Objectionable Threads/Posts

[lesherb]

Just in case some of you are not "in the know", if you come across a thread or a post which you believe is objectionable (libelous, illegal, etc.), just PM or email Ronda with your concerns.

Please don't inundate her with petty complaints, though. We are all intelligent human beings who can, for the most part, take care of this forum. We should only bother Ronda when something should be removed and/or a poster is acting in a way that his/her posts are inflaming the forum.



This is a general statement and the application of common sense should serves us all well.

[Paradox]

Amen. It has served us all well for a long time now.

[pen]

Cant argue with that. I have only ever bothered her once in over 3 years.
Lets keep this forum the way we like it.

P

[CluelessKitty]

For petty work Ronda definitely needs help and assistance, the question is who?

I don't think I would be a good assistance as I would probably be prejudiced and cut out immediately certain people's (well, okay, person!) posts. lolol. also, I am so hotheaded at times.

My proposition is, it has to be someone who is level headed, not easily offended as certain freedom of speech is needed, not quick with scissors, and most of all willing and available for such job.

Please keep in mind, this is not obligatory so please don't feel no qualms to simply say NO. this forum exist such as it is, and perfectly will continue to exist.

It really is rather a trivial matter whether we want more 'policing' on the forum or not- for ourselves, and to help Ronda along the lines. so, just say calmly 'no' or 'yes'.

My vote is Leslie! if only Leslie agrees.

Risa

[Brenda]

My thought was Leslie as well. She puts up with my direct opposite political views of hers, so I know she is fair. ROTFLOL

[CluelessKitty]

then why not post our candidates:

see here, please:

https://migrainepage.forumotion.net/miscellaneous-f3/objectionable-threads-posts-t1403.htm

Risa

[pen]

Has anyone actually asked Ronda yet?

[CluelessKitty]

At this stage, why bother? I think we should come up with a plan, and then propose all ready and set up
for her to approve. Or not.
How is you guys opinion on this?

Risa

[pen]

I dont think we can really move on with this until we can decide.

1. Do we think Ronda could use some help for a while?
2. Is this with nuisance posts...spam?
3. Or as an assistant moderator to deal with more "serious" post problems.

If the answer to number one is no, then of course we dont need two or three.

BTW the focus of the raising of this issue seems to have been a bit quieter.....
Perhaps we are okay as we are??

Maybe we handled it.....

[Johnfd]

I know I risk stepping into the lions' den here as, compared to those of you who have already posted in this thread, I am very much a newcomer but here are my thoughts.

This isn't a huge forum with hundreds of posts every day. So ordinarily I would think one moderator would be enough. However, I don't know Ronda or how she's fixed, how much time she has etc. Ultimately the person who is best placed to say if she needs help would probably be her and she should be asked.

Recently there was an increase in the number of spam posts but these were generally removed quickly and efficiently. I don't know if Ronda saw these herself or they were reported to her but whatever system was used it worked.

The offensive business with Dr Ali was resolved by a combination of the forum members making their views known and his accounts being deleted. Hopefully that character truly was a one-off. A moderator couldn't have dealt with this as they wouldn't have had the clout to delete an account. The site admin would need to do that.

Generally moderators are there to prevent people going off-topic or posting abusive or offensive material of which there is still relatively little although, on balance, I think that the level of conduct on this board has deteriorated. While some posts from one quarter have definitely been both offensive and abusive lately, one or two of the replies have been pretty juicy as well. If Ronda feels that this type of post should be moderated you can expect all similar posts to be edited and their posters to be warned about their behaviour.

I suggest we all think carefully about whether we want this outside level of moderation. Until now, has it been enough to not react to bad behaviour but to ask for it to stop? If yes, but there is a difficulty with a particular individual at any time, could we suggest Ronda reviews the posts they've made over the last few days? She can then decide on what action to take.

