There has been some attention recently surrounding the use of "Access Masks", which is a tool that essentially hides a subforum from a user, and after a discussion, we've decided to clarify the use of these.
Access Masks will be utilized when a user is determined to be particularly problematic within one specific subforum, and that issuing warnings and infractions is unlikely to help. Moving forward, the user will receive a heads-up prior to the mask in order to have the opportunity to fix the perceived issues.
When an Access Mask is put into place, we will announcing it in this thread.
Access Masks may have a set length, or they could be indefinite — in other words, until the staff decides to reverse it.
Sorry, but what does this all mean? Except to stop someone from posting in a particular subforum, what's the purpose of this? Or is that simply it?
What is deemed 'particularly problematic'? Where precisely do you draw that line?
Also, could a US-specific subforum for Water Cooler Talk be given due consideration? There's plenty of threads to populate such a subforum, leaving the rest of WCT full of non-US-specific threads... like those on food.
Which threads from WCT main would that subforum contain? Not saying it isn't a good idea, just curious what you'd see the scope being.
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Sing lustily and with good courage.
Be aware of singing as if you were half dead,
or half asleep:
but lift your voice with strength.
Be no more afraid of your voice now,
nor more ashamed of its being heard,
than when you sang the songs of Satan.
Wait, why should I (as a non US resident) be unable to see the US sub forum? Maybe make it a subforum, but not completely disallow others from seeing it.
Maybe make an ignore list function for subforums?
Just don't put the "This sub forum is hidden" message. That's the equivalent of this stuff:
It's impossible not to look.
I hate those, I think I read the people who are on my ignore lists's posts more now than before.
Because some people were being problematic in CI (supposedly) and instead of including them in their own communities "Share your mind/Community Issues" subforum, they just remove their viewing and posting abilities because rubbing out people is easier than addressing issues.
It would be helpful if I could "opt in" to having certain areas hidden. There's tons of sections of the site I couldn't care less about (BaseSpec certainly, artwork, Clans, WCT, Debate, EDH...) and they just clutter up my "New Posts" feed.
Oh, I thought he was talking about playing a spell that is countering a spell with counters on it as it comes into play, but I see you guys were just discussing whether he was flashing a creature with flash in order to flash a flashback or just flashing a creature with flash but not needing flash in order to flashback a spell without flash.
Aye this is actually the kind of positive usage I was referring to
I mean I come here for Magic, so anything non-Magic related is essentially a curiosity at best and a distraction at worst. Is there any way this could be added to the user options?
Oh, I thought he was talking about playing a spell that is countering a spell with counters on it as it comes into play, but I see you guys were just discussing whether he was flashing a creature with flash in order to flash a flashback or just flashing a creature with flash but not needing flash in order to flashback a spell without flash.
Hammer, you might try subscribing (without email notification) to each subforum you like (yes, you need to do the child forums too), and then use the Spy.
It lets you narrow the feed down to just your subscribed threads and forums.
@9909:
Essentially it gives us the tool to be able to force problem posters out of the subforum where they have issues while letting them enjoy the rest of the site. An example of this might be if a user was fine in most of the site but always flamed in Debate and only Debate. Access masks aren't exactly a common response, and we try to use them as a way to avoid needing to ban people who might not cause problems site-wide but do instead in specific areas. When to implement an access mask is determined on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the staff and is typically heralded by a harbinger warning to let the user know when it's being considered and hopefully prevent the need for the execution of the access mask entirely.
EDIT:
As for dual WCT subforums, I'm having trouble seeing the utility. It feels like it would be splitting the WCT userbase unnecessarily and for only marginal gains.
Just got to say, you've definitely earned distinction as an MTGS hero
Quote from Stardust »
Because he's the hero MTGS deserves, and the one it needs right now. So we'll global him. Because he can take it. Because he's not just our hero. He's a silent guardian, a watchful protector. An expired rascal.
Quote from LuckNorris »
ExpiredRascals you sir are a god-like hero.
Quote from Lanxal »
ER is a masterful god who cannot be beaten in any endeavour.
I find it funny you guys even had to resort to using this style of preventive measures and threats. To the sheer existence of this is proof people are grasping straws and jumping at shadows.
I find it funny you guys even had to resort to using this style of preventive measures and threats. To the sheer existence of this is proof people are grasping straws and jumping at shadows.
