Give the Moderators a fair go!!!

Submitted: Thursday, Feb 04, 2010 at 20:40
ThreadID: 75777 Views:4567 Replies:23 FollowUps:50
This Thread has been Archived
This Thread has been Locked
Hi Everyone,

The ModSquad seems suddenly in bad odour. This seems to have followed their action in regard to a post of mine, so maybe I should fill in a few gaps and explain the situation as I see it.

Without a lot of thought and without considering the forum rules, I posted a notice regarding the forthcoming ACT camping and 4WD show. I’d overlooked the fact that, along with informing everyone about the event, I was blatantly publicising (i.e. advertising) it in direct contravention of the forum rules. The Mod Squad acted properly, removed the post and helpfully suggested that I make it a blog. This I have done.

A couple of important things we should not overlook -

This isn’t our site. We are guests here and must respect the policies of our host, ExplorOz.

This is a commercial site, which along with the goodies in the shop, also sells advertising. Hardly fair to those who pay for advertising if we use the forum for free advertising! Not only that, if we were to compete with the paying advertisers (or with EO itself) for business they would be quite justified in being seriously peeved. The forum rules specifically ban using the forum for advertising and self promotion. (I hadn't made myself aware of this.)

The Mod Squad acted properly in my case and were helpful. Their job isn’t easy – when does a fight over Engel v’s Weaco become product endorsement (i.e.advertising)? When someone is referred to ebay for a product that’s stocked in EO, should the Mod Squad jump in? Is it ok to post product endorsement in a blog where it’s not so visible as in the forum? What about tyres – can we express a positive opinion without being seen as endorsing a particular tyre? I expect that they are dealing with such grey areas a lot and making judgements to the best of their ability. We must play by the rules and when we digress, respect their judgment.

There are close to 50,000 registered users and any evening there will be up to 1000 on the site. It is highly successful and a very valuable resource for the traveller. The Mod Squad contributes to this success. Give them a fair go – they earn it.


Cheers

John
J and V
"Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted."
- Albert Einstein

Lifetime Member
My Profile  My Blog  Send Message

Back Expand Un-Read 0 Moderator

Reply By: Robin Miller - Thursday, Feb 04, 2010 at 20:48

Thursday, Feb 04, 2010 at 20:48
By definition you are not a guest if a paid up member
Robin Miller

Member
My Profile  Send Message

AnswerID: 402697

Follow Up By: Isuzumu - Thursday, Feb 04, 2010 at 20:58

Thursday, Feb 04, 2010 at 20:58
I am with you Robin and as Members we must have rights....would this site be a profitable business without having paid up members?
0
FollowupID: 672177

Follow Up By: Member - John (Vic) - Thursday, Feb 04, 2010 at 21:51

Thursday, Feb 04, 2010 at 21:51
"As Members we must have rights"

And what would those rights be may I ask?

VKS737 - Mobile 6352 (Selcall 6352)

Lifetime Member
My Profile  Send Message

0
FollowupID: 672199

Follow Up By: Bonz (Vic) - Thursday, Feb 04, 2010 at 22:45

Thursday, Feb 04, 2010 at 22:45
Members pay for privileges and features, most of the rights remain with the owner.
.
Time is an illusion produced by the passage of history
.

Lifetime Member
My Profile  My Blog  My Position  Send Message
Moderator

0
FollowupID: 672220

Follow Up By: Member - Mike DID - Friday, Feb 05, 2010 at 07:05

Friday, Feb 05, 2010 at 07:05
If I stay at a friends place for free I have to do as they wish, or I won't be invited back again.

If I pay to stay at a hotel and the staff don't treat me as someone who is paying their wages, I won't be staying there again.

If I stay at a place for free, but am obliged to do work there (like being inconvenienced by the ads on this site), it's between these two extremes.

