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Does the current mod team have their panties in a bunch?
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Does the current mod team have their panties in a bunch?

I had originally created the "Where's Nekki" thread in hopes that people pick up on this theme and discuss it there, but it doesn't seem to have had the intended effect so I'll have to say this out loud.

Some members of the newly appointed mod team seem to have their sensibilities offended at the slightest provocation and seem to issue warnings and use the banhammer at a drop of a hat. A few examples:

  1. Nekki, the infamous cunt of LET, was formally warned by a mod for saying as much as "jbilohsucksletrocks" or similar. If this is ground for a warning, I and many others have been far critical of JB, and we should all get them. FWIW, their recent run-in with another particularly sensitive mod has probably got them to disengage completely off this forum.

  2. SirFoxy got a ban (albeit temporary) by angstrom for calling the mods "nazis." While I agree the comments weren't as constructive as I'd have liked, disagreements of this kind should be hashed out in an amicable manner. In my view, a PM asking them to clarify why said assessment was made and then deciding whether a ban was required would be the right way to move forward in such a situation.

  3. The newest member banned due to mysterious circumstances seems to be Andrews. We did get an explanation here, but I've reviewed their history and don't see any objectionable content.

    I only see some questioning of the moderator's posting choices, and I concur with them given that the mod's posting in't relevant to the core topics of LET. I'm also not a pearl-clutching person, but I have to question the mod's contribution through that thread when they post something with a thumbnail bordering on softcore pornography.

While I acknowledge the need for moderation and am thankful for their work, I think the newer mods are a bit trigger-happy which isn't healthy for LET.

Further, I should clarify, I don't have an issue with the moderators personally, and also my objection isn't with the cases that obviously need to be acted on, such as, coughposting images of genitalscough. It's just that folks should be allowed to have disagreements unless we have a new directive from Our Supreme Leader that dissent should be eliminated. If so, there should be a new announcement stating as such.

Now that I've had a PMS about other people PMSing, I'd like to propose the following:

  1. If the post/behaviour is just non-constructive or involves a disagreement but not downright offensive, moderators should prefer informally warning and/or discussing the issue via via PM.

  2. If the user requires a ban, the reason should be documented on the user's wall and posts hopefully left up for people to see unless they are so objectionable so as to warrant a complete removal. (In the 2nd case, the mod did a good job with doing exactly this.)

Thoughts?

.
  1. Does the current mod team have a PMS problem?69 votes
    1. Yes
      60.87%
    2. No
      11.59%
    3. $7
      27.54%
  2. What should the LET admin do about these overly sensitive mods?69 votes
    1. Nothing. The new mods are the best thing since sliced bread, @stevewatson301 needs to be banned.
      24.64%
    2. An eye for an eye. Ban the new mods, as they have.
      37.68%
    3. Implement the proposals, or some variation of it.
      37.68%
«1

Comments

  • MannDudeMannDude Host Rep, Veteran

    I'm for more transparency, but LET and transparency has never really gone hand-in-hand.

    Thanked by 1yoursunny
    1. Why you so much care about it?
    2. Absolutely correct
    3. I don't get it, don't know what happened beside the posts especially in PM.
  • I wouldn't want to lose @Nekki just because they're so incredibly beautiful. Such a cutie.
    At the other end, I suppose someone took their own investment to get this place back from the grasp it was at. Are they not entitled to any sort of benefit? This place couldve died out before my join date (was not looking the best back in 2020 iirc).

    Now are mods powertripping? yeah probably. Seen many communities die out due to strict policing of guidelines.

    But I agree with @MannDude, more transparency will be very good here but never worked in the first place. So how creative does such a solution have to be?

  • every single forum or thing that needs moderation ever has the same goddamned problem

  • drizbodrizbo Member

    What kind of popcorn do you guys like the most? The plain, butter etc?

    Gonna set up a LET popcorn stand

  • risharderisharde Patron Provider, Veteran
    edited June 2022

    Kettle corn for the win! As for the banning etc, it would be nice to know why some people are banned (since I will give the benefit of the doubt to the mods that it was within reason) so the Wall suggestion sounds kind of good except that (notice of why user was banned) should probably get removed when the user is unbanned.

  • DPDP Administrator, The Domain Guy

    @drizbo said:
    What kind of popcorn do you guys like the most? The plain, butter etc?

    Gonna set up a LET popcorn stand

    Caramel.

    Salted’s acceptable as well.

