##Members Please Read##: Ending the Political Trolling

reply to post by SLAYER69


It'll depend very largely upon how it's expressed.

If it's a rational declaration that the two party system is broken, then it'll probably be fine. If it's a bash fest that treats supporters of the two party system like they're some sort of lawn bug, then there will be ramifications.

It'll be a case by case thing. I don't see how there can be a hard set of rules. Other than civility and politeness, of course.

That's why I specifically mentioned the portions of the Terms and Conditions that I did. They specifically deal with what we're discussing here. Behaviour towards our fellow members.

reply to post by seagull
Understood.

Not that I visit political threads too often (bwahahahaha) I'm more of a chemtrail-2012 doomie ( ) , but I'll behave.

beez

reply to post by BO XIAN

Actually, I think creative modifications of politicians' names is one of the best, most potent, most condensed way of communicating paragraphs of blather.

That is a tough call. I use "Nobama" all the time, so I see where you are coming from.

But political satire shouldn't be posted in political threads, it should be in a "jokes" thread. Or a full on Political Satire section, but I think the jokes section fits that need already.

Now see, I say Nobama because he basically reneged on all of his campaign promises. He rose to power chanting "Yes We Can" yet the only answer we get from the President is no.

But to a Obama supporter, I've just trolled all over Obama right?

reply to post by seagull


Thank you.

I have a feeling the MODS will be busier this time around than ever before.

reply to post by seagull


As an outsider tho still affected by US leadership/foreign policy (i'm from UK), i do observe the US political threads and the opinions/feelings of my American cousins...fellow ATSrs.

I feel i have learnt more about the US and some of the people, through ATS, than i could possibly achieve in any other way.

The heat as you say reveals emotions and real life experience, so i hope the taming process doesn't dilute the subject and the passion too much.

Yes there are moments when the debate becomes an argument becomes a glove slapping contest.., but i have no trouble seeing that for what it is and moving on to more relevant posts, that being said i do understand the need to re-affirm the law now and again to keep things on a level...

I would suggest if i may, that you only issue temporary bans if it comes to bans, as it is, as you say a hot topic in an election period.

You know what can happen in the heat of a moment, even a cool mind can blow a fuse and i would hate to see certain members permanently removed as their contributions elsewhere can be outstanding.

Cosmic..

reply to post by phishyblankwaters

That is a tough call. I use "Nobama" all the time, so I see where you are coming from.

That's one of the touchiest things right there. "Nobama". "Bushbot". ...and a myriad of others that we've all seen. We've also seen what happens when a hard-core supporter runs across that sort of thing. Instant warfare erupts. We've all seen it.

Usually, I'll be generous and say half the time, a poster isn't intentionally trying to start a fight, but one starts anyway. Then the big bad Mod has to get mean... We don't like being mean. We'd just as soon spend our time talking about "my little ponys", or the latest NFL games. But we have to try to corral the run amok thread. It makes for hard feelings that don't go away soon.

We'd much rather you not use such characterizations in your postings. You may not intend harm with them, but others do, and others take offense. We're all in this together, and why ruffle feathers needlessly? Save the ruffling for those times it's really necessary.

reply to post by seagull

We've also seen what happens when a hard-core supporter runs across that sort of thing. Instant warfare erupts. We've all seen it.

Exactly, and I've seen first hand how something gets taken out of context and turns into a urination match. I'm pointing out my own flaws for me to adjust them, and as an example of what I think people need to change, for all users.

Something innocuous to me is inflammatory to someone else.

hopefully no one took offense at my example, as it was merely a personal example, don't let me troll you in the "no more trolling" thread!

I've seen the "crackdown on trolling" threads all to frequently to actually take them seriously.

The name calling and trolling will abate for a short time but like always the preferential treatment will surface
again and some will be targeted and others will be ignored for the same infraction.

My alerts for clear cut T&C infractions usually get ignored so why bother?

I just ignore the namecalling or else respond in kind and suffer the consequences.

reply to post by phishyblankwaters


Thanks for your kind reply.

I think the name/satire stuff I write is not very 'joke' oriented. I'm deadly serious because I think the values, methods, goals of such politicos are seriously genocidally literally DEADLY.

So, I'd strongly vote for a SATIRE FORUM where folks who were too thin skinned to enjoy it would be enjoined to stay away from such a forum and ignored if they came and whined away.

reply to post by seagull

We'd much rather you not use such characterizations in your postings. You may not intend harm with them, but others do, and others take offense. We're all in this together, and why ruffle feathers needlessly? Save the ruffling for those times it's really necessary.

I think civility in terms of NO PERSONAL ATTACKS etc. is a great feature of ATS though I'm more of a scrappy Southwestern cowboy tell-it-like-it is; call a spade a spade sort of fellow.

However, when it comes to politicos--they call for it, earn it, seem to luxuriate in it and brazenly glory in their nasty horrific decisions, words and actions.

I'd sure like to see an ATS forum where at least satirically, we could call a spade a spade and let the fur fly TOWARD THE POLITICOS--not other ATS members.

Folks who behaved and whined out of thin-skins could be escorted off the thread/out of such a forum.

