Moderation/Back-to-back (& somtimes more) posts

[TooLiveBrew]

This is an honest general question: Has the moderating been scaled back a bit thus far in the season? It seems there's a noticeably higher amount of name-calling (non-cuss-words) & consecutive posting that's been going on so far. I might just be the old man/Andy Rooney on this, but one thing I love about BF's forums is how they're vastly different from 95+% of sports team message boards. I guess I'm spoiled, as this is clearly still true. However, it seems to have become more & more commonplace lately for what I previously understood to be frowned upon & moderated here to just get posted & overlooked.

 

I want to stress that I think the moderation here has been stellar for as long as I've been frequenting the forums, and am curious to perhaps get some help in understanding if there is some credence to what I think seems like it's true lately, or if I've just randomly happened to encounter some stuff that's been missed or deemed 'just fine' by those in positions to determine things like this. Thanks in advance.

[Thurston Fluff]

I know I back to backed it once today though I try not to. It was because I posted one thought and someone posted another while I was writting my original. Since I wanted to respond to that one as well I started another post. I've actually wondered what the right protocol is for that situation. Should i just edit the last one or is it ok to double post in that situation?

[PeaveyFury]

I don't think there's a huge problem with back to back posts on occasion, though I think it's preferable to respond to multiple posts in the same post if possible. When it gets to be three or more in a row as we've had on occasion, then it's a problem.

[TheCrew07]

What about every other post type posters, which I think is more what TLB is referring to? There are people doing that on a consistent basis on both BF.net and LL.net. It's never a good thing to have 20 posts in a single thread.

[logan82]

I agree with TLB's original post. There does seem to be less moderation recently. Unless strikes have been handed out in private, but it seems like more things are going by without remark from moderators. The overall tone of the board is still more respectful than other boards, but there seems to be more name calling than previously. I am pretty sure TLB meant persons who were triple and quadruple posting.

[pitchleague]

I'll apologize for myself and any lack of moderating from my short stint thus far. As I've only been a moderator for a little under 2 weeks, I'm still learning the ropes. And, man, the manual that Brian gives us . . . whew! And I thought War and Peace was a tough, long read.

[And That]

Everyone in this thread has been given a strike. Everyone!

 

Edit: Posting twice gives you two strikes.

[pitchleague]

Including yourself, I would hope.

[TooLiveBrew]

AT -- perhaps this thread deserves its own forum as well? http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/wink.gif

 

 

I'll apologize for myself and any lack of moderating from my short stint thus far. As I've only been a moderator for a little under 2 weeks, I'm still learning the ropes.

 

So... hang him, or burn him?

[1992casey]

These are all legitimate concerns. I don't think they've arisen because of a decreased moderator presence. Rather, I think there is a combination of factors involved, the most prevalent being the increased number of posts since the start of the season.

 

Although I agree that condescending posts have increased significantly, this is an issue that's always been a bit tricky. To be fair to members, I think mods like to look for hot-button words or phrases, then advise, warn, or strike based on those. What we seem to be seeing lately is that messages are containing a lot of scolding.

 

While dealing with a message's tone is much more subjective than simply looking for obvious verbiage, I think we're likely going to have to make a foray into addressing this stuff more directly. I think a good example of this is the current designated Yost thread. If you compare it to the previous Yost thread, you see a definite difference in the tone of the discussion.

 

Going along with the increased scolding is the increased venting. Posts can be moved to the vent thread. However, not all mods are totally comfortable using the Yuku toys for pulling that off.

 

Maybe we should simply hide more of the problematic posts. Many people see that as censorship. The other side of the coin is that hiding posts is probably the most expeditious way toward keeping Brewerfan beautiful.

 

As far as back to back posts (and back to back to back posts), I'm in definite agreement that we're seeing way to much of that. As Peavey says, occasional occurrences are OK; sometimes it's really difficult to combine two completely unrelated thoughts into one post. Right now, however, it looks like several people are reading a thread, responding to a post, reading a bit further, responding again, etc. That's lousy netiquette.

