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

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Comments

  • #572
    OldMrBrennan83
    Closed Accounts Posts: 26,658 ✭✭✭✭OldMrBrennan83


    This post has been deleted.


  • #573
    Beasty
    Administrators, Social & Fun Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 78,458 Admin ✭✭✭✭✭Beasty


    The_Valeyard wrote: »
    Thats not a bad idea actually. Not sure if its possible though?

    If that was straightforward to implement it would have been done years ago. Unfortunately the Site Development team have too many other priorities at present


  • #574
    Don Kiddick
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,080 ✭✭✭Don Kiddick


    Beasty wrote: »
    There are 4 mods and 3 CMods. CMods have no direct responsibility in Rugby. They are there to help out across the whole category, Steve, Mickeroo and GavRedKing are Sports CMods, not Rugby mods

    As you say, 3 of the 4 local mods are very active in the forum

    They are indeed, but you ignored the second part of that line in my post...and for what it's worth, I think they do quite well, but the numbers have fallen beyond a point from which they can recover imo


  • #575
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 31,118 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    Beasty wrote: »
    If that was straightforward to implement it would have been done years ago. Unfortunately the Site Development team have too many other priorities at present
    I use a variety of message boards and thinking about it, I have never seen any that "cloak" users in the way suggested. If a user is a mod or admin, that flag is visible to all.

    It would probably need a rewrite of a module in the software, rather than setting a switch in the configuration file.


  • #576
    RDM_83 again
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,116 ✭✭✭RDM_83 again


    These sort of threads say the same thing again and again but anyway.

    -As somebody who needs to nuke this account due to having started coming across as a mix of Pope JP II and Hitler, it's worrying to see how new posters get treated, I think I have got lee way in terms of having at least one really dubious mod decision removed due to having a decade long history on the account.

    -Further to above perhaps something that could be looked at is the removal of usernames from closed accounts posts, it wouldn't be great but it might make people a bit more willing to post at a time when there has been targeting of particular users.

    - The way the voat stuff was approached was a negative to this site, it didn't seem that posters were warned that they were at risk and discussion was wiped about it (I'm a poster that would have been on the other side to those targeted but seeing that wasn't great)

    -Cliques definitely do exist, the fact the site has a bunch of private forums attached is irrefutable evidence of this, my solution is that rather than nuking those forums, membership of private forums is displayed in user sigs that way the more "activist" style cliques would be obvious (and this problem will just get worse in run up to referendum)

    - Bias exists, dav's statement a few years ago said it all, people also have to realise that right wing social views that may not be acceptable among some university/yuppy hipster professional circles are damn common, I would hazard in a country /working class Dublin pub nothing said in AH wouldn't be said there.

    -Boards can't compete with Reddit but on the flipside anybody that thinks Reddit has fairer moderation than here has only used that site for looking at funny videos or has tailored their sub-reddit according to political view point, apart from small niche reddits discussion is much better here in general.

    - The days of always increasing username are gone no matter what changes, it's a much more crowded space now, that said the way it's declining is avoidable.

    - Mods need to either not be involved in the discussion or leave their bias at the door, it's very obvious in places like Politics that it's ok to abuse some politicians that the mods don't like while calling a different politician names will get users carded.

    - The if you don't like it leave line is stupid and brings up another point, there was a concerted and successful push in the early mid 2010's to change the culture here which resulted in some very harsh moderation (thankfully relaxed). Thing is most of the users that pushed hardest for that change are gone, the place changed because a set of power users concerns but it didn't even keep those users.
    Despite the current complaints coming from a wider base these won't be listened too.

    -Most importantly better quick loading full featured mobile experience is needed, look at an ap like Reddit is Fun for insperation.


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  • #577
    Doctor DooM
    Moderators, Music Moderators Posts: 25,872 Mod ✭✭✭✭Doctor DooM


    Patww79 wrote: »
    This post has been deleted.
    The_Valeyard wrote: »
    Thats not a bad idea actually. Not sure if its possible though?

    This is something mods themselves have been asking for btw.

    I know it's the stereotype to think of mods as being powermad LOOK AT ME rules laywers, but believe me it's annoying when you're joking in some random forum and someone with a bone to pick gets all "AND THIS COMING FROM A MOD???"

    Tiring.

    I became a mod because I got more out of boards than I put in and in specific there was communities I thought I could help grow. I did, too.

    If you look at it like that, a mod with no interest in a topic will sometimes help out if a mod with no bias is needed (or if you just need someone to cover for a while. I'm an ex home appliances mod, btw).


  • #578
    Discodog
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 16,012 ✭✭✭✭Discodog


    Beasty wrote: »
    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)

    The key to all of this is openess. If there is bickering or personal attacks then deal with them here. Don't use it as an excuse to close the thread.

