Ideas For Controlling Off-Topic Discussion Forum

[Cruiseman]

Here are a few measures that could be taken to better control the Off-Topic Discussion Forum (OTF) in the future. We are always looking for ways to make the forum better, so here is your chance to vote on some of the possible options.

OPTION 1: We could move the OTF from the FORUMS page into the Groups section (like Darksiders and States). This construct would force someone to have to JOIN before they could post to the OTF. With this mechanism, we have the ability to remove (ban) someone from the OTF without banning them from the entire forum. It adds an additional layer of membership.

OPTION 2: We could also turn OFF the OTF to new members who have not yet posted 25 times to the other forums. Basically, once someone becomes an "Active Member", they would then be able to access the OTF. What this would propose to do is make sure that someone does not just join TheGLForum to participate in the OTF exclusively.

OPTION 3: We could charge a subscription fee (lets say $20 a year, as an example) to be a member of the OTF. This would mean every member of the OTF would have a little "skin in the game" (I hate that phrase). All of the rules would apply, so if someone steps out of line, they would not only lose their membership in the OTF, but lose their membership fee as well. If their OTF membership is revoked, their only recourse would be to subscribe again and pay another $20 to get back in. So, it is sort of like a penalty or fine for bad behavior. However, we could implement a po3 strikes and you are out.

OPTION 4: We sort of have this now through the Flag system. If enough complaints against a member's posts are lodged, then warnings are issued and other actions taken. However, it is not formally defined. We could implement a firm policy that if a member gets flagged 3 times, they get a 7-day ban. We are not a big fan of "banning" just because of the negative connotations many members here have from other forums. However, if we move the OTF to a more "private" area, then an abusive member could be voted off the OTF only, and still remain part of the overall forum.

You can vote for the measures you would support below. Vote for as many as you are in favor of.

[RaConnol]

The OTF, while interesting, the OTF is often where the really sillyness and silly people start the BS that ends poorly.
There are plenty of other sites they can go play in, so my question is why have a OTF at all, and I voted as such.

BTW a little latitude and creative writing could be permitted.

While picking up some truck oil for my GW and checking out the new RFs, a hot blond walked into the store with the coolest looking new Glock that she picked up while working as a Ebola Nurse in West Africa. I overheard her telling the check out girl she has the real story as to why the KeyStone Pipeline is being stalled in Washington and how BP is playing mind games the the Japanese so they will sell Honda to China, and ISIS will now become a member of the EU and the new owners of Triumph motorcycles.

Rick

[azsandrider]

In MY opinion: Having a OTDF is an important tool for a forum with opinionated individuals. Without an OTDF a lot of non-MC nonsense would be posted in the other MC related forums. That would cause more work for the moderators and they would have to spend more time on this forum to police the other areas.

This does not mean that a person posted inappropriate material, but non-topic (non MC) material posted in other MC specific areas would occur. We all have other interests besides MCs and it is interesting to discuss other ideas in a respectful manner.

I enjoy the OTF but I'm a GW owner and I'm here for that. If I had to pay to get into the OTDF I would not (I don't enjoy it that much) and I probably would not check this forum as much.

If the OTDF was moved to the groups, it probably would not be used as much and a lot of the items posted there now would be posted in the MC forums causing more 'work' for the moderators to move stuff there. I don't go into my state forum much as it requires several different clicks to go to. I think that's is why the state groups aren't used as much as other forums. Instead of scrolling down (like other forums) you have to do extra to get there. At least the Darksiders have a nifty click on banner. I suppose a OTDF banner could be put up to click on in a prominent place (sorry Darksiders).

Just be mindful of unintended consequences. When a change is made, prepare for different results then expected.

I think having a post count of 25 before opening the member's lounge area may be the best way to ensure the member has joined as a MC enthusiast first. It will also allow the moderators to see whether the new member can follow rules, if they post non-MC related posts in the MC areas, the moderators can gently instruct them that MC only stuff is appropriate and their posts are removed.

If possible, I wouldn't even have the OTDF and/or the Members Lounge appear until their 25th posts. That way they wouldn't know about that part of this forum until then.

The flagging system works well like it is. I do NOT like the idea of using flagging as a means of members 'voting' off other members. I don't want to have a forum that censors an unpopular opinion with a 'vote', especially if that opinion is posted with rational thought & respectfully.

We can ALL know when a person has joined and only posts in the OTDF with a lot of inflammatory comments or topics, especially a lot all at once, and no posts in the MC areas, what that members intent is.

