Cat pictures and the like.

Boston

Any chance of limiting the use of cat pictures on feedback to maybe the second or third page of a thread?

Smellyirishman

I agree (somewhat ironically given my recent post in the "because I'm a woman thread") that some threads are being "corrupt" a little too soon, but most of the time it's usually pretty clear that the OP was in the wrong before the pictures begin.

biko

Well you can request that

Boston

Of course you can. How are they in anyway related to feedback. The images serve a purpose when a user has exhausted all other means of persuading someone who is making a complaint that they are wrong. This business of posting images all the time right off the bat isn't really on though.

cson

Boston wrote:

Of course you can. How are they in anyway related to feedback. The images serve a purpose when a user has exhausted all other means of persuading someone who is making a complaint that they are wrong. This business of posting images all the time right off the bat isn't really on though.

How long before this thread is immersed in feline frolicks?

7th or 8th post im betting.

Boston

cson wrote:

How long before this thread is immersed in feline frolicks?

7th or 8th post im betting.

If it is, it just proves the point, genuine feedback being drowned out by noise.

biko

Cat pics is a fad. Something else will take over in time and the process starts over again.
If you remove IMG code the pics will stop immediately and if a poster has a valid pic it can be linked to as usual.

RoundyMooney

Needless trolling does every bit as much damage as cat pics, not looking at anyone in particular.

I do agree though, that with rare exceptions, cat pics aren't funny anymore, which I reckon is the root of the OP's issue.

the_syco

They mainly don't come in untill the thread descends into utter crap. Although there are exceptions, they mainly appear in the "fight the poweh" threads.

Boston

RoundyMooney wrote:

Needless trolling does every bit as much damage as cat pics, not looking at anyone in particular.

I do agree though, that with rare exceptions, cat pics aren't funny anymore, which I reckon is the root of the OP's issue.

I think some people didn't realise why they where funny in the first place, and just wanted on a band wagon. thesyco being an example. I mean whats funny about doing something utterly perdictable. This is neither a fight the power thread, nor has it decended into uttercrap, yet you posted the image anyway. One wonders why you bothered.

But it's not just the images, less of the trolling in the first page or two would be an idea as well. There used to be a happy medium but that seems gone.

stovelid

the_syco wrote:

They mainly don't come in untill the thread descends into utter crap.

Actually, they are often part of the crap.

cson

cson wrote:

How long before this thread is immersed in feline frolicks?

7th or 8th post im betting.

The 9th post it was, I was close enough.

Kinda proves Bostons point tbh.

Dub13

Boston

Dub13 wrote:

some ****e

Great contribution

Stark

biko wrote:

Well you can request that

Yes you can. Stick a message in the charter saying no cat pics in the first page. Ban anyone who doesn't comply. You don't need a more technical solution than that, no need to go near the Admin control panel.

6th

I have it set to 40 posts per page where most people have it at 20 per page ... would I have to wait longer?

Boston

6th wrote:

I have it set to 40 posts per page where most people have it at 20 per page ... would I have to wait longer?

Best if you didn't post at all. Your every post is like a big animated flashing cat picture... That spins

RoundyMooney

Lets face it folks.

This forum hasn't been about feedback in a long time.

Unless by feedback we mean "Why wor I banned?", or the like. Specifically complaints about modding, valid and worthy instances of which type of complaint are few and far between.

In many cases, non complainants who post here (without a vendetta they tend to be seasoned campaigners, mods, or both) will see such spurious issues for what they are and react in a scornful manner, which is where the pussy shots come in.

Sometimes they're apt, but, more often than not it's just jumping on an already overloaded bandwagon, and serves to upset users who look on and see a group of people tearing a new arsehole on the unwitting OP.

Sometimes it's justified (if cliched) and sometimes it's not, but it is getting old.

You can't arbitrarily ban catpics though, or even say, "Not before post #41 now lads". The issue is with the culture that surrounds this forum, and unless the admins wish to create a new forum with access only to OP, and 4 silver stars or higher *with a more regimental set up* that isn't going to change.

That wouldn't work either, as all users deserve their say on such issues. The question is, is moderation and moderation feedback part of that greater ideal? I don't think it is, although it may make for entertaining reading atm.

