Advertisement
If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)
Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie
Please note that it is not permitted to have referral links posted in your signature. Keep these links contained in the appropriate forum. Thank you.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2055940817/signature-rules
Hi there,
There is an issue with role permissions that is being worked on at the moment.
If you are having trouble with access or permissions on regional forums please post here to get access: https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058365403/you-do-not-have-permission-for-that#latest

Are the Motors>Motors mods too Lock happy?

  • 29-08-2008 5:23pm
    #1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,253 ✭✭✭


    Is this forum over censored ?

    Are mods overinterfering in the Motors forum ? 108 votes

    Yes: too much mod intereference and thread locking
    0%
    No: not enough mod control : too many threads out of control
    33%
    DaSilvaondaflyjimmycrackcormJHMEGzilog_jonesagent_smithknuthDJ HafezBlackWizardHungryJoeyPlugOwentesticleNonoperationalNiSmOcolm_mcmMax_DamageSandwichBazzypburns 36 votes
    Neutral : they strike a reasonable balance
    3%
    ondaflykmart6mikemacongarite 4 votes
    This thread and/or sandwich about to bit the dust: vote quickly
    62%
    StephenBalfaLuciferStarkOur man in HavanaShayK1RedshiftondaflymilltownT-b0n3gyppoccThe Real B-manjayokHolstenEselIce_BoxskyhighflyerqzCrowdedHouse 68 votes


«1345

Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 23,157 ✭✭✭✭Alanstrainor


    take it to feedback.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,393 ✭✭✭✭Vegeta


    Well this thread will be, if you have a complaint take it to the Help Desk or Feedback.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,819 ✭✭✭✭peasant


    Well ...maybe we ought to have a discussion "among ourselves" rather than let the feedback vultures (most of whom have nothing to do with motors) at it?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,683 ✭✭✭✭Owen


    No: not enough mod control : too many threads out of control
    Its been tried in the Motors Forum peasant, but the constant locking of threads just because Mods don't agree with what's being said is still going on. It's ridiculous, and ruining whats a poor Forum already and dragging it into obscurity.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 16,801 ✭✭✭✭Gary ITR


    This thread and/or sandwich about to bit the dust: vote quickly
    ned78 wrote: »
    Its been tried in the Motors Forum peasant, but the constant locking of threads just because Mods don't agree with what's being said is still going on. It's ridiculous, and ruining whats a poor Forum already and dragging it into obscurity.

    Hang on, it's not a poor forum. You haven't been around here for ages cos you got your knickers in a twist about the use of the freemasons crest and you come back and call it a poor forum?

    There may have been some threads that were prematurely locked but not as many as people are making out. Any edits are usually to remove bad language, which is a mods job. So why don't you just crawl back under the rock you were hiding under for the last few months?


  • Advertisement
  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,502 ✭✭✭Zube


    This thread and/or sandwich about to bit the dust: vote quickly
    peasant wrote: »
    Well ...maybe we ought to have a discussion "among ourselves" rather than let the feedback vultures (most of whom have nothing to do with motors) at it?

    Moderation on all public forums is an absolute necessity. I have not been here very long, but the moderators seem to be on the ball to me.

    What do I win? :D


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 7,097 ✭✭✭Darragh29


    No: not enough mod control : too many threads out of control
    Yip, +1. What was that about the Freemasons???


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,683 ✭✭✭✭Owen


    No: not enough mod control : too many threads out of control
    Onkle wrote: »
    Hang on, it's not a poor forum. You haven't been around here for ages ... and you come back and call it a poor forum

    It is a poor forum. It may be popular, but as far as content goes, it's inadequate. Just because I haven't been around for a while, doesn't mean I haven't been reading it. People are far too bitchy, and argument happy, and ready to fire of a stream of bitterness and a penny's drop ... just as you've done. There's no community spirit in this forum.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 73,520 ✭✭✭✭colm_mcm


    No: not enough mod control : too many threads out of control
    There is an awful lot of repetition on behalf of some regular posters here, and the same arguments and rivalries keep coming up over and over.
    While this is a tad annoying, it's part and parcel of any forum that has regular contributors.

