The slow death of forums *see OP for Admin warning and update 28/02/18*

Why bother re-opening that thread once this one had been started? All that would happen is similar points would be raised and the discussion would either be split over two threads or doubled up with the slightest inconsistency between the two being escalated across both. We would probably have some posters sticking to one thread, some to the other and some flicking between the two.

Jobs OXO wrote: »

Why not just explain why the other one was locked and this one is ok perhaps ????

To be clear, both threads were offering something far better suited to Feedback, and not AH. I was not party to the decision to close the other one and indeed the Admins have given no direction to local mods on this one. However you will note a couple of Admins have been active within this thread (and I would re-iterate something I've just mentioned - a few Admins are not around at present). I am much more familiar with what has been said in this thread, and I assume the local mods, having noted that I and another Admin have been actively involved, could well have taken the view that they would let this run as yes, I suspect this thread would not have been started if the other was still open.

And yes, those of us that are around are looking/listening. Yes I feel the discussion gets distorted by a small number of posters who take whatever opportunity presents itself to have a dig at the hierarchy on this site.

But one thing I will say - so far as I am concerned this thread can stay open, but if it turns into personal attacks on anyone (and I acknowledge I have had a dig at one poster in this thread already, as I am sure will be pointed out by others), then posters will find themselves banned.

If it descends into "tedious bickering" (which such threads have a tendency to do), then of course we would consider either in-thread warnings or the possibility of the thread being closed. However I will alert the local mods to this post, as if it's heading in that direction we will provide an in-thread warning to get it back on track rather than summarily closing it

Now I cannot promise anything will come out of this thread. We need to discuss it amongst the wider Admin team and indeed full time staff. However we will have that discussion, and provide feedback on any conclusions reached.

I will continue to post in this thread if specific clarification is required on certain matters (providing of course, I do have an answer)

Deleted User wrote: »

I sometimes think that some mods forget that they're supposed to be referees, not players in some threads.

It is entirely fair and appropriate for mods to contribute to discussions. They are usually chosen for their interest in the underlying topics

What we do encourage though is that if posts are reported or action is needed in a thread that a mod has been an active contributor to, they ask another mod (or perhaps a CMod) to look at it. It does not always work this way, but that's certainly our preference. Again though I don't want posters to now go back and dig out examples where it has not worked this way - I've already acknowledged this can happen, but the best way to deal with specific examples is to take it up directly (via PM) with the mod in question, or a relevant CMod

Patww79 wrote: »

This post has been deleted.

The site has never operated on this basis. I have pointed out how an element of independence can be applied. Bear in mind that many forums are quite dependent on the input of mods into threads. We are all volunteers and to prohibit us from discussion on topics we have an interest in would be absurd. Indeed if you take it to it's logical conclusion I should not be allowed to post anywhere on the site except when acting in an Admin capacity. If I was a paid employee then fair enough, but I'm not