Poll: New forum rules - Yay or Nay?

[Xanthious]

edit - the current change removing points every six months kinda renders the previous post null and void. Bad timing on my part. Bah!

 

[D33dl3]

not botherd by new rules.....even tho I haven't read them yet

 

[bobmus]

Seems suitable for a gaming website to have a health bar...

 

[Delusibeta]

My large two bits of beef about the rule changes is (unsurprisingly) the fact that there's no way to remove warnings from the profile and the fact that advocating ad blockers is now results in instant Mod Wrath (which seems to be very much a case of using a sledgehammer to crack a nut).

I have a suggestion about making an expiry system: basically, have a green block expire every three months, have a yellow block expire every six months and have every red block expire every twelve months, or something to that proportion. If you get another block, you lose any progress made in removing the previous block, and only the block with the longest time period can be recovered at any point in time. Ho-hum, fixed already. I wonder if it means that you can roll back to Matrix badges territory after getting a probation now?

My complaint about ad blockers is that it's going to inevitably come up for any forums that run adverts. It's also the fact that warnings are now promoted to Mod Wrath status (albeit a quarter of the old definition of Mod Wrath). I personally think that posts advocating ad blockers should get a sub-warning, basically a PM to not do that again. If he/she does it again, then fair enough, apply Wrath. But for people who didn't read through the rules (the vast majority of the userbase of any website), finding that advocating ad blockers results in Wrath would be a bit of a shock. To nick a page name from TVTropes, it's a case of Murder, Arson and Jaywalking.

But then again, I suppose that might prompt cries of "why wasn't he Wrath'd for doing the same thing I got insta-Wrath'd for?" It's a rock and a hard place.

*tempted to post a popcorn.gif RE: the lolicon debate*

 

[TimeLord]

UPDATE

As of right now, we have implemented a new system due to community feedback and to continually make these forums a better place. From now on, every 6 months a strike will be taken off your forum health meter for good behavior (meaning you have no infractions). After 2 years of no infractions, your infractions will be completely cleared.

Please note, this does not mean that every 6 months you can afford an infraction. If we see that you are playing the system, our moderators will hold you accountable.

You will see these changes taking place over the next 24 hours for those of your with no infractions over the last 6 months or 2 years.

Awesomesauce! This was the only issue I had with the current system. Thanks for listening to the community!

 

[XandNobody]

UPDATE

As of right now, we have implemented a new system due to community feedback and to continually make these forums a better place. From now on, every 6 months a strike will be taken off your forum health meter for good behavior (meaning you have no infractions). After 2 years of no infractions, your infractions will be completely cleared.

Please note, this does not mean that every 6 months you can afford an infraction. If we see that you are playing the system, our moderators will hold you accountable.

You will see these changes taking place over the next 24 hours for those of your with no infractions over the last 6 months or 2 years.

Sweet, now I actually feel like I can post like I was without this big thing hanging over my head. The permanency was more or less the only thing that I didn't like, and was downright afraid of I might add, to the point I really wasn't feeling brave enough to openly criticize it honestly, so good show. Place feels comfortable again.

 

[TriGGeR_HaPPy]

I've been moderated for asking someone 'if they read what I said' because what they said had nothing to do with what I was talking about.

I've had plenty of debates with people that have ended on friendly terms, but all the ones that haven't no one was rude beyond acceptability in them, yet people still got moderated.

I see a lot of people in these forums getting banned just because they don't want to suffer fools, most of them aren't even particularly rude about it.

Also.

and our arguments usually ended on us both finding some common ground, however small, that we can both agree on.

That happens once a blue moon on here. No matter how civil you remain.

People don't like admitting that they're even slightly wrong, not even if you were a veritable saint during the argument.

And personally, I think people have a right to get worked up when somebody says something that offends them, (but isn't counted as offensive by the mods.)

Things like being a Jerk and what offends you can be pretty personal. There isn't a one size fits all rule in there really.

I still disagree, but what with this coming to light:

UPDATE

As of right now, we have implemented a new system due to community feedback and to continually make these forums a better place. From now on, every 6 months a strike will be taken off your forum health meter for good behavior (meaning you have no infractions). After 2 years of no infractions, your infractions will be completely cleared.

Please note, this does not mean that every 6 months you can afford an infraction. If we see that you are playing the system, our moderators will hold you accountable.

You will see these changes taking place over the next 24 hours for those of your with no infractions over the last 6 months or 2 years.

I don't really think there's any need to continue?

Mind, if you'd like to continue this discussion, I'm more than happy to provide more arguments of my own.