    Personally I think a lot of threads are locked well before their time, and locking the thread often denies someone a right of reply, this moves the argument down the line only to be brought up again.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,819 ✭✭✭✭peasant


    ned78 wrote: »
    Its been tried in the Motors Forum peasant, but the constant locking of threads just because Mods don't agree with what's being said is still going on. It's ridiculous, and ruining whats a poor Forum already and dragging it into obscurity.

    We have never, ever locked a thread because we personally don't agree with it. Threads are always locked for one of the following reasons:

    1) the thread has drifted off topic (which in itself is no problem, really) and on top of that is going nowhere or round in circles

    2) two or more posters in the thread have started to loose the plot, the insults are flying, posts are getting reported (which users normally don't see) and the discussion is getting personal instead of on topic. In my opinion (and I presume in that of the other mods as well) it is the least damaging option to lock the thread rather than trying to keep a lid on a box of frogs (which usually never works anyway) and having to hand out infractions or even bannings like candy in end. Locking the thread is annoying to those in the middle of the argument, I understand that, but I honestly belive that in the long run it is better than infracting / banning

    3) a thread is in violation of the forum charter. (At the time the charter was developed, all users had a say in it)

    4) an ancient thread has been dug up from the archives without any good reason.

    Boards.ie (and motors as one of its busiest forums) is no longer a little niche on the internet for a certain group of people, but by now well into "mainstream". To a certain degree, this also means "middle of the road" (pardon the pun) when it comes to content. Posters of all ages and all walks of life and backgrounds use this forum, that has its good sides and some disadvantages ..but such is life.

    Moderating such a forum is not easy ...because whatever you do (lock or leave it open for example) there will be a sizeable group of users that don't like that decision.

    Overall, I think we are doing a fairly even handed job. But as I personally seem to be getting the most critcism here ...well, I'm willing to listen to it ...


  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 46,817 ✭✭✭✭Mitch Connor


    i haven't been looking on here recently as much as I used to, but i honestly don't see too many threads being locked. There has been the odd occasion where I have seen a thread locked before I had got my point accross but in general I have found the threads that are locked are those that are just going round in ever more aggrivated circles.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,819 ✭✭✭✭peasant


    ned78 wrote: »
    People are far too bitchy, and argument happy, and ready to fire of a stream of bitterness and a penny's drop ... just as you've done. There's no community spirit in this forum.

    Just pause for a minute and think what it would be like if we let everybody rant and rave? Or alternatively shut every ranter and raver up permanently with a ban?

    neither option is desirable ...:D


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 22,815 ✭✭✭✭Anan1


    Onkle wrote: »
    Hang on, it's not a poor forum. You haven't been around here for ages cos you got your knickers in a twist about the use of the freemasons crest and you come back and call it a poor forum?

    There may have been some threads that were prematurely locked but not as many as people are making out. Any edits are usually to remove bad language, which is a mods job. So why don't you just crawl back under the rock you were hiding under for the last few months?
    Has it never occurred to you that personal attacks like this are the reason many threads get locked in the first place?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,683 ✭✭✭✭Owen


    No: not enough mod control : too many threads out of control
    peasant wrote: »
    We have never, ever locked a thread because we personally don't agree with it. Threads are always locked for one of the following reasons:

    Actually, I owe you an apology. It seems from an outsider's perspective - outsider to moderating and all it entails - that they are personally motivated. But your explanation is much more detailed and explanatory than that simple conclusion. Sorry Peasant!


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 7,097 ✭✭✭Darragh29


    No: not enough mod control : too many threads out of control
    peasant wrote: »

    1) the thread has drifted off topic (which in itself is no problem, really) and on top of that is going nowhere or round in circles

    This is the biggest problem right across boards. The slightest deviation whatsoever from the most popular line of discussion is cited as off topic discussion and that's the end of the discussion.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,465 ✭✭✭✭cantdecide


    I don't post very much here any more- does that tell it's own story???