[Spencer]

The flagging system works well like it is. I do NOT like the idea of using flagging as a means of members 'voting' off other members. I don't want to have a forum that censors an unpopular opinion with a 'vote', especially if that opinion is posted with rational thought & respectfully.

We can ALL know when a person has joined and only posts in the OTDF with a lot of inflammatory comments or topics, especially a lot all at once, and no posts in the MC areas, what that members intent is.

I was trying to put this same thought to words, thank you for doing such a great job so I don't have to .....

.

[Matt Caswell]

I would worry more about showing more than 4 (and now sometimes 5) messages in TODAYS posts than I would about regulating the OTDF. My concern is that we all want this forum to succeed and when some (who knows why it's only some) people see they only have 4 posts on a page and they have to click 12 times to see them all, they will quickly grow tired of it and traffic here will decline. If traffic declines, it doesn't matter what is done to the OTDF as the forum will them be used by only a core group of members.

Just my 2 cents trying to look down the road to see whats around the OTDF corner.

[harvey]

AMEN, I could not agree more. This 4 messages/threads is too time consuming!

[Westdc]

My Suggestion -Would be to isolate the OT board - Meaning -No admin reporting Let what happens happen in that board -PERIOD! If anyone get Offended in that board then they should STAY AWAY from it (their own call) - It takes 2 to make a fight -reporting a post or telling on someone involves a third party -Remove the 3rd party and let's see what happens.

Making the OT board with that disclaimer when logging on to it or when joining that area understood.

[Cruiseman]

An interesting idea

[Westdc]

That would kinda make it like twitter - Without the blocking feature -if your feeling are hurt then your option is to not reply and you won't have the option of telling on anyone so your a MOOT POINT and move on - It would also make it better for the admin's as they won't be bothered by any Nags - Take your fight with any member to any other location on the board and then the admin's come into play as always.(PER- Current_BOARD RULES)

[Westdc]

That would kinda make it like twitter - Without the blocking feature -if your feeling are hurt then your option is to not reply and you won't have the option of telling on anyone so your a MOOT POINT and move on - It would also make it better for the admin's as they won't be bothered by any Nags - Take your fight with any member to any other location on the board and then the admin's come into play as always.(PER- Current_BOARD RULES)

[TravelinLite]

My Suggestion -Would be to isolate the OT board - Meaning -No admin reporting Let what happens happen in that board -PERIOD! If anyone get Offended in that board then they should STAY AWAY from it (their own call) - It takes 2 to make a fight -reporting a post or telling on someone involves a third party -Remove the 3rd party and let's see what happens.

Making the OT board with that disclaimer when logging on to it or when joining that area understood.

I tend to agree. I get sick and tired of some supposedly grown adult whining because someone called their baby ugly. Maybe the damned baby is ugly. On the other hand, someone "stirring the pot" on one of the other forums should be punted like a football. Just my opinion and we all know what they say about that.....I know, my baby is ugly.

[remphoto]

My Suggestion -Would be to isolate the OT board - Meaning -No admin reporting Let what happens happen in that board -PERIOD! If anyone get Offended in that board then they should STAY AWAY from it (their own call) - It takes 2 to make a fight -reporting a post or telling on someone involves a third party -Remove the 3rd party and let's see what happens.

Making the OT board with that disclaimer when logging on to it or when joining that area understood.

That is a lot like the old Hotbox on the other board, which I personally enjoyed. However, thin-skinned crybabies, rather than simply ignoring it, whined and it was finally removed.

[Fatgrouchyguy]

Taser button, just sayin.......

[530ktm]

I agree with sandrider, keep it where it is and have a minimum post to move on. Forget the fee and the other thoughts as it will diminish the category. Use the flagging system if you get your undies in a bunch. It is silly this has to be such a major topic to begin with.

[bikerbillone]

Agree, no need to repeat, this says it all.

[Tony in AZ]

Move to the groups section. Although the members will simply bookmark a short cut there.

With a minimum amount of posts required: a member will post up 25 useless comments or threads started.

Not fond of the paid entry program. Although my experience is most loud mouth pie-holes want their free speech "free of charge" , so that may be the best option.

[flyerq68]

My option is not in the poll, that is leave it as is for now. Chris already said it has been working okay except for a couple instances that were managed. I have never used the flag option on any forum because I equate it to "tattling" and I will leave that to others. My opinion as to trolls is I ignore them, I know that is difficult for some to do. I do enjoy the OTF and it is what keeps me coming back on a daily basis. If it were omitted, talking about just Goldwings every day would not be a very big draw.

