05-04-2013, 04:48 AM
I agree with the many posters who prefer to stay with the current format. However, I don't quite agree that the sub-division of the forums was what "killed" DM. To my recollection, what really killed DM was uneven moderation, outright censorship, draconian "rules" and a general aversion to the considerations of the people who made that forum the success that it was: the posters.
I would like to see this place remain the same. The mix of deals, tips and more is just like real life: a bit wacky and chaotic, but everyone usually gets along and the brain resource available is always helpful. Truth is, here you can ask a question or help with almost any subject and someone will have some knowledge to share and help you. Look through the forum and array of topics and fields is truly amazing.
I also agree with Davester's comments regarding the political side of the forum. As someone who participates on that side very frequently (and ends up being in conflict with a number of other posters), I like the relative "open season" that side enjoys, and for the most part, that side is tempered and things don't usually degenerate to the level seen in forums/comment sections elsewhere on the web.
What I am disappointed in is how the level of discourse on the political side has effected how some posters there handle topic discussions here. Sadly, some of these people cannot separate themselves from whatever position they are in disagreement on the political side.
As to eliminating the political side, I'm okay with that. While I do enjoy the political discourse there, if people cannot learn to live (and get along) with people they disagree with, then that's truly a shame.
I didn't realize until I read this thread that there are people who "report" others and essentially tattletale. What I've always liked historically about the political side was the relative soft gloves most people used there. Though lately - especially after the events of this past November, things have become very much an "us vs them" kind of mentality. That there can be no common understanding or agreement on any issue. That once you've found someone you disagree with one one subject then you must always disagree with that person on any subject. Sad.
I would prefer that moderation be left to letting people handle themselves appropriately. I've always tried to be respectful of others opinions and not resorted to name-calling (though I have failed at that from time to time). But to "report" someone to moderators? The word that comes to mind would be name calling!
I think this approach is the wrong approach. The beauty of the political side is the ability of those in the minority to voice their position (no matter how idiotic someone might think of that position). To allow what is essentially a popularity rating dictate what is kept and what is deleted means that open discourse is no longer possible. As anyone who has spent any time on the political side knows, there is no such thing as objectivity to what "offends" people.
I would like to see this place remain the same. The mix of deals, tips and more is just like real life: a bit wacky and chaotic, but everyone usually gets along and the brain resource available is always helpful. Truth is, here you can ask a question or help with almost any subject and someone will have some knowledge to share and help you. Look through the forum and array of topics and fields is truly amazing.
I also agree with Davester's comments regarding the political side of the forum. As someone who participates on that side very frequently (and ends up being in conflict with a number of other posters), I like the relative "open season" that side enjoys, and for the most part, that side is tempered and things don't usually degenerate to the level seen in forums/comment sections elsewhere on the web.
What I am disappointed in is how the level of discourse on the political side has effected how some posters there handle topic discussions here. Sadly, some of these people cannot separate themselves from whatever position they are in disagreement on the political side.
As to eliminating the political side, I'm okay with that. While I do enjoy the political discourse there, if people cannot learn to live (and get along) with people they disagree with, then that's truly a shame.
I didn't realize until I read this thread that there are people who "report" others and essentially tattletale. What I've always liked historically about the political side was the relative soft gloves most people used there. Though lately - especially after the events of this past November, things have become very much an "us vs them" kind of mentality. That there can be no common understanding or agreement on any issue. That once you've found someone you disagree with one one subject then you must always disagree with that person on any subject. Sad.
I would prefer that moderation be left to letting people handle themselves appropriately. I've always tried to be respectful of others opinions and not resorted to name-calling (though I have failed at that from time to time). But to "report" someone to moderators? The word that comes to mind would be name calling!
Black wrote:
Threads are auto-hidden with a certain number of user reports. Why does the ranting side need to be moderated at all? Just make a decision not to devote resources, and let the users effectively 'flag' offensive posts down, like on craigslist. The system is already in place, nothing to do.
I think this approach is the wrong approach. The beauty of the political side is the ability of those in the minority to voice their position (no matter how idiotic someone might think of that position). To allow what is essentially a popularity rating dictate what is kept and what is deleted means that open discourse is no longer possible. As anyone who has spent any time on the political side knows, there is no such thing as objectivity to what "offends" people.