Help me clean the joint up...

[Ryan]

Hey fellas, I'm finally starting my mission to clean up the forums from drama and trash talk. In my quest, I've done like a Kindergarten teacher and set up an infraction system. Essentially, it works like this:

1. One infraction and you can't use the forum for a day.
2. Two infractions and you can't use the forum for a week.
3. Three infractions and you are gone for good.

Infractions can be had by being disrespectful to other users, posting politics, etc...

I know this is extremely juvenile, but I think it will work.

That said, I need your help. If you see any drama posted or innapropriate posts, please report it by finding and clicking the report button. It looks like this:

Thanks a ton.

 

[sk farmer]

sorry ryan, but i see that as being a little vague. if it as simple as that i can see that a member who did not like someone could gang up on someone that they disagree with and report them a few times and they would be gone. like or dislike me ryan, but i am one of those that you would probably have dismissed under this system.i know of some people who dislike me and i have some that i dislike. i have learned it is best just to avoid them. i also think people know that the report button is for reporting inapppropritate behavior such as spammers. is a person really a problem if they have three minor infractions in 500, 1000 or 10,000 posts compared to someone who has 10, 50, or 100 posts. if your three infraction rule is followed to a tee.it takes none of that into account. i hope most people do not see your post or you change your mind and deal with each case on an individual basis.
respectfully, sk farmer.

 

[december45]

I think your absolutely correct.... it does sound juvenile, this forum in my opinion has the least "drama" of any forum I've ever seen.... if you start having guys "report" because they think something is "Drama" you are going to loose members and they will find a place without the "reporting" .... to me this is over the top.

 

[z28snksknr]

Free exchange of ideas should be promoted. Verbal assaults and offensive posts should not.

Can't see how it should be any more complicated than that.

 

[Ryan]

A report will not lead to an infraction. Once a post is reported, I can then read the entire thread in context and decide if an infraction is necessary.

And yeah, you are right. It's juvenile.

BUT, here's an example. I recently ran across this post:

Jeesh christ almighty.

An awful lot of initials thrown in there.

Up here in the hetero women lovin mid-west, we use 2x4's and stuff.

Maybe you're one of those east coast latte sippin fags and just don't know it?

It was in response to a new member post about the structural integrity of his garage. For the life of me, I can't figure out the mind set that would make someone reply in that way. And frankly, I don't like new members to be introduced to my forum in that way.

There are countless examples of that kind of thing... And I'm growing tired of it. I don't host this join in an effort to house mindless trash talking. I host it so that folks can have a place to talk about garages and tools.

Put shortly, I'm done with the drama. Completely.

So, if you trust the way I run a forum then stick around. If not, find another forum. It's as simple as that.

I want to get back to garages.

 

[car99r]

^^^ Coming from someone who hosts his own large "free" forum I can respect that! ^^^

 

[Falcon67]

Somebody has to step up and be the "post nazi" and deal with it. Happens on just about every forum I'm on. I'm on one where the guy is real, REAL strick about staying on subject, etc. Pissed lots of people off. But the forum succeeds and has been up for a very, very long time. Most folks here stick to topic and are pretty civil. It's good. The REPORT button is pretty handy - I occasionally see spam postings and since I never remember who da boss is, it's not easy to call in "Clean up on Posting Aisle 4!". Ryan can't be everywhere and some things just get missed.

As long as we don't get like the old Simpson's episode where they go to the shrink for family animosity. The doc gives everyone a shock button. When somebody says something not nice, they get to zap the offender. After about 1 minute of arguing, they are zapping each other so much the whole city goes dark.

 

[Stick Figure]

If this takes care of what i think it will, it would make things much more pleasant on here from my perspective at least.

The only suggestion i have is make sure these new "punishments" are stickied, and if possible sent a mass PM to all members, making sure they know about this. Just to eliminate any chance of an excuse.

 

[Pappa Ugg]

Put shortly, I'm done with the drama. Completely.

So, if you trust the way I run a forum then stick around. If not, find another forum. It's as simple as that.

I want to get back to garages.

From a new guy with 2 teenage daughter (17 &13).. THANK YOU! I come to this place to get away from drama.

Mike

 

[rieferman]

My only suggestion would be (similar to how infractions at work are handled) that there's a time limit set for counting infractions. example: If someone has 2 infractions rapid fire because they're having a bad week or whatever, and then is good for a year.. but slips up somehow.. maybe that's not strike three.

edit: sorry, one more comment.. when someone is banned, I can picture some folks wanting explanation as to why they're banned. Just something to consider

Otherwise, I'm all for it. On some forums, the rules are so complicated.. I think subjective application by a sensible site owner is more than fine - it's not a court of law.