  • ArkasArkas Moderator
    edited June 2022

    @stevewatson301 said: I only see some questioning of the moderator's posting choices, and I concur with them given that the mod's posting in't relevant to the core topics of LET. I'm also not a pearl-clutching person, but I have to question the mod's contribution through that thread when they post something with a thumbnail bordering on softcore pornography

    You made me laugh. It was a simple YouTube link in the OFF-TOPIC section of which I have in the past also posted in as a member, including what are you listening to...
    You don't mind C*nt as a common word, yet you blush at a thumbnail that I have no control over? Please... The few self declared dictator inmates trying to run the asylum (as an example).

    And here is the cue for @adly and @AXYZE

  • BlaZeBlaZe Member, Host Rep

    @stevewatson301

    You're trying to fight a war which has already been concluded. No use for all of this. LET isn't like what it was before and you since when ;)

    Most of the good'ol folks have migrated, you know where.

    So a friendly advice, stay low.

    I have seen many forums/communities die over the years. So, just cherish the moments and pray to God that @Nekki comes back.

  • risharderisharde Patron Provider, Veteran

    As much as @Nekki is usually the star of the show, let's not forget this is a community lol I really have neglected (again) the ogf.

  • ArkasArkas Moderator

    @BlaZe said: LET isn't like what it was before and you since when

    Nothing can be as it was before, as If this was true we'd all be cavemen. It is called evolution. Some like it, some don't. At the end of the day, it's better to live in the present than clutch on to the past. Change is a state of mind, you can accept it and do your best to make things better in the present or not. I am trying to do what is best, yet in the week or so that I have been a mod, not many of the 5 or so 'known' members have given me a fair chance. It's all ok, in the end it is what it is and I can only do my best.

    Thanked by 1bikegremlin
  • bikegremlinbikegremlin Member
    edited June 2022

    I consider @stevewatson301 to be a member whose opinion and contribution are worthy of respect, so I'll jump on this train topic. Opinions, of course, deffer, but this one's mine:

    I've had experience moderating forums over the past decades.

    My approach (when dealing with people generally) is to be very lenient, patient, liberal, and use good (personal) example over any punishments and even warnings. Consulting with other mods and arguing for such an approach.

    However, with a certain combination of members and atmosphere, it can create for some, as they say nowadays, "toxic" atmosphere and, in hindsight, leniency is not always the right course of action.

    Of course, in real life, you can't "load a saved position" and try something else from the start. But you can learn from mistakes for the future.

    Also worth not(h)ing:
    On one occasion, very recently, I have quite harshly commented a moderator's course of action - using a private channel (to reduce drama - I know, behaviour not worthy of LET). :) The moderator took the time to patiently and politely respond and explain their action, making me see their point of view - and agree with it, admitting my mistake.

    I'm definitely not too active here, both with posting and with reading discussions, but for what it's worth, I'd say that I've seen a lot worse moderating jobs in general. So far so good in other words. Not perfect, nothing is, but not alarming, IMO.

    P.S.
    In my experience, many (not all, of course) people complaining about "powertripping" of moderators (and police/government for that matter) are 10 times worse when given power. Moderation is an ungrateful job, and before criticising, think, take a look at yourself and try to understand the other point of view (this goes for me as well, as I had noted a few paragraphs above).

    P.P.S.
    I don't expect everyone, nor most people, to agree with me. That's good. But there is a line between constructive criticism & joking - and flaming & abuse. Sometimes it's not very clear cut, and it can be a tough call to decide, but it still needs to be drawn. Getting that right is a difference between moderation and censorship. But no one gets that right 100% of the time. It's just not possible.

    EDIT:
    Regarding the mod-feedback, here's an example of bikeforums (well-moderated forum IMO) where any mod action is published and explained briefly, but publicly:
    https://www.bikeforums.net/news-announcements/388447-banned-users.html

  • drizbodrizbo Member

    @Arkas said:

    @BlaZe said: LET isn't like what it was before and you since when

    Nothing can be as it was before, as If this was true we'd all be cavemen. It is called evolution. Some like it, some don't. At the end of the day, it's better to live in the present than clutch on to the past. Change is a state of mind, you can accept it and do your best to make things better in the present or not. I am trying to do what is best, yet in the week or so that I have been a mod, not many of the 5 or so 'known' members have given me a fair chance. It's all ok, in the end it is what it is and I can only do my best.

    You're not the one to preach about living in present and not the past.

    You literally live in the past, its June hello?