I would say that it represents the mentality of the staff. We're looking to provide the greatest good to the forum. We're not going to let someone continuously cause problems in any area on site. But if we can address the issue without outright banning, we'd rather do that. Access masks represent one of many tools that we use towards that goal.
Not the users you think , I was referring to people who are normally quite calm but get super aggressive in subfora such as vs thread in WCT or debate politics and religion etc.
To be able to offer those users the ability to be blocked from just that area rather than get more infractions seems like it might have merit.
Just got to say, you've definitely earned distinction as an MTGS hero
Quote from Stardust »
Because he's the hero MTGS deserves, and the one it needs right now. So we'll global him. Because he can take it. Because he's not just our hero. He's a silent guardian, a watchful protector. An expired rascal.
Quote from LuckNorris »
ExpiredRascals you sir are a god-like hero.
Quote from Lanxal »
ER is a masterful god who cannot be beaten in any endeavour.
Wait, why should I (as a non US resident) be unable to see the US sub forum? Maybe make it a subforum, but not completely disallow others from seeing it.
They're two different matters, but I thought it would have been quite egregious to create an addition thread to moan about not having a US-only matters subforum.
The idea isn't to only permit US users to view it, but I do apologize if you got the impression if it was due to a lack of clarity.
As one who doesn't reside in the US, sifting through threads about things that I couldn't ever possibly be interested in, such as a somewhat trivial politician and his indiscretions with the ladies can be a drag. This is, of course, not an exhaustive listing of threads that might be better off in a US stuff WCT subforum. However, I don't think it would have been fair for me to dredge up a comprehensive list of threads that are US-only/-specific/-centric/-whatever. It's clear as day that there are indeed many US users, and it's also crystal clear that there are many threads that are of interest that follow US matters. Should I want to read up on what users have to say about US matters, I would like to then venture into that subforum, rather than be overwhelmed by thread after thread of US-related stuff or looking for something that's not related to the US on the first five pages of WCT threads.
Which threads from WCT main would that subforum contain? Not saying it isn't a good idea, just curious what you'd see the scope being.
Things that you, I, or others would reasonably think would only be of interest to our American fellows. Indeed, there was a thread about the exceptionally crappy weather in the UK; if there were any more UK-related/-only threads, you could only reasonably expect there should be the infrastructure for a UK-only/-related subforum for those that don't really follow issues pertaining to the UK.
The world and society may be underpinned by interconnection but some threads are really regional. Border control w/ regard to Mexico and Canada would reasonably be included.
Transnational things would be in the main WCT subforum.
I'm not sure if I'm being clear, so let me know. Does this sound reasonable or, at least, not absurd?
I understand. I could see the point. The United States of America are a pretty unique one. I think the forum would we very dead though. Very few posters as most are american. Plus without the drama from the United States of America.
Then again, maybe all that stuff being gone might spark interest for members from other places.
I could see a benefit, but I'm unsure as if it'd be worth it. I'd be inclined to say those from the United States of America (can't they pick a shorter name for their country) might miss out on stuff. But then again, they have a tendency not to care for what happens outside their countries. Those that do might just frequent the subforum as well.
I understand. I could see the point. The United States of America are a pretty unique one. I think the forum would we very dead though. Very few posters as most are american. Plus without the drama from the United States of America.
Then again, maybe all that stuff being gone might spark interest for members from other places.
I could see a benefit, but I'm unsure as if it'd be worth it. I'd be inclined to say those from the United States of America (can't they pick a shorter name for their country) might miss out on stuff. But then again, they have a tendency not to care for what happens outside their countries. Those that do might just frequent the subforum as well.
Sorry, I might be misinterpreting you. If you wouldn't mind, consider this:
Americans (US folks) are more than welcome to post in the general WCT and create threads that aren't of appeal only to other US folks.
Nothing would change, except the WCT forum would be less cluttered. WCT is, as is, fine; there's always the "if it's ain't broke" line to drop, but it's very catch-all, even though a vast proportion of threads are of appeal only to Americans.
The United States is a shorter name for the nation comprising the 48 continental states, 2 other states, American Samoa, Puerto Rico, and some other held territories. The inability to originate a nice name should not significantly interfere with the ability to create a subforum that, ultimately, leads to a more organized, logically clustered or populated subforum.