EDIT: Also, a big thanks to Spinwhiz and the other moderators and staff who listened to what was a hell of a surprisingly large uproar over such a small thing... Thanks for putting up with the community once more. ^_^

 

[Virgil]

So, pissing on people because you don't like them and you think they're creepy. You're a gamer, right? Of course you are. You're acting exactly like Jack Thompson and Arnold Schwarzenegger. [http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/NotSoDifferent] Trying to ban something just because you don't like it.

We're not the government, we're a private company. If another site does not want conversations about games on their forums, they also have the same right, and if I were a poster there for some reason, I would respect that. I do post on other forums where they have a list of topics that are not appropriate, and I respect them. The government may or may not have that same right, but that's inapplicable here.

I don't know how I can make this more clear. If you really have a problem with the topics we don't allow on our site, we are encouraging you to go elsewhere. If you insist on talking about pedophilia, just leave. Change your profile description to say "I am leaving because the Escapist mods are a bunch of fascists and will not let me talk about pedophilia". Send an upset PM to all your friends letting them know how unfair we are and why you are leaving. Make an overly dramatic "I am quitting this site" thread and check it obsessively for new comments until it falls off the first page. Whatever you feel is necessary. But you don't need to threaten or promise to leave. It won't change our minds. We actually would prefer that you go if you have such a problem with this rule.

On the other hand, if you would like to discuss other things, and can refrain from the topics that are against our rules, we welcome you to stay. But if you really can't, then we'd rather you just leave.

 

[Naheal]

UPDATE

As of right now, we have implemented a new system due to community feedback and to continually make these forums a better place. From now on, every 6 months a strike will be taken off your forum health meter for good behavior (meaning you have no infractions). After 2 years of no infractions, your infractions will be completely cleared.

Please note, this does not mean that every 6 months you can afford an infraction. If we see that you are playing the system, our moderators will hold you accountable.

You will see these changes taking place over the next 24 hours for those of your with no infractions over the last 6 months or 2 years.

That addresses my issue. I doubt that issues with the rules themselves will be more than minor complaints.

 

[Baldry]

Hm, one second just gonna post this then edit...

Edit: Ah it all seems interesting...I like coloured lines. And well I hope they don't think anything of my very early probation (I think it was probation) as I've changed since then. So I guess have no quarrels with this.

 

[TriGGeR_HaPPy]

...

I still disagree, but what with this coming to light:

UPDATE

As of right now, we have implemented a new system due to community feedback and to continually make these forums a better place. From now on, every 6 months a strike will be taken off your forum health meter for good behavior (meaning you have no infractions). After 2 years of no infractions, your infractions will be completely cleared.

Please note, this does not mean that every 6 months you can afford an infraction. If we see that you are playing the system, our moderators will hold you accountable.

You will see these changes taking place over the next 24 hours for those of your with no infractions over the last 6 months or 2 years.

I don't really think there's any need to continue?

Mind, if you'd like to continue this discussion, I'm more than happy to provide more arguments of my own.

Yea, I saw it just after posting that too you, I even commented on it.

I'm perfectly happy with it. I certainly don't plan on getting moderated again so, seems good.

But there's also that leniency that says making one stupid mistake doesn't stay with you permanently. Because, unless you're a carebear, they're going to happen.

I'm more than happy to provide more arguments of my own.

What does that even mean?

Hmm? As in, if you wanted to continue this discussion, I'm prepared to offer my own rebuttals/arguments against what you said, but obviously only if you wanted to continue (which, while what we're debating about might be pointless at this time, I'm just letting you have the choice if you're one of those people who enjoy debate ).

 

[Srdjan]

I think it's too strict, but this forum has always been like that.

 

[awesomeClaw]

UPDATE

As of right now, we have implemented a new system due to community feedback and to continually make these forums a better place. From now on, every 6 months a strike will be taken off your forum health meter for good behavior (meaning you have no infractions). After 2 years of no infractions, your infractions will be completely cleared.

Please note, this does not mean that every 6 months you can afford an infraction. If we see that you are playing the system, our moderators will hold you accountable.

You will see these changes taking place over the next 24 hours for those of your with no infractions over the last 6 months or 2 years.

[Update: The changes are already in place, and have run for the first time. -Virgil]

Wow, an official mod announcement? In my puny little thread?!

Anyway, this adresses my issues with it. It´s fine now, Much better then the last system. And to think, if i hadn´t created this thread, would this change have gone through?!

I sincerly hope you´ll document me in The Escapist official history book. (I´m assuming you have one of those. You do, right?)

 

[AndyFromMonday]

I've asked Spinwhiz what this rule is about, and it's not about talking about pedophilia. He said that it's about saying that you're a pedophile. Therefor, discussion about it is still allowed.

