Locking and deleting threads

DonDaddyD

It appears that a decision has been taken, by the moderators, to lock threads and not delete offending posts [a by-product of deleting posts is that you can save fundamentally productive threads from derailment and protect users from, spam, trolling, bullying].

Not every situation warrants the same reaction. Keeping that in mind, moderators are expected to be impartial and measured in their judgement when taking an action. How is this policy an example of this?

Does this mean that for every thread unjustly locked, not because of the thread topic but because of the malicious actions of some users, the thread should immediately be recreated? After all the topic of the thread has not breached the rules and there may be those who would like to continue the actual discussion.

Might I suggest that if members are asking/complaining 'why their thread was deleted?'. Then you establish a criteria for deletion and when you delete you PM said member listing the criteria stating their post was in breach of one or more of thethings listed in the criteria.

whyamihere

It's relatively simple. If the topic as originally intended seemed to have run its course by the time we find it, and has degenerated into page after page of off topic waffle and insults, it gets locked. Posts aren't deleted, leaving the original discussion intact (many of the off topic posts at least try to hint at the original discussion in order to appear legitimate). You shouldn't immediately repost the topic, partly as it's not going to work because the malicious users will just simply move to there, partly because as far as we can see, the discussion's run its course.

If only a few posts are made trying to drag the discussion off topic, they will get deleted, we'll keep an eye on the topic for a bit to prevent it from wandering off again but hopefully the discussion can remain on topic.

If the original post/discussion was something against the rules, we delete the topic.

DonDaddyD

I hope this is shared with all the other moderators as I have a PM stating that threads are locked as members have previously complained about their posts being deleted:

In response to the question why lock the thread and not delete the offending posts a moderator wrote:

After furore from across the forum over two instances when posts were deleted, we've made a decision to lock threads.

In reference to my most recently locked thread the ad hominem attack and posts from then onwards should have been deleted and/or that member warned.

As for threads running their course - that is of course an opinion - but presumably if a thread is at the top of a page and being posted in daily then it hasn't run its course. Even if their are those who disagree with the existence or topic of the thread.

whyamihere

Every post from then on, including all of yours, were unrelated to the original discussion. This makes it appear that the users are far less interested in the original discussion than in having an argument, so we lock the topic.

If we were to delete the posts, warn users and reset the topic to how it was, most of the posts deleted would be yours. If you hadn't responded to the ad hominem attack, the topic probably wouldn't have been derailed. I suggest you read dhope's post in that topic again, because it's right on the button.

DonDaddyD

No, you could delete all the posts after the first post on page 6 and the thread could continue.

Furthermore, perhaps the ad hominem attack shouldn't have been made in the first place or tolerated. There is no reason why I should continually be subjected to them or penalised by them. Ignoring them doesn't deal directly with the issue of bullying/flaming either, so no, I do not accept dhope's 'advice'.

supersonic

One of the problems in that thread is that after you reported the post you decided to respond to what was said in the post. So if the post was deleted, then the subsequent posts would have to be sorted out and some sort of order established.

You shouldn't be subjected to this I agree - I think the best thing to do is report them, and not respond. If no mod has read the thread, then they cannot take action until a post is reported.

DonDaddyD

supersonic wrote:

One of the problems in that thread is that after you reported the post you decided to respond to what was said in the post. So if the post was deleted, then the subsequent posts would have to be sorted out and some sort of order established.

You shouldn't be subjected to this I agree - I think the best thing to do is report them, and not respond. If no mod has read the thread, then they cannot take action until a post is reported.

Fair point. Thank you.

supersonic

I'll keep a closer eye on the Chat section, if attacks are made to any poster they will be dealt with. I'll try and keep the threads OT (where applicable, as threads do evolve!)