    Very cliqusih at times.... That's no about the mods so technically it's off topic.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 25,038 ✭✭✭✭Wishbone Ash


    ...........and peasant may have ommitted to say that threads which are libellous or have the potential to be libellous need to be locked/deteted as soon as possible.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 7,097 ✭✭✭Darragh29


    No: not enough mod control : too many threads out of control
    ...........and peasant may have ommitted to say that threads which are libellous or have the potential to be libellous need to be locked/deteted as soon as possible.

    Maybe you need to step out of this thead for two seconds and drop in next door if this is the case...


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 21,499 ✭✭✭✭Alun


    Darragh29 wrote: »
    This is the biggest problem right across boards. The slightest deviation whatsoever from the most popular line of discussion is cited as off topic discussion and that's the end of the discussion.
    TBH that's a problem in any online forum, whatever the topic.

    To a degree, it goes against human nature, in that normal 'offline' real-world conversations or discussions always drift from topic to topic in a fluid manner and nobody suggests that they go off and move into another room to continue the conversation there, which would be the real-world equivalent of, say, splitting a thread that was going off on a bit of a tangent into another thread.

    On the other hand, if you just allow online fora to mimic real-life you may as well abandon the whole concept of threads, and have one great big humungous mega-thread, which is clearly also not a real option.

    Like most things in life, you have to find a middle road, and that is what the mods job is, and one that they IMO do well under what can be trying circumstances.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 7,097 ✭✭✭Darragh29


    No: not enough mod control : too many threads out of control
    Alun wrote: »
    TBH that's a problem in any online forum, whatever the topic.

    To a degree, it goes against human nature, in that normal 'offline' real-world conversations or discussions always drift from topic to topic in a fluid manner and nobody suggests that they go off and move into another room to continue the conversation there, which would be the real-world equivalent of, say, splitting a thread that was going off on a bit of a tangent into another thread.

    On the other hand, if you just allow online fora to mimic real-life you may as well abandon the whole concept of threads, and have one great big humungous mega-thread, which is clearly also not a real option.

    Like most things in life, you have to find a middle road, and that is what the mods job is, and one that they IMO do well under what can be trying circumstances.

    In the absence of an acommodation of differing viewpoints, discussion is not possible, which is what I thought boards was all about. Look at the thread next door that has just been locked. Why didn't a mod close the thread when the OP departed from the charter by mentioning the name of the business she had issue with. A perfectly decent discussion torpedoed because the charter was breached in the first sentence of the first post...


  • Advertisement
  • Closed Accounts Posts: 12,035 ✭✭✭✭-Chris-


    This thread and/or sandwich about to bit the dust: vote quickly
    I think moderation is absolutely necessary and I appreciate those who do it.

    I think locking is too quick and it causes frustration among posters.


    I think the most important thing for mods is to make sure there are no lawsuits and to make sure that everything doesn't decend into petty personal squabbling and personal grudges.

    If/when it gets personal then it's going to keep occurring in other threads so that can't be allowed to fester.

    If (another) lawsuit happens, it'll cripple what we're allowed to do. We should all be discouraging people from starting "x are thieving gypsies, who else has had a bad experience with them?" threads.


    I'd rather see mods hand out infractions and bans for people contravening the charter. I think it's important that threads are allowed to run and develop. Control individual posters rather than killing the threads.

    Mods should guide threads and stop people going OT, that's really important. Let people know that they're off on their own buzz and not addressing the OP's concerns.

    By locking the thread you're taking the toys away from the bold children. Instead, by giving bans and warnings, you're setting boundaries and letting them keep playing (or something...).


    If an old (ish) thread is resurrected by the OP, probably with an update, that shouldn't be locked.

    The thread I'm thinking of is RedorDead's VWGI thread, I think it's fair for him to give us an update on what's happening, and the conversation was continuing based on the new information.


    I think we should expand the number of Stickies. If there was a "fog light" sticky and a "going slow in the overtaking lane" sticky then people could rant as they felt, but mods wouldn't have to lock or move the thread.

    A big frustration for me is when I go to read a thread that has an interesting title only to find out it's the same old $hite.

    As an example, I haven't read the VRT thread in ages. It's mainly because it's going around in circles and because most of the new posters in it haven't bothered to read the thread - they're just asking the same basic questions that were asked less than a page ago by a different lazy poster who also didn't bother to read the first post.