I find it funny that a site which advocates free speech doesn't allow people to admit their sexual preferences. I think what the mods need to do is remember that pedophilia is not the act of engaging in sexual activities with a child. Pedophilia means being sexually attracted to prepubescent or early puberty kids/teens. Now I'm not a pedophile but I see no reason why pedophilia shouldn't be treated as a mental health issue rather than a criminal one.

Being a pedophile is in fact perfectly legal, engaging in sexual acts to children is what's not. There are truly people out there who do not feel sexually attracted to persons of their age group. There's no reason to paint them as the devil. If this rule would be in effect, giving that it's a health issue, people should not be able to claim they're cancer/AIDS/MS sufferers. As it stands, there's no reason why someone shouldn't be able to admit they're a pedophile. Remmeber, peodophilia is a mental disorder.

 

[Whytewulf]

I was refferig to the health bar, not the overall rules. I should have been more clear. I don't have a problem with guidelines, hence again I am clean. But I think some long term forgiveness is acceptable.

As far as driving some people away. Well as I work for a company, that relies on it's customers. I don't want to drive any away. But in some cases losing a few bad apples, makes it better for everyone. Again, we shall see. I am more worried about the ever changing content. I get to like something and it goes away.

 

[powell86]

Wow, an official mod announcement? In my puny little thread?!

Anyway, this adresses my issues with it. It´s fine now, Much better then the last system. And to think, if i hadn´t created this thread, would this change have gone through?!

I sincerly hope you´ll document me in The Escapist official history book. (I´m assuming you have one of those. You do, right?)

I honestly think you have created a wonderful threat. You kinda hit paydirt as it is really a pertinent topic in many of our minds. Nonetheless, hats off to you sir. May you continue to bask in your moment of glory haha. I wonder if they give any badges for a thread that has made significant contributions for fellow escapists haha.

And I'm quite sure many people will be happy with this slight modification of forum rules.

 

[BabyRaptor]

Yeah, not liking the new rules much. The permanent probation thing is unfair. So is the "health meter." Warnings should disappear after you've proven you got the point.

 

[For.I.Am.Mad]

I like to think that I helped in making these rules.

 

[theultimateend]

I know it's hard to think of us as people, as opposed to some big faceless company, but we are.

Your website is comprised of only like 20-30 people isn't it?

For in-house folks, yep, that's about right.

Kinda figured. You are about the size of the company I work for.

We deal with the same thing.

"You guys probably make like a million dollars a month!"

...this isn't Activision . We could fit our entire company in two vans.

So I feel your pain. G/L with the debate .

 

[Ramare]

I don't like them. I like the way it was before; it was a touch random, yes, but it was fair, and rather lenient on those that really weren't trying to break the rules.

A warning was that: a warning. You were a jerk, or you accidentally broke a rule. You'd be quietly PM'd about it, and you'd know that you inadvertently broke a rule, or you were a touch too close to being a real asshole to somebody. You'd try not to do it again, or not. Depends on the person. And that was end of story.

A probation was a minor hindrance. You were an asshole to somebody specific, and you got a slap on the wrist. Keep behaving like that, and you're going to catch more flak. So, either you do, or don't. Again, depends on if we're actually talking about a malicious soul.

A suspension was sad. You did something bad, but not too bad, or a lot of minor things in quick succession. You had posting right revoked. You could read the forums as much as you wanted...but you couldn't add to the discussion, give your opinion, maybe not even give a vote to a poll. If you weren't asking for this by being a bastard on purpose, this saddened you. You'd shape up, and become a great member of our community, or if you're just a troll, well, we're free of your BS for X time, until you finally get yourself banned.

A ban was pathetic. You were a troll, an advocator of child pornography, or a grade A douchebag. You seriously went so far the first time, or so far so quickly, that we had to ban you. It's sad, really. The Escapists are generally better than that.

Anything you said that wasn't removed, and indeed, your profile, will be left there.
An example to all.

These new rules, well, they're harsher. Warnings are now a part of the punishment board.
Probations take a massive six months, at the least, to disappear (If I even read that right, that is...), and a lot of minor infractions over the years could catch you a suspension, maybe even a ban. Again, not sure if I read that correctly; but even then, it still worries me a touch. Maybe it won't be so bad; I just hope that when we decide to change the rules back, or tone them down a tad, it isn't because a very good veteran, catches the banhammer with their teeth, because they slipped up one too many times throughout the years...

Edit: Alright, yes. Reading the last posts on the topic, after reading the first ones, I did read that right. Since I read the revised version of the new rulebook. In that case, my opinion about liking the old system still stands, but the new system is good.