O'club discussion

[beet1e]

skuzzy - are you going to share with us just how many complaints you get via email? - Just trying to understand the situation better.

[RTR]

I agree Trolls are probably one of the bigger issues with the O'club.

Some are recognized right away, and others take a few replies to get noticed (and there are definetly some master anglers out there).

Recognizing the Trolls that are potentially explosive is the key (As Shane pointed out).  I don't think we need to shut down every troll. "Not all trolls are bad" (thanks Shane again).

Provided that they aren't allowed to degenerate into a flame fest, or aren't of a abhorrent nature, they tend to run their course and fade away.

Back to the thoughts on Moderators being known or unknown in the community, I see pro's and con's for both sides.

Anonymity allows some degree of protection to the moderators throughout the rest of the community (flying for example), but by the same token could be construed as the "secret police" by a few.

Having the moderators identities known may cause people to police themselves a little more closely, as they know that they are being "judged" (for lack of a better word) by their peers. Despite what has happened in the O'club, I believe there is alot of respect by most for the other members.
The flip side of this one is the possible harrasment of the moderator when flying in game. In this case, a moderator would have to have a "thick skin".  (srry Skuzzy).

Either way works for me really (I have a pretty thick skin when needed).

Thanks for the vote of confidence BTW and Saintaw.

cheers,
RTR

[AWMac]

*Darth voice on*
 Skuzzy you know I AM your Father...
*Darth voice off*

J/K

[Charon]

Thanks Lizard, it was nice of you to say that. It's good to know I don't just bore people all the time (or at least everybody all the time) with my missives. I'm really not this serious and dry in person... Really

But, I am working to cut my O'club time down, primarily the hours I spend lurking during the day. I telecommute and use this as a water cooler, only one where you can have geeky political and social discussion with a diversity of opinion you can't find at most water coolers. I almost always learn something new and often shift my perceptions by the time things are done. But, it has started to shift from a normal break in the day to an excuse to procrastinate. A lot of the names listed are really solid and I can get behind most of them.

Pyro has it right though -- ignoring the trolls can go a long way moving forward.

Charon

[Maverick]

FWIW, the very best shut down of a troll and or flame war by the folks on the bbs was a blatant and obvious nonsensical thread hijack. I don't mean the hijack was nonsense just that nonsense and totally irellevant posts were used to bury the thread and break up the whole intent of the troll. I saw it work like a charm more than once. Good example of "self moderation" at work.

[Skydancer]

"a moderator who ''moderates" a post or thread post the rule or rules broken where the "moderation" takes place."

That'd be nice I still don't see why I've been moderated other than because I'm an Englishman with opinions other than those in the majority on this board! ( I realy hate when there is one rule for one and one for another thats why I'm going on about it. Call it a pet hate)

Enuff, neday maybe I'll get a proper explanation. (tried email got no response)

Good that the OC is back lets hope it remains more civilised. I don't like being told to urinate off that still bugs me too.

Anyhow whoever the moderator is the opening quote in this thread would be nice practice.

Question. What is Trolling? Howw in the heck do you get a discussion going if you don't post about things you've seen heard or opinions. I know I've been accused of it but I'm not sure what it is. Ok some opinionsare controversial but hey thats what provokes discussion. Not some inane swapping of nicities ( that how you spell it?) I liked this place because people discussed real stuff. Not PC nerdy stuff.

Whine over.

[TheflyingElk]

I still think that the BBS ID should be tied to your in game account, that would give HTC the ability  to pull your plug it you totally out of hand, Also it would give the community the ability to to police the from the inside and not worry about outside contamination from non-members/players just a thought, got to go sharpen the antlers OUT!;)

[eskimo2]

Skuzzy,

I would bet that some of the threads/folks who you suspect at being trolls are not.  

Some folks like a debate; many of the most respected folks here love to debate.

Some things are taken the wrong way.  People often misinterpret things; heated flames often stir from the faintest sparks.

Some folks post things just for laughs and other’s don’t get it or get bent out of shape.  The biggest reason I read and post here is for laughs.  I’m often amazed as to how folks can’t recognize parody.  

On the other hand, I probably assume that there are fewer trolls than there actually are.

eskimo

[beet1e]

Originally posted by Skydancer
That'd be nice I still don't see why I've been moderated other than because I'm an Englishman with opinions other than those in the majority on this board! ( I realy hate when there is one rule for one and one for another thats why I'm going on about it. Call it a pet hate)

Yep. That's why I made the suggestions I did. ^ It's a pity that people can't hold opposing views without one perceiving the other as an arse-wipe. And it's not necessary. You and I have political views on opposite sides of the spectrum, but I'm sure neither of us would tell the other to urinate off.