I'm amazed some people here find these concepts so hard to understand.
0
FollowupID: 672244

Follow Up By: Member - John (Vic) - Friday, Feb 05, 2010 at 11:21

Friday, Feb 05, 2010 at 11:21
If I stay at a friends place for free I have to show common decency and respect (rules of life) towards them as a guest and do as they wish, Even if I don't like the colour (Adverts) on the wall or I won't be invited back again.

If I pay to stay at a hotel and I fail to abide by common courtesy and respect of the hotel rules which I agreed to when I booked into the hotel, like don't abuse the staff or other guests, don't damage the property (intellectual or other) even if I don't like the colour scheme (Adverts) on the walls of my room I'm sure I will be spoken to by management and possibly asked to leave whilst they clean up and erase my damage.
If I become intoxicated and possibly a nuisance whilst in the hotel bar, I'm sure I will be asked to leave.
If I feel I am treated harshly by staff then I will address the matter with management in a non abusive and with common decency.
I'm sure I won't be allowed to access there facilities or stay there again.

I'm no longer amazed some people here or in society in general find these concepts so hard to understand.

VKS737 - Mobile 6352 (Selcall 6352)

Lifetime Member
My Profile  Send Message

0
FollowupID: 672290

Follow Up By: Bob of KAOS - Friday, Feb 05, 2010 at 12:26

Friday, Feb 05, 2010 at 12:26
John

A slightly different analogy:

If I paid for a train ride and there were some sort of secret police turfing people off the train at a whim (inappropriate rule), and inconsistently, most people would say that was unreasonable.

History tells us that the secret police don't always understand the concepts of 'fair and reasonable', let alone 'the customer is always right'.

Bob
0
FollowupID: 672300

Follow Up By: Member - John (Vic) - Friday, Feb 05, 2010 at 12:45

Friday, Feb 05, 2010 at 12:45
Yes Bob you could draw the bow quite a long way.

From my experience on here the moderation has been pretty good, not perfect but not inconsistent enough to loose sleep over.

After all its only the Internet.

One further point thats obvious is this thread has been allowed to stand so that the site owners and the Mods can get some feedback so they may learn how to better the system for all.

Cheers



VKS737 - Mobile 6352 (Selcall 6352)

Lifetime Member
My Profile  Send Message

0
FollowupID: 672304

Reply By: Gone Bush (WA) - Thursday, Feb 04, 2010 at 20:54

Thursday, Feb 04, 2010 at 20:54
What did you say John?

I was too busy watching the Lynx girl......


I'm glad I ain't too scared to be lazy
- Augustus McCrae (Lonesome Dove)

Lifetime Member
My Profile  My Blog  Send Message

AnswerID: 402700

Follow Up By: Member - DAZA (QLD) - Thursday, Feb 04, 2010 at 21:12

Thursday, Feb 04, 2010 at 21:12
Geez Bushy that Lynx Girl, WOW.
0
FollowupID: 672180

Follow Up By: Member - John (Vic) - Thursday, Feb 04, 2010 at 21:49

Thursday, Feb 04, 2010 at 21:49
Yeah nice huh??

VKS737 - Mobile 6352 (Selcall 6352)

Lifetime Member
My Profile  Send Message

0
FollowupID: 672197

Follow Up By: Gramps - Thursday, Feb 04, 2010 at 22:25

Thursday, Feb 04, 2010 at 22:25
You boys don't get out much do you LOL


0
FollowupID: 672211

Follow Up By: Member - Dunworkin (WA) - Friday, Feb 05, 2010 at 01:01

Friday, Feb 05, 2010 at 01:01
I was thinking the same thing Gramps, LOL


Simba, our much missed baby.

