Why was my thread moved to "Off-Topic"?

[bill gator]

https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=2819141.0

I've been running this sMerit review thread since the day that merit came out and it has been a fun little project. I originally had posted it in Meta, but this didn't allow for self-moderation and it seemed to be more of a Service anyways so I ended up deciding to make it there. Now it has suddenly, after months of going fine has been moved to "Off-Topic", which I have on my ignore-boards list and do not plan to post in.

I'd like a good explanation for why this has happened, because it doesn't make sense to me.

[mdayonliner]

Same happened with one of my topic. https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=3427922.0 Not sure if they changed any rules or not.

[bill gator]

Interesting, because it seems like your thread is of a similar-vein. I'm afraid that too many people started using my format in a very careless manner that wasn't conducive and it has convinced the staff to change their tune towards these threads. I cannot operate my thread from within "Off-Topic", that board is absolutely absurd. 80% of the replies since it's been moved are Copy + Paste of my earlier posts within that same thread. Nobody is taking it seriously anymore, nobody is following the rules or actually submitting high-quality posts. The thread has been effectively ruined by the move, so I'm wondering if the intention is to no longer allow these kinds of threads. I'm just looking for an explanation, because I don't want to move it back and cause more work for staff, but I feel like my thread was doing more good than harm.

[hilariousandco]

If it doesn't involve a bitcoin payment then it doesn't belong in the Marketplace.

[mdayonliner]

Interesting, because it seems like your thread is of a similar-vein. I'm afraid that too many people started using my format in a very careless manner that wasn't conducive and it has convinced the staff to change their tune towards these threads. I cannot operate my thread from within "Off-Topic", that board is absolutely absurd. 80% of the replies since it's been moved are Copy + Paste of my earlier posts within that same thread. Nobody is taking it seriously anymore, nobody is following the rules or actually submitting high-quality posts. The thread has been effectively ruined by the move, so I'm wondering if the intention is to no longer allow these kinds of threads. I'm just looking for an explanation, because I don't want to move it back and cause more work for staff, but I feel like my thread was doing more good than harm.

I never encountered your topic before today. So, was not really aware about it. I was inspired by all these slimier merit review topics. From my topic I am trying to achieve:

1. Encourage members at-least to have few constructive posts on their post history before they submit for review. This way they will in fact try to write few good constructive posts before they submit the post history to review.
2. I have a merit waiting list where I asked viewers to help me to find good quality contents so that I can merit the contents. The tweak was, you can not post your own contents. I wanted to see how this community behaves when you ask for something in return you do not give them anything back. The result was disappointing. I did not get a single response until I created this merit review topic and included a condition to find me at least one good quality content for that topic (merit waiting list).

So, I believe the outcome we are looking at is not the same from the topics.  

Update:

If it doesn't involve a bitcoin payment then it doesn't belong in the Marketplace.

Ok, that make sense now. Thank you.

[bill gator]

If it doesn't involve a bitcoin payment then it doesn't belong in the Marketplace.

Would it be an appropriate thread for Meta, then? Or if I can transform my thread into somewhat of a challenge similar to what BTCForJoe is doing would it belong back in the Marketplace? Seems like his thread is still breathing (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=3055616), even if he has it paused.

It looks like even QuestionAuthority's thread has been moved to "Off-Topic". https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=2827596 With that being the case I can only assume that it goes beyond the "Service" board, because their thread wasn't even in that section. Like hilarious said, the marketplace requires Bitcoin payment for it to a fit. This gives me a little bit of a better understanding of what is going on. Thanks for helping me understand more. I'm assuming that these kinds of threads will only be allowed in the Off-Topic section of the forum, so essentially they're not allowed anymore from what I can tell. The idea probably got out of hand and it's not like they're going to allow us to be exceptions to the rule once it has been ruined for everyone. It was a nice run while it lasted, but until I hear from staff I'll be putting my review service on-hold. Looks like I'll have to find something else to do with my time around here that's productive and fill the void that's newly created.

[hilariousandco]

No. Meta is for forum issues and doesn't need clogging up even more with people begging for merit constantly.

[bill gator]

No. Meta is for forum issues and doesn't need clogging up even more with people begging for merit constantly.

I thought Meta was for forum related discussion, not exclusively issues. However, even if it were for exclusively the discussion of forum issues, wouldn't an extremely big forum issue be the Spam and posting habits/behavior of many of the members? My thread was addressing our loudest problem. Pointing out the problems that I saw in the posting habits of others and giving reward to those that are exemplary users. I'm not trying to disagree, but I am trying to better understand. Did you see my thread as giving incentive for people to beg for merit?

My thread was much more than people begging for merit constantly; little insulted by that.  

I'll use the information in front of me to answer my own question about Joe's challenge, since it seems like that is the only standing reference at the moment.

I was inspired by all these slimier merit review topics.