If the moderation queries and issues were addressed seperately, perhaps in a sub forum of this one (linked from de homepage), we may see a change in culture. People would be less likely to piss all over a forum dedicated to a particular issue, and the catpics, and more importantly the trolling and sarcasm, may just abate...

Boston

I agree, there are only a hand full of threads theses days about genuine feedback/policy issues. Most are why was I banned and usually the answer to those is that its the OP's fault.

You make a point about "group of people tearing a new arsehole on the unwitting OP." I wouldn't mind as much if this was even the case, but typical its posts like those by dub13 and the_syco. They're not directed at anyone just a case of "I'm going to post crap in this thread for the shake of posting crap". Having an open forum where people are free to call up moderators and admins on issues is one of the great strenghts of boards, but this business of trying to sink threads as quickly as possible is really damaging that.

If a user is a muppet, by all means expose why, but posting random image number 5 isn't going to achieve that.

DeVore

God...... I agree with Boston. :eek:






Naaww... *shakes head*, somethings wrong here.




Interesting discussion, lets see where it goes.

DeV.

Dirk Gently

Boston wrote:

Best if you didn't post at all. Your every post is like a big animated flashing cat picture... That spins

Sorry 6th, but......

r3nu4l

DeVore wrote:

God...... I agree with Boston. :eek:






Naaww... *shakes head*, somethings wrong here.




Interesting discussion, lets see where it goes.

DeV.

No, Boston agrees with you


It's not so long ago that DeV posted a thread bemoaning the fact that too many feedback threads were being spoiled by cat/other pics/noise!1

If I recall correctly some of the SMods were first to respond with flippant quotes thus providing license to other mods and users to do the same. the thread/warning/request was viewed almost as a joke

There are certainly occassions where cat pics are appropriate but as Boston says on some occassions they are just noise...although I agree with RoundyMooney *cough* certain users *cough* use their trolling to derail threads in much the same way as others use cat pics.

I've noticed that some of the more clever/knowledgeable users have on occassion posted in HelpDesk in the knowledge that this is a) treated with more gravity and b) not accessible to all posters!

I love the cat pics and find them funny but sometimes genuien ban queries are lost to them. There have been several threads recently where bans have been questionable (imo) and these threads are derailed with "Serious cat" and "Fight the Powah!/I are fightin U'" cat pics. These threads deserved better debate but didn't get it thanks to ridicule...or should that be caticule?

DeVore

Oh yeah, thats right.




Boston banned for plagiarism.


DeV.

WhiteWashMan

just so that everyone knows, i bought two little kittens from the local animal shelter yesterday.
their names are frank and eric, and they are very cute.
i will post up their pictures when i get a chance

oh, and i find the stupid animal pictures annoying two, and are generally used as some sort of last word without actually having to make a contribution.

Mr Magnolia

Agree that the cat pictures are starting too early in a lot of threads, I think it's just that more people have discovered feedback and try and turn it into AH sometimes. Don't know how you could regulate the cat pics though, it might require limiting posting access similar to the helpdesk though I don't think that would be a good idea.

It was better when the pic's didn't come in until a resolution had been arrived upon or Dev gave a ruling

r3nu4l wrote:

It's not so long ago that DeV posted a thread bemoaning the fact that too many feedback threads were being spoiled by cat/other pics/noise!1

Here

WhiteWashMan

Mr Magnolia wrote:

, I think it's just that more people have discovered feedback and try and turn it into AH sometimes.

funnily enough, we dont get many cat pictures in AH...

ironic, no?

Mr Magnolia

I didn't mean that you did, just that feedback has an AH feel to it sometimes

Crucifix

I agree. Let's go back to the owl pics.

But seriously, I do agree. Feedback threads descending into madness is one of my favourite conventions, but like monsieur Magnolia says it was better when we'd wait until DeVore had given the official word. Those crazy animal pics are so much sweeter when you've had to wade through seven or eight pages of tedious arguing to get to them.

stovelid

RoundyMooney wrote:

serves to upset users who look on and see a group of people tearing a new arsehole on the unwitting OP.

This is certainly the part of feedback that annoys me. The catpic posting, usually started by long term posters, is their way of dismissing the thread out of hand and declaring it closed.

Anti

Cats you say....?