On a side note, who here is an American ([a] by which I mean resident; [b] by which I mean citizen)? Who isn't?
Maybe the answer to this question of demography informs, within limitations, decision-makers as to whether it could be worth a specific WCT subforum, accessible to all, for things relating to the US.
I am actually curious about the current threads you'd see being put in there, though, because I must admit I don't think there are enough US-specific threads in WCT main to really justify it.
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Sing lustily and with good courage.
Be aware of singing as if you were half dead,
or half asleep:
but lift your voice with strength.
Be no more afraid of your voice now,
nor more ashamed of its being heard,
than when you sang the songs of Satan.
This isn't an exact science and there are clearly issues in making the following list; but, the following is a thorough but non-exhaustive list of more or less American-'only'/-specific threads on the first few pages of WCT:
Perhaps 'Regional Matters or News' is better, as I can see threads regarding affairs in the Commonwealth and the rest of the world too (maybe "US Stuff" and "Others Stuff" are possible candidate subforums?).
If you find this a repulsive suggestion, would you please consider somehow structuring the WCT so that it's not simply a dumping ground for odds and ends? Users may be turned off by the fact that virtually anything goes there and it may be frustrating looking for interested threads. Previously, on this note, I proposed a subforum on things that go in you, such as food and drinks, as well as other things in the news (which could help with the topical issues of limited long-term significance and a high turnover rate; e.g., celebrity stuff, as in, RIP Roger Ebert, or silly things, as in Getting drunk off hand sanitizer..? or Please DO NOT pour alcohol up your ass, it is a terrible way to die), health, science, fashion/style, travel, family & social lives (notably, RLA has innumerable threads on relationships; this is a pretty big cluster, but there are tons of threads in these six areas, which could also easily include food and drinks [below]). I think I may have suggested a politics subforum, but that too often overlapped with the US subforum, so... Anyway, obviously, you could have picked and chosen those that were thought to worth the work and could work with the Forums.
After all this, many of these would be chock-a-block and might stimulate activity in these still general areas of interest, and there would remain numerous threads in WCT main, such as all those hypothetical threads; heroes, zombies, and superpowers; threads on IQ, intelligence, and maturity; how one hangs his or her posters; completely random stuff (e.g., What is the power and toughness of a US Arleigh-Burke Class Destroyer?); and so on.
There's much too much latitude towards immoderate and even racist views. There's apparently no impetus for any action to act on rather inflammatory threads until they are no necroed. Further, there are essentially no consequences of posting honestly crap and misleading, no-due-diligence-done threads. I refuse to name any threads here.
Most threads ending with "..." should be deleted on sight. Seriously, though, these are often threads without synopses or any potential to go anywhere.
Furthermore, could you please consider merging Entertainment's sub(sub)forums into WCT and Entertainment's subforum into WCT? A lot of threads seem to make their there, after being moved from WCT, and Entertainment is reasonably and logically within the scope of WCT.
It may be that there simply isn't as much as traffic there, but Entertainment doesn't not appear to to be any more popular than it used to be. (You can work out the mop-and-bucket things, but I don't see why you couldn't simply keep the current moderators of those subforums and have you WCT moderators overseeing the entire thing or something.)
I myself keep thinking the literature sub(sub)forum is in WCT or threads on literature are worth creating in WCT, but all that's for Entertainment and it's as quiet as a dormouse there and simply not worth it.
@9909:
Essentially it gives us the tool to be able to force problem posters out of the subforum where they have issues while letting them enjoy the rest of the site. An example of this might be if a user was fine in most of the site but always flamed in Debate and only Debate. Access masks aren't exactly a common response, and we try to use them as a way to avoid needing to ban people who might not cause problems site-wide but do instead in specific areas. When to implement an access mask is determined on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the staff and is typically heralded by a harbinger warning to let the user know when it's being considered and hopefully prevent the need for the execution of the access mask entirely.
Oh.
EDIT: Suppose the person logs out, can't they simply see the forum or subforum in question? They simply cannot post there.
EDIT:
As for dual WCT subforums, I'm having trouble seeing the utility. It feels like it would be splitting the WCT userbase unnecessarily and for only marginal gains.
Sorry I wasn't clear. It's not having two parallel WCT subforums.
