What has happened is history;moving forward from what you type are you suggesting a reminder of the forum rules and some firm moderation is in order? or more?
I certainly think you need a sticky with UK specific rules and disciplinary procedures spelled out WITHIN the UK section. the overall posting rules aree pretty much what you would get on any forum. But we know that there have been specific problems within the UK area and it is by no means certain that these may not happen again in some way. I happen to think CS have gone down the right track on this with the Bans thread. It is sad that this has to happen but in the short term it may be needed till everyone gets the message. Hopefully at some later date that could be removed.
Rob You know what it is like with a classroom of schoolkids and a new teacher. The kids work out in the first half hour what they are going to be able to get away with and if the teacher lets them get away with too much then it is a devil of a job to get the discipline back. Clear rules and firm discipline are absoutely in order right at this moment. You know very well that there are those who as a matter of principle will stretch the rule to the very limit and will stretch that limit if the rules aren't clear
I personally don't agree with a poll to determine bans - it could turn the forum into a popularity contest. The number of friends you have should not decide how much you can get away with. But I do agree that short term bans (1 week to 1 month) delivered as part of a joint decision by the Moderators are the way to go. These could take the steam out of a situation. Longer terms bans could perhaps be discussed with key users, other mods or Rob Lay? Careful guidance from the mods could be used to put threads back on topic - as RobH did with this thread - ('Lunch break over'). Everyone knows when they go off topic, a gentle nudge should be all that is required. Anyone who ignores the gentle nudge gets a lifetime ban
I totally agree with what you say but the rules on a forum such as this are never black and white. One persons insult is another persons bit of fun. This is where the problem will always be. The rules have to be interpreted in the spirit of the forum by the moderators - and this is where the moderators heads are pushed above the parapets...
I like the idea of some sort of vote on bans. I believe the lack of UK users say in who got banned, for what and for how long was one of the reasons for the big split. How about if the Mod gave the initial, immediate ban, then there was a poll to allow the user back on? This would give the mods the ability to mete out effective summary discipline, easily and quickly get rid of trolls, and allow the banned person a cooling off period where tempers have frayed.
Polls of this sort tend to be polarizing, as Members of various Camps wield pitchforks and torches, much wailing and gnashing of teeth ensues.
Rob, Do you plan to summarise to us mere mortals what your plans are as a result of everyones input? Matthew
we perhaps need to formalize what constitutes a "nuisance post" too, for instance, SteveF's brekky pic, I didnt mind it, but it may grate some peoples gears (dunno if he still uses it now mind)
Em I just read about LeeP being banned for logging into Rob Hudsons account etc etc. Does this not raise security concerns for you guys?
not directly in relation to Ferrarichat, no, but it is a serious breach of Robs private and personal stuff. I think identity fraud its classed as in legal terms. This is why Rob has been thin on the ground lately.