Lifetime Member
My Profile  Send Message

0
FollowupID: 672237

Reply By: oldpop - Thursday, Feb 04, 2010 at 21:11

Thursday, Feb 04, 2010 at 21:11
John

When and where is the ACT show on

OLdpop
AnswerID: 402704

Follow Up By: Member - John and Val - Thursday, Feb 04, 2010 at 21:18

Thursday, Feb 04, 2010 at 21:18
OldPop,

Details here
J and V
"Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted."
- Albert Einstein

Lifetime Member
My Profile  My Blog  Send Message

0
FollowupID: 672182

Follow Up By: oldpop - Thursday, Feb 04, 2010 at 21:25

Thursday, Feb 04, 2010 at 21:25
John

Thanks for that

Oldpop
0
FollowupID: 672186

Reply By: Member - GREENDOG - Thursday, Feb 04, 2010 at 21:12

Thursday, Feb 04, 2010 at 21:12
We are not guest on here,most of us like my self are payed share holders on this sight,maybe the Mod Squad need to keep this in mind other wise there won't be a sight around like this one for very long cause people will just up and leave don't get me wrong this is a great sight but i think the Mod Squad might be doing some damage .cheers GREENDOG
AnswerID: 402706

Follow Up By: Best Off Road - Thursday, Feb 04, 2010 at 21:27

Thursday, Feb 04, 2010 at 21:27
That is wrong GD.

Members here are not Shareholders (this is a private business), they are just participants who pay their $30 per year to to have access to functions that visitors do not.

Jim.



0
FollowupID: 672188

Follow Up By: Member - John (Vic) - Thursday, Feb 04, 2010 at 21:47

Thursday, Feb 04, 2010 at 21:47
The business of EO has survived and prospered for more than 10 years now.
I think it won't notice if you come or go Greendog.

So many have threatened and spat the dummy over all the years I have been here and not pay the fee to be a Member or to leave and never return, some do and some don't, some even leave and then come crawling back, big deal the world turns the site still grows in size with or without them.

As Jim has said your not a shareholder and when you join the site as a Member or a Non Member you agree to the site rules, if you don't like the rules then don't use the site, easy as.

VKS737 - Mobile 6352 (Selcall 6352)

Lifetime Member
My Profile  Send Message

0
FollowupID: 672196

Follow Up By: Mick O - Thursday, Feb 04, 2010 at 22:06

Thursday, Feb 04, 2010 at 22:06
See, the healing power of EO. Who'd have thought you two would reach common ground....but you have. Both points well made. Good work guys.

Cheers Mick
''We knew from the experience of well-known travelers that the
trip would doubtless be attended with much hardship.''
Richard Maurice - 1903

Lifetime Member
My Profile  My Blog  My Position  Send Message

0
FollowupID: 672204

Follow Up By: Road Warrior - Thursday, Feb 04, 2010 at 22:07

Thursday, Feb 04, 2010 at 22:07
Best Off Road and John (Vic) have nailed it, and I have seen this sort of thing go down on quite a few internet forums in 12-13 years of posting on forums on the web.

The site Terms & Conditions outline what defines a member or guest. By registering to post content here you are also acknowledging that you will abide by the site T&C and that your posts will be subject to moderation if your post falls foul of the T&C. This is something that no one here can avoid knowledge of because you had to agree to the T&C as part of registering.

The issue of paid 'subscriptions' on forums is always contentious and can be risky if not managed properly. Some members believe it entitles them to extra posting privileges over others and they should be allowed to get away with general as bleep tery that a 'normal' member would not; this belief is erroneous. I'm not suggesting that there are members here that do, but having seen this exact sort of argument elsewhere, I can assure you that it is one that is flawed.

At the end of the day, we are all guests in someone else's house. Some of us have brought a salad to have with dinner, some of us have brought nothing, to use the dinner party analogy. The domain name, website, intellectual property that is in the form of posts and information here, is the property of the site owner and if the site owner has set out ground rules about what is appropriate and what is not, then that is their call. If that is something you can't deal with, paid member or not, then I'm sure there are forums elsewhere in the interweb that are more attuned to your views.
0
FollowupID: 672205

Reply By: Mick O - Thursday, Feb 04, 2010 at 21:23

Thursday, Feb 04, 2010 at 21:23
Hey John and Val.