    But because it's a sticky, I can ignore it safely and then read the other VRT threads in the hope that they're asking something new.


    Users have a responsibility in this too. If we know we're off topic, we should reign ourselves in (or make our point and apologies). We should try not to swear, rather than saying cnut or fcuk or $hite and outsmarting the word filter. As the forum gets more mainstream, more impressionable people (or more easily offended people) may be joining in.

    We should also try not to say things that may compromise boards.ie as an entity - if someone says the wrong thing and it gets taken up by the wrong person, this place'll be sued into the ground and we'll all lose the forum we love.


    Edit: I'm a slower typer than I thought - in the time it took to type this post, most of the points have been covered... ah well!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,366 ✭✭✭ninty9er


    I see a lot more locking these days and in general think there's too much, but having taken a look at a few of the threads closed in the last few days....I can see why they were....some people *ahem* double fog light thread offender *ahem* are lucky not to be spending a week or 2 in banland.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 73,520 ✭✭✭✭colm_mcm


    No: not enough mod control : too many threads out of control
    OT, but we seriously need a BMW forum, the amount of BMW queries here is unbelievable.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,479 ✭✭✭Volvoboy


    colm_mcm wrote: »
    OT, but we seriously need a BMW forum, the amount of BMW queries here is unbelievable.

    +1

    But there is alot of high-horsery goes on here, people are so desparate to be right all the time.

    While back i replyed to a poster concerned what would happen if he got stopped by the po-po with no nct.

    I gave the answer to the best of my knowleadge, a person corrected me and i appologised. Then 2 other posters tore me a new one for posting the wrong answer:rolleyes:

    To be honest the place aint the same as it used to be.. sad but true.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,462 ✭✭✭TheBazman


    Just wondering:

    * Old Threads - don't resurrect old threads unnecessarily.

    Why is this the case? Surely if you have something further to add on a topic already covered would it not be better to add it to an existing thread rather than create a new one?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 23,157 ✭✭✭✭Alanstrainor


    A lot of responses to that question here: http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055366865


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,819 ✭✭✭✭peasant


    TheBazman wrote: »
    Just wondering:

    * Old Threads - don't resurrect old threads unnecessarily.

    Why is this the case? Surely if you have something further to add on a topic already covered would it not be better to add it to an existing thread rather than create a new one?


    Yeees ..that is a bit of a difficult one ...how to define "unnecessarily" ...

    Lately I have noticed, that even if the mods leave the thread open, more often than not users will jump in with posts like "ancient thread :eek:" or "in before the lock" and ruin the thread anyway :D leaving no choice but to lock it.

    But there is room for more generous interpretations of "necessary", I would agree.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 7,097 ✭✭✭Darragh29


    No: not enough mod control : too many threads out of control
    colm_mcm wrote: »
    OT, but we seriously need a BMW forum, the amount of BMW queries here is unbelievable.

    Defo, the motors forum has very obviously been completely overtaken by BMW drivers, or more accurately, people who drive BMW's who want to tell everyone else in the world that they drive BMW's. Why can't they have a forum of their own in motors???


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,366 ✭✭✭ninty9er


    peasant wrote: »
    Yeees ..that is a bit of a difficult one ...how to define "unnecessarily" ...

    Lately I have noticed, that even if the mods leave the thread open, more often than not users will jump in with posts like "ancient thread :eek:" or "in before the lock" and ruin the thread anyway :D leaving no choice but to lock it.

    I don't think comments like that make it necessary to close a thread, they just show the "in before the lock" people that they're not always right.


  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,613 ✭✭✭Lord Nikon


    +1 on the BMW sub-Forum, but saying that there is already forums out there for BMW, within Ireland too.


    I think too many threads pop up that have been covered WAY too much, and tbh the Motors forum tires me. ie VRT, fog lights, penalty points.

