Re: Truly Neutral Thread
There are 2 different type of threads that need moderating;
1. Threads that start out OK, then drift into a flame war.
Someone starts a thread about a topic that does not violate TBN guidelines. Responses are posted that are related to the original subject matter. This can go on until the thread dies a natural death. However, sometimes these threads metastasize into something provocative, usually when someone tosses in a comment, unrelated to the original subject, about a controversial topic, a topic
not permitted by TBN guidelines.
Here begins the road to Perdition. However, it's not necessarily a road without exits. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif If no one takes the 'bait', all is well. However, sometimes people give into their darker side, feel they just have to educate/correct and they post a response. You can identify these messages because they usually start out with something like, "I wasn't going to respond but..." (they should have followed their first instinct) /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Keep in mind that you have up to 24 hours to modify your own posts. Also keep in mind that, because of the database design, moderators can not delete a single post if it already has replies. It's not unusual for moderators to get a PM from a TBNer who regrets what they've posted and would like us to remove their posts. Unfortunately, if there are responses to their messages, we can't always do this.
Now there are two pieces of bait in the thread. All is still not lost. Other TBNers, more often than not, get the thread back on track. However, sometimes others hop on the bandwagon and think they will convince others of the righteousness of their position by just one more post. Warning signs are posts that are filled with quotes from other messages which are then refuted ("Here's what I really meant...." or "You're wrong because...") Threads like this can go on for a while and can remain relatively civil. Sometimes they get back on track. If they don't, they get moderated.
2. Threads that start with a topic forbidden by TBN guidelines.
This is not a good thread gone bad that might be saved. This is a thread that has no where to go but downhill so it gets moderated as soon as one of the moderators sees it, or is notified about it.
I am really impressed with the vast majority of the citizens of TBN-ville who are civil and follow the
Terms Of Service and the
Forum Rules. You are what makes this virtual village a nice place to live and learn! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif Even though I have only met a few of you face to face, I feel as if you're all my neighbors, who are just a keyboard away!