You definitely represent what this site is all about. Thanks for your contributions and congratulations on your “Electricity for Camping” blog. It will hit 10,000 views in the next week or two, the most informative and visited blog on the site by far.Well done. (Jeez I’m jealous after my butane extravaganza got pipped LOL)

I’m sure you’ll keep the relevant blog for the Canberra 4x4 show in view for a couple of weeks as well just to help the visually impaired locate all the details. Hope it goes well.



Regards. Mick
''We knew from the experience of well-known travelers that the
trip would doubtless be attended with much hardship.''
Richard Maurice - 1903

Lifetime Member
My Profile  My Blog  My Position  Send Message

AnswerID: 402709

Follow Up By: Member - John and Val - Thursday, Feb 04, 2010 at 21:38

Thursday, Feb 04, 2010 at 21:38
Thanks Mick. My sympathy about your blog being overtaken by ours. I know how it feels to be overtaken (by your butane tyre fitting)! Can't see us ever catching up with your total hit count though. Better sign off - getting OT!

Cheers

John
J and V
"Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted."
- Albert Einstein

Lifetime Member
My Profile  My Blog  Send Message

0
FollowupID: 672193

Reply By: Member - John Baas (WA) - Thursday, Feb 04, 2010 at 21:32

Thursday, Feb 04, 2010 at 21:32
Thanks for that John. I couldn't agree more.

This is a great site and so useful. Without effective moderation, recognising that occasionally 'shades of grey' judgements have to be made, it would turn into a dog's breakfast. Well done moderators; you've never done anything that's offended me at least (apart from banning my Daffy Duck joke heh heh).

Cheers.
AnswerID: 402714

Reply By: Wilko - Thursday, Feb 04, 2010 at 21:40

Thursday, Feb 04, 2010 at 21:40
Hi all,

IMHO I would be hard to find a happy medium. What someone finds offensive might not even rate on someone elses radar. Someone could swear infront of me and it would worry me but i certaintly wouldnt want my dear old mum(or someone else mum to hear the same.

With regards to advertising its a grey area I dont mine the 4x4 show being pushed but as we know people can and would use forums such as this oneto say how good a product is or how crap their opposition is.

Cheers Wilko
AnswerID: 402721

Reply By: Willem - Thursday, Feb 04, 2010 at 21:49

Thursday, Feb 04, 2010 at 21:49
Why?

In the OLD days.....yerrr....things got bit out of hand some times and so Moderation was introduced. Now there are more rules than the Australian Drivers handbook.

And a lot of it is arbitrary moderation. You cannot promote yourself by adding a link to your own private non commercial website but you may add a link to that specific website in answer to a question...go figure

This country thrives on HAPPENINGS out in the bush and elsewhere. Now you can't even promote any of those as a destination.

In the past some of us were allowed to do this or that. Now that has been changed to No No No....NOT allowed

And if you query some of these things you could be threatened with expulsion from the site.

Sometimes a lot of thought goes into a post only to have it deleted. You then wonder why you even try to entertain the troops.

My take on it is that this whole moderation thing has gone pearshaped.

Its like being back at school

Cheers



AnswerID: 402725

Follow Up By: Member - Axle - Thursday, Feb 04, 2010 at 22:00

Thursday, Feb 04, 2010 at 22:00
ABSOLUTELEY CORRECT!!!.




And to have Non Members, Quote!, that there iis no difference in entitlements so to speak, lump it or like it, has got me stuffed.



Cheers Axle.
0
FollowupID: 672202

Follow Up By: Geoff (Newcastle, NSW) - Thursday, Feb 04, 2010 at 22:10

Thursday, Feb 04, 2010 at 22:10
Thank you Willem, a very accurate summary of the "state of the nation"

Geoff

Geoff,
Landcruiser HDJ78,
Grey hair is hereditary, you get it from children. Baldness is caused by watching the Wallabies.

