Proposed update to front porch forum rules

[Muhammad]

The idea here is to relieve some moderation need in the main forums, while directing the of topic stuff to a section where it is allowed, but watched more closely thanks to more moderators in that section. Previous off-topic sections/efforts have failed due to not enough moderation and members turning it into an insult fest.

More recently we've seen threads like the more reasonable covid-19 topic, that tell me there can be respectful and enjoyable discussion about topics that would result in fighting on other sites. Often these good threads here are set off track by inflammatory statements or people who just want to stir the pot and offend people.

In a way, the least common denominator has largely shaped our need to ban politics and other topics. But it shouldn't... we should try to elevate the standard so the good posters are not dragged down by the ones who throw excrement around.

Good feedback on the moderation process and I'll try to incorporate the suggestions.

 

[shooterdon]

Whatever you decide, you need to stop the "catch and release" program that was on TNT. It was stupid seeing "banned" members returning regularly.

I suggest a progressive disciplinary approach.

First offense...warning
Second offense...one week time out
Third offence....one month time out
Fourth offence... PERMENANT ban

Each of the first three actions stay "on the books" for one year so a person can "reset" their record. For example, if a person goes one year after his first warning, he gets another warning and not a time out.

Politics and religion are fine IMO. It is how those threads are moderated that needs work. Nearly every facet of our lives has become political...from Covid, to cost of energy, to "peaceful protests" and on and on and on. People can ignore threads if they are that sensitive or insecure. On another forum I use, these topics are in "The Pit", and people know there is a bit more leeway in moderation.

BTW, glad to see you are trying.

 

[herm0016]

I would be up for being a moderator. I frequent several forums on different topics, its time I gave back a little.

 

[Snobdds]

We tried no moderation in friendly politics. It was out of control. If members can't be respectful, they should take it somewhere else like fb.

That was the best time to be alive...

 

[Snobdds]

Why is there so much talk about moderation in an area where the intended goal is to have the bare minimum moderation.

Like I use to say in friendly politics...check your feelings at the door. If you can't decouple your feelings from content...don't go in.

 

[RoyJackson]

Why is there so much talk about moderation in an area where the intended goal is to have the bare minimum moderation.

Like I use to say in friendly politics...check your feelings at the door. If you can't decouple your feelings from content...don't go in.

Good advice, but doubt if too many people would heed it...

 

[Snobdds]

Good advice, but doubt if too many people would heed it...

I think it's our duty to remind them. If they still can't handle it, they should be kicked out while they find their man card. Once their big boy panties are back on, they can come back.

 

[TractorTYMe]

Sounds good Muhammad. I think it will be a good venue.

 

[bmaverick]

I know where you are (other forum), I read your posts on there and you probably read mine as well. Unlike you, I use a different screen name there. What I mean by consistent and inconsistent moderation. You don't find inconsistent moderation over there, least I don't see it anyway.

Yes, the other forum will hide the post, send a PM and have a discussion about why it was posted. In some instances, the mods just say to 're-word' it getting the point across without the fuse lite for others to argue about. No banning over there. People behave like real adults should over there (members and mods), not like trash.

 

[Xfaxman]

I'm good with this, with one possible caveat...
We're up to the fourth "Groan" thread. I assume the first three were closed due to adult content "dirty" jokes
There are a lot of jokes that are risque and borderline inappropriate...these, IMHO, should be deleted on a case by case basis, rather then closing down a popular thread.

I started the first and second Groan threads and don't know why they got locked. Something could have been removed before I saw it, but nothing was posted in the thread as to why it was locked.