    I would suggest Stickies just for these subjects alone, but be an instant improvement.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,709 ✭✭✭Balfa


    This thread and/or sandwich about to bit the dust: vote quickly
    Darragh29 wrote: »
    Why can't they have a forum of their own in motors???
    Because then we'd only be telling other BMW drivers that we have a BMW, and where's the fun in that?? ;)
    Seriously though. There are probably two reasons for this: 1. The 3-series sells really well, so lots of people have them. 2. Someone who owns a BMW is probably more likely to be into cars in general (and hence interested in a motors forum) than your average micra driver. I don't see the problem.

    Back on topic: I don't have a problem with the closage of threads. I don't think I've ever felt like I missed getting my point across because of a closed thread, and I typically come late to most threads, because of my timezone difference.

    And by the way, my answer to the question "Are mods overinterfering in the Motors forum" is NO. I don't know why I should have to pick neutral ;P


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 7,097 ✭✭✭Darragh29


    No: not enough mod control : too many threads out of control
    Balfa wrote: »
    Because then we'd only be telling other BMW drivers that we have a BMW, and where's the fun in that?? ;)
    Seriously though. There are probably two reasons for this: 1. The 3-series sells really well, so lots of people have them. 2. Someone who owns a BMW is probably more likely to be into cars in general (and hence interested in a motors forum) than your average micra driver. I don't see the problem.

    Back on topic: I don't have a problem with the closage of threads. I don't think I've ever felt like I missed getting my point across because of a closed thread, and I typically come late to most threads, because of my timezone difference.

    And by the way, my answer to the question "Are mods overinterfering in the Motors forum" is NO. I don't know why I should have to pick neutral ;P

    :P:P:P


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 4,147 ✭✭✭E92


    No: not enough mod control : too many threads out of control
    Onkle wrote: »
    Hang on, it's not a poor forum. You haven't been around here for ages cos you got your knickers in a twist about the use of the freemasons crest and you come back and call it a poor forum?

    Well what do you want him to do? Just put up and say nothing?

    Motors should be a haven for good and proper discussion about cars, and car related topics. Clearly when people who are interested in cars, and don't see the point of posting in a forum that's supposed to be about cars, there is something wrong.

    It's only fair that people voice their opinions, nobody's perfect, and no matter what way things are moderated it'll never satisfy everyone, but that's life and that's the way these things are.
    ned78 wrote: »
    It is a poor forum. It may be popular, but as far as content goes, it's inadequate. Just because I haven't been around for a while, doesn't mean I haven't been reading it. People are far too bitchy, and argument happy, and ready to fire of a stream of bitterness and a penny's drop ... just as you've done. There's no community spirit in this forum.

    Well like ned78 says, there's a BIG difference between a forum being popular and being good. I haven't posted for the past 2 weeks, because I was just simply getting tired of the way things were going, and I haven't regretted my decision, but it doesn't for a second mean that I haven't been looking to see what's going on, and rest assured if things improve then I'll happily resume posting.

    If somebody asks a question then one shouldn't have to worry about their post being censored within reason obviously, but recently every third post has a mod edit in it - now I'm here long enough to know that this sort of thing did NOT happen until recently, and it's not like the content of posts and replys etc has changed a lot - though I notice fewer and fewer genuine enthusiasts posting - it's more the person who has a bit of an interest in cars, and don't get me wrong, I'm all for people posting provided they're interested, nothing pleases me more than seeing more and more people being interested in cars, BUT it is not a good sign when people who are really into cars don't post here.
    peasant wrote: »
    We have never, ever locked a thread because we personally don't agree with it. Threads are always locked for one of the following reasons:


    Well the first thing I should do is apologise, because I started criticising you earlier today and then unfortunately I had to go and thus was unable to get back to you until now. I don't believe in having a go in someone and then abandoning ship, without justifying my position on things.
    peasant wrote: »
    1) the thread has drifted off topic (which in itself is no problem, really) and on top of that is going nowhere or round in circles