If the same response is thought to be applicable to a WCT subforum, which would contain a US matters subsubforum, then how absurd would it be to suggest merging similar content with a low traffic flow be merged into one subforum or everything on the site were merged? Obviously, that's extreme but it's all gradations of the same matter.
EDIT: Suppose the person logs out, can't they simply see the forum or subforum in question? They simply cannot post there.
Yeah, logging out will work for most access masks. The point is to block off the posting.
Sorry I wasn't clear. It's not having two parallel WCT subforums.
Thanks for the clarification. I'm still a little circumspect, but WCT is far from my specialty. I'll step back and let the staffers involved with the sub evaluate its need.
If the same response is thought to be applicable to a WCT subforum, which would contain a US matters subsubforum, then how absurd would it be to suggest merging similar content with a low traffic flow be merged into one subforum or everything on the site were merged? Obviously, that's extreme but it's all gradations of the same matter.
Actually, we do trim subforums in exactly that matter.
For example: Casual absorbed the "Other Official Casual Formats" and eventually "Extended (Type 1.x)" subfora over time. Obviously it doesn't extend to the degree that the hyperbole does, but hey
Just got to say, you've definitely earned distinction as an MTGS hero
Quote from Stardust »
Because he's the hero MTGS deserves, and the one it needs right now. So we'll global him. Because he can take it. Because he's not just our hero. He's a silent guardian, a watchful protector. An expired rascal.
Quote from LuckNorris »
ExpiredRascals you sir are a god-like hero.
Quote from Lanxal »
ER is a masterful god who cannot be beaten in any endeavour.
If you find this a repulsive suggestion, would you please consider somehow structuring the WCT so that it's not simply a dumping ground for odds and ends? Users may be turned off by the fact that virtually anything goes there and it may be frustrating looking for interested threads.
One major problem with this suggestion is that WTC doesn't get all that many threads, when it comes down to it. Page 1 has threads going back over a month, so while we have a few highly active threads, it doesn't make sense to divide the board when we already have a fairly low number of topics actively discussed at any given time.
Previously, on this note, I proposed a subforum on things that go in you, such as food and drinks, as well as other things in the news
I wouldn't be opposed to a 'food and drink' subforum, but I don't think there is enough activity on that front to justify it. There are only about 4 food threads on the first page (one of which is yours), and only one is active at any given time. I'd rather have it out there for people to comment on than hide it in a subforum.
Some comments and questions, made in passing:
Wouldn't would you like to own every SNES game? appear to be more suitable as an Entertainment - Other Games thread?
Brainteaser and puzzle threads were, at a time, in Entertainment.
User of Thread Icons can help distinguish threads from each other, as can good titles.
Wouldn't Math problem... would like help appear to be more suitable as a RLA thread?
Wouldn't anime threads appear to be more suitable in the appropriate subforum?
What is this: Just a simple question?
I'd like to start by saying that most of these are older issues. If anything that you believe doesn't belong in the main WTC forum pops up, please feel free to report it. We factor in reports to our decisions as to whether or not 'iffy' threads should be moderated in one way or another.
I'd also like to mention that the WTC Staff is different today than it was in many of the threads you list here. The bottom line is that if you have a problem with the placement of the thread, report it and we will reevaluate.
There's much too much latitude towards immoderate and even racist views. There's apparently no impetus for any action to act on rather inflammatory threads until they are no necroed. Further, there are essentially no consequences of posting honestly crap and misleading, no-due-diligence-done threads. I refuse to name any threads here.
Contrary to popular belief ;), our sole purpose in life as moderators is not to shut down people's opinions. Controversial views are acceptable for discussion in WTC, what isn't acceptable is flaming or trolling. Sometimes is can be hard to tell the difference, which is why we factor in reports when making our decisions.
I'm not going to shut someone down simply because I disagree with their point of view, even if that view isn't socially acceptable. Just because we find something distasteful doesn't mean it isn't worthy of discussion.
The Necroes of controversial threads tend to simply be for trollish comments, which is why they are moderated and locked at that point.
As for the no-due-diligence-done threads, I know exactly which threads you are referencing, and honestly they can become entertaining discussions by themselves.
Most threads ending with "..." should be deleted on sight. Seriously, though, these are often threads without synopses or any potential to go anywhere.