 

[rwhite692]

Ryan how many Moderators do you have on the site?

 

[TRC51]

I think you have a good principle in this idea... but I would just say to be careful to try and discern between disrespect and mild ball breaking. Your example is a good one, but if the poster would have put "j/k" (or something like that) after his comment, would that have been ok?

 

[Indycars]

I like it 100%!!! I think Ryan will be fair!


Rick

 

[Ryan]

My only suggestion would be (similar to how infractions at work are handled) that there's a time limit set for counting infractions. example: If someone has 2 infractions rapid fire because they're having a bad week or whatever, and then is good for a year.. but slips up somehow.. maybe that's not strike three.

edit: sorry, one more comment.. when someone is banned, I can picture some folks wanting explanation as to why they're banned. Just something to consider

Otherwise, I'm all for it. On some forums, the rules are so complicated.. I think subjective application by a sensible site owner is more than fine - it's not a court of law.

That's a good idea. Done.

Ryan how many Moderators do you have on the site?

Four.

 

[Bull]

Ryan, this is my favorite site, hands down. Therefore, I would not want to lose privileges even for a day.

Can you be more specific about what constitutes "disrespect?" I don't know you at all. If you are the person who is going to look at my posts if someone reports me, then I should know what your standards are. If I make a joke that to me is slightly off-color but to you might be construed as Satan-worship, that would be unfortunate. But, how am I supposed to know how rigid you are?

Obviously, someone calling another member a *** is not cool. But that's an extreme example.

You know where I am coming from?

 

[tatra]

interesting how those with fewer posts seem to be for it and the more seasoned seem to be more moderate to the new system...............personally i like the passion some on here show and the facts they use to back their arguement can be educational ............it is your site so you have the final say but i do believe the majority here do a decent job of moderating each other............and if you think you have crybabaies now complaining, just wait til they have the power to see their actions in motion......also the gang mentality will be a constant also...........and if someone says thankgod, or did you drink the koolaid, both of which i personally find to cross the no religion, no politics rule, will this result in a strike...........you seem to want to have a blck and white process and yet the even the sky turns grey at times..........another site i visited for awhile had a delete thred option of the members, guess how that worked out..........it also had thread for those that felt justified in reporting forum rule breakers............never seen such a pile of wanna be internet cops/ mods/ power hungry dweebs, etc..........i do think you'll find this more work and hassle for ya than it's worth but, again your site, your rules and i don't see it being a problem for me...........and again thanx to you and those that do make this site possible

 

[Crusty Nut]

I dig it Ryan, there is plenty of drama and BS in the real world.
To everyone concerned about application of new standards, I think you will find Ryan to be more than reasonable and fair.

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

Ryan,

The personal attacks are easy to discern but what are the rules on "politics". I have mentioned in a few threads about the economy being in the tank. In some circles, this is considered "politics" just as "Chinese built" tools, gun questions, car bailouts, military operations, criminal sentences and the like can be considered “politics”.

It is very hard to talk about something coming up for a vote in congress that affects “car folks” (EPA rules, cash for clunkers, hybrid car tax rebates) without being called out for it by someone. I just like to make sure what is considered “inappropriate” before getting nailed on something.

 

[Ryan]

Fellas... This isn't a black and white issue in some cases. And you'll have to decide for yourselves if I'm doing a good enough job for you to remain active on the forum. I know I can't make all people happy.

My main focus is to get the forums focused... on tools, garages, etc...

Opinions are great... and great threads come from folks that have a difference of opinion. However, if you have to run down another member in order to express your opinion, you aren't going to last long around here.

 

[Bull]

Fellas... This isn't a black and white issue in some cases. And you'll have to decide for yourselves if I'm doing a good enough job for you to remain active on the forum. I know I can't make all people happy.

So, is this all we have to go by as we try to moderate our own behavior? Just that it isn't "black and white?"

When I give my students an assignment, I have to make sure they have clear directions, expectations, and examples. Otherwise, if they fail, I can't fully blame them.

 

[Steve from Socal]

Fellas... This isn't a black and white issue in some cases. And you'll have to decide for yourselves if I'm doing a good enough job for you to remain active on the forum. I know I can't make all people happy.

My main focus is to get the forums focused... on tools, garages, etc...

Opinions are great... and great threads come from folks that have a difference of opinion. However, if you have to run down another member in order to express your opinion, you aren't going to last long around here.

Ryan,

I am not new here but not a long time member either; I enjoy this forum and understand your desire to reduce animosity and eliminate potential flame wars. That said; perhaps you you can write a brief Forum Guidelines and sticky it at the top of the general forum, regarding what is appropriate content and conduct that clearly outlines taboo subjects and behavior.