    Thanked by 4Arkas BlaZe Erisa ariq01
  • BlaZeBlaZe Member, Host Rep

    @Arkas said:

    @BlaZe said: LET isn't like what it was before and you since when

    Nothing can be as it was before, as If this was true we'd all be cavemen. It is called evolution. Some like it, some don't. At the end of the day, it's better to live in the present than clutch on to the past. Change is a state of mind, you can accept it and do your best to make things better in the present or not. I am trying to do what is best, yet in the week or so that I have been a mod, not many of the 5 or so 'known' members have given me a fair chance. It's all ok, in the end it is what it is and I can only do my best.

    It's not about you.

    We have seen what LET has gone through. The whole CC bullshit, forum administration changing from time to time, the scams, the cover ups, scammers getting 2nd chances and what not and many more crap in these years.

    Similarly, even WHT was good back in the 2000s and to some extent till mid 2010s and now it is no more the place it used to be. I can name many more famous communities which have become pile of shit nowadays.

    If the "change" is for the good then sure, a round of applause from everyone. But if the "change" ruins the community then it's a matter of shame.

    A wise man once said, "Don't try to fix things which are not broken"

    Anyways, I won't comment further on this. This isn't directed to anyone specific so please do not get offended.

  • _MS__MS_ Member

    @stevewatson301, you might get banned for that "P" word in the thread title. You're being...

  • MS said:
    @stevewatson301, you might get banned for that "P" word in the thread title. You're being...

    Given that a slight majority is rooting for my ban, I’ll accept that as an outcome if it comes to that.

  • vedranvedran Veteran

    I won't go into reasons for all those warnings/bans and if they were justified or not. But I always thought if you as a moderator find yourself personally offended by something someone said you should not be the moderator handling the warning/ban for that. LET has more than enough moderators, you should not be the one pulling the trigger

  • risharderisharde Patron Provider, Veteran

    @vedran said:
    I won't go into reasons for all those warnings/bans and if they were justified or not. But I always thought if you as a moderator find yourself personally offended by something someone said you should not be the moderator handling the warning/ban for that. LET has more than enough moderators, you should not be the one pulling the trigger

    Indeed a good idea but very difficult to do

  • WSWDWSWD Member, Host Rep

    It's easy. The $200. The push for increased views and membership by allowing a certain member to get away with murder. Now the overly-sensitive and heavy-handed mod team. Unfortunately, a lot of the threads and posts here aren't necessarily conducive to selling.

    Don't tell me for a minute that a sale isn't coming.

    Thanked by 2bulbasaur BlaZe
  • @Arkas said:

    @stevewatson301 said: I only see some questioning of the moderator's posting choices, and I concur with them given that the mod's posting in't relevant to the core topics of LET. I'm also not a pearl-clutching person, but I have to question the mod's contribution through that thread when they post something with a thumbnail bordering on softcore pornography

    You made me laugh. It was a simple YouTube link in the OFF-TOPIC section of which I have in the past also posted in as a member, including what are you listening to...
    You don't mind C*nt as a common word, yet you blush at a thumbnail that I have no control over? Please... The few self declared dictator inmates trying to run the asylum (as an example).

    My point is that you are willing to reprimand other people for what you consider to be low value behavior, and yet are willing to go to the extent of banning.people when they point out your behaviors that they find to be low value.

    You might just have your wish of banning me fulfilled though, the votes look hopeful.

    Thanked by 1BlaZe
  • ArkasArkas Moderator

    @stevewatson301 said: You might just have your wish of banning me fulfilled though, the votes look hopeful.

    I will never ban you. That's not my call. I did not ban anyone for pointing out my behavior. Again you are mistaken and lack the info to know what happened, nor do I feel compelled to air dirty laundry about why I did what I did. Again, It is a temporary ban, not the end of the world.
    Is this why you single me out so much? Or do you secretly love me? :smile:

  • DPDP Administrator, The Domain Guy

    @risharde said:

    @vedran said:
    I won't go into reasons for all those warnings/bans and if they were justified or not. But I always thought if you as a moderator find yourself personally offended by something someone said you should not be the moderator handling the warning/ban for that. LET has more than enough moderators, you should not be the one pulling the trigger

    Indeed a good idea but very difficult to do

    "Never make permanent decisions based on temporary feelings/emotions".

    Personally, I try to live by this quote.

    Not just about moderating, but in general, with life and things.

  • @stevewatson301 Hi weasel, in the next week we will get information that your account has been banned due to multi-account and bypassing bans.

    Thanked by 1BlaZe
  • DPDP Administrator, The Domain Guy

    @Hotmarer said:
    @stevewatson301 Hi weasel, in the next week we will get information that your account has been banned due to multi-account and bypassing bans.