We do have a rule about posting synopses of links, which is enforced, but unless there is some kind of extenuating circumstance, I'm not going to shut down a thread that seems pointless. I'm frequently surprised by which threads are popular and which aren't, and it would be premature of me to do so without giving them a chance.
After all, if a thread isn't going anywhere, it'll disappear from the front page soon enough.
Furthermore, could you please consider merging Entertainment's sub(sub)forums into WCT and Entertainment's subforum into WCT? A lot of threads seem to make their there, after being moved from WCT, and Entertainment is reasonably and logically within the scope of WCT.
I don't think this is a bad suggestion, but I'm not sure it's manageable. I completely agree that 'Printed Media' is where threads go to die, but many of the other forums are pretty active, at least with one or two threads.
But you have a point, I generally find that my posts in much of entertainment get little or no response. I'd like to hear an Entertainment mod's perspective on this, however.
Just quickly @ access masks: we do actually entertain requests to be masked out from certain forums. We have done it before a number of times, just shoot us a PM or something. You better have a reason though, otherwise I don't see why I should be wasting my time
With so many users re-registering after bannings, why isn't Tachy used more often? You have to concede that there are too many guys getting banned, re-registering or using gimmicks to bypass blocks.
I think the site used to do IP bans, but that wasn't very practical for those using dynamic IPs. Right?
Tachy is a rude and sneaky way of handling normal issues. It's sort of the ultimate "staff v. users" middle finger.
And I don't think there as many people as you think. Some are, but since we've started focusing more on handling the problems and not the people we have seen a shift if focus. IP Bans don't do much unless it's a bot nest in India. Why? You currently have about 60 IP addresses and share those with over 100 other users - including some banned people. Thanks wireless. We'd rather not ban half of Minneapolis because of one person. The world has changed even in the short time I've been on staff. We used to ban people for being gimmicks because of IP addresses and it's been a year or so since that was even close to reliable on its own.
What is deemed 'particularly problematic'? Where precisely do you draw that line?
Also, could a US-specific subforum for Water Cooler Talk be given due consideration? There's plenty of threads to populate such a subforum, leaving the rest of WCT full of non-US-specific threads... like those on food.
Be aware of singing as if you were half dead,
or half asleep:
but lift your voice with strength.
Be no more afraid of your voice now,
nor more ashamed of its being heard,
than when you sang the songs of Satan.
Maybe make an ignore list function for subforums?
Just don't put the "This sub forum is hidden" message. That's the equivalent of this stuff:
It's impossible not to look.
I hate those, I think I read the people who are on my ignore lists's posts more now than before.
LOL
-regarding Snapcaster Mage.
Which users do you mean?
I mean I come here for Magic, so anything non-Magic related is essentially a curiosity at best and a distraction at worst. Is there any way this could be added to the user options?
-regarding Snapcaster Mage.
It lets you narrow the feed down to just your subscribed threads and forums.
@9909:
Essentially it gives us the tool to be able to force problem posters out of the subforum where they have issues while letting them enjoy the rest of the site. An example of this might be if a user was fine in most of the site but always flamed in Debate and only Debate. Access masks aren't exactly a common response, and we try to use them as a way to avoid needing to ban people who might not cause problems site-wide but do instead in specific areas. When to implement an access mask is determined on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the staff and is typically heralded by a harbinger warning to let the user know when it's being considered and hopefully prevent the need for the execution of the access mask entirely.
EDIT:
As for dual WCT subforums, I'm having trouble seeing the utility. It feels like it would be splitting the WCT userbase unnecessarily and for only marginal gains.
Body Count: GRRRUUUUUUUUUUU
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Level 1 Judge
My Cube for use with 6th ed. Rules
I would say that it represents the mentality of the staff. We're looking to provide the greatest good to the forum. We're not going to let someone continuously cause problems in any area on site. But if we can address the issue without outright banning, we'd rather do that. Access masks represent one of many tools that we use towards that goal.
Pretty much this.
Body Count: GRRRUUUUUUUUUUU
إن سرقت إسرق جمل
Level 1 Judge
My Cube for use with 6th ed. Rules
They're two different matters, but I thought it would have been quite egregious to create an addition thread to moan about not having a US-only matters subforum.
The idea isn't to only permit US users to view it, but I do apologize if you got the impression if it was due to a lack of clarity.
