Aggressive Moderation

[BootyCall]

I've been lurking here for a long time, almost a year in fact, and only recently decided I wanted to be involved in some conversations.  My first question is this:  why is the moderation so light?  I'm not trying to be a dick--I honestly want to understand.  Threads seem to swing way off topic so friggin fast it's amazing.  And some are just blatant bashing and trolling.  Is it a workload thing?  I would think aggressive moderation would serve to reduce the workload over time as people got the message.

[John (John K.)]

I've been lurking here for a long time, almost a year in fact, and only recently decided I wanted to be involved in some conversations.  My first question is this:  why is the moderation so light?  I'm not trying to be a dick--I honestly want to understand.  Threads seem to swing way off topic so friggin fast it's amazing.  And some are just blatant bashing and trolling.  Is it a workload thing?  I would think aggressive moderation would serve to reduce the workload over time as people got the message.

We try to promote free speech around here. No deletions unless it goes out of hand.

[laughingbear]

If you dont like whats on TV, turn it off, dont take away my ability to watch it too.  Same rule applies here I think.

[laughingbear]

You guys ever been to Disneyland?

[BCB]

Bicycles

[Yuhfhrh]

You guys ever been to Disneyland?

LOL

+1 

[Lethn]

For the trolling, most of us I know use the ignore list as for going off topic, really? I can't understand people who get so obsessive about such things.

[Endgame]

Off topic posts don't normally bother me, unless the person does it deliberately to try to derail the thread. Like this person who was apparently paid to derail threads: http://www.abovetopsecret.com/forum/thread826545/pg1

[Lethn]

I think another good thing the ignore list has done for new people at least is immediately let them able to tell who the asshats are, you'll notice that certain user names have their ignore button a different colour, as it changes more and more people are ignoring them, it often doesn't take much to understand why after you speak with them for a bit

[BootyCall]

We try to promote free speech around here. No deletions unless it goes out of hand.

Ok.  This explains it.  We don't share the same definition of "out of hand".  So if I start an inflammatory, harassing or similar thread that's sorta kinda related to some bitcoin topic then keep bumping it to the top of the recent list with, "I love roast beef sandwiches," that's free speech, right?  Of course I'd be more subtle than that but it's all the same.  It would force at least some people to wade through my crap, mostly newer and infrequent visitors, who just get a bad impression of the forum.  Sweet.  Let the fun begin.

[grue]

Off topic posts don't normally bother me, unless the person does it deliberately to try to derail the thread. Like this person who was apparently paid to derail threads: http://www.abovetopsecret.com/forum/thread826545/pg1

yay, a random conspiracy website!

[mjc]

So do you think we'll ever make it to Mars?


:-)

[greyhawk]

I wish there were a way to remove threads from the "Show new replies to your posts." list. I suspect this thread is going to go on for months and it is already off-topic.

Just delete your posts in the thread. You're welcome.

[Razick]

I have to agree. I saw someone posting about their privates in the introduction thread. First of all, who cares? Secondly, can't we just stick to botcoin? If people can't reasonably moderate themselves, do it for them.

It's not limiting free speech, it's just asking that people be civil and reasonably on topic. After all... there's a difference between "Fiat currencies are more convenient than bitcoin." and "**** you libertarian bitcoin idiots! Why the hell would I want to use bitcoin in the first place?."

[BootyCall]

For the trolling, most of us I know use the ignore list as for going off topic, really? I can't understand people who get so obsessive about such things.

The problem with ignore is that there are more than a few users who contribute 50% valuable posts and 50% raging crap. kano springs to mind immediately, but there are others.  This isn't about you or me, it's about the perception of bitcoin in general among those just becoming interested. Here's the type of post I often see from posters after they escape from newbie jail:  "I have a question, please don't beat me up, please don't berate me--I've tried to find the answer myself and I've not found it.  I'm so sorry to ask this question."  Now that's not the exact wording, but that's the tone. When newer people beg forgiveness and mercy in advance of asking a legitimate question it's a sign there's a problem.

[Maged]

If posts don't match the original topic of the thread, please report them. We might not do anything about occasional short distractions (1-2 posts) that don't result in people losing the focus of the topic, but we will generally take care of them if they go beyond that. Either way, though, report the posts.

[bbit]

I always test out the "limits" here I had a thread called "Ass Licking.." and not one Mod bothered with it ...freedom of speech is a brillant thing when it works !