[Richard]

I am not available to moderate this or any forum. I love Leslie ... I really do. she has taught me what friendship can mean. But since I admire and love her so very much, I would nominate someone else.. Not that I don't care for others ... LOL ... but Leslie participates so very much here. Leslie is so much a part of this forum's discussions that I would hate to see her have to tone down her participation because of moderator status. Does that make sense?

Holly or Ruth or MGB would make superb moderators. I have never felt that any of the three were in anyone's court. But I have always respected what Holly, Mark, or Ruth had to say on any issue. VERY much the same with Becky and Milo and Crawfy and Risa and Ivy and hotheaded Risa and Norma and so many, many others. I should never have listed names - I am leaving out so many who I admire so much. Mishkyn and Heeler and Shiela and oh so many others.

But MGB, Holly, and Ruth all participate fairly regularly but not as complusively as I do. All three have disagreed with me - but done so with dignity and respect.

HOWEVER, and this a big BUT:

We don't need another moderator. Ronda is fantastic. Yes, she has failed to delete posts I hated to have up here. Yes, she has deleted posts that I agreed wtih. BUT she is doing a GREAT and impartial job here.

The recent unpleasantness? Let's face facts.

(a) the hotly contested threads are among the MOST read and commented upon.

(b) IF we really, really hated these "unpleasant" posts, then we simply would ignore them. But we as a group tend to slow down and observe car wrecks - especially if we can crash along with everyone else! LOL Just human nature I suppose.

(c) Any of us has the power to block anyone here. I have NOT blocked anyone. Not my nature ... I like to know if anyone if is saying anything interesting or, more importantly, talking about me! LOL

(d) It is the "unpleasant" posts that I think about thru my day ... "Unpleasant" posts and the positions articulated within, make me THINK. You have no idea how lovely it is to think for me. Thank Goodness everyone does not agree with me. If everyone agreed with everyone, how very boring this site and life would be,

We have weathered MUCH more unpleasant threads than recent posts. I have been the target of accusations of lying, egoism, political naivete, and much more personal attacks. Yet here I am. Do I enjoy being abused? Not at all. I DO enjoy the challenge to THINK and to defend my viewpoints.

My dear departed Dad always told me, if it works - do not fix it. This forum works. Yes, some people take breaks from the forum. I have myself. But such is a very individual decision made for many reasons. I do not have the power to make those decisions for anyone. Now I have the power to NOT listen and to ignore anyone I desire. I can make choices for ME - not for you.

And frankly, I believe strongly in several things:

1. This is Ronda's forum - not mine and not yours.
2. Ronda has proven herself to be an intelligent and caring person over time.
3. Ronda has conducted herself and her duties with this forum in such a manner that many of us see this forum as a vital part of our migraine treatment.
4. It works, do not fix it UNLESS Ronda, herself, asks for help. But I respect her enough to trust HER judgement on HER needs.

By attempting to bring to Ronda a fait accompli - to tell her that she needs help moderating AND WE have decided who should help her ... in saying that, we are also saying that we do not trust her judgement or her ability to moderate this forum. I am NOT willing to imply or say that. Nope, not at all.

So friends, let's leave well enough alone.

[HeelerLady]

Well said Richard.

Many of us do not agree on everything (what fun would that be - you and I are quite different and I've learned a lot from you). I have the same idea that you do. Rhonda has been doing a fantastic job and the only reason to add another moderator would be if it would alleviate stress on Rhonda herself. She's the only one that can tell us that and it would be rather presumptuous of us to tell her she needs help.

I have blocked one user. I'm currently in medication hell (I'm pretty sure I've got an interaction going and surprise surprise the neuro agrees with me) and the stress that one user caused I couldn't handle. I've seen posts in other threads and I have to say I'm curious as to what they've written. Sort of like the car wreck syndrome. I may unblock them once I'm back to "normal" but while things are so awful it's all I can do to function.

