IranPlanet.net?

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hyperlexian suggested that me and Tequila should make our own thread about our problems with the mods, so here we go.

The moderators are far too authoritarian these days. Instead of being fairly laid back but enforcing the rules when an offense was actually bothering other members and/or going over the line, as used to be the policy here on WP, they just jump on absolutely everything they can, whenever they can. Even in the adult section, they're blocking not just the OTT threads that pop up now and then, but things they describe as "adult content". In the adult section. And since there rules of WP are so vague, it is easy for the mods to bend them to justify whatever the hell is they want.

A mod even told me that my whole thread was deleted because another member made one post which that mod felt took it too far. I don't want to get into an argument about that again because it'll just lead to another flamewar, but it demonstrates the attitude of the mods and their readiness to delete things simply because they have the power to do so.

The title of this thread comes from a comment made by yet another member in a thread where a moderator removed a trailer for a 15 rated movie, in the adult section, which was openly available on YouTube. Yet another example.

I guess what I'm trying to do here is reach out to the mods and say, look guys, we know you need to keep the forum in line and everything, and on a forum this big, that can't be an easy job, but going all Kim Jong Il on our asses isn't helping anyone. Dealing with members who deliberately upset others or post meaningless rubbish which makes little sense to cause arguments (I can think of a member who does that all the time, but I'd probably get told off if I mentioned a username) and dealing with OTT threads which are completely uncivilised is what needs to be done, but jumping on long term members for technicalities is counterproductive and frustrating for all involved.

Last edited by Asp-Z on 30 Nov 2011, 5:36 pm, edited 1 time in total.

I agree. The forum should be accessible and easy to all. Have a few rules, fairly enforced, and as little open to personal interpretation as possible. State what is acceptable and what isn't and leave it at that. And try not to turn into the autistic branch of the mutaween please.

Thanks.

I'm in absolute agreement. I've no idea what a mutaween is though.

We're currently in discussions about getting a few minor edits made to the rules for both member and moderator benefit. If you think the rules could be tightened up, then I'm with you both. The rules are rather vague, so we just do our best. But you can't please everybody all the time.

Thank you for your support on this matter.

The 'mutaween' are the Saudi religious police. They strike terror and fear into the local population through their rather vicious and arbitrary application of Sharia law as laid down by the Islamist junta currently ruling the place. They walk around with massive sticks. More on the subject here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Committee_for_the_Propagation_of_Virtue_and_the_Prevention_of_Vice_(Saudi_Arabia)).

I do have a massive stick, but I rarely wield it without very good reason. (my banhammer, sewer brains)

The rules may need a bit of clarifaction, however the way they are enforced needs to stay the same. Just my opinion of course.

I don't know of any structure in place to stop moderator abuse. What is the exact relationship between the admins and the moderators?

What good are these changes going to do if the people who enforce them aren't being monitored? You obviously imply that in the OP that is happening, but changing the rules they enforce won't do anything concerning themselves being kept in line. You'll still have the same power structure, but with tighter rules so more people get kicked.

You could have a mess on your hands if you make the rules tighter than necessary. Because the tighter/stricter you make speech rules, the more likely the enforcers can abuse it. Maybe not now, but later from some other people.

Indeed.

"Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?"

I don't think the rules need to be tighter. More precise, but not tighter. I think some good can come of loosening a few up, too.

Yup - I agree with this. Some of the rules stifle a free expression of ideas and debate which isn't healthy for a debating forum.

"Precise" means "tighter" in this case. At least to me.

And of course some clown is going to think I am promoting hate speech again...

Alex. That good enough for ya?

If there is uncontrolled moderator power, then I think we're doing okay, we give everyone a lot of rope.

I personally haven't banned anyone in weeks. And god, there's dozens of folk I'd just love to can

If it was my forum and my rules, I'd be much, much less tolerant.

It's not about kicking people, I never like doing it, except to the obvious trolls. I'd rather not have to do bans.

Rules changes can't be made without Alex's say so, so in that respect he would be overseeing them. He might not care to.

My only intention is to make them clearer, mainly so the mods don't have to spend so much time dickering with someone who wants to complain when we remove their titty videos or whatever. Alex himself recently demanded the removal of something far tamer, so we follow his precedent.

But yeah, I can see that members find things difficult to follow at times, though the vast majority of members seem to have no problem posting in a reasonable, respectful fashion, and respond well when it is indicated that they need to modify some behaviour.

It's not as though Alex is an infallible superbeing who knows how to create a utopian message board (unless he is, in which case, I look forward to it).

But if you can convince him to find someone who really cares to admin the place, that would be smashing in my book: mods and members alike struggle for a lack of someone present at the controls. More guidance and supervision and tighter rules would all be great as far as I am concerned.

Alex who is rarely around you mean?

You don't seem too bad Cornflake - you have a sense of humour and a good-naturedness about you. Perhaps the job will jade you but I hope not. Rather you than me in any case. I hate moderating anything - too much responsibility. I'd rather be chucking brickbats instead.

That's what I meant.



Possibly.

Yeah, I really did not know and did not want to overstep and make any assumptions. Thanks.