than that. Anybody uses it AS an echo chamber is in safe space. Others just want a smaller good discussion without the taggers and peanut gallery noise - NOT a "safe space"..

 

[eagle1462010]

Our nation is divided to extreme on issues. In politics itsi a blood letting and is getting worse. Compromise has been replaced with lines in the sand and leads us to a verbal Warning with each other.

It's just the way it is today. Moderates used to be the negotiators, but now. Not so much.

 

[Gracie]

Heck, I sure HOPE they are telling Google, Facebook, Twitter that "they can say that on USMB".

Why not say it yourself? USMB has a twitter acct but no staff ever advertises it there. I used to but stopped. Now I am political free over there. Just pretty stuff, pleasant stuff, NO POLITICS will ever be discussed by me over there.
Anyway...you should tweet at twitter, flac. Advertise.

 

[Bruce_T_Laney]

I was a member of a couple of groups when we had them. I barely ever posted in them though. I'm here to fight leftist douchebaggery in public!

I've been thinking about that, too. Do I know six reasonable conservatives? Yeah, probably. It would take some work to come up with six, though.

Like I said earlier -- you take folks OFF the battlefield and reason with them without the constant conflict -- and you'd be SHOCKED (I mean SHOCKED) how reasonable they become. I've had that opportunity with folks who in the constant thread wars seem like jerks become trusted friends to converse with.

In a sense -- USMB is doing a dis-service to Amer. discourse by putting every one on the front lines in every thread. Time to change that.

Smaller convos usually are more productive anyways. Even without the legions of tribal warriors and trolls..

Are posters from other boards saying that USMB is corroding their language? Are they going to FB and saying "Hey, I can say that on USMB!"
I agree with you, by the way, that we all have some responsibility for behaving like human beings, even if we are on social media.

Heck, I sure HOPE they are telling Google, Facebook, Twitter that "they can say that on USMB". That's why I'm hoping WE survive the political apocalypse and they don't. ( I can fantasize right?)

To be brutally honest -- this whole "invite only" feature is an attempt to position us a message board with relevance in the social media world. Doing it by REQUIRING some poster discipline and giving spaces for EVERY TYPE of conversion that folks want to have.

Honestly? It's way too much noise and conflict for me anymore. It's not increasing my learning about Current Events, the Enviro, Politics, Intl Relations in this kind of toxic national environment. The "shell shock" is constant. Everywhere you go. This "feature" is nothing more but an evil plot to make us LESS like the noise and spectable of Jerry Springer and a BIT more like "Crossfire". You young-uns go look that up ya hear...

Self-moderation, ability of self association, discipline, more moderate convos. I don't think the moderation problems are gonna be the "invited".. Pretty clear we're pissing off some people just by adding a CHOICE like this. Sorry kids. It's time to turn down the noise SOMEWHERE on USMB..

Of course it is not going to be the ones that are invited that will give the staff the headache, it will be the ones melting because they can not join in the Reindeer games...

( Well unless I am invited then it depends which polar mood I am in that day, so note do not invite me!!! )

Good luck and I might give it a spin...

 

[OldLady]

I was a member of a couple of groups when we had them. I barely ever posted in them though. I'm here to fight leftist douchebaggery in public!

I've been thinking about that, too. Do I know six reasonable conservatives? Yeah, probably. It would take some work to come up with six, though.

Like I said earlier -- you take folks OFF the battlefield and reason with them without the constant conflict -- and you'd be SHOCKED (I mean SHOCKED) how reasonable they become. I've had that opportunity with folks who in the constant thread wars seem like jerks become trusted friends to converse with.

In a sense -- USMB is doing a dis-service to Amer. discourse by putting every one on the front lines in every thread. Time to change that.

Smaller convos usually are more productive anyways. Even without the legions of tribal warriors and trolls..

Are posters from other boards saying that USMB is corroding their language? Are they going to FB and saying "Hey, I can say that on USMB!"
I agree with you, by the way, that we all have some responsibility for behaving like human beings, even if we are on social media.

Heck, I sure HOPE they are telling Google, Facebook, Twitter that "they can say that on USMB". That's why I'm hoping WE survive the political apocalypse and they don't. ( I can fantasize right?)

To be brutally honest -- this whole "invite only" feature is an attempt to position us a message board with relevance in the social media world. Doing it by REQUIRING some poster discipline and giving spaces for EVERY TYPE of conversion that folks want to have.

Honestly? It's way too much noise and conflict for me anymore. It's not increasing my learning about Current Events, the Enviro, Politics, Intl Relations in this kind of toxic national environment. The "shell shock" is constant. Everywhere you go. This "feature" is nothing more but an evil plot to make us LESS like the noise and spectable of Jerry Springer and a BIT more like "Crossfire". You young-uns go look that up ya hear...

