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Status check and poll on recent crack down

Has the recent enforcement of the rules been successful?

  • Yes, and stay the course.

    Votes: 30 46.9%

  • Somewhat, but scale back a bit.

    Votes: 29 45.3%

  • Not really, so roll back to the way it used to be.

    Votes: 5 7.8%

  • No, you need to try something else entirely. See post.

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Total voters
    64
WebSlave

WebSlave

It is what it is, but certainly not what it was.
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OK, I think the recent crackdown on trying to weed out the antagonism and general animosity that has pervaded some of the posting here has been pretty successful, but I want to get some feedback from other people.

Generally, do you think things have gotten better, worse, or stayed the same? Do I hold the course, roll back the hardline stance, or perhaps take a bit of a middle of the road position and scale back the penalties a bit?

I am thinking a scale back may be in order, but nowhere near back to the way things were. Perhaps making most of the instant suspension warnings a 5 pointer, that would effectively be a single warning. A second warning will then trigger the automatic suspension and fine. The reason I even mention this is because it is quite likely that newbies will not realize the severity of the penalty for some infractions, so a warning shot may be in order rather then a shot to the head for a first time offense. In the case of the people already pretty high up on the warning point scale, it makes little, if any difference whether the warning point is a 5 pointer or a 10 pointer. If they are already over the 10 point limit, ANYTHING that is an infraction will get them suspended and fined.

All things considered, I felt a sharp rap on the knuckles (figuratively speaking) was in order to get my point across. Now that we have a baseline of what is acceptable behavior, and this point has been made abundantly clear to some people, I want to reassess where we are today to see what is best for tomorrow. So please provide your input and let's see what we need to do at this point.
 
The reason I even mention this is because it is quite likely that newbies will not realize the severity of the penalty for some infractions, so a warning shot may be in order rather then a shot to the head for a first time offense.
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Have you had an abundance of newbies that have been issued 10 pt. warnings right off the bat? Maybe they've been here and gone so quickly I didn't even notice them.
 
ms_terese said:
Have you had an abundance of newbies that have been issued 10 pt. warnings right off the bat? Maybe they've been here and gone
so quickly I didn't even notice them.
Click to expand...

No, that has not happened, but now that the initial sweep has had the effect I hoped for, I need to consider this as a possible problem that needs to be anticipated. Even if that had happened, it would be rather difficult for a casual observer to make note of it, I think.
 
Stay the course!
Human nature what it is, antagonism and hostility are not going to end without there being motivation to self-inhibit.
 
No, that has not happened, but now that the initial sweep has had the effect I hoped for, I need to consider this as a possible problem that needs to be anticipated. Even if that had happened, it would be rather difficult for a casual observer to make note of it, I think.
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If the initial sweep has had the effect you hoped for, then don't change anything. If a newbie shows up and begins posting things that would warrant the 10 pt. assessments right off the bat, then it's probably someone you wouldn't want here anyway.
 
Rich brought this poll to my attention today, and I thank him for his efforts here, and in a thread located in the "Feedback Forum" entitled "Another Disillusioned Past Contributor". To anyone who has the chance, give it a look, as I think it illustrates both sides of the concerns here, and Rich has taken much time there to explain some of the parameters regarding some warning-point infractions.
 
this is a repost:
As a fairly new member who is active on some other sites all I can say is-- these rules are in place for reasons. It's the same reason it's illegal to confront someone in a threatening way in NYC---thats without touching or even speaking---just walking up tot hem in a threatening way---it's illegal they way assault is also illegal. Both can get you locked up. That law sort of stops things from getting to the next step...and the next step is never a good place.
That being said, I think this person's (Cheryl) past should have been examined more closely before handing out a fine and a ban. Was she a known troublemaker? Could it have indeed been ana innocnet mistake? Perhaps a few more warnings or points should be handed out before performing such a harsh punishment. After seeing someone has no respect for the rules (like after more then 2 or 3 times), you can then feel guiltless in your banning and fining. Eventually-- the troublemakers will be gone and the innocent "mistake makers" will get the point.
No harm done.
Just my 2 cents.
 
Over three years ago and during a sudden raid by BOI authorities (aka Webslave) I was awarded the 1st warning point ever in this site (distinction shared with other members) for unnecessary roughness. ;)

"If I can change and if you can change...everyone can change"...( Picture Rocky’s voice addressing the Russian crowd after the fight is over in Rocky IV).

The latest point was for having four lines in my signature. No complaints here...

Yes, and stay the course.
 
I say stay the course also. I have noticed a little less "antagonism", as stated above, since you tightened the reins. I also think the idea of the 5 pointer as a first offense penalty in lieu of fine and suspension is more than fair concidering the alternative.

Rick
 
Bear in mind that a simple majority does not a mandate make. When I test the waters, what I am looking for is pretty much an overwhelming majority in order to make changes in policy. If it is NOT overwhelming, then I just take for granted that the status quo RIGHT NOW is OK for the most part, so I don't see any overwhelming need to make any changes.
 
Rich,
True, but a case could be made that the poll numbers might have been different if there had been separate pro "keep it the same" and a con "make some changes" posts before the issue was taken to a vote. While your initial post was fairly "revenue neutral", most arenas where there is a vote-of-members allows for some pre-vote debate. Your system allowed posts here, granted. But since many of us who may have wanted to voice one that may have been persuasive were not aware of the poll until it had accumulated the majority of the current votes, I can't say as the results would not change if the poll system were modified. Put another way, this poll was a whole lot more like coming to a meeting where you voted when you walked in the room, not after pro-con presentations were made. I would suggest posting poll topics for a week on the BOI, saying when voting will be open, and then putting up the poll after some exchange. Just a thought.
 