As one who doesn't reside in the US, sifting through threads about things that I couldn't ever possibly be interested in, such as a somewhat trivial politician and his indiscretions with the ladies can be a drag. This is, of course, not an exhaustive listing of threads that might be better off in a US stuff WCT subforum. However, I don't think it would have been fair for me to dredge up a comprehensive list of threads that are US-only/-specific/-centric/-whatever. It's clear as day that there are indeed many US users, and it's also crystal clear that there are many threads that are of interest that follow US matters. Should I want to read up on what users have to say about US matters, I would like to then venture into that subforum, rather than be overwhelmed by thread after thread of US-related stuff or looking for something that's not related to the US on the first five pages of WCT threads.
Things that you, I, or others would reasonably think would only be of interest to our American fellows. Indeed, there was a thread about the exceptionally crappy weather in the UK; if there were any more UK-related/-only threads, you could only reasonably expect there should be the infrastructure for a UK-only/-related subforum for those that don't really follow issues pertaining to the UK.
The world and society may be underpinned by interconnection but some threads are really regional. Border control w/ regard to Mexico and Canada would reasonably be included.
Transnational things would be in the main WCT subforum.
I'm not sure if I'm being clear, so let me know. Does this sound reasonable or, at least, not absurd?
Then again, maybe all that stuff being gone might spark interest for members from other places.
I could see a benefit, but I'm unsure as if it'd be worth it. I'd be inclined to say those from the United States of America (can't they pick a shorter name for their country) might miss out on stuff. But then again, they have a tendency not to care for what happens outside their countries. Those that do might just frequent the subforum as well.
Sorry, I might be misinterpreting you. If you wouldn't mind, consider this:
Maybe the answer to this question of demography informs, within limitations, decision-makers as to whether it could be worth a specific WCT subforum, accessible to all, for things relating to the US.
Be aware of singing as if you were half dead,
or half asleep:
but lift your voice with strength.
Be no more afraid of your voice now,
nor more ashamed of its being heard,
than when you sang the songs of Satan.
If you find this a repulsive suggestion, would you please consider somehow structuring the WCT so that it's not simply a dumping ground for odds and ends? Users may be turned off by the fact that virtually anything goes there and it may be frustrating looking for interested threads. Previously, on this note, I proposed a subforum on things that go in you, such as food and drinks, as well as other things in the news (which could help with the topical issues of limited long-term significance and a high turnover rate; e.g., celebrity stuff, as in, RIP Roger Ebert, or silly things, as in Getting drunk off hand sanitizer..? or Please DO NOT pour alcohol up your ass, it is a terrible way to die), health, science, fashion/style, travel, family & social lives (notably, RLA has innumerable threads on relationships; this is a pretty big cluster, but there are tons of threads in these six areas, which could also easily include food and drinks [below]). I think I may have suggested a politics subforum, but that too often overlapped with the US subforum, so... Anyway, obviously, you could have picked and chosen those that were thought to worth the work and could work with the Forums.
After all this, many of these would be chock-a-block and might stimulate activity in these still general areas of interest, and there would remain numerous threads in WCT main, such as all those hypothetical threads; heroes, zombies, and superpowers; threads on IQ, intelligence, and maturity; how one hangs his or her posters; completely random stuff (e.g., What is the power and toughness of a US Arleigh-Burke Class Destroyer?); and so on.
On the food thing, there's:
Some comments and questions, made in passing:
Furthermore, could you please consider merging Entertainment's sub(sub)forums into WCT and Entertainment's subforum into WCT? A lot of threads seem to make their there, after being moved from WCT, and Entertainment is reasonably and logically within the scope of WCT.
It may be that there simply isn't as much as traffic there, but Entertainment doesn't not appear to to be any more popular than it used to be. (You can work out the mop-and-bucket things, but I don't see why you couldn't simply keep the current moderators of those subforums and have you WCT moderators overseeing the entire thing or something.)
I myself keep thinking the literature sub(sub)forum is in WCT or threads on literature are worth creating in WCT, but all that's for Entertainment and it's as quiet as a dormouse there and simply not worth it.
Oh.
EDIT: Suppose the person logs out, can't they simply see the forum or subforum in question? They simply cannot post there.