Boston

I think people like anti, to name but one, like to jump on people and destroy threads as quickly as possible, because when they see people like wwm or other add the finishing touches to a thread with class and really show up the orginal poster as a tool, they think "Man if I post a bigger picture thats even more moronic then the last, as early as possible, people are going to think I'm cool, and maybe someday I'll be the new funny man of boards".

stovelid wrote:

This is certainly the part of feedback that annoys me. The catpic posting, usually started by long term posters, is their way of dismissing the thread out of hand and declaring it closed.

Well the truely old school user will use a picture or a witty comment as a final kick in the teeth. It will be related to the user and/ or issue at hand. However you get some regular users, like anti there, who are terminally un-funny and fail to realise that if something wasn't funny the first two times, it's not funny now. I mean whats the user expecting "Lol wowzer didn't see that one coming".

BuffyBot

biko wrote:

Cat pics is a fad. Something else will take over in time and the process starts over again.
If you remove IMG code the pics will stop immediately and if a poster has a valid pic it can be linked to as usual.

QFT

Stark

RoundMooney wrote:

You can't arbitrarily ban catpics though, or even say, "Not before post #41 now lads". The issue is with the culture that surrounds this forum, and unless the admins wish to create a new forum with access only to OP, and 4 silver stars or higher *with a more regimental set up* that isn't going to change.

Well there's the Helpdesk forum.

Anti

Boston wrote:

I think people like anti, to name but one, like to jump on people and destroy threads as quickly as possible, because when they see people like wwm or other add the finishing touches to a thread with class and really show up the orginal poster as a tool, they think "Man if I post a bigger picture thats even more moronic then the last, as early as possible, people are going to think I'm cool, and maybe someday I'll be the new funny man of boards".





Well the truely old school user will use a picture or a witty comment as a final kick in the teeth. It will be related to the user and/ or issue at hand. However you get some regular users, like anti there, who are terminally un-funny and fail to realise that if something wasn't funny the first two times, it's not funny now. I mean whats the user expecting "Lol wowzer didn't see that one coming".

Sigh...

Hobbes

They are annoying if the thread hasn't turned to crap yet. But it is an internet fad and will blow over just like all your base and I kiss you.

Boston

Hobbes wrote:

They are annoying if the thread hasn't turned to crap yet. But it is an internet fad and will blow over just like all your base and I kiss you.

Yes, but the underlining trend of posting crap in an attempt to derail threads, will not go away on it's own.

Evil Phil

Boston wrote:

Yes, but the underlining trend of posting crap in an attempt to derail threads, will not go away on it's own.

True. I really enjoy the banter on the feedback threads that have outlived their purpose - but some users have valid queries/complaints that get swamped. Their issues should be dealt with first. There seems to be a trend that if somebody with a low post count queries something then everybody else has a right to make fun of them as they're new. It would seem quite obvious that people with low post counts are the very people who depend most on this forum.

David Michael

Hobbes wrote:

They are annoying if the thread hasn't turned to crap yet. But it is an internet fad and will blow over just like all your base and I kiss you.

hmm I remember the All your base fad but I must have missed the I kiss you one.

To the WikiMobile with me!

RoundyMooney

Stark wrote:

Well there's the Helpdesk forum.

There is indeed.

However, the premise of Feedback, be it moderation queries/complaints, or a site related issue, would imply that a discussion be open to all to make a contribution, in my view anyway. Some non-mod posters can and do make excellent points, and some moderators author postcount++ shite on a regular basis, meaning we cannot really, say, allow access only to four stars or higher either.

Whatever Boston's reasons for bringing this issue up, he does raise a very topical concern. Feedback has, in some cases, become a circle jerk for the old hands of boards, and those who fancy themselves as such.

I'm against the blanket banning of catpics, and ergo also the removal of image tags, because they do have their place. Anyway, they're only a symptom rather than a problem in their own right. If a seperate sub forum, specifically for moderation issues/queries/complaints were in place, people might be, ahem, induced not to throw sand around the sandbox so much.

Some of it will inevitably end up in someone's eyes, rightly or wrongly, and I think that's a rather negative portrayal of boards, and one that is a fair bit away from reality.

Hobbes

David Michael wrote:

hmm I remember the All your base fad but I must have missed the I kiss you one.