    Don't reach conclusions. Continue the discussion & allow the posters, who are Boards, to make agreed decisions. It shouldn't be them & us. Most of us aren't children. I for one want Boards to continue & be successful. It's an amazing resource & I am sure that most here agree.

    In my experience, if you talk to people & involve them in their business (which Boards is ) you end up with happier people & management ( modding) becomes much easier.

    By the way why aren't threads left open for review instead of being closed pending review ?

    As for the old "We're done here" how about a polite "Are we done here ? "


  • #579
    riffmongous
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,933 ✭✭✭✭riffmongous


    Patww79 wrote: »
    This post has been deleted.
    Iirc on a few forums bringing in outside mods actually caused a lot of aggro. These were forums that allowed a bit more leeway than others which didn't help


  • #580
    OldMrBrennan83
    Closed Accounts Posts: 26,658 ✭✭✭✭OldMrBrennan83


    This post has been deleted.


  • #581
    Ewan Hoosarmi
    Closed Accounts Posts: 465 ✭✭Ewan Hoosarmi


    Moderation of the forum seems to be a constant gripe on Boards.ie. The reputation it has across the internet is always fobbed off as 'someone with an axe to grind'. I believe that moderation of Boards.ie is a problem that needs to be addressed. I fully understand that mods here are volunteers, and, above all, ordinary people, but the variation in quality of modding is a big problem.

    There is no question that there are fair, balanced, and helpful mods here on Boards. They don't necessarily stand out, as they moderate so well that not only do they not disrupt the flow, they can, and do, post as normal posters without any problem at all.

    Would it be possible to have an area where mods can get recognition for their good work? Like a place where I could give good mods a 'thanks' click. No feedback needed. The good mods - in the eyes of the users - would then stand out and the poor ones would be fairly obvious by their lack of users support.

    I have been saved from inappropriate, hot headed posting by a mod simply deleting the post, I got the message. No card or condescending PM necessary.

    We have some great mods and I personally would like to single out Wibbs, cros13 and Alanstrainor as mods who deserve my thanks.

    To the posters who think a recent join date or lack of posts define the poster, you're not only wrong, you're shallow and insecure. I changed recently because I picked up a scumbag who threatened to harm me and somehow found an email address that I was using. So a change of ID was necessary. This is my third ID in many years posting here.


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  • #582
    Discodog
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 16,012 ✭✭✭✭Discodog


    The problem may be, as someone suggested earlier, that by naming the good ones you imply that the others are bad.

    Maybe have annual Modscars with different categories :)


  • #583
    Ewan Hoosarmi
    Closed Accounts Posts: 465 ✭✭Ewan Hoosarmi


    Discodog wrote: »
    The problem may be, as someone suggested earlier, that by naming the good ones you imply that the others are bad.
    If they are in any way good they would attract some thanks. If they get no thanks at all, well...


  • #584
    Discodog
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 16,012 ✭✭✭✭Discodog


    Ewan Hoosarmi wrote: »
    If they are in any way good they would attract some thanks. If they get no thanks at all, well...

    Moderating posts do get thanked on thread


  • #585
    Ewan Hoosarmi
    Closed Accounts Posts: 465 ✭✭Ewan Hoosarmi


    Discodog wrote: »
    Moderating posts do get thanked on thread
    Good moderating is practically invisible.


  • #586
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 31,118 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    Ewan Hoosarmi wrote: »
    Good moderating is practically invisible.
    Yes, but sometimes a thread gets so derailed that a mod needs to, for example, remind posters that they're supposed to be discussing cars and not cyclists!


  • #587
    ytpe2r5bxkn0c1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 32,688 ✭✭✭✭ytpe2r5bxkn0c1


    Ewan Hoosarmi wrote: »
    Good moderating is practically invisible.

    Hence they would receive no thanks due to perceived inaction.


  • #588
    Ewan Hoosarmi
    Closed Accounts Posts: 465 ✭✭Ewan Hoosarmi


    Zoey Famous Aftershave wrote: »
    Hence they would receive no thanks due to perceived inaction.
    Good point.


  • #589
    GarIT
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,671 ✭✭✭GarIT


    The main things that are killing it for me are the lack of an app and not being able to access the trending tab on mobile if you are logged in. Latest posts should never be the default home page on any app or version of the site, it should be trending.

    My younger brother is growing up in a much different generation, since I was 10 or 11 the thing I wanted most was a laptop so I could access the internet. My brother has been offered a laptop several times and doesn't want one "What can a laptop do that my phone can't". I used to work in laptop repairs and still help with some running of the company but things have changed massively, we used to get 20 laptop repair jobs a day and had two staff full-time fixing laptops, now we get 1-5 laptop repair jobs a day have one part-timer fixing laptops and the business survives on phone screen replacements. Boards not being usable on mobile it puts it at a huge disadvantage.