Sorry I wasn't clear. It's not having two parallel WCT subforums.
If the same response is thought to be applicable to a WCT subforum, which would contain a US matters subsubforum, then how absurd would it be to suggest merging similar content with a low traffic flow be merged into one subforum or everything on the site were merged? Obviously, that's extreme but it's all gradations of the same matter.
Yeah, logging out will work for most access masks. The point is to block off the posting.
Thanks for the clarification. I'm still a little circumspect, but WCT is far from my specialty. I'll step back and let the staffers involved with the sub evaluate its need.
Actually, we do trim subforums in exactly that matter.
For example: Casual absorbed the "Other Official Casual Formats" and eventually "Extended (Type 1.x)" subfora over time. Obviously it doesn't extend to the degree that the hyperbole does, but hey
Body Count: GRRRUUUUUUUUUUU
إن سرقت إسرق جمل
Level 1 Judge
My Cube for use with 6th ed. Rules
One major problem with this suggestion is that WTC doesn't get all that many threads, when it comes down to it. Page 1 has threads going back over a month, so while we have a few highly active threads, it doesn't make sense to divide the board when we already have a fairly low number of topics actively discussed at any given time.
I wouldn't be opposed to a 'food and drink' subforum, but I don't think there is enough activity on that front to justify it. There are only about 4 food threads on the first page (one of which is yours), and only one is active at any given time. I'd rather have it out there for people to comment on than hide it in a subforum.
I'd like to start by saying that most of these are older issues. If anything that you believe doesn't belong in the main WTC forum pops up, please feel free to report it. We factor in reports to our decisions as to whether or not 'iffy' threads should be moderated in one way or another.
I'd also like to mention that the WTC Staff is different today than it was in many of the threads you list here. The bottom line is that if you have a problem with the placement of the thread, report it and we will reevaluate.
Contrary to popular belief ;), our sole purpose in life as moderators is not to shut down people's opinions. Controversial views are acceptable for discussion in WTC, what isn't acceptable is flaming or trolling. Sometimes is can be hard to tell the difference, which is why we factor in reports when making our decisions.
I'm not going to shut someone down simply because I disagree with their point of view, even if that view isn't socially acceptable. Just because we find something distasteful doesn't mean it isn't worthy of discussion.
The Necroes of controversial threads tend to simply be for trollish comments, which is why they are moderated and locked at that point.
As for the no-due-diligence-done threads, I know exactly which threads you are referencing, and honestly they can become entertaining discussions by themselves.
We do have a rule about posting synopses of links, which is enforced, but unless there is some kind of extenuating circumstance, I'm not going to shut down a thread that seems pointless. I'm frequently surprised by which threads are popular and which aren't, and it would be premature of me to do so without giving them a chance.
After all, if a thread isn't going anywhere, it'll disappear from the front page soon enough.
I don't think this is a bad suggestion, but I'm not sure it's manageable. I completely agree that 'Printed Media' is where threads go to die, but many of the other forums are pretty active, at least with one or two threads.
But you have a point, I generally find that my posts in much of entertainment get little or no response. I'd like to hear an Entertainment mod's perspective on this, however.
I hope that addresses some of your issues.
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Though, hold on a sec, so do you still send people to Coventry?
Once since I've been on staff. That's it. It's super rare and only used when simple things like "banning" didn't work.
WUBRGPauper Battle BoxWUBRG ... and why I am not a fan of Wayne Reynolds' Illustrations.
With so many users re-registering after bannings, why isn't Tachy used more often? You have to concede that there are too many guys getting banned, re-registering or using gimmicks to bypass blocks.
I think the site used to do IP bans, but that wasn't very practical for those using dynamic IPs. Right?
Thanks for reply, by the way.
And I don't think there as many people as you think. Some are, but since we've started focusing more on handling the problems and not the people we have seen a shift if focus. IP Bans don't do much unless it's a bot nest in India. Why? You currently have about 60 IP addresses and share those with over 100 other users - including some banned people. Thanks wireless. We'd rather not ban half of Minneapolis because of one person. The world has changed even in the short time I've been on staff. We used to ban people for being gimmicks because of IP addresses and it's been a year or so since that was even close to reliable on its own.
WUBRGPauper Battle BoxWUBRG ... and why I am not a fan of Wayne Reynolds' Illustrations.