Right folks. Time to quiet down and read.
My approach to modding is simple. First, respond to a post with a clear message of where it's going wrong, starting with the simple "We're getting off topic guys" for example. Second, edit posts directly, often to remove strong language, but in this case to remove links to content we've been asked not to discuss. Third, locking a thread, if it's gone AWOL and has resulted in nothing but an argument, there's no point in continuing.
Locked threads are of course able to be unlocked, so it serves as a useful 'cool down' method. Lock a thread until people have calmed down, unlock it when necessary, see if it improves.
Finally, removal of a thread. If a thread is removed, it's removed for a reason. If necessary, even if possible, an explanation is given, either to clarify why or to flat out express where we stand on a given topic or more likely a given poster.
Other mods may see it differently, other mods may overturn what I do at any point, that's how it works.
But how do we work as posters?
The Forum Rules begin with rule number 1, 'Stay on Topic'. The topic of this thread was stated as a closing line, and was even edited to be bold half way through this threads life. It was reinforced in my third post, again in bold, stay on topic. I want to know what you think of me removing links and threads, I do not want to know the definition of 'tired' or what year this site is focused on.
Rule 2, 'support your claims' is important for this thread. Numberhunter was continuing to support his claim by linking to work which we've been asked not to have a lengthy thread on. His argument that the ideas within should still be discussed could be deemed valid, especially if he found alternative supporting evidence, or got permission from the original author. That doesn't appear to have happened, and doesn't look like happening any time soon.
Rule 3, 'listen to your hosts'. As I said before, if something is removed, it's removed for a reason, and if it's shown to be in error, it can be resolved. It doesn't get resolved by throwing a tantrum, it gets solved by acting like an adult. That is of course what rule 6 is, 'if you're told to stop doing something here, then stop doing it'. Couldn't be simpler.
Just why am I fussing over this?
There are times when issues on these boards, including questions and claims, should be resolved in a handful of posts. I'd argue this thread is an example as how poor we are at doing this, and how quickly the point of the thread was lost in the responses.
I know very well how heated a back and forth can be. I know the feeling of getting a response to something quickly, and to make sure the point raised has got an answer, even if it strays off topic, the urge to respond can overrule our knowledge of the rules. I even know the feeling of getting a snide remark out as soon as possible, but it will not get us anywhere. An explosion of responses will only ever escalate further and further from the issue until, as you're seeing now, someone locks the thread.
I hope you read over this thread and understand what I'm trying to say here. I hope you understand just why I did what I did, and I actively want responses addressing the issue (though you'll have to get in contact with me elsewhere, what with this thread currently locked).
In the meantime, just think about what you're posting and why we mods do the things we do, and that goes for everyone here.
Once again, I want to hear your views. Get in touch and do so without bringing unnecessary elements into the discussion.