    I don't have a great history of obeying the rules here so people might assume issues with mods is my fault but being bullied by one of the mods for not agreeing that trans people should be allowed lie about their sex when obtaining consent definitely put me off and made me start using Reddit.


  • #590
    OldMrBrennan83
    Closed Accounts Posts: 26,658 ✭✭✭✭OldMrBrennan83


    This post has been deleted.


  • #591
    ytpe2r5bxkn0c1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 32,688 ✭✭✭✭ytpe2r5bxkn0c1


    GarIT wrote: »
    Latest posts should never be the default home page on any app or version of the site, it should be trending..

    That's a case of never pleasing all the people all the time. I don't want Trending, and never access that tab at all. I default to My Forums and then look at Latest Posts.

    It's not rocket science to set your preferences.


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  • #592
    GarIT
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,671 ✭✭✭GarIT


    Patww79 wrote: »
    This post has been deleted.

    I used a mixture of both, around two years ago I went Reddit only and have slowly been coming back. Yes Reddit sorts by trending by default, it seems to be working for them, I can't see why boards can't too. I can only speak for myself but if I look through the top 10 posts in trending I see 5 I want to read, if I look at the same on latest I see 1 if I'm lucky.


  • #593
    GarIT
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,671 ✭✭✭GarIT


    Zoey Famous Aftershave wrote: »
    That's a case of never pleasing all the people all the time. I don't want Trending, and never access that tab at all. I default to My Forums and then look at Latest Posts.

    It's not rocket science to set your preferences.

    I have looked through the settings before and can't see a way of making trending the default or accessing it on mobile without copying and pasting the url.


  • #594
    weldoninhio
    Closed Accounts Posts: 14,311 ✭✭✭✭weldoninhio


    Beasty wrote: »
    There are currently nearly 5,000 people on the site with over 3,000 of them signed in as registered users. Around 150 posters have contributed to this thread. The site goes on. Yes some posters have a gripe, and yes we will listen to genuine complaints/concerns. The purpose of a number of "contributors" to this thread seems to me to be to stir things up as much as they can for Mods/CMods?Admins and indeed full time employees. Because the site is not operating in the way they want, everything is wrong about the site

    And yes, I'm expecting a backlash - not for what I've posted, but because I'm an Admin

    A good Mod should be like a good referee. You shouldn’t notice them unless drastic action is needed. Boards has very few good referees.


  • #595
    Beasty
    Administrators, Social & Fun Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 78,458 Admin ✭✭✭✭✭Beasty


    weldoninhio wrote: »
    A good Mod should be like a good referee. You shouldn’t notice them unless drastic action is needed. Boards has very few good referees.
    Someone made a similar point yesterday. Rather than copy and paste I'll just post a link to the response I made then


  • #596
    paleoperson
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,522 ✭✭✭paleoperson


    weldoninhio wrote: »
    A good Mod should be like a good referee. You shouldn’t notice them unless drastic action is needed. Boards has very few good referees.

    I always thought it was more that most mods are good but a few bad ones that can ruin everything. Maybe you don't notice the good mods. ;)


  • #597
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 31,118 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    paleoperson wrote: »
    I always thought that it was more that most mods are good but a few bad ones that can ruin everything. Maybe you don't notice the good mods. ;)
    You tend not to notice the good referees when the game is going well.
    As mentioned already, the referees are allowed to play as well, but shouldn't do both in the same thread.


  • #598
    LollipopJimmy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,240 ✭✭✭LollipopJimmy


    Am I alone in thinking the touch.boards site is pretty decent?


  • #599
    ytpe2r5bxkn0c1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 32,688 ✭✭✭✭ytpe2r5bxkn0c1


    weldoninhio wrote: »
    A good Mod should be like a good referee. You shouldn’t notice them unless drastic action is needed. Boards has very few good referees.

    I think you're just noticing the few poor one's and can't see those good one's who are almost invisible because of their efficiency.


  • #600
    OldMrBrennan83
    Closed Accounts Posts: 26,658 ✭✭✭✭OldMrBrennan83


    This post has been deleted.


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  • #601
    weldoninhio
    Closed Accounts Posts: 14,311 ✭✭✭✭weldoninhio


    Beasty wrote: »
    Someone made a similar point yesterday. Rather than copy and paste I'll just post a link to the response I made then

    That’s all well and good, but too many mods seem to think moderation is their stage and their they have to be Billy Connolly when moderating.

    There’s also posters who offer nothing to a thread, will ask for evidence etc and when they are given if will reply “wrong” “fake” etc, and offer nothing else. They literally offer nothing, but never get sanctioned.


This discussion has been closed.
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