Self-moderation, ability of self association, discipline, more moderate convos. I don't think the moderation problems are gonna be the "invited".. Pretty clear we're pissing off some people just by adding a CHOICE like this. Sorry kids. It's time to turn down the noise SOMEWHERE on USMB..

You've always been a dreamer, FCT. If you care what my opinion is, it sounds fine. Good luck.

 

[Zander]

Dumb is what dumb does.....

 

[flacaltenn]

Heck, I sure HOPE they are telling Google, Facebook, Twitter that "they can say that on USMB".

Why not say it yourself? USMB has a twitter acct but no staff ever advertises it there. I used to but stopped. Now I am political free over there. Just pretty stuff, pleasant stuff, NO POLITICS will ever be discussed by me over there.
Anyway...you should tweet at twitter, flac. Advertise.

It's on a list of things to do. Afraid we'd get crouch blocked by the Twits if we made any comparisons.. LOL.. Only time I ever hit the USMB twitter feed was when I locked myself out about 3 years ago.



One of the Admins actually monitors it. It SHOULD be up to the "suits" to do the advertising. We're just the "editorial" staff.

 

[Bruce_T_Laney]

I was a member of a couple of groups when we had them. I barely ever posted in them though. I'm here to fight leftist douchebaggery in public!

I've been thinking about that, too. Do I know six reasonable conservatives? Yeah, probably. It would take some work to come up with six, though.

Like I said earlier -- you take folks OFF the battlefield and reason with them without the constant conflict -- and you'd be SHOCKED (I mean SHOCKED) how reasonable they become. I've had that opportunity with folks who in the constant thread wars seem like jerks become trusted friends to converse with.

In a sense -- USMB is doing a dis-service to Amer. discourse by putting every one on the front lines in every thread. Time to change that.

Smaller convos usually are more productive anyways. Even without the legions of tribal warriors and trolls..

Are posters from other boards saying that USMB is corroding their language? Are they going to FB and saying "Hey, I can say that on USMB!"
I agree with you, by the way, that we all have some responsibility for behaving like human beings, even if we are on social media.

Heck, I sure HOPE they are telling Google, Facebook, Twitter that "they can say that on USMB". That's why I'm hoping WE survive the political apocalypse and they don't. ( I can fantasize right?)

To be brutally honest -- this whole "invite only" feature is an attempt to position us a message board with relevance in the social media world. Doing it by REQUIRING some poster discipline and giving spaces for EVERY TYPE of conversion that folks want to have.

Honestly? It's way too much noise and conflict for me anymore. It's not increasing my learning about Current Events, the Enviro, Politics, Intl Relations in this kind of toxic national environment. The "shell shock" is constant. Everywhere you go. This "feature" is nothing more but an evil plot to make us LESS like the noise and spectable of Jerry Springer and a BIT more like "Crossfire". You young-uns go look that up ya hear...

Self-moderation, ability of self association, discipline, more moderate convos. I don't think the moderation problems are gonna be the "invited".. Pretty clear we're pissing off some people just by adding a CHOICE like this. Sorry kids. It's time to turn down the noise SOMEWHERE on USMB..

You've always been a dreamer, FCT. If you care what my opinion is, it sounds fine. Good luck.

Old Lady is going to be my first invite and the discussion will be about illegal immigration, gangs, cartels, the history, the future and anything she suggests is most likely incorrect...

 

[OldLady]

I've been thinking about that, too. Do I know six reasonable conservatives? Yeah, probably. It would take some work to come up with six, though.

Like I said earlier -- you take folks OFF the battlefield and reason with them without the constant conflict -- and you'd be SHOCKED (I mean SHOCKED) how reasonable they become. I've had that opportunity with folks who in the constant thread wars seem like jerks become trusted friends to converse with.

In a sense -- USMB is doing a dis-service to Amer. discourse by putting every one on the front lines in every thread. Time to change that.

Smaller convos usually are more productive anyways. Even without the legions of tribal warriors and trolls..

Are posters from other boards saying that USMB is corroding their language? Are they going to FB and saying "Hey, I can say that on USMB!"
I agree with you, by the way, that we all have some responsibility for behaving like human beings, even if we are on social media.

Heck, I sure HOPE they are telling Google, Facebook, Twitter that "they can say that on USMB". That's why I'm hoping WE survive the political apocalypse and they don't. ( I can fantasize right?)

To be brutally honest -- this whole "invite only" feature is an attempt to position us a message board with relevance in the social media world. Doing it by REQUIRING some poster discipline and giving spaces for EVERY TYPE of conversion that folks want to have.

Honestly? It's way too much noise and conflict for me anymore. It's not increasing my learning about Current Events, the Enviro, Politics, Intl Relations in this kind of toxic national environment. The "shell shock" is constant. Everywhere you go. This "feature" is nothing more but an evil plot to make us LESS like the noise and spectable of Jerry Springer and a BIT more like "Crossfire". You young-uns go look that up ya hear...