As an aside, I belong to a couple gun forums. Both have OTFs, one allows OT posts to count in your post count and the other does not. That could also be an option.

[micky]

what he said

[Taddpole]

ditto, ditto
(I had to post at least 10 characters for it to go through...)

[hparsons]

I too am in the "leave it alone" group. Personally, I don't think any of the listed options will do what they intended. "Troublemakers" will find a hidden forum. They won't mind putting up 25 useless posts, if that's what it takes for them to be "allowed" to cause trouble. I'd pay $20 to stay on this forum in general, if that was what was requested (I've paid for other "support us if you like us" forums after I've been on a number of months), but I think charging for the OT would be a mistake, surely someone paying to be a troublemaker would feel they have the "right" do whatever they wanted. The problem with a flag system to determine if a post or person is trouble is it's too easy to be abused, far too easy to get a group together to flag someone just because some disagree with them.

Personally, I think the current system is working fairly well. When someone has gotten out of line, the combination of other users pointing it out, AND the mods making some adjustments, seems to be working.

[Kiwi]

The comments on not using the flag system of notification to assist the mods may be worthy of some further thought as it makes the task a little easier.
Using the flag option isn't narking or snitching it is helping maintain a high level of member behaviour and worthwhile discussion and debate.

That being said if a post is flagged as over the top and beyond the usual realms of acceptability here that flag notification should be assessed as to is it a reasonable notification and not as a way of advancing the views of the member.

Too many false flags could result in a please pull your head in notification and if ignored further sanctions imposed. Any sanctions should be across the board to the whole site..

Looking at the pol results less than 1% of members have an opinion on this.
Some might say that 99% of the members are happy or don't really have much to say on the matter, they don't really care..

Which may suggest it is not really a problem.

Edit. Forgot to say my preferred option isn't available in the Pol, that being to let it run.

[micky]

I believe if "leave it as is" were an option in the poll you would see more votes, just sayin'

[Cruiseman]

I just added another choice for LEAVE IT AS IT IS. So, cast your vote!

[kwthom]

A bit late to this party, but another item to consider...

A moderation team of two or more that only have control in the off-topic area. Yes, it's your board & your rules; that doesn't change.

What does change is moderation - decisions are made quickly...the moderators are known participants in the community and the forum and are willing to step in (on your behalf...) to police the place.

Of course, the other thing that can happen if for some of these old grumpy [email protected] to grow-up and realize that world hunger won't be solved on a motorcycle forum.

[530ktm]

I just added another choice for LEAVE IT AS IT IS. So, cast your vote!

If we already voted then how do we take it back and vote for this now? I do not seem to be able to go back and vote again but I say leave it alone and keep it as is.

[Haste Maker]

This board was started because so many were banned on the other board & from what I saw (just what I saw) most got into trouble on the OTB...for some reason?...My vote is not to have a OTB...it doesn't have anything to do with a Goldwing.

[Cruiseman]

If you want to vote to leave it as is, vote here: http://www.theglforum.com/forum/memb...orum-unchanged

[530ktm]

This board was started because so many were banned on the other board & from what I saw (just what I saw) most got into trouble on the OTB...for some reason?...My vote is not to have a OTB...it doesn't have anything to do with a Goldwing.

Some of us did not get into any type of trouble other than typing something the mods did not like which is why that place sucks and this one is growing daily. The whole reason of an Off Topic Section is just that, sometimes someone wants to post up something other that MC related material. If members don't like the idea of it, then simply don't look at it.

[hparsons]

Exactly There's a slew of folks that were banned with no explanation given. The ... gentlemen ... over there didn't even have the guts to say "because I simply don't like your view", and they knew if they tried to give a specific, they'd be shown for even bigger ... gentlemen.

[HBarlow]

My Suggestion -Would be to isolate the OT board - Meaning -No admin reporting Let what happens happen in that board -PERIOD! If anyone get Offended in that board then they should STAY AWAY from it (their own call) - It takes 2 to make a fight -reporting a post or telling on someone involves a third party -Remove the 3rd party and let's see what happens.

Making the OT board with that disclaimer when logging on to it or when joining that area understood.

I think that's the best suggestion I've read for dealing with off topic discussion forums.

Whining to a moderator is a powerful tool often used by troublemakers to silence those they disagree with. Without the tattle-to-the-teacher function the off topic forum would live or die on the basis of whether members choose to participate.