Political games on this forum

[Gedanken]

Boys and girls, I have to say I'm very disappointed.

This evening, I got a PM from one of our members quoting one member thanking another member for good advice, and the other member replied:

Maybe send a this message to the mods, they have been giving me a lot of slack about my comments.

Please note that the entire set of replies, including the line above, was sent to me.

If a member wants to commend another by his own volition, that's just fine. However, running about trying to gather a posse to push an agenda is political game-playing that will not be tolerated.

The member who has played this game has been issued six infraction points for attempting to influence the relationship between the other member and the mod team. For the benefit of the newer members here, twelve points is the house limit before banning.

This forum has been set up as a place where members can pop in, have a chat and relax, and the mods are not going to let that be taken away when someone wants to turn it into a political battleground.

[Downing]

Originally Posted by Gedanken

For the benefit of the newer members here, twelve points is the house limit before banning.

Points? It sounds like this information is or was available somewhere on TRF, but I can't find anything in the Rules or FAQs about it. I'm impressed we have a system in place to deal with this sort of stuff, but I also have a couple of questions if that's ok.

Is the offending member notified that he or she has accrued a point or points? Personally, I'd be crushed to find out I have any points, but I'd at least like to know what I did so I can correct my behavior.

Also, are points permanent or temporary? In other words, can a member who's flirting with being banned earn his or her way back into TRF's good graces?

And is banning permanent?

Or is all this proprietary information that's not available for public consumption which is why it's not posted anywhere (as far as I can tell)?

Sheesh, I probably sound paranoid but then why is everyone looking at me and why is there that clicking noise on my phone?

[roadcarver]

Can extra points be bought?

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by roadcarver

Can extra points be bought?

Why not? Look at all the extra post counts I bought!!

[Zack]

Originally Posted by roadcarver

Can extra points be bought?

[EvEr34]

boys????

[S2000 Driver]

....."Double-Secret" Probation!

[Downing]

Very funny you guys. Meanwhile, I'm sweating bullets here!

[advocatia]

The member who has played this game has been issued six infraction points for attempting to influence the relationship between the other member and the mod team.

What? Arent private messages PRIVATE? And if someone sent you one revealving a private thought, didn't you just "out" the person who sent it to you? 6 points for influencing a realtionship? Are you kidding?

Look... I have no horse in this race and was not involved in the exchange of PM's but many here come from a forum where heavy handed moderation decimated the place. I resent that this was not handled privately and do not want to be treated like a naughty child. Its a forum, not grade school.

And....if I ever get points Im transferring them to JJ.

[EvEr34]

Originally Posted by advocatia

The member who has played this game has been issued six infraction points for attempting to influence the relationship between the other member and the mod team.

What? Arent private messages PRIVATE? And if someone sent you one revealving a private thought, didn't you just "out" the person who sent it to you? 6 points for influencing a realtionship? Are you kidding?

Look... I have no horse in this race and was not involved in the exchange of PM's but many here come from a forum where heavy handed moderation decimated the place. I resent that this was not handled privately and do not want to be treated like a naughty child. Its a forum, not grade school.

I think you read it wrong. The PM included what was said on the open forum...or wait I think that's what it was. I remember reading the second part of the sentence but not the first. hhhhhmmmm

[advocatia]

Originally Posted by EvEr34

I think you read it wrong. The PM included what was said on the open forum

I don't care. no one here should be spoken to like a child unless their behavior absolutely deserves it. Clean out the real troublemakers for sure as needed but come on .......

[EvEr34]

Originally Posted by advocatia

I don't care. no one here should be spoken to like a child unless their behavior absolutely deserves it. Clean out the real troublemakers for sure as needed but come on .......

Ok...was just letting you know. No problem

[advocatia]

No problem here either Mike and no offense taken .

I made my point. And those who came here along with me from the "other place" should know exactly what I am talking about AND that I am not one to stir the you know what.

[EvEr34]

Originally Posted by advocatia

No problem here either Mike and no offense taken .

I made my point. And those who came here along with me from the "other place" should know exactly what I am talking about AND that I am not one to stir the you know what.

Ok no prob.

[Downing]

Originally Posted by advocatia

No problem here either Mike and no offense taken .

I made my point. And those who came here along with me from the "other place" should know exactly what I am talking about AND that I am not one to stir the you know what.

the pot? the soup? the cement mixer?

Sorry, it's late Friday afternoon and I'm feeling a little giddy.

[EvEr34]

Originally Posted by Downing

the pot? the soup? the cement mixer?

Sorry, it's late Friday afternoon and I'm feeling a little giddy.

giddy??? you been working out the elbow there my friend???

[redshirt1957]

Originally Posted by advocatia

The member who has played this game has been issued six infraction points for attempting to influence the relationship between the other member and the mod team.

What? Arent private messages PRIVATE? And if someone sent you one revealving a private thought, didn't you just "out" the person who sent it to you? 6 points for influencing a realtionship? Are you kidding?

Look... I have no horse in this race and was not involved in the exchange of PM's but many here come from a forum where heavy handed moderation decimated the place. I resent that this was not handled privately and do not want to be treated like a naughty child. Its a forum, not grade school.

And....if I ever get points Im transferring them to JJ.

I've been outed. Oh well could be worse. I sent a PM to a member who in my opinion gives good advice and yes I did praise him for his knowledge and asked for his help. He gave me good advice and a very professional response. In his reply he asked if I would send my original PM to a MOD. I GAVE IT NO THOUGHT as I could see no harm! I never once thought I was being recruited. I work in the boradcasting sector and I do know about politics and hidden agendas. As new to the site I have no idea about the pecking order or even most of the rules. Sorry my bad. I just was asking for help and meant no harm. GEEZ feels like I'm at work! Can you ask to be removed from the forum as I would like that.