Self-moderation, ability of self association, discipline, more moderate convos. I don't think the moderation problems are gonna be the "invited".. Pretty clear we're pissing off some people just by adding a CHOICE like this. Sorry kids. It's time to turn down the noise SOMEWHERE on USMB..

You've always been a dreamer, FCT. If you care what my opinion is, it sounds fine. Good luck.

Old Lady is going to be my first invite and the discussion will be about illegal immigration, gangs, cartels, the history, the future and anything she suggests is most likely incorrect...

Oh brother.

 

[Gracie]

Heck, I sure HOPE they are telling Google, Facebook, Twitter that "they can say that on USMB".

Why not say it yourself? USMB has a twitter acct but no staff ever advertises it there. I used to but stopped. Now I am political free over there. Just pretty stuff, pleasant stuff, NO POLITICS will ever be discussed by me over there.
Anyway...you should tweet at twitter, flac. Advertise.

It's on a list of things to do. Afraid we'd get crouch blocked by the Twits if we made any comparisons.. LOL.. Only time I ever hit the USMB twitter feed was when I locked myself out about 3 years ago.



One of the Admins actually monitors it. It SHOULD be up to the "suits" to do the advertising. We're just the "editorial" staff.

I never really mentioned anything about this place. I think I did once..like.."need more than blah blah characters to say what you want to say? Go here". Mostly I just tweeted threads. But then I got a bunch of flack because most are liberals over there.

 

[Darkwind]

we need more opportunities for echo chambers and circle jerks.

excellent idea

We already have that. Two camps. The echo chamber of the progressives and the echo chamber of the GOP.

Nothing would change with this program other than perhaps a little civility.

 

[flacaltenn]

Like I said earlier -- you take folks OFF the battlefield and reason with them without the constant conflict -- and you'd be SHOCKED (I mean SHOCKED) how reasonable they become. I've had that opportunity with folks who in the constant thread wars seem like jerks become trusted friends to converse with.

In a sense -- USMB is doing a dis-service to Amer. discourse by putting every one on the front lines in every thread. Time to change that.

Smaller convos usually are more productive anyways. Even without the legions of tribal warriors and trolls..

Are posters from other boards saying that USMB is corroding their language? Are they going to FB and saying "Hey, I can say that on USMB!"
I agree with you, by the way, that we all have some responsibility for behaving like human beings, even if we are on social media.

Heck, I sure HOPE they are telling Google, Facebook, Twitter that "they can say that on USMB". That's why I'm hoping WE survive the political apocalypse and they don't. ( I can fantasize right?)

To be brutally honest -- this whole "invite only" feature is an attempt to position us a message board with relevance in the social media world. Doing it by REQUIRING some poster discipline and giving spaces for EVERY TYPE of conversion that folks want to have.

Honestly? It's way too much noise and conflict for me anymore. It's not increasing my learning about Current Events, the Enviro, Politics, Intl Relations in this kind of toxic national environment. The "shell shock" is constant. Everywhere you go. This "feature" is nothing more but an evil plot to make us LESS like the noise and spectable of Jerry Springer and a BIT more like "Crossfire". You young-uns go look that up ya hear...

Self-moderation, ability of self association, discipline, more moderate convos. I don't think the moderation problems are gonna be the "invited".. Pretty clear we're pissing off some people just by adding a CHOICE like this. Sorry kids. It's time to turn down the noise SOMEWHERE on USMB..

You've always been a dreamer, FCT. If you care what my opinion is, it sounds fine. Good luck.

Old Lady is going to be my first invite and the discussion will be about illegal immigration, gangs, cartels, the history, the future and anything she suggests is most likely incorrect...

Oh brother.

I suggest you accept the invite. Because Bruce's hor's doeurves are to die for. And you could take him in an alley fight anyways..

 

[sakinago]

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.

Love the idea. Few questions/request.

Is there a way we will be able (or create) a notification that lets you know if you’ve been invited?

What if in the creation of the thread, the OP forgets to add someone in the initial invite. Will there be a way to add them in a later post?

 

[eagle1462010]

Heck, I sure HOPE they are telling Google, Facebook, Twitter that "they can say that on USMB".

Why not say it yourself? USMB has a twitter acct but no staff ever advertises it there. I used to but stopped. Now I am political free over there. Just pretty stuff, pleasant stuff, NO POLITICS will ever be discussed by me over there.
Anyway...you should tweet at twitter, flac. Advertise.

It's on a list of things to do. Afraid we'd get crouch blocked by the Twits if we made any comparisons.. LOL.. Only time I ever hit the USMB twitter feed was when I locked myself out about 3 years ago.



One of the Admins actually monitors it. It SHOULD be up to the "suits" to do the advertising. We're just the "editorial" staff.

I never really mentioned anything about this place. I think I did once..like.."need more than blah blah characters to say what you want to say? Go here". Mostly I just tweeted threads. But then I got a bunch of flack because most are liberals over there.