Mine was the first. I take great pride in that.   There is no older review thread of that kind in relation to merit. So even if you were inspired by a similar merit review topic, they were most likely taking a page from my book. It's not an idea that's breathtaking, but I'm positive I pioneered it.

[hilariousandco]

I'll use the information in front of me to answer my own question about Joe's challenge, since it seems like that is the only standing reference at the moment.

Moved it to Games and Rounds as it's essentially just a giveaway. I'm really not sure why we need these threads. If you want to merit posts then give users merit but people shouldn't be creating giveaways for it.

[BTCforJoe]

I can understand why these types of threads were moved... I think it's now gotten to the point where merit threads shouldn't really be a big deal anymore, whether it's giving them away, awarding them, or complaining about them. I haven't really checked out the rest of the Meta or Services sections just yet, since returning from my brief hiatus, but if these boards are starting to show less whiny threads about the merit system, I'm all for it.

If this means that legitimate review threads like yours, @bill gator, had to be moved as well, then I guess I'll simply accept that it's a small sacrifice to make to ensure that the boards are properly being moderated.

I'm find with having my Challenge being based in the Games & Rounds board, I suppose, but I'm not sure that I entirely agree with it being in the "Gambling" section.

Either way, I have no major objections with the new homes for these types of topics.

[bill gator]

I'm really not sure why we need these threads. If you want to merit posts then give users merit but people shouldn't be creating giveaways for it.

"Need" seems like entirely the wrong word to be using. I spend hours lurking and reading posts and rarely find any posts worth meriting besides high-ranking reputable members that wouldn't benefit from receiving merit. I use my thread as a place to give users that I've failed to come across organically the merit that they otherwise would've received from me. It's not a "giveaway" if you have to compete using your own creativity and ideas to produce something interesting, informative and helpful. If you truly feel that getting rid of these threads is a step in the right direction then I am no one to argue, but it seems like a lot of the reasons given so far are not very thoughtful. All I've gotten so far is essentially "Too many people beg for merit." and "I dislike the way you're distributing merit". I'll live with it, but it's frustrating when the merit system without context and references such as these threads is slightly more vapid.

Now I'm more confused than when we started though, because Joe's does have Bitcoin transactions within it, so how does it not fit the criteria for the Service board? This all seems very strange, and the answers I'm receiving don't feel thorough (although, I know answering my questions isn't exactly a high-priority, and it shouldn't be).

[cabalism13]

Now I'm more confused than when we started though, because Joe's does have Bitcoin transactions within it, so how does it not fit the criteria for the Service board? This all seems very strange, and the answers I'm receiving don't feel thorough (although, I know answering my questions isn't exactly a high-priority, and it shouldn't be).

Well, maybe that's it you should just include some money on your thread pal just to be fit on the service section but I guess it wouldn't be like that as for it will be like your imitating someone here.

I guess, if it would be like that then the SERVICE SECTION must be change into BUSINESS SECTION

[bill gator]

Well, maybe that's it you should just include some money on your thread pal just to be fit on the service section

I'm not looking for a wink, nod or some kind of loophole that allows me to post my thread somewhere that it is unwelcome or doesn't truly belong. I sincerely am trying to either adjust my challenge or trash it entirely. Since Joe's challenge got moved to Games & Rounds it would seem that "just include some money" wouldn't exactly cut it.

It feels more like, because the staff doesn't feel like we "need" these threads there will be some borderline moderation policies that kill any ability to run one of these threads successfully. I just know I would have never found a lot of the quality posts that I've sent merit to if they had not been submitted to me within my review thread. There's been so much information, reference threads, interesting discussions, etc. that have been brought to my attention exclusively because I had that thread running.

I'm going to take a few hours to think about it, maybe come up with something that is good for everyone (except shitposters).

[digaran]

Lol I moved my review thread to off topic yesterday because I didn't want people to see my unfounded negative trust which has been the result of misunderstanding of my post. I also didn't want for my posts to count towards my signature campaign post counting. that also is ironically not an issue
Now because I got kicked out today. like somebody planned for all of this to happen. after all it's a long-term good paying campaign.

Ask your participants to bookmark your threads and check them every few days. or were you guys trying to increase your own post counts and get paid 0.00075BTC per post while farming merits legitimately?

Note, I'm posting here to help you guys, believe me, because there is a certain somebody in a position of power in this forum who'd do everything to hurt me. so I figured if I post here he/she would move your threads back where they were originally posted. because now obviously you are not going to continue your works if you are not getting anything out of it. but if that's your price to pay for your contribution, we might as well let you to get paid for it by your mixer boss.

Like everybody else here, if they are not getting paid, they wont post.
Note again, I have been busy tagging people lately, otherwise I'd keep adding more meritorious posts in my thread. I will also keep posting here and would try to act as if I have any authority even if I'm not getting a few bucks from signature campaign to buy more ps4 games.


off topic:
"Huh what was that? wait a minute"
The enemies in a game a.k.a Assassins creed the origins used to say that all the time, when I used to say "what was that?" I wasn't talking to an imaginary person, I wasn't delusional I was playing PS4 games.