    I say he’s more of a Raccoon than a Weasel.

    Same same, but different :smiley:

    Thanked by 1Hotmarer
  • AXYZEAXYZE Member

    @Arkas said:

    @stevewatson301 said: I only see some questioning of the moderator's posting choices, and I concur with them given that the mod's posting in't relevant to the core topics of LET. I'm also not a pearl-clutching person, but I have to question the mod's contribution through that thread when they post something with a thumbnail bordering on softcore pornography

    You made me laugh. It was a simple YouTube link in the OFF-TOPIC section of which I have in the past also posted in as a member, including what are you listening to...
    You don't mind C*nt as a common word, yet you blush at a thumbnail that I have no control over? Please... The few self declared dictator inmates trying to run the asylum (as an example).

    And here is the cue for @adly and @AXYZE

    What do you even want from me when I never even confronted/attacked you? You seriously tag me over a "thank you" on some comment on other topic?

    I consider a lot of your threads completely irrelevant for me thus I competently ignore them. Maybe one time I opened your thread and posted something (chinese propaganda song in "what are you listening to"), because thats how "ironic" I was feeling about such threads.

    You insist on making epic haha funny 100% topics like "GF causes me to keep getting slapped". I completely don't care, I don't get your humor... and you know what?
    I just don't comment on them. I don't click. Simple.

    BUT, now you made epic thread with clickbaity name "How times have changed..." with a "guy's peenis in girl" (haha very funny vegana :--D ) thumbnail where you also banned Andrews which was critical about this shit. I know he is harsh and agressive, but still - you made yet another thread where nobody could know what it is about judging by topic name and bam here's some thumbnail for thirsty mens. Thanks, I needed this in my life.

    I don't comment your posts, because I dont care about them. YOU are the one who made clickbait thread and started whole thing. Don't pass in on me.
    I didn't join LET to see low quality humor and some "I wwwassss so drunk and I bought laptop". I don't care, so I dont click on these threads, but I cant foresee the future and know that "How times have changed..." on hosting forum will lead me to some random ass video about banned ads from USA with nice peenis thumbnails. Youre the one who caused it, yet you ban others. Jesus.

  • ArkasArkas Moderator

    @AXYZE said: I don't comment your posts, because I dont care about them. YOU are the one who made clickbait thread and started whole thing. Don't pass in on me.

    Your post made my point.
    Thanks :wink:

  • jsgjsg Member, Resident Benchmarker

    On many if not most platforms one gets banned/shadow-banned/kicked out for much less.

    Also: LET isn't a publicly owned service, so it's up to the owner to make the rules, incl. whether mod decisions are published or kept confidential. I myself would prefer some more transparency (like a sentence or two about why someone got banned) too but unlike OP I do not feel entitled to de facto demand anything from @jbiloh.

    Also let's not forget that jbiloh basically saved LET, and for that I am grateful.

    AFAIC the mods should go even harder on users who mock, belittle, or outright attack other users, smash threads, and contribute rather little beyond basically meaningless banter, but I don't hold my breath ...

    Thanked by 1Arkas
  • AXYZEAXYZE Member

    @Arkas said:

    @AXYZE said: I don't comment your posts, because I dont care about them. YOU are the one who made clickbait thread and started whole thing. Don't pass in on me.

    Your post made my point.
    Thanks :wink:

    About what?

    I came here to share my knowledge and learn more about hosting. You can see at my comments - I often help people, write what they exactly need to do. I like that LET is very active and connects many groups of completely different people & countries, that makes this forum special. For example on FB hosting-related groups you wont constantly chat with chinese people and you are banned for smallest shit, whereas here people can tell each other to fuck themselves and nobody will perm ban for that unless they're really abusive.

    If you think it is fine to post clickbaity threads on LET then let it be that way.
    Not my forum, not my "toys".
    This is not professional official forum of "random corporation" and this is why I loved that. I dont need another WHT in my life, everybody that was there knows what I mean.

    And I will say once again - I never attacked you, NEVER. I just liked comment. Pinging me for that like I need to explain myself is completely hilarious. I did it anyways, maybe I'm stupid.

  • adlyadly Veteran

    @Arkas said:
    And here is the cue for @adly and @AXYZE

  • @DP said:

    @Hotmarer said:
    @stevewatson301 Hi weasel, in the next week we will get information that your account has been banned due to multi-account and bypassing bans.

    I say he’s more of a Raccoon than a Weasel.

    Same same, but different :smiley:

    Weasel is trying to confuse you pretending to be someone else.

This discussion has been closed.