[Brent]

I have found forums of interest before but saw petty spats in the topics. To me that was a bad sign and I never bothered to look any farther. So my concern is how many other new people will see the stuff and decide to move on? And 99.9% of us here are great people who are helpful and supportive. It would be a shame for this forum to have spat threads that would cast a negative light on an otherwise great place. Especially since there are only two sub-forums here.

I mod three other forums that are craft and craft business oriented. They all have the no politics, no religion rule. That keeps them very peaceful and focused. I run them tight and clean but have never had any hurt feelings from deleting a topic that is quickly going south. Most of the operations are spam deleting and troll removal.

My experience is when a spat breaks out all it usually takes is a mod to step in and say "cool it"! It doesn't take much to get the topic back on the rails and moving in a healthier direction.

[pen]

Brent, short and sweet. I can only concur.

[lesherb]

I do not want to be a moderator. I will contact Ronda if/when I see a problem I feel needs attention. I just wanted to suggest that others do the same.

I believe this forum runs very well with the level of supervision already provided. Thank you for the compliment of suggesting me. I don't believe any of the posters here should be "in charge", least of all me (I'm not impartial).

As I stated above, just be sure to notify Ronda if there is anything here which you believe needs her attention.

[CluelessKitty]

That's that then - everything stays as it always was

But just to clarify, when I suggested to add an admin or two what I specifically had in mind was not another mod (or two) but just a helper, an assistant to Ronda, to help her with menial stuff like quickly removing spam
(I've noticed Milo is especially good at spotting spam) or removing simple, veered off topic 'spats'.

More serious matter such as 'Ali', or more serious 'disagreements' would of course be just pointed toward Ronda's attention as always.

I just thought since Ronda mentioned multiple times in the past how tired she is of having a forum,
taking care of trivial stuff by us would just be helpful to her.
And we, we could establish a system among ourselves of how to make the assisting work smoothly, since we, too, can not always be here 24/7,

for example everyone could be on the lookout for spam or suggest which post to remove and why.
One helper could be appointed to deal with spam mostly and the other with 'spats' mostly,
but in the absence of one or the other whichever is available does the job

But yes, allover I agree this forum runs pretty well as it is! and Ronda does an excellent job ALWAYS!!

Risa

[Brent]

From my standpoint in comparing this one with some others I visit it can use some improvement. One forum has over 2000 members and it has been at least 3 years since there was a minor flame war. Another one has almost as many and I can't even remember the last spat or heated exchange type thread. It was two years ago that I had to delete a porno spam. And since then nothing has happened.

But once again politics and religion is strictly forbidden. Those are always divisive topics that create "camps" and underlying tension. They detract from the main focus of the forum.

Politics, religion and controversial social topics will never be solved on an internet forum. It's a futile endevour that just stirs the s*&^ and serves no use other then a vent. You're either preaching to the choir or ruffling up feathers.

And if there is a member that seems to be an instigator or has bad manners then get rid of them. Play nice or go home.

[CluelessKitty]

It's true, it's best to steer away far from these topics as indeed it's either "with them or against them",
nothing in between.

I mostly agree with you Brent with the exception that I don't see anything wrong with an occasional discussion
on political or even religious subject here as long as it is civil.

And from my observation here on Ronda it IS CIVIL as long until certain person starts repeating her usual veiled anti-American and personal insults.

Once that starts, the entire discussion gets derailed into petty squabble.
But, as you can plainly see, it has nothing to do with political discussion per se, it just becomes senseless war of throwing insults at each other...
why do we have to suffer such people, I don't know...

Risa

[Brent]

Me neither, it reflects badly on the whole forum.

[pen]

But just to clarify, when I suggested to add an admin or two what I specifically had in mind was not another mod (or two) but just a helper, an assistant to Ronda, to help her with menial stuff like quickly removing spam

This was my thought too Risa. Not feeling anyone needs to "usurp" Ronda on her own forum.
She does a great job. But I heard she was busy and given the last few weeks or so with spamming and "unnecessary" flaming, just thought perhaps we could help her out temporarily. I offered to do it, not because I want to, but it seemed to be the decent thing to offer having made the suggestion.