[EvEr34]

Originally Posted by redshirt1957

I've been outed. Oh well could be worse. I sent a PM to a member who in my opinion gives good advice and yes I did praise him for his knowledge and asked for his help. He gave me good advice and a very professional response. In his reply he asked if I would send my original PM to a MOD. I GAVE IT NO THOUGHT as I could see no harm! I never once thought I was being recruited. I work in the boradcasting sector and I do know about politics and hidden agendas. As new to the site I have no idea about the pecking order or even most of the rules. Sorry my bad. I just was asking for help and meant no harm. GEEZ feels like I'm at work! Can you ask to be removed from the forum as I would like that.

It's all good...don't worry about it. Stick around.

[EvEr34]

Originally Posted by EvEr34

I think you read it wrong. The PM included what was said on the open forum...or wait I think that's what it was. I remember reading the second part of the sentence but not the first. hhhhhmmmm

Guess you were right...oh well

[Rockrolex]

Originally Posted by Downing

Points? It sounds like this information is or was available somewhere on TRF, but I can't find anything in the Rules or FAQs about it. I'm impressed we have a system in place to deal with this sort of stuff, but I also have a couple of questions if that's ok.

Is the offending member notified that he or she has accrued a point or points? Personally, I'd be crushed to find out I have any points, but I'd at least like to know what I did so I can correct my behavior.

Also, are points permanent or temporary? In other words, can a member who's flirting with being banned earn his or her way back into TRF's good graces?

And is banning permanent?

Or is all this proprietary information that's not available for public consumption which is why it's not posted anywhere (as far as I can tell)?

Sheesh, I probably sound paranoid but then why is everyone looking at me and why is there that clicking noise on my phone?

To answer your questions about points, they are not permanent. They will expire of their own accord after 6 months, as long as no additional points are accumulated in the meantime. The member receiving the points is always told of their infraction.

Banning can be permanent or temporary. It's at the administration's discretion, and is a function of the reason for the banning. Some people just need a cooling off period; others, who have been repeatedly warned, may be banned permanently.

We're not trying to be heavy handed here. As Advocatia pointed out, many of us came from a place that had a heavy handed administration and we have tried very hard not to emulate that way of life here. But with over 6,000 members, we need some way to keep order and prevent people from getting out of hand.

As long as everyone steers clear of personal attacks and maintains a fun and friendly attitude, there is very little need for issuing points or bannings. Once in a while, though, someone acts up and must be reminded to play by the rules (or go find another sandbox to play in).

Hope this helps, Downing.

BTW, you've got nothing to worry about (yet ).

[Welshwatchman]

Boys and girls?

I think there is only 1 boy (young Alex) and 0 girls on the forums and most of us left school a lifetime ago.

[Rockrolex]

Originally Posted by advocatia

The member who has played this game has been issued six infraction points for attempting to influence the relationship between the other member and the mod team.

What? Arent private messages PRIVATE? And if someone sent you one revealving a private thought, didn't you just "out" the person who sent it to you? 6 points for influencing a realtionship? Are you kidding?

Look... I have no horse in this race and was not involved in the exchange of PM's but many here come from a forum where heavy handed moderation decimated the place. I resent that this was not handled privately and do not want to be treated like a naughty child. Its a forum, not grade school.

And....if I ever get points Im transferring them to JJ.

What happened was that one member had a PM exchange with a second member, in which the first member complimented the second member. The second member then PM'ed the mod seeking to curry favor with the mod team. It was an inappropriate use of PMs and the second member was called on it.

We thought it would be instructive to the membership at large to tell people what was happening to try to keep this type of thing from happening again. No names are mentioned, but we try to be transparent here, rather than secretive, like you know where, Andy.

Oh, and just for you, if you do get points, you'll get a one time pass to transfer them to JJ.

[Mrdi]

How many points do you need to acquire Tosser status?
Hopw many for an ewe?

[Rockrolex]

Originally Posted by Mrdi

How many points do you need to acquire Tosser status?
Hopw many for an ewe?

That's top secret info. And on a need to know basis only.

[Downing]

Originally Posted by Rockrolex

BTW, you've got nothing to worry about (yet ).

Well, at least you didn't say "Ewe've got nothing to worry about..."

Thanks for the info. Might want to put it in the Rules or FAQs--but that's just a friendly suggestion so don't give me any points for suggesting it!

[Alcan]

Originally Posted by Gedanken

Boys and girls, I have to say I'm very disappointed.

I appreciate being referred to as a boy just about as much as you appreciate being referred to as "Jimmy".

If that was an attempt at humour, be assured that it missed the mark by a mile.

[Downing]

Originally Posted by EvEr34

giddy??? you been working out the elbow there my friend???

Is that what they call it in Canadaese?

[EvEr34]

Originally Posted by Downing

Is that what they call it in Canadaese?

Something like that yeah!

[BLSampson]

"Boys and girls, I have to say I'm very disappointed." One doesn't treat adults as children. I see this as talking down to the forum as opposed to informing or educating us. I also believe it is offending to many of the cultures represented on TRF.

[EvEr34]

Originally Posted by BLSampson

"Boys and girls, I have to say I'm very disappointed." One doesn't treat adults as children. I see this as talking down to the forum as opposed to informing or educating us. I also believe it is offending to many of the cultures represented on TRF.

I'm sure it was not meant to come across as such. It's a simple saying that has been you by many of us before. You know "Ok boys and girls...." Anyhow i've used it before.