I have no real problem with increased efforts to control the level of trolling, as long as honest expressions of disagreement aren't labeled as trolling by those thick-headed, reactionary supporters of a particular political viewpoint (you know who they are).

Political debate really isn't that much different than religious debate, since it has to do with what people believe has happened or is going to happen given a particular political environment. There is little or no "proof" to be provided, and it can usually be called into question as to source and motivation. So there is naturally going to be strong disagreement and heated discussion with no substantial evidence brought up by either "side."

"Trolling" is more often than not just something people call responses to their brilliant ideas that show how poorly thought-out and stupid their brilliant ideas really are. That's why it's so infuriating.

The whole notion of civilized debate about politics is a myth. Except in some ancient Greek forum or high school debate class, politics has always been discussed with enthusiasm, anger, name calling, and insults. That's the way it's always been. If people aren't prepared for that, maybe they need to go hang out on a discussion board where everyone agrees with their point of view. Weaklings. Have the strength of your convictions!

If anything, however, the lesson should be that if you get all worked up about any political viewpoint or candidate, you're a complete moron. Because it just doesn't matter. Larger forces in the world will always have a much greater impact on your personal life than any individual elected to office or party "in control."

This is an anonymous board. As long as people keep to themselves, it's pretty hard to track somebody down and cause them physical harm, which is obviously not just a violation of the Terms & Conditions, but also the law. Otherwise, there's an old saying about sticks and stones.

Well I have long held, and suggested, that ATS needs an unmoderated WAR ZONE forum for all those that want to vent their rage, unimpeded whatsoever, including all the bad words, at whoever or whatever the heck they want. You wanna see some truth? I think that would be fun, and potentially even therapeutic!

Right. No chance.

I know.

But I bet you it would quickly become one of the most, if not THE most popular forum here.

reply to post by BO XIAN

However, when it comes to politicos--they call for it, earn it, seem to luxuriate in it and brazenly glory in their nasty horrific decisions, words and actions.

But there is no need to post inflammatory rhetoric that will only cause a problem. you may find it satirical, others would take offense. You can same the same thing with different words and get a different response.

The whole notion of civilized debate about politics is a myth.

I kindly disagree, there are various threads that show this, it takes effort on everyone's part and a heck of a lot of "alerts" but it is possible. And once people get used to following the rules, it becomes second nature.

i haven't sworn on the board in a long time, and I talk/type like a sailor. It took a little effort the first few weeks (and some penetration testing of what terms are ok and what aren't) but it's quite easy, I don't even think about it anymore.

If you find yourself at the point that you are typing something inflammatory, or a personal attack, follow the mods advice and take a breather.

reply to post by TrueAmerican


GLP is that way ------------>

reply to post by TrueAmerican


...and it would leak over into other forums almost instantly. Many of us post in many forums, and not everyone can leave it behind.

There is a reason that we enforce civility, and that would be why.

Originally posted by intrepid
reply to post by TrueAmerican

 

GLP is that way ------------>

Actually been banned there before for being "abusive," (when actually was just defending myself), so even GLP doesn't have such a thing anymore. No Sir. They are closer to unmoderated than ATS is though, I'll give you that much.

Originally posted by whaaa
I've seen the "crackdown on trolling" threads all to frequently to actually take them seriously.

Do so at your own risk then.

The name calling and trolling will abate for a short time but like always the preferential treatment will surface
again and some will be targeted and others will be ignored for the same infraction.

That's untrue. And insulting. The staff is diverse and what you are ascribing to us is nothing more that a scewed perception. YOUR perception. We see it all the time and get it from both sides.

My alerts for clear cut T&C infractions usually get ignored so why bother?

Are they T&C infractions or just an opinion that doesn't fit your politics? Right. Nuff said.

reply to post by whaaa

My alerts for clear cut T&C infractions usually get ignored so why bother?

I've only ever had 1 that didn't get results, a blatantly off topic post in a thread I authored that, even after 3 alerts, remained. but it didn't matter, it went to prove another point I was making anyways.

If you are alerting CLEAR T&C infractions, they will be dealt with. The fact that they weren't, and you assume "preferential treatment" makes me think they might not have been so clear cut.

I've moderated a small forum, I currently moderate a minecraft server/forum. Let me tell you this right now, the mods are not making many friends doing their job.

reply to post by seagull


So what happens when a member from outside of the US makes comments like Nobama as an outsider with no political affiliation ? is that baiting or fair comment ?

The US hasn't had a decent President since Kennedy and that's not me trolling by the way, i can't remember the last good Prime Minister of the UK either.

Our politicians are by and large corrupted and captured long before they are presented to us to vote for, they deserve to be strung -up let alone verbally dismissed.

I guess your going to have to make the call on context and fair description of political figures.

Cosmic..

Originally posted by Cosmic4life

So what happens when a member from outside of the US makes comments like Nobama as an outsider with no political affiliation ? is that baiting or fair comment ?

It's trolling/baiting regardless of who does it. A point can be made without corrupting a name or likeness. If the argument requires it, it's a lame argument.

I guess your going to have to make the call on context and fair description of political figures.

Members using a little common sense and restraint negate the need for a staffer to make a call. If we reach a point where a call has to be made, then that speaks for itself.