Major Changes To Forum Policy

layla1979

The thread was moved

Generali

The newbie bit seems slightly pointless - we can all see how many posts someone has made. Not a bad idea though.

The red/yellow card thing is an excellent idea IMO. Will yellow cards 'expire' after a while? If not then presumably most posters who are a bit lively will end up getting banned if given long enough. They should be time limited like points on a driving licence.

Munchkim

MSE_Martin wrote: »

D. For long threads we're also considering asking regular forumites to write a summary of the regular Q&As (as repeatedly asking things answered earlier in the thread is an obvious annoyance - though of course in long threads its understanable ) which they can then PM a board guide to ask them to insert in the first post for clairty (at the board guides discretion - we will also ensure it is not seen as an 'official MSE' answer.

I like the idea's you've put forward, TBH, anything to calm down the growing tide of (real and perceived) bullying is a help right now with the way some of the forums is heading but with regard to the above bit I've picked out, on the Comps forum we have that lovely guide that VelvetGlove has provided for all of us, is there any way you could make that a more prominant heading especially for new members?

There is so much information in there which answers most of the questions new compers have and I feel this can be the reason why some of them get snapped at over there. Times like when you mention us in the newsletter and we get a huge influx of new viewers and posters all asking the same questions which if that thread were more noticeable might be averted and so feathers not ruffled.

Sorry if I've spoken out of turn or not made myself clear but I really think this would help a lot over there

rmg1

Zara33 wrote: »

Can I pay it up say 20p a week?

I'll second that! :beer:

As for the suggestions .... can't wait to see them implemented. The newbie flag should be extended from 3 posts, IMO. Someone (apologies, but can't remember who) suggested 50 posts, which I think is more realistic.

As for the last unread post in a thread, surely there is some way to mark it on your profile? One for the techies, methinks!

I also think the cards should be public. I would give a permanent reminder to those in bother, that they are in trouble for something and to be more careful. Someone said it might get others trying to get a rise out of them, but wouldn't that generate a card of it's own?

pavlovs_dog

amcluesent wrote: »

Make the board for subscribers only. £5/year would be OK

that goes against the very ethos of the board. some of the people who need it most are the least able to pay

rmg1

pavlovs_dog wrote: »

that goes against the very ethos of the board. some of the people who need it most are the least able to pay

Can we use Monopoly money?
Sorry - that was very flippant!:o Looks like I'm for a card!

Bayblue

re-posting my comments from DT, as they are more relevant here....

I can't say that I've noticed it being that bad. Sure there are a few spats here and there but in general anyone needing genuine help gets a reasonable response. I agree with the new ideas for newbies though, I can't see anyone having any issue with that.

I don't agree with having a different rating system on different parts of the forum . Not because I'm particularly bothered about the thanks or the posts counts, they could take that away as far as I'm concerned, more that I think that it could create a sort of two tier forum, where posts on the 'proper' money-saving bit are considered more important than places like DT. In a way I guess they are; after all it IS primarily a money saving site. However personally, on a day to day basis I enjoy reading a posting in DT and other non 'help' forums and only really venture onto the other boards when something interests me or I need some info.

Perhaps I'm using the forum the wrong way. Maybe those of us who have been around a while should all be primarily offering advice and help to others rather than using the forum for fun and recreation. I totally understand that there is a big emphasis on everyone offering help and advice, and as I said, perhaps some of us use the forum in the wrong way. I'm not part of a clique, and I'd never be rude or dismissive of anyone on here but I admit that I enjoy the social interaction of using the forums more than getting involved in offering practical help on issues.

TBH (and if I may be a bit blunt about it), if causes so many problems, I'm beginning to wonder why keep the non essential forums anyway. Obviously, I hope that they do, but if not it has been nice while it lasted.

sidefx

It is your forum Martin so what you say goes.

All the points you have raised will hopefully be of benefit to the boards and I am pleased you are going to crack down on nastiness, abuse and the feeling that long standing posters can say what they like and get away with it.

Keep up the good work

MSE_Martin

Some RSI short clarifications.

1. The cards won't be public barring the black one (clarified in first post)
2. We are removing thanks in the non MS boards from the thanks count not removing thanks from there
3 . By Non-moneysaving boards I ONLY mean the MS Arms boards (inc discussion time) and possibly House prices board (tba) so things like techie board, competition time etc are MoneySaving boards
4. As discussed many times before we are a report an abuse site and that's not changeable for a whole host of legal reasons - so post moderation is not an option
5. BGs are not part of the abuse team and don't have a role in it - so more powers wouldn't help - and we again cannot mix the two.
6. As for newbies, we are aware most won't read guides. Hence the when they try and start a new thread, it will give options there and then with more info.
7. As for FAQ in each forum, if people want to put them together great.

Zara33

Bayblue wrote: »

TBH (and if I may be a bit blunt about it), if causes so many problems, I'm beginning to wonder why keep the non essential forums anyway. Obviously, I hope that they do, but if not it has been nice while it lasted.

I think it's the whole of MSE not just the arms and DT.