Perhaps, but I was not really interested in lobbying for one aspect of the poll over another. Just a simple poll of what people thought about the enforcement of the rules SO FAR, as of NOW, was what I was after. I felt that if an overwhelming majority felt I was being too heavy handed, this fact would have become readily apparent in short order with this opportunity to tell me so. Sorry, but from what I can see, that has not happened.

To paraphrase your analogy, the poll was similar to one when you walk into the meeting room asking people if they think the weather outside is too hot for them. They don't have to debate it inside, they should know right then and there the answer to the question presented without consulting anyone else about it.
 
Rich,

The results of the polls would be more impartial if people voted before being able to read other opinions and ensuing discussions. You could have them closed until you get what you would consider a representative sample of the population and only then open them for discussion. Maybe even something comparable with the results of the polls (they can only be viewed after voting). A person votes on a poll and only then he/she is able to view the results and participate in the discussion.

Regards.
 
The BoidSmith said:
Rich,

The results of the polls would be more impartial if people voted before being able to read other opinions and ensuing discussions. You could have them closed until you get what you would consider a representative sample of the population and only then open them for discussion. Maybe even something comparable with the results of the polls (they can only be viewed after voting). A person votes on a poll and only then he/she is able to view the results and participate in the discussion.

Regards.
Click to expand...

Probably a good idea, but this system doesn't have that as an option when setting up a poll.
 
I voted Yes but scale it back a little. I think that the enforcement has gone a little past the line of justifiable punishment. I believe ( and this is only my opinion) that people should be decent to one another but when we get to the point of awarding points and or fines there has to be a line in the sand somewhere. I saw one person get 10 points and a fine for using the word "nimrod" which isnt volgur or considered a curse word. People getting points or fines for to large a signature area. We arent living in a Puritan society where all sins should be punished to the full extent of the law. We are living in a very liberal and outspoken society where people need a little room and tolerance to say what they need said as long as it isnt done in a manner that is threatening or outrightly deplorable. Sure point or fine people for swearing or threatening or abusing others but lets not get to the point where people are afraid to say anything at all.
I will follow the rules no matter what they are as will most members on this site but that doesnt mean that i have to agree 100% of how they are enforced and or applied to the members.
 
nicolai said:
I voted Yes but scale it back a little. I think that the enforcement has gone a little past the line of justifiable punishment. I believe ( and this is only my opinion) that people should be decent to one another but when we get to the point of awarding points and or fines there has to be a line in the sand somewhere. I saw one person get 10 points and a fine for using the word "nimrod" which isnt volgur or considered a curse word. People getting points or fines for to large a signature area. We arent living in a Puritan society where all sins should be punished to the full extent of the law. We are living in a very liberal and outspoken society where people need a little room and tolerance to say what they need said as long as it isnt done in a manner that is threatening or outrightly deplorable. Sure point or fine people for swearing or threatening or abusing others but lets not get to the point where people are afraid to say anything at all.
I will follow the rules no matter what they are as will most members on this site but that doesnt mean that i have to agree 100% of how they are enforced and or applied to the members.
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Ditto. :hehe:
 
I have been reading these forums for about a year now. I have not posted much at all I do admit. But I have checked the site almost daily. I never felt I had enough experience to say anything one way or another. I have enjoyed this site very much and that is why I visit so often. Lately though I do feel that there has been a little taken away with some of the members no longer here. While I agree that stricter rules has made a good change, sometimes the penalty does not fit the crime. A suspension after one, often thoughtless, comment is too strong of a penalty in my opinion. Scale back a bit. One warning before a suspension, to me, would be a much easier pill to swallow. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication to this site, but ease up a bit. Sometimes a smack on the wrist would have been much better than the smack to the face that was applied.
 
Darknate said:
I have been reading these forums for about a year now. I have not posted much at all I do admit. But I have checked the site almost daily. I never felt I had enough experience to say anything one way or another. I have enjoyed this site very much and that is why I visit so often. Lately though I do feel that there has been a little taken away with some of the members no longer here. While I agree that stricter rules has made a good change, sometimes the penalty does not fit the crime. A suspension after one, often thoughtless, comment is too strong of a penalty in my opinion. Scale back a bit. One warning before a suspension, to me, would be a much easier pill to swallow. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication to this site, but ease up a bit. Sometimes a smack on the wrist would have been much better than the smack to the face that was applied.
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With well thought out and intellegent responses like that< I think you should be posting on here a lot more !!!

P.S. Especially when you agree with me !!!!!
 
Nathaniel,

The problem is that some people had several "slaps in the wrists" as you say and still thought it was OK. Believe it or not they not only thought it was OK but they were also proud of them and wanted more. It came to a point that some individuals couldn't care less and those negative points were "worn with pride" and used as some sort of condecoration by the offenders. It's not how it works in real life.

Regards.
 
In that scenario where you have repeat offenders they should be dealt with accordingly don't you think. Are you saying repeat offenders and first time offenders should be treated the same?
I think that what Nathaniel was saying is that he feels that people should be entitled to that first slap on the wrist as a warning before the hammer gets dropped on them. As i said above in my first reply, People dont need to be executed for a misdemeanor, Make the punishment fit the crime and the criminal in question. In most courts in our society first time offenders are given a slap on the wrist with a warning or community service or something of that nature, when a second time or habitual offender gets sentenced the Judge deals with him more severely because that person apparently hasn't learned from his mistakes and needs to be punished in a way that will dissuade him from doing the same thing again.
 
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