    Why go and warn people about being off topic, not to mention trying to steer the course of direction on the thread then? If it's excessively OT then fair enough, but you have a very literal interpretation of what constitutes going OT, in my humble opinion.
    peasant wrote: »
    2) two or more posters in the thread have started to loose the plot, the insults are flying, posts are getting reported (which users normally don't see) and the discussion is getting personal instead of on topic. In my opinion (and I presume in that of the other mods as well) it is the least damaging option to lock the thread rather than trying to keep a lid on a box of frogs (which usually never works anyway) and having to hand out infractions or even bannings like candy in end. Locking the thread is annoying to those in the middle of the argument, I understand that, but I honestly belive that in the long run it is better than infracting / banning

    I don't see what's wrong with people having a heated debate, provided there aren't personal insults going around and nobody is trolling.
    peasant wrote: »
    3) a thread is in violation of the forum charter. (At the time the charter was developed, all users had a say in it)

    4) an ancient thread has been dug up from the archives without any good reason.

    No quibbles there, that's the way things always were, and should remain!(though most of the mod edits etc are nothing to do with these)
    peasant wrote: »
    Moderating such a forum is not easy ...because whatever you do (lock or leave it open for example) there will be a sizeable group of users that don't like that decision.

    Overall, I think we are doing a fairly even handed job. But as I personally seem to be getting the most criticism here ...well, I'm willing to listen to it ...

    I appreciate that no matter what you do, there will always be people complaining, and you won't be able to please everyone, but I think the point that I, and others seem to be agreeing on is that there is far too much heavy handedness in terms of moderating. Every third post has "mod edit" or "snip" on it these days(you've edited several of my posts for reasons that are quite frankly hard to fathom why even though I've seen the explanation, like the time I asked for a link to JC's old Vauxhall Vectra test because I said "it can't be that hard to find because TG is something like the world's most pirated forum"), that just simply did not happen before.

    There seems to be far more interfering with threads (now I'm all for moderators editing obscene, pimping etc posts, I don't for a second mean that we should all be allowed to run amok), far too many warnings about people going OT(this used to happen all the time before and nobody said nothing), and a very literal interpretation of what constitutes being on topic; not all the time from you to be fair, but you do interfere noticeably more often than unkel or kbannon in terms of steering the direction of the thread if you like. Threads don't take their course like they used to.

    That is my beef specifically with the moderating on this forum.

    Now I have problems with some of the rubbish that's posted on a forum that's supposed to be for car enthusiasts, but that's not the moderators' fault, so I have no right to moan about that, and hence I'm not going to.


  • Subscribers Posts: 16,611 ✭✭✭✭copacetic


    This thread and/or sandwich about to bit the dust: vote quickly
    the mods have a tough job, personally I think the easy option of locking the threads is taken too often but it is often the easiest thing to do. I'd prefer to see the various idiots who flame OPs and other posters to get bans rather than lock threads that get out of hand due to their flaming. There have been a few threads where there was a decent thread ruined first by people flaming and slagging off other posters which then led to the thread being locked. The flamers win.

    However as I said having to deal with the amount of idiots around is a nightmare for the mods so I'd back them up 99% of the time.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 5,461 ✭✭✭Max_Damage


    No: not enough mod control : too many threads out of control
    In my opinion, old threads shouldn't be locked. There is absolutely no reason to lock them in my opinion.


  • Advertisement
  • Closed Accounts Posts: 5,461 ✭✭✭Max_Damage


    No: not enough mod control : too many threads out of control
    peasant wrote: »
    1) the thread has drifted off topic (which in itself is no problem, really) and on top of that is going nowhere or round in circles

    Threads in the classic cars forum nearly ALWAYS go off topic (usually caused by me! :D), and they're usually never locked, which is a good thing IMO. Same sort of condition should apply to this forum.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 4,147 ✭✭✭E92


    No: not enough mod control : too many threads out of control
    +1 on the BMW sub-Forum, but saying that there is already forums out there for BMW, within Ireland too.


    I think too many threads pop up that have been covered WAY too much, and tbh the Motors forum tires me. ie VRT, fog lights, penalty points.

    I would suggest Stickies just for these subjects alone, but be an instant improvement.

    I'm now going to contradict a bit of what I've just said :D - though it's related to my point about some of the nonsense posted in that I completely agree with threads like foglights, VRT etc being locked, and posters being banned if absolutely necessary. We've done them to death at this stage. I wouldn't even bother with stickies - they've been covered to death at this stage - though it would be vastly superior to the current situation.