Steve

 

[Ryan]

To me, the only real grey area is politics... and only in some cases. Most political posts are obvious right? Generally, it's something like "Obama *****!" or "Republicans are rich assholes." Those are obvious... In cases where it's not as obvious, I will prolly refrain from the infraction, delete the posts, and send pm's explaining what's up.

As for drama, trash talking, etc... There is no grey area in my opinion. I think folks have a pretty good understanding of manners and know how to treat people like they themselves would like to be treated. Thats' all I'm really asking for.

And again, I don't presume to be able to make everyone happy. I know I can't. All I want to do is improve the forum and make it more accessible for people that really want to talk about garages, tools, etc...

 

[TRC51]

OK... so after thinking about this... I think you are right, Ryan. I think we are over analyzing this too much. Usually when you see threads like this on other forums, it's usually the beginning of the drama and not the end (as you can see this thread starting to form). However, when you try and just relax about the idea... it's really not a big deal to the type of people who mostly make up this board. If you are on this board to help and be helped (the board's sole purpose), then this whole rule will probably never even come up on your radar. If you do catch a warning from Ryan... chances are you will just say, "oh ****... I'll have to remember that next time. If you're not that kind of person and you disregard the warning, chances are you won't be here long. Either way, I think it will work just fine if you are the kind of person that has an reasonable amount of character.

That said, I say.... go right ahead with this rule. I'm for it.

 

[babzog]

Ryan, this is my favorite site, hands down. Therefore, I would not want to lose privileges even for a day.

Can you be more specific about what constitutes "disrespect?" I don't know you at all. If you are the person who is going to look at my posts if someone reports me, then I should know what your standards are. If I make a joke that to me is slightly off-color but to you might be construed as Satan-worship, that would be unfortunate. But, how am I supposed to know how rigid you are?

Obviously, someone calling another member a *** is not cool. But that's an extreme example.

You know where I am coming from?

Well said, Bull. There is little out there that will "offend mine eyes", so, expect no reports from me (with the possible exception of an obvious spam). If I don't want to read something... I don't. Pretty simple, really. While it's not my forum (and therefore, what I say holds no influence), I believe and hope that these standards will be defined and measurable so the line - whatever that ends up being - can be toed.

 

[Auzivision]

One way to maybe help clarify the gray area is to keep the subject matter to only things and not people. Garages, cars, Chinese tools, synthetic motor oil are all things. Obama, Republicans, and other forum members are people. It’s okay to state negative opinions about things… just not people. Not perfect, but pretty straight forward.

Just an idea and I do applaud your efforts.

 

[Ryan]

OK... so after thinking about this... I think you are right, Ryan. I think we are over analyzing this too much. Usually when you see threads like this on other forums, it's usually the beginning of the drama and not the end (as you can see this thread starting to form). However, when you try and just relax about the idea... it's really not a big deal to the type of people who mostly make up this board. If you are on this board to help and be helped (the board's sole purpose), then this whole rule will probably never even come up on your radar. If you do catch a warning from Ryan... chances are you will just say, "oh ****... I'll have to remember that next time. If you're not that kind of person and you disregard the warning, chances are you won't be here long. Either way, I think it will work just fine if you are the kind of person that has an reasonable amount of character.

That said, I say.... go right ahead with this rule. I'm for it.

I might send you an infraction for your avatar though...

Boomer Sooner.

 

[ranunculous]

This is a great forum and in essence,a neighborhood.There's no reason anyone has to be a bully and insult another person and their post?
These message boards are a nice retreat from the idiocy of reality and its noise.Sure is fun to come here and see what's going on and how someone else is triumphiantly beating the bear or dealing and winning.

Now,if something could be done over to the Jalopy Journal with the thread hijacking and bad-natured bagging and piling on....that'd be Jim Dandy?!

Thank you for the forums and the ability to vent!

 

[TRC51]

I might send you an infraction for your avatar though...

Boomer Sooner.

The rule involved in the current topic states that infractions will be issued with regard to drama, trash talk, disrespect to others and posting politics. As long as I don't change her shirt to say something like "God hates Government", I should be ok... right?

 

[jonny o]

This definitely isn't the HAMB, but could use some of the principals. Could definitely drop the little smilee blinky sons of ******* in my opinion.

Thanks though Ryan, I dig the place.

 

[Sweet Old Bill]

TRC51 said:
"The rule involved in the current topic states that infractions will be issued with regard to drama, trash talk, disrespect to others and posting politics. As long as I don't change her shirt to say something like "God hates Government", I should be ok... right? "

Solely in the interest of promoting harmonious relations on this forum, I will help change her shirt! I do not even care what the new shirt says.

