Self moderated threads are harmful

[espringe]

On one of the threads in the gambling section someone asked about investing 100 btc, to which I replied with what most would consider a very reasonable advise. Within literally 30 or 40 seconds, my reply was deleted. I believe allowing this is extremely harmful and misleads readers into believe they are viewing a balanced discussion, which is especially dangerous when it comes to things like other sites and services.

As a form of spam protection, I would support the ability of self-moderated thread creators to minimise-by-default someones reply -- but allowing outright deletion seems like a very harmful policy.

[erwin45hacked]

On one of the threads in the gambling section someone asked about investing 100 btc, to what I replied with what most would consider a very reasonable advise. Within literally 30 or 40 seconds, my reply was deleted. I believe allowing this is extremely harmful and misleadings readers towards believe they are viewing a balanced discussion, but little known to them it is tightly censored. This is especially dangerous when it comes to things like other sites and services.

As a form of spam protection, I would support the ability of self-moderated thread creators to minimise-by-default someones reply -- but allowing outright deletion seems like a very harmful policy.

your reply seem appropriate prior to warn user of investing only what he could afford to lose or at least not 100% of what he has, deleting such reply could only be possible of some intention of doing something bad

well just my 2 cents

[guitarplinker]

Some self moderated topics are indeed used for scam purposes, other times it's used just to cut down on spam.

If you don't like the topic, you can create your own, non-moderated topic about the site or product and then people can talk in that thread without being censored for voicing their opinions. It's happened a couple times, for example there's a topic with over 1k pages in the Service Discussion area dedicated to an uncensored discussion about GAWMiners.

[erwin45hacked]

Some self moderated topics are indeed used for scam purposes, other times it's used just to cut down on spam.

If you don't like the topic, you can create your own, non-moderated topic about the site or product and then people can talk in that thread without being censored for voicing their opinions. It's happened a couple times, for example there's a topic with over 1k pages in the Service Discussion area dedicated to an uncensored discussion about GAWMiners.

PS : Bolded part done by me

im not accusing someone of having ill intention but that could be the case, it happened to some, hope it dont happen to the thread that deleted your reply espringe

[Quickseller]

There are some legit reasons to have self moderated threads, for example to weed out spam on your thread, or to fight against trolls who are actually spreading FUD (with no real basis behind their claims).

However the majority of the time self moderated threads are used for more illicit purposes, for example to help facilitate scams. It was not appropriate for him to delete your reply and him doing so really is scammy behavior.

[Blazr]

If someone deletes your reply like that, just make your own thread and repost it. The OP will probably get negative trust if he's continually deleting replies like that.

[koshgel]

If someone deletes your reply like that, just make your own thread and repost it. The OP will probably get negative trust if he's continually deleting replies like that.

This is the correct response. Refuse to post on the moderated thread and create your own thread for discussion. If there is fishy activity going on, the upset masses will flock to your thread.

[Bralex]

If someone deletes your reply like that, just make your own thread and repost it. The OP will probably get negative trust if he's continually deleting replies like that.

I like this approach at least you do not go unheard and you help potential losses if they see you're thread before it's to late.

Like others have said sometimes you will need self moderated threads due to spam and unfair FUD, XCP is self moderated and that was not a harmful thread.

Bitbay was self moderated and that turned out to be 'very' harmful.

[TECSHARE]

Some self moderated topics are indeed used for scam purposes, other times it's used just to cut down on spam.

Indeed. But I strongly feel that bitcointalk should err on the side of having spam, than providing a useful tool for promoting dishonest communication and scams.

You forget that this forum has basically degenerated into a version of 4chan. Some people like to have threads free of the 4chan environment, and the staff don't care to spend the time responding to every report. Self moderated threads are important. Nothing is stopping you from warning users about scams by making a new thread of your own.

[smoothie]

No they are not.

Just make your own unmoderated thread with the same topic if you do not want your messages deleted.