    I also think that we ought to ban any new speeding threads, unless something new happens like the daft proposal by the Greens to lower speed limits.

    But threads of this nature just for the sake of it are a real waste of time.

    The whole BMW sub-forum thing would bore me to tears, there are already acres of them around for anyone who wants one - however it is a fact of life, like or lump it, that a disproportionate number of car enthusiasts are BMW owners/fans of the marque/people who are thinking of buying one.

    I think the creation of an off-road & 4X4 forum was regrettable, they are a type of car and IMHO it should have stayed here. Though I believe that enough people wanted that, so that's fair enough, I can't complain about that then really.

    I never look at that forum - whereas before when they were all mixed in together, I always did, just out of interest, and sometimes I might have had something to say too.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 73,520 ✭✭✭✭colm_mcm


    No: not enough mod control : too many threads out of control
    but a huge number of BMW drivers seem to use boards, it'd be great to send them somewhere. ;)

    Every second thread seems to be about a 3 series.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,819 ✭✭✭✭peasant


    E92

    Thanks for your lengthy post, I will digest it in detail later.

    Just one point:

    The reason why you see more moderation (good or bad) going on recently is because there is one more mod (me).

    I happen to be online during the day more often than unkle or kbannon so -threads get moderated more often than they used to - and it's usually me that does it.

    I don't think that I censor posts, I'd like to believe that I moderate them. The <SNIPS> that you hate so much are usually nothing but "fcuks and cnuts" removed that have no place in a civilised discussion anyway.

    My "interference" in trying to control the direction of a thread or warnings to people are nothing else but the alternative to thread closure (or bans)

    So what am I to do?
    If I try to steer, I'm "interfering"..if I let it run to breaking point and lock it, then I'm "heavy handed".

    I'm not saying that I'm getting it right all the time ...but I'm trying my best.

    Most of my decisions are made within a few seconds ...because I'm working as well as moderating ...and sometimes I do get it wrong.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,819 ✭✭✭✭peasant


    Max_Damage wrote: »
    Threads in the classic cars forum nearly ALWAYS go off topic (usually caused by me! :D), and they're usually never locked, which is a good thing IMO. Same sort of condition should apply to this forum.

    The classics forum (thankfully) is a very cosy affair where mostly regulars post among themselves and everybody knows what they're talking about or refering to, even if it is off topic.

    Main motors is different in that it is a lot busier and there needs to be some order ...otherwise everything would just end up in the one thread.


  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,366 ✭✭✭ninty9er


    E92 wrote: »
    I also think that we ought to ban any new speeding threads, unless something new happens like the daft proposal by the Greens to lower speed limits.
    +1

    Maybe a standard pm should be agreed between the mods to the person who started such a thread explaining why it has been deleted.

    Please can mods start deleting threads instread of closing them. It bugs me for some reason and I don't know why.

    On the heated debate. Myself and r3nu4l had a heated debate following the most recent fog light thread. It was all in good fun and we sorted it via pm between the 2 of us. Maybe this option should be suggested more often rather than one reply I got when I posted a clarification which asked me simply to "refrain from sending me any more of this drivel".

    I did and added said member to my ignore list. Which should be pointed to as an option. I can't imagine how many people's I'm on, not because of what I post but because of what's in my sig, but what the hell. These people's opinions don't bother me. In general when you ask a question here
    1) you get a good-humoured roasting for being so stupid and then the real answers start coming (I have no solid backup but have a feeling these are the type of threads that get closed too early)
    2) you get all the info without the roasting.

    I'm not going to claim to be a car nut with oil in my veins, but I like to keep up to date on the specs and options for current cars, building up a mental database of those that went before as I go along and keeping up to date.

    I find posters like E92 and VB very informative and cordial and think it's to the detriment of the forum that more like them are becoming more infrequent posters.

    I've only ever once had a problem in here, which to be honest was of my own making on a political issue, though I still believe the other party should have had the same ban considering there were some other posters backing up my arguments.