To the WikiMobile with me!

Oddly I kissyou is only ranked number 2. I'm so sorry I saw number 1 again, took me months to remove that song from my brain.

http://www.cnet.com/4520-11136_1-6268155-1.html

pH

What about an Irish imageboard? 2ch.ie anyone?

Boston

RoundyMooney wrote:

be open to all to make a contribution

Thats the thing, I don't see img tags and a link as a contribution to a thread in and of itself. Some time there's merit in it, but mostly its just people too stupid to realise that theres a time and a place for all things.

Whatever Boston's reasons for bringing this issue up, he does raise a very topical concern. Feedback has, in some cases, become a circle jerk for the old hands of boards, and those who fancy themselves as such.

I'll tell you why, I'm reading a thread, enjoying seeing some muppet get there ass handed to them by people using intelligent, well thought out arguments, and bang, cat picture, thread derailed. If it wasn't Cat pictures it would be something else. And then theres the rare occasion when a user has genuinely been wronged and users just crawl out of the wood work, seemingly unable to use judgement, and like little sheep go bah bah bah Caturday. Typical these users are the ones that create the most hassle when they themselves feel wronged.

Say what you want about fight the power threads, some have actually changed the way boards works and how things are handled. All these "standard practises" about banning and handling moderator disputes internally came out of fight the power threads.

I'm against the blanket banning of catpics, and ergo also the removal of image tags, because they do have their place. Anyway, they're only a symptom rather than a problem in their own right. If a seperate sub forum, specifically for moderation issues/queries/complaints were in place, people might be, ahem, induced not to throw sand around the sandbox so much.

I agree in principle about limiting intervention, but i fail to see how a new forum would help, we've done that before and now we have feedback which basically is just about banning.

the_syco

ZOMG

DapperGent

Weird, I see most of Boston's posts on feedback as useless confrontational bollox. I hate the stupid cat picture etc. fad as I just don't find it funny, comparatively speaking I find them far more worthwile than Boston's posts though.

Boston

DapperGent wrote:

Weird, I see most of Boston's posts on feedback as useless confrontational bollox. I hate the stupid cat picture etc. fad as I just don't find it funny, comparatively speaking I find them far more worthwile than Boston's posts though.

While I'm great and all, this isn't about me.

phantom_lord

Boston wrote:

If it is, it just proves the point, genuine feedback being drowned out by noise.

no one else found that funny coming from boston...?


edit: oops, I should have read the last page. didn't realise how old this was *sigh* I'll leave now.

Boston

phantom_lord wrote:

no one else found that funny coming from boston...?

Still bitter much?
"I think I have a problem"
"yea you got a problem"
"Fuk you boston I aint got a problem"
Let it go man, and maybe grow up or something as well.

challengemaster

the_syco wrote:

btw. If IMG tags didn't work, no-one would use them.

well duh.. if they didnt work, it would be impossible to use them... so how could anyone use them?!?! sounds a little stupid...

oleras

Boston wrote:

I'm reading a thread, enjoying seeing some muppet get there ass handed to them by people using intelligent, well thought out arguments

would these be your "intelligent and well thought out" arguments getting drowned out by cat pictures ? Not getting the claps on the back you deserve ?

Here is my feedback on it, better moderation, i have seen so many posters get bullied out of feedback by the old boys and wannabe board moderators, i used to take the feedback forum as somewhere i could pick up pointers on how the site was run etc, but now, i read it to see and keeptrack of the bandwagonjumpers i.e those posters i know to take no notice of in other fora.

Boston

oleras wrote:

would these be your "intelligent and well thought out" arguments getting drowned out by cat pictures ? Not getting the claps on the back you deserve ?

I don't post for the approval of others.

Here is my feedback on it, better moderation, i have seen so many posters get bullied out of feedback by the old boys and wannabe board moderators, i used to take the feedback forum as somewhere i could pick up pointers on how the site was run etc, but now, i read it to see and keeptrack of the bandwagonjumpers i.e those posters i know to take no notice of in other fora.

Feedback isn't strictly moderated simply because its nature. It's more or less self moderating. The bandwagonjumers are easily spotted.

oleras

Boston wrote:

It's more or less self moderating.

And in my openion, poorly, is that not the crux of your issue ?