Back on topic, Ryan has made this a great forum. I am not worried about any changes. It comes down to the fact that he has created and maintained a great website. As he said, he can't make everyone happy. That is like herding cats. If he can cut out the bashing, we should all have more time to really talk about garages & tools.

 

[Ryan]

TRC51 said:
"The rule involved in the current topic states that infractions will be issued with regard to drama, trash talk, disrespect to others and posting politics. As long as I don't change her shirt to say something like "God hates Government", I should be ok... right? "

Solely in the interest of promoting harmonious relations on this forum, I will help change her shirt! I do not even care what the new shirt says.

Back on topic, Ryan has made this a great forum. I am not worried about any changes. It comes down to the fact that he has created and maintained a great website. As he said, he can't make everyone happy. That is like herding cats. If he can cut out the bashing, we should all have more time to really talk about garages & tools.

Exactly... I mean, I haven't said anything at all about TRC's longhorns. If I were a poster that I was targeting, I could sit here and talk about how very few national titles that Texas has and how very many Oklahoma has... Or I could talk about how their stadium was named after a Sooner.. or...

But see, I'm a considerate guy. I wouldn't do that...

Wait... ****... how do I give an infraction to myself?

 

[tatra]

so would you be willing to let past members who are now banned a second chance?.........reason i ask is i see alot of current memebers still here who should have been banned for their behavoiur in the past and newbies who i felt were just sticking up for themselves banned as they didn't have the solidarity of the masses behind them.........now that i would see as step forward..........personally liked art, franz, -B-, etc. for the knowledge they brought to the table..........some of their rhetoric i could do without and with the new rules, the playing field should be more neutral..............i mean if you are going with the 3 strikes thing and considering time off for good behaviour, what have ya got to lose...........and as for personal attacks on you and your's ryan, maybe a little forgivness after an apology by the offending members ?..............again, your site, your decisions and i will support you in the final outcome, but i don't have to agree with it, just respect it.........cheers buddy.......

 

[eborcim]

I have not really seen much other than the cat incident a few days ago..but it is Ryan's forum. If he thinks it is necessary to maintain its integrity, he will exercise the authority. I would caution against knee jerk reporting though. Sarcasm does have its place too and can be constructive.

You guys want to be abused online? Go to CL's autofo, you'll get beat up like a HF anvil before you get out!

 

[dfndr]

Ryan, This is the best forum around. There is less **** on here than any other forum I know of. Less politics, hate, *** or religious stuff. Just tools, garages, etc. You have my support to do what you think is reasonable to keep things good. Let common sense be your guide. This is your forum and we are your guests. Thank you. Rick

 

[curtisc63]

The rule involved in the current topic states that infractions will be issued with regard to drama, trash talk, disrespect to others and posting politics. As long as I don't change her shirt to say something like "God hates Government", I should be ok... right?

Personally I think the shirt should just be removed. Any wording or symbols might be misconstrued as offensive.

I am a NOOB here as can be seen by my post count and join date. However, I have done a lot of reading the past few days and have learned a lot. Thanks for that. In these sessions I have been very impressed by the lack of the typical BS you see on many forums. This is a great place so far and a little oversight to keep it that way is welcome.

CC

 

[revlover]

So, if you trust the way I run a forum then stick around. If not, find another forum. It's as simple as that.

Reminds me of this REAL commercial...

 

[revlover]

Ryan, This is the best forum around. There is less **** on here than any other forum I know of. Less politics, hate, *** or religious stuff. Just tools, garages, etc. You have my support to do what you think is reasonable to keep things good. Let common sense be your guide. This is your forum and we are your guests. Thank you. Rick

+1



10char

 

[tcianci]

Ryan, at first I thought you were going to be coming down real heavy on anyone who thinks outside the box, but looking at how you have managed to cultivate the best forum around, I have to defer to your judgement and hope I dont' get my *** kicked around here!

Thanks for the great place!

Tom

 

[sk farmer]

Reminds me of this REAL commercial...

ryan reminds you of a 'mobile home salesman'. oh my god, that is hilarious. ryan, you have to admit that is funny. have you ever been hit with a crescent wrench or a fence post?

 

[srmofo]

I know Im new around here, but perhaps this can be useful to some since they need clarification.

http://www.no-heroes.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=3

I play internet games and these people own most of the servers I play on. Its one of the few places I have found in the gaming world that people respect each other without having to walk around on egg shells. We all know when were going to far, and when things have crossed from a friendly nudge to a full blown kidney punch. If you offend someone and they fire off an insult to you, just apologize and move on. Theres no need to insult them back. Sarcasm is usually difficult to pick up on the webz, so misunderstandings are easy to come by.

And remember people, this is the internet, its serious business...lulz
-Nate