But Seriously

OldBloke · March 16, 2009, 08:45:06 AM

Hi All

I have created this thread so we can discuss the issues raised by TE_owner's thread.

The thread started to show us doing our dirty washing in public which obviously damages this community so I closed the thread. But we can take lessons from this and make sure we are not called into question again.

My take on it is that there are two main lessons to take from that thread.

1. Threads in inappropriate sections

If you come across a thread that you think best belongs elsewhere then please feel free to move it. However, as a matter of courtesy (and to cover your back), please inform the OP by PM of your actions and CC it to your Section Head. Your PM should make clear that if they object and want it returned then they will need to approach the Forum Section Head and that they must not make a complaint in their thread.

This begs the question: Do you need a standard template for this? Are there others that you could use?

2. Inappropriate replies to threads in the 'But Seriously' section.

We created this section because we needed an oasis of sensibility in our desert of **** taking so rule this section with an iron fist. If any posts are not serious replies to the OP then delete them - even if they're really funny

Keep up the good work people.

Dr Sadako · March 16, 2009, 09:32:41 AM

I think we should change the title of it as well

QuoteSeriously though ... Straightforward answers to straightforward questions. No bull, except for any old crap Benny thinks up.

The last part of it signals that it is semi ok to make jokes here. I'd rather have it called.

QuoteSeriously though ... Straightforward answers to straightforward questions. No bull or banter.

Penfold · March 16, 2009, 09:40:28 AM

I agree.

Also, as one of the SH's covering the forums for the meanwhile rename the sub header for Banter and remove the work bollox (And also boll ocks from Smite's Spray shop). I've been meaning to do it for ages but that's just reminded me. I'm sure I'll get slapped back into line if I'm wrong

Jabbs · March 16, 2009, 09:40:41 AM

I hadn't read this thread until now. I had noticed it was there but a thread about 'What hair wax' etc didn't interest me so I never read it. I also didn't notice until this time that it was in the 'Seriously' section.

It was big of you to apologise Oldie and I respect that action, but surely we should have picked this thread up earlier? I guess I'm to blame as much as anyone for not noticing and mentioning the way the thread had gone wrong to the appropiate moderatior?

My suggestion from this is that all moderators should do their best to keep an eye on threads especially in the 'Seriously' section. Then if the thread goes off track the appropiate moderator can be alerted as soon as possible.

Just a thought, I, as moderator of a totally different section, presume I wouldn't have been able to do anything about the thread myself?

Jabbs · March 16, 2009, 09:43:13 AM

Agreed@Doc for section sub header

OldBloke · March 16, 2009, 09:45:45 AM

Quote from: Dr Sadako;268536I think we should change the title of it as well

Title changed to:

Straightforward answers to straightforward questions. No bull. No banter.

I don't know where the 'Benny' reference came from tbh. It wasn't there originally.

Penfold · March 16, 2009, 10:03:07 AM

Quote from: Jabbs;268539Just a thought, I, as moderator of a totally different section, presume I wouldn't have been able to do anything about the thread myself?

You couldn't 'physically' do anything about the forum as you wouldn't have the moderator rights on it. That doesn't mean to say that if you come across an inappropriate post you should ignore it. We're all in this together as you say we should all keep an eye out and report wayward posts to the respective forum moderator (or SH if the moderator not around).

Jabbs · March 16, 2009, 10:06:33 AM

Quote from: Penfold;268543You couldn't 'physically' do anything about the forum as you wouldn't have the moderator rights on it. That doesn't mean to say that if you come across an inappropriate post you should ignore it. We're all in this together as you say we should all keep an eye out and report wayward posts to the respective forum moderator (or SH if the moderator not around).

Exactly what I was suggesting. I (as part of the team) will try to do better in future

Penfold · March 16, 2009, 10:17:11 AM

As will I, as will us all.

I didn't pick up on it just as much as the rest of us didn't. As Oldie rightly points out if you use the 'New Posts' feature then it's often pretty easy to miss which section it's in.

Looking back in hindsight there are a couple of observations:

1. The majority of the Section Heads posted something flippant in the thread which was wrong. That sets the tenor for everyone else.

2. When TE posted

Quote from: TE_owner;268313why is it the best thred? am i missing somthing :g::blink::eyebrow::sideways:

Should have been the nudge we needed to get it back on track.

Well spotted Mats and it's all part of the evolution

kregoron · March 16, 2009, 10:29:15 AM

Im sorry for not going through the right channels to make aware what was going wrong, instead i just posted my thoughts in the tread, might be because my brain had gone to bed..

I dont think its the time to point fingers, Its time to reflect and learn from these mistakes..

Penfold · March 16, 2009, 10:32:20 AM

No one's pointing fingers

We're all just learning our way through this via open discussion. Like I said, it's all part of the learning curve......

sulky_uk · March 16, 2009, 11:04:18 AM

In hindsight i was going to post a please keep this thread on track reply but as i saw a lot of the moderators were "having fun " i restrained. Probably should have now:sad: soz

kregoron · March 16, 2009, 11:15:05 AM

Quote from: sulky_uk;268550In hindsight i was going to post a please keep this thread on track reply but as i saw a lot of the moderators were "having fun " i restrained. Probably should have now:sad: soz

After reading Sulkys post, and reflecting a bit, i guess that was one of the reasons i didnt push forward, simple moderators as me tend no to go to much in the way of section head/senior admins..

Jabbs · March 16, 2009, 11:23:12 AM

I guess we all forget or can be lax sometimes. OldBloke himself did and apologised.

If I may be so bold even those of us new to moderating shouldn't be afraid to PM a section head if they see a mistake has been made?

How would you play this one people?

Benny · March 16, 2009, 11:27:04 AM

Hell, the thread made me laugh. The section name came about because I asked for it originally and I think it was added as an after thought as I do, or did, tend to ask some random questions.

It was a serious question, it's just the responses that were off base. I'm as guilty as anyone, but didn't feel the need to move it as he was getting some straight answers. No biggie from here, but I'll keep a closer eye in future.