Thoughts on new policy (sorry guys, but lite-spam)

dj_venom · #1 (**permalink**) 08-15-2006, 07:22 AM

Okay, before I start, I'll link to this thread, so for those that aren't aware, you are now.

Let me get something straight right here and now:
* This thread is not 'admin/mod bashing'
* Is not about being negative/purely critical
* Is not a thead to see how quickly you can have locked, how many posts are deleted, or how many members are punished.

I want this thread to run it's natural course, so please, no making dams.

~ * ~

And that's the disclaimer out of the way, time for the juicy stuff. So, we've heard about the new policy on thread limiting/post limiting. My question to you, is what are your thoughts on it?

Let's get some facts down:
1) It was not implemented by a bunch of terrorists/hackers; it had the support of Buck and all the SYM mods, as well as a large majority I am informed
2) It had already been much deliberated about by the moderators, so I daresay most, if not all, points have been covered
3) Rule #1 of GB rules applies not only to other members, but to the moderators/admins and the forum in general (rules)
4) As I mentioned earlier, mods decided... so posting that it'll make it tougher... well, doesn't make much sense
5) If you're going to raise points (which you can, but be civil), just keep in mind something: as I mentioned, this has been decided by mods... mods who had moderated for many, many years... also, by Buck, who started this whole site... so they know what they're doing

So, you can say your opinion (afterall, it is speak your mind), but STAY CIVIL. If you start flaming, if you get heated, if you lose your head, then walk away from your computer, become calm, then post. And remember, if you want to make some outlandish statement (eg. that locking the threads after 500 posts would increase posts by 75%... well then, you'd better back that up with stats

). And for that matter, try and justify anything.

So...stay calm, stay civil, and remember, while the thread is fine with the rules at the moment, it takes no time at all for it all to go South, so think about what you post.

And of course, you can be either for or against the policy, so don't feel pressured into pushing the party line to avoid punishment, or conflicting just to be different. Just speak your mind.

Greg. · #2 (**permalink**) 08-15-2006, 08:13 AM

On one hand, it could reduce spam, but on the other, it has led to several spam threads being made.

I don't spam OVERMUCH, but I think we should leave it for a month or two to see how it works out...

Vicsun · #3 (**permalink**) 08-15-2006, 08:16 AM

Before this thread's reply-rate skyrockets, I'd like to hear what you people think the consequences (negative or positive) of the policy will be, since I can't honestly envision that many.

Oh, and in case someone gets the wrong idea, this view is my own and not some official "moderator stance". I actually kind of doubt we can ever have an official unanimous stance on anything, since we're just such a diverse group of people

edit: @Greg, why would it reduce or increase spam? If a new thread is created after 1500 posts, won't posters just continue posting at the same rate in the new thread?

dj_venom · #4 (**permalink**) 08-15-2006, 08:17 AM

I had a couple of opinions, some have been debunked, but my thoughts at the moment are similar to Greg, to give it a probation period.

Greg. · #5 (**permalink**) 08-15-2006, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vicsun

edit: @Greg, why would it reduce or increase spam? If a new thread is created after 1500 posts, won't posters just continue posting at the same rate in the new thread?

People tend to post in the same threads... It's a security thing...

I may be wrong, but that was my first impression. Like I said, I'll wait and see...

Juniper · #6 (**permalink**) 08-15-2006, 08:24 AM

Is it really easier to mod multiple spam threads? when each of them could grow by many pages per day?

Its hard to keep up with so many new threads about....

I have opinions of my own on all of this...I dunno, its a wait and see thing.

Vicsun · #7 (**permalink**) 08-15-2006, 08:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GregtheSleeper

People tend to post in the same threads... It's a security thing...

I'm afraid I don't understand this. Why would people not post in a newer thread?

Greg. · #8 (**permalink**) 08-15-2006, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vicsun

I'm afraid I don't understand this. Why would people not post in a newer thread?

I did say MORE or LESS.

A change in pattern is probably going to happen in the short term...

Siberys · #9 (**permalink**) 08-15-2006, 08:36 AM

Before I became a moderator, it was rather intimidating to me to try and join a spam thread. I saw the heathen citidel at first, and it was huge back then and still is huge now.

While it may create more threads in the process and bump serious ones to the next page, I think it's better for the community to adapt itself into, to make it a little easier on new members.

And just so you know, when this was being decided, the new policy and all, I didn't say my opinion about it at all, so please don't think "Well you're a moderator, you prolly already thought it was a good idea when it first started simply because your a mod," as that is not at all the case. I had only known about the new policy when buck posted it for the public to see, so I AM making an unbiased opinion here.

dj_venom · #10 (**permalink**) 08-15-2006, 08:39 AM

Yeah, Sib, I'm not saying any particular mod is responsible. I don't know who was for or against, I just heard that SYM was in support, and that overall there was a majority.

shana · #11 (**permalink**) 08-15-2006, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GregtheSleeper

People tend to post in the same threads... It's a security thing...

The criticism of the SS was that it was clique-y and newer members were not as likely to feel comfortable posting in it. It took me a long time before I did, because it seemed like I would be intruding in a private conversation. ( I got over it, of course!!

)

Perhaps, the administration felt that the forum would seem friendlier to newcomers by implementing a post limit?

Vicsun · #12 (**permalink**) 08-15-2006, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shana

The criticism of the SS was that it was clique-y and newer members were not as likely to feel comfortable posting in it.

According to who?

Luis Antonio · #13 (**permalink**) 08-15-2006, 08:51 AM

Quote:

While it may create more threads in the process and bump serious ones to the next page, I think it's better for the community to adapt itself into, to make it a little easier on new members.

As you know, I disagree with this, but ok, let us settle this matter after this phrase: New posters can take care of themselves. That's my opinion.

I shall step aside for a while, and tell what I think about it all later.

mr_sir · #14 (**permalink**) 08-15-2006, 08:51 AM

The policy was not introduced to try and reduce spam, the main reason was to help the SYM mods. As far as I know, none of the mods want to reduce spam in SYM or cause a negative effect on it. It is simply to help the SYM mods life easier. In my view it is a good thing as it will also help newer members get involved in spam threads on SYM. They have more choice where to post and joining smaller threads is probably less intimidating than attempting to join in a thread that has had the same people posting in it for pages and pages on end. Also, more spam specific threads means a bit more variation.

I'd just like to add, these last few comments made by myself are my views, not necessarily those of the other mods as the main reason for the policy change is to make life easier for the SYM mods in the long term.