More transparency needed.

I would like to make a suggestion if I may.

Often we see labels like "off topic" or "t and c violation" slapped into a thread, and the subsequent post being removed. This I fully agree with, and I also know that the member get a u2u explaining why it was done. All good.

However, sometimes a mod is also active in a thread, and these warnings gets issued then. Now I know that a mod participating in a thread is not allowed to moderate that said thread.

In the events of a recent thread causing quite a stir, I would like to suggest this.

Is it not possible to add the name of the mod who did the moderating ie, the "off topic" or "t and c violation" labels, to the label in the thread. Thus, being transparent and negating any "conspiracy" like thoughts that might arise from members wondering if its the mod participating in the thread.

Also, since I am at it, I think that whenever a thread is deemed a hoax, a reasonable explanation should be given as to why.

Just yesterday I came across a very good thread that was put in the hoax bin, for no apparent reason. It was a good OP, and an opinion. I for one cannot understand how an opinion is deemed a hoax.

That is it. I thank whomever takes time to read this.

vvv

Action taken against people who break the T&C is no-ones business but that person and the board staff and are not discussed.

That is why public explanations are not given. We are busy enough dealing with T&C issues, let alone being involved in public drama threads over someone who has not paid attention to our community guidelines. The T&C's are very clear.

Moderators do not moderate in threads that they participate in as active members. Ever. That has been policy for many a long year, and for some reason people choose not to believe it.

The staff of the board - and a lot of long term members as well - are very experienced in matters regarding posts and deliberate hoaxes. We've seen an awful lot of them over the years.

reply to post by neformore


Thank you for the reply.

You say that many staff members and long term members are very experienced in determining if something is a hoax or not. Now, I have been around here for a bit too, and I have seen evidence of this, but, I have also seen the opposite of this. No one is perfect, and everyone makes mistakes sometimes.

Would it be possible for me to submit a complaint about the thread I feel does not belong in the hoax forum? Because neither a mod, or the OP of the thread in question have responded to numerous questions from other posters regarding it.

And, no, it is not the thread concerning the ufo and the dog that got ill.

vvv

reply to post by VreemdeVlieendeVoorwep


By all means submit a complaint from the tools section in the main toolbar and we'll review it.

You are correct that we're not infallible, but there is an awful lot of experience to hand here, and we do have recourse to some industry specialists that we've called on from time to time to look at images for us - Jeff Ritzmann is a good example.

and we do have recourse to some industry specialists that we've called on from time to time to look at images for us - Jeff Ritzmann is a good example.

reply to post by neformore


Wow, now see, that I was not aware off! That is rather impressive.

Thank you.

I shall now lodge my complaint, and see what happens.

vvv

I also have a question if i may. Sorry for stealing your thread VVV. Why is it that when i post some controversial threads (more times than not, about the USA), and attempt to debate against attackers, that i get swarmed by mods and my posts being removed every 10 seconds, when i didn't really do anything wrong besides bring up certain points. I was amazed at the speed and the amount of mods removing heaps of my posts on one of my threads. it was insane!

That being said, it is in the past and i have no desire to follow through with a complaint. Just asking a question.

reply to post by daaskapital



Having just reviewed the Mod Action Logs to see what you may be referring to...well...you do seem to be taking some liberties with the *truth* in what you just posted there.

I would have certainly actioned those removed replies as well.


If Members ever do wish to query any Mod Action, they can always directly ask the Mod who did it.
In your case it would be elevatedone


Alternatively, Members can utilise the Complaint/Suggestion Form


Cheers.

reply to post by alien


Okay. Well, thanks for the reply and check up

It just amazed me, that's all

Moderators, talented and dedicated as they are, are human. Sometimes, things are personal, accusations are made, and no defense is heard. It's their site, and correct me if I'm wrong, but they may do as they choose.

I would think it impossible to extinguish this type of corruption within any group tasked with judging the words of another. I just don't participate in the threads with particular moderators because I've witnessed their lapse in judgement, their subjectivity, and their avarice toward dissenting opinions. By that same token, the objectivity and sincerity of some moderators has earned them a very special place in my gray matter - some are truly exceptional in their contributions, analysis, and attempts to mitigate conflict.

I do agree that transparency may ameliorate some concerns of what goes on behind closed doors, but hey, it's their site!