I don't think anyone has asked Ronda and for that reason I think things must stay the same.
I certainly didn't want to suggest she is not doing a fine job, just, everyone could use a bit of help sometimes.

I too concur with Brent. Having done the mod bit. I wonder what would be forum members must think if they come to take a look and see some of the threads....

And if there is a member that seems to be an instigator or has bad manners then get rid of them. Play nice or go home.

Brent, spot on. But this doesn't seem to happen, and that I think is what prompted the discussion.

People are asked...nicely, to stop it, but if they don't heed, then I think they should go.

Miggies come here seeking info and possibly support and sometimes what they get is flaming wars instigated by one or two people. Who knows how many just get put off and go away? They don't understand as we do, what is going on. Who wants to join someone else's fight...I wouldn't...And I am sick of holding my breath on my own threads before I open them......
Ok I have blocked people now, but I still get the gist of what is going on.

Could I also ask, that if people post for interest or discussion it is not assumed that this is their belief and they need to be put straight on it.....
And yes Risa I agree about certain anti American slants, which I have noticed do occur......totally not acceptable in my book...

So Risa, yes it looks like it stays the same. Back to business then....

[AuntieBubbs]

More serious matter such as 'Ali', or more serious 'disagreements' would of course be just pointed toward Ronda's attention as always.

FYI he's back. I don't want to post in his thread because it bumps it up and it gives him attention in his thread, which IMO is spam, but his new thread is on Botox, and his new username is "Botoxtruth." Otherwise he's still spouting the same stuff - put the same garbage in a new box, and it'll still stink like yesterday's trash, cuz it's still garbage. It's still the same old song and dance, he hasn't changed it up a single bit.
I already reported his thread to Ronda. But otherwise, I'm begging you all, please, don't feed the troll. Don't encourage him to stay by posting in his thread and giving him attention. The guy is an egomaniac. You'll feed into his demented psyche, and he'll somehow then think he's wanted/needed here, and he'll post more threads, and then start abusing specific people and posting slander. Hopefully if Ronda bans his newest account, he'll just go away.

[Ronda]

I have given thought to having others help with moderating. I'm not sure how I want to handle it, and undoubtedly someone will object to whatever my choice is. As I've said many times before, if there are objectionable posts, let me know ASAP, not two or three days later. I don't see everything or monitor the site 24/7 and never have claimed to. I have been doing this for many years, however, and for THIS forum, I have learned ignoring troublesome posters gets much better results. In the past, my "stepping in" has often just fueled the fire.

This being said, I have been notified about a certain repeat offender somehow finding his way back (name begins with A). I'm sure he'll find a way around this block too - he always does. If you all are referring to other posts, please send me an alert, preferably with a link to the post/s in question. Thank you.

Oh, and for the record, I would love it if people stuck to the topic of migraine and never mentioned politics or religion on this forum again. No good has ever come of it and those are the hairiest topics to deal with.

[pen]

Good to see you Ronda. Thanks for the clarification.
Hope you are doing ok.

Pen

[LizzieB]

Ronda said

Oh, and for the record, I would love it if people stuck to the topic of migraine and never mentioned politics or religion on this forum again. No good has ever come of it and those are the hairiest topics to deal with.

Hear hear! It just doesn't seem the right place for a soap box.

Liz

[crt]

Thanks for your to the point comments Ronda.

I know how hard it is to be an administrator, regardless of whether it is a discussion list, a network or a database. No matter how hard you work on it, or how outstanding a job you do, someone is always going to be unhappy with the situation. Now, before anyone gets her/his hackles up, I'm not pointing at anyone. I'm speaking generally and thanking Ronda for the wonderful job she does.

Chris

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