[bill gator]

Ask your participants to bookmark your threads and check them every few days. or were you guys trying to increase your own post counts and get paid 0.00075BTC per post while farming merits legitimately?

I would happily continue my sMerit review thread if it were in any manageable section. Off-Topic will allow my thread to receive no positive attention. As I have said, there have been about a dozen replies to my thread since it has been moved and 80% of those replies have been multiple users Copy + Pasting my earlier posts within that same thread.

My campaign doesn't pay out for Politics and Society posts, but I would happily operate my thread from within that board. I just want there to be a full understanding about why it happened, what made it happen and how to move forward in a productive manner without stepping on toes. I can't follow the rules unless I understand them, so your assumptions are pretty pathetic when that's all I'm trying to do. I would still post in the Beginner's and Help section if my campaign chose to not pay those posts. I would happily allow my sMerit Review thread posts to not qualify for payment, but all I ask is that it is in a reasonable section and I would happily maintain and operate the thread equally as I do now.

Just because your entire outlook on this forum is "How many pennies can I scrounge together today?" and "How many jimmies can I rustle?" doesn't mean that anybody shares this pedantically shallow worldview. Even throughout your post, most of it is whining about being kicked out of the campaign and that someone in the staff clearly has it out for you. You're blatantly upset about the money, when you should be more worried about your reputation and how your shady actions are affecting other people. You're self-proclaimed, bigot and beggar; how do you expect to be treated beyond that? You were funnier before it became malicious, digaran.


Locking thread, as I've gotten input from Staff that explains my original question.

Moved it to Games and Rounds as it's essentially just a giveaway. I'm really not sure why we need these threads. If you want to merit posts then give users merit but people shouldn't be creating giveaways for it.

No. Meta is for forum issues and doesn't need clogging up even more with people begging for merit constantly.

If it doesn't involve a bitcoin payment then it doesn't belong in the Marketplace.

This about sums it up.


Re-opening the thread, because now I am confused. Gleb Gamow has been running a thread in the Digital Goods section for quite some time.

https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=3055943.0

This doesn't fit the criteria for something fitting for the marketplace; as far as I can tell. Can someone help me understand why this thread is allowed to continue within the marketplace?

[The Sceptical Chymist]

Would it be an appropriate thread for Meta, then?

My opinion has no weight, but I would think Meta would be a much better place for it than Off-Topic, even though it doesn't totally fit in Meta either.  This is another reason why there probably needs to be a child board of Meta that deals with merits--that's been suggested before, but I think the consensus is that it would somehow require more moderator time.  I don't see how that would be true. 

It would basically be splitting the pie into more slices, not increasing the pie size (thanks, Warren Buffett). 

Don't know about anyone else, but I never visit Off-Topic because of the ridiculous amount of idiotic topics and spam, and I'm sure I'm not alone.

[hilariousandco]

This doesn't fit the criteria for something fitting for the marketplace; as far as I can tell. Can someone help me understand why this thread is allowed to continue within the marketplace?

Probably for the same reason yours was allowed to continue until it was spotted or reported. Report the thread instead of needlessly re-opening this one again.

[bill gator]

I just can't imagine that this has gone under the moderators radar. Do threads only get handled if they are reported? Their thread has been operating since the beginning of March, with thousands of views and over 100 replies.

Plus, I swear I did report it a few weeks ago and nothing was done about it; I might be wrong, but I assumed it would've been moved with the rest of the similar threads.

I had to re-open this, because now I am confused about the rules of the marketplace, yet again. I'm not trying to ruffle any feathers, I just want to understand what is going on.

I have just reported the thread, and I'll let some time pass. Will probably end up locking thread again. Seems like opening a new thread would've removed a lot of valid context, though.

[Jet Cash]

I don't know what the answer is to this thread moving. I've had a few threads moved to TwitBook spam boards that I have on ignore. My solution was to host a domain, and then I can post the information there, and link to it from Bitcoin Talk.

[jackg]

I'm really not sure why we need these threads. If you want to merit posts then give users merit but people shouldn't be creating giveaways for it.

We could say the same about the report to moderator link though couldn't we? Why can't moderators just find all of the posts that users post agaisnt the rules instead of asking users to report posts - it's difficult to go through an entire forum of data and find posts worthy of merit when you get a small amount of posts that are worthy of merit.

@Bill gator, many users add a charge to their service just for the processing of the merit requests they recieve. The minimum amount you can send on the bitocin network is 30k sats which isn't that much to ask just to fit the criteria for it to remain where it is.

I don't know what the answer is to this thread moving. I've had a few threads moved to TwitBook spam boards that I have on ignore. My solution was to host a domain, and then I can post the information there, and link to it from Bitcoin Talk.

I'd suggest putting them in ivory tower/serious discussion once they get moved instead of doing something so drastic (we'll end up with hundreds of websites with content on them all useful and which could be contained here).