 

backupcatchers, my gut says you've used good judgment if you've back to backed. I've seen nothing that you've done that has tripped my trigger. http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/wink.gif As far as deciding whether to add a new reply or whether to edit, I'd consider the significance of the new information along with where it best fits.

 

TheCrew07 brings up an interesting point. While there are occasional exceptions, when one member dominates a thread, there's usually a problem. We've locked threads for exactly that reason. On LambeauLeap, it may be a bit more natural for that to happen, though, given the board's significantly smaller membership.

 

One thing that hasn't been mentioned is that we seem to getting more posts that will quote a previous post, then say something like, "Great post!", "I agree!", etc. Those aren't necessary at all. If a member wishes to add to a previous point, fine. If not, don't post. Mods have been hiding an increasing number of these posts.

 

Going along with this, I've found myself paring back quite a few lengthy quoted passages that simply don't contribute to the message at hand. I'd encourage members to attempt to abide by the guidelines given in the "Quoting messages: please be brief" thread that's still featured in the Major League forum. I do know that one member has expressed to me that he's had trouble editing quotes. In a case like that, mods are glad to pitch in and help.

 

To try to be proactive about preventing potential problems, one thing that's been going on behind the scenes is that a lot more membership applications are being denied. Since April 9, 19 applications have been approved while 18 applications have been denied.

[TooLiveBrew]

First of all, great post casey, and thanks for weighing in. Secondly, backupcatchers, I echo casey's sentiment. I kind of chuckled to see that you responded first, since I hadn't ever noticed you back-to-backing. http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif

On the denied applications -- was it people who've been banned trying to get back on? I'm just curious what goes into the process there... then again, it's really none of my business at the same time.


One thing that hasn't been mentioned is that we seem to getting more posts that will quote a previous post, then say something like, "Great post!", "I agree!", etc. Those aren't necessary at all. If a member wishes to add to a previous point, fine. If not, don't post. Mods have been hiding an increasing number of these posts

I agree!

Ok, just kidding - though I do agree. However, I think this is tricky -- I know sometimes it's really neat to see people have noticed or believe the same thing you posted. When I chime in with an "I agree!" post, I always try to expand, if only a little bit.


Going along with this, I've found myself paring back quite a few lengthy quoted passages that simply don't contribute to the message at hand. I'd encourage members to attempt to abide by the guidelines given in the "Quoting messages: please be brief" thread that's still featured in the Major League forum.

No offense to any one poster in particular, but what casey is talking about here has gotten really obnoxious. It's not hard to not quote an entire block of posts, and imo it's just pure laziness to not crop it down. This is certainly something that's new, and I feel like since a lot of other message boards have no problem with this, people are also just in the habit of not having to monitor themselves.

[1992casey]

People tend to not pay attention to MBA (membership by approval) instructions. They're asked to compose a membership statement in paragraph form. Instead, stuff like, "Go Brewers," "I want to post here," and "Let me in" is submitted.

 

The second last paragraph of the application instructions asks for a paragraph, and it says, "the content and quality of your message will be our first impression of you." Here's the current content of the MBA instructions:

Thank you for your interest in becoming a member of the Brewerfan.net Fan Forum.

The steps in our membership process are described below.

 

First, please read our Rules of Conduct. By continuing in this application process, you agree to the terms stated in the site guidelines. Forum staff reserve the right to suspend or ban members who violate the rules as outlined in the link above.

 

Please note that Brewerfan's goal is to maintain a civil and mature posting environment, where the discussion is thoughtful, substantive, and above all, respectful. Among other things, we don't allow "smack talk," condescension, AOL speak, or foul language.

If you want a place to blow off steam by declaring players or team staff worthless when the Brewers play poorly, this is not the forum for you. If you want to discuss the Brewers intelligently and respectfully, then this may indeed be the place for you.

 

Second, please send us a message telling us how you found our site and why you wish to join this online community. We aren't asking for your whole life story, just a paragraph on what interests you about the Brewers and what you think you can contribute to the discussion here. The content and quality of your message will be our first impression of you, as well as the basis of the decision of whether we allow you to post here - so please put some thought into your statement.

 

If you are interested in continuing after reading the rules, please compose your membership statement and click the SEND button. You will be notified via email of your membership status. Thank you.