  • Moderators, Politics Moderators Posts: 41,220 Mod ✭✭✭✭Seth Brundle


    What threads have been 'intefered' with?
    As for old threads, etc. People do resurrect an old thread from a year or two ago asking the same question or whatever. Its easier on readers to read through a new thread rather than have to refresh themselves with a possibly long, old and irrelevant thread. But they don't always get locked, if they are still relevant.

    As for locking threads 'prematurely', I have often locked a thread for someone to PM me asking me to reopen it to post a final word or whatever. These are always given fair consideration and in the majority of cases I get them to PM me a copy of the final post and if its fair then I decide to unlock the thread for them!

    I could type loads more stuff but I really don't want to go on. I think the levels of moderation for such a busy forum is quite low. On most other forums, people would be banned for things that often get a warning here. I'm not saying that other mods are more strict but I think its more a case that the motors are fairly relaxed and the relaxed atmosphere has worked well in here for a very long time, since Mike's time in fact.


  • Moderators, Politics Moderators Posts: 41,220 Mod ✭✭✭✭Seth Brundle


    and as for overintefereing, I've never intefered with anyone - the judge dismissed all of the charges :D


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 619 ✭✭✭WHITE_P


    I think peasant does an excellent job modding threads. If he has a point to make in a thread he does so without being condesending or ignorant towards other posters. As for locking threads, the charter is there and should be read.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 16,801 ✭✭✭✭Gary ITR


    This thread and/or sandwich about to bit the dust: vote quickly
    Peasant is unfairly being picked on, only reason it seems like peasant is overmodding is because he spends a lot more time here than unkel or kbannon.

    Actually peasant should get their share of the coke and hookers


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 23,157 ✭✭✭✭Alanstrainor


    WHITE_P wrote: »
    I think peasant does an excellent job modding threads. If he has a point to make in a thread he does so without being condesending or ignorant towards other posters. As for locking threads, the charter is there and should be read.

    +1, Modding is no easy task, especially on such an active forum, all i can do is praise Peasant for his level headedness and competency on this forum.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,819 ✭✭✭✭peasant


    Thanks to the last three posters for their support !


    (But I'm not dividing my share of the c&h :p:D)


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 7,097 ✭✭✭Darragh29


    No: not enough mod control : too many threads out of control
    WHITE_P wrote: »
    I think peasant does an excellent job modding threads. If he has a point to make in a thread he does so without being condesending or ignorant towards other posters. As for locking threads, the charter is there and should be read.

    Seems like the Mods could do with reading the charter themselves. Most disputes I've seem on here are a direct result of Mods selectively picking a particular clause of the charter when the topic of conversation turns to something that they disagree with or clashes with their signature, 5 or 6 pages after the charter has first been breached. Also, you see every single day here, a critical thead being started about "Lee Harvey Oswald Motors", which ends up being locked 5 pages later because people have hopped on the bandwagon and "Lee Harvey Oswald Motors" has now been slandered or whatever. Why not close the thead at the first instance when the OP starts criticising a garage and names them, a clear breach of the charter, instead of letting it go on for 5 pages when the legal damage has already been well and truly done and is still here for all to see and to sue for???

    By all means be critical of a service provider, but naming them on the basis of complete heresay is another thing, I am surprised some of the bigger dealerships who have been taken to task on here without any evidence being offered to back up a set of allegations, have not taken up the legal cudgel. I would have imagined the the primary purpose of having a Mod, before all other duties, was to protect boards from being closed down or sued by a third party. I would have thought that all other issues come secondary to that...


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 23,157 ✭✭✭✭Alanstrainor


    Perhaps there was no Moderator online at the time? You can't expect round the clock moderation of a forum, there's bound to be a time when no mods are online.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 25,038 ✭✭✭✭Wishbone Ash


    Darragh29 wrote: »
    you see every single day here, a critical thead being started about "Lee Harvey Oswald Motors", which ends up being locked 5 pages later because people have hopped on the bandwagon and "Lee Harvey Oswald Motors" has now been slandered or whatever
    * laughs*

    I am a total JFK assassination "anorak" and am 100% certain that he acted alone!

    ...now back on topic.....:)


  • Advertisement
Advertisement