[Ripsnort]

Oh yes, the English are victims!   Get real! Read your posts objectively. Better yet read them twice before hitting the submit button. Then put yourself in Skuzzy's shoes.

[Angry Samoan]

How about a mod that doesnt normally frequent O'Club and would only out of necessity
A mod that doesnt know its history.

[ASTAC]

[JB88]

lol astac

lets see.  clockwork orange and fox news.

scary.

[Rolex]

Pyro:

As far as concensus picks, I think people will adapt to, and trust, your (HTC) judgement.

Many years ago I started a Bulletin Board for ex-pats living overseas. Despite my best effort, it grew to several thousand posters. The sense of 'community' from a common interest became polluted also from trolls, troublemakers and tyrants. I enlisted the help of some volunteer moderators (whom I chose based on their posting history and common sense - not on their popularity) and the culture did eventually evolve back to more of a community. But, we had to start a fresh board (to tighten up registration) after letting people save any gems from the past. The fresh board and new moderation was adapted to after time, like all things. The thousands of posts that went into the internet waste basket are long since forgotten.

Unfortunately, trolls never die, they just change names, but clipping their wings early was supported and the key to changing the culture. People and 'communities' really do adapt to moderation that is consistent and fair, but firm. Those who cannot adapt are never a loss since the rest of the posters don't even notice they are gone.

The O'Club was getting a little too poisonous, but you have to expect that an air combat game is going to attract some aggressive forum posters... Kudos for taking action. You may find community moderation will work because moderating isn't rocket science. Beyond the standard profanity, racism, vulgarity, inciting of hate and trolling, when reasonable people cringe, it's time to moderate quickly. The posters who push the envelope know what they are doing and so does everyone else. You just need a few more sets of eyes to help catch things earlier.

You're being very generous to allow non-customers to enter the O'Club. I think the idea of using in-game names only has some merit and accountablity to prevent trolls and multiple accounts. In the old days, you had to be an officer (and a gentleman) to enter the O'Club. Being a customer isn't too much to ask and a little 'exclusiveness' wouldn't hurt. In the Officers' Mess on a boat ('ship' to the black shoe Navy) there are two things that are never discussed: Politics and Religion. Never. Ever. It is not done.

So why not call it the Aces High Club? "Members Only" and a fresh start. All topics are welcome, providing they are not profane, racist, etc., etc.

Good luck at getting this sorted.

[eskimo2]

Originally posted by Rolex
Pyro:

As far as concensus picks, I think people will adapt to, and trust, your (HTC) judgement.

Many years ago I started a Bulletin Board for ex-pats living overseas. Despite my best effort, it grew to several thousand posters. The sense of 'community' from a common interest became polluted also from trolls, troublemakers and tyrants. I enlisted the help of some volunteer moderators (whom I chose based on their posting history and common sense - not on their popularity) and the culture did eventually evolve back to more of a community. But, we had to start a fresh board (to tighten up registration) after letting people save any gems from the past. The fresh board and new moderation was adapted to after time, like all things. The thousands of posts that went into the internet waste basket are long since forgotten.

Unfortunately, trolls never die, they just change names, but clipping their wings early was supported and the key to changing the culture. People and 'communities' really do adapt to moderation that is consistent and fair, but firm. Those who cannot adapt are never a loss since the rest of the posters don't even notice they are gone.

The O'Club was getting a little too poisonous, but you have to expect that an air combat game is going to attract some aggressive forum posters... Kudos for taking action. You may find community moderation will work because moderating isn't rocket science. Beyond the standard profanity, racism, vulgarity, inciting of hate and trolling, when reasonable people cringe, it's time to moderate quickly. The posters who push the envelope know what they are doing and so does everyone else. You just need a few more sets of eyes to help catch things earlier.

You're being very generous to allow non-customers to enter the O'Club. I think the idea of using in-game names only has some merit and accountablity to prevent trolls and multiple accounts. In the old days, you had to be an officer (and a gentleman) to enter the O'Club. Being a customer isn't too much to ask and a little 'exclusiveness' wouldn't hurt. In the Officers' Mess on a boat ('ship' to the black shoe Navy) there are two things that are never discussed: Politics and Religion. Never. Ever. It is not done.

So why not call it the Aces High Club? "Members Only" and a fresh start. All topics are welcome, providing they are not profane, racist, etc., etc.

Good luck at getting this sorted.

Great post; I nominate Rolex.

eskimo