Lifetime Member
My Profile  My Blog  Send Message

0
FollowupID: 672206

Follow Up By: Member - Pesty (SA) - Thursday, Feb 04, 2010 at 22:11

Thursday, Feb 04, 2010 at 22:11
well said !
0
FollowupID: 672207

Follow Up By: Gramps - Thursday, Feb 04, 2010 at 22:20

Thursday, Feb 04, 2010 at 22:20
Bunch of rabble rousers LOL

Regards
0
FollowupID: 672210

Follow Up By: Geoff (Newcastle, NSW) - Thursday, Feb 04, 2010 at 22:44

Thursday, Feb 04, 2010 at 22:44
"Bunch of rabble rousers"

Settle young fella, we resemble that remark!


Geoff,
Landcruiser HDJ78,
Grey hair is hereditary, you get it from children. Baldness is caused by watching the Wallabies.

Lifetime Member
My Profile  My Blog  Send Message

0
FollowupID: 672219

Follow Up By: Luke SA - Friday, Feb 05, 2010 at 00:58

Friday, Feb 05, 2010 at 00:58
Couldn't have said it better my self Willem. The exact reason I am now a visitor
0
FollowupID: 672236

Follow Up By: Member - Tony S (WA) - Friday, Feb 05, 2010 at 02:17

Friday, Feb 05, 2010 at 02:17
Now now Willem and Axle dont fret so much.
I dont agree with some of the mods doings either. Just go with the flooow.

Tony
The rig

Lifetime Member
My Profile  My Blog  Send Message

0
FollowupID: 672238

Follow Up By: Member - Bucky - Friday, Feb 05, 2010 at 08:40

Friday, Feb 05, 2010 at 08:40
Willem
That's a good call

So what is wrong with a bit of slang, and slagging off

That's what it's all about,, or should I say used to be like ...

The moderation rules apparently always been there, it's their interpretation that varies..

Must have some doo-gooders, on the board now
Cheers
Bucky
0
FollowupID: 672250

Follow Up By: olcoolone - Friday, Feb 05, 2010 at 18:08

Friday, Feb 05, 2010 at 18:08
ABSOLUTELEY CORRECT!!!. X2
0
FollowupID: 672384

Reply By: Bob of KAOS - Thursday, Feb 04, 2010 at 22:13

Thursday, Feb 04, 2010 at 22:13
"Give the Moderators a fair go" who could disagree?

I'm still unclear as to the difference between Albany and Queanbeyan. Can any one explain that to me?
AnswerID: 402732

Follow Up By: Member - John (Vic) - Thursday, Feb 04, 2010 at 22:18

Thursday, Feb 04, 2010 at 22:18
Queanbeyan allows Landrovers Bob, Albany doesn't :-P

VKS737 - Mobile 6352 (Selcall 6352)

Lifetime Member
My Profile  Send Message

0
FollowupID: 672208

Reply By: Tonyfish#58 - Thursday, Feb 04, 2010 at 22:54

Thursday, Feb 04, 2010 at 22:54
John - I found this site searching for reviews and comments on certain products. It was answers supplied on this site that made me join.

Most of the posts had links to other interesting sites and information. If this is going to be moderated out, then this site will be of little use. I have posted many a link to useful equipment and advice.

Advertises on this site who pay a fee and should not be too upset about that, after all the more that read the more that see.

Moderation is good to a point - The team must decide where the fine line is.

Go too far and you will loose a lot of support - being a little lenient may be the better line to take.
AnswerID: 402739

Reply By: Member - Flynnie (NSW) - Friday, Feb 05, 2010 at 00:48

Friday, Feb 05, 2010 at 00:48
Exploroz is changing over time as its members change. They change both in who they are and in their experience. What was new becomes old to some but remains new to others.

In the early days of the internet I used forums. Left them all after a while because they were infested by people who were, what we would now call, "trolls". A long, long time later I did my first post on this forum. I would not have done so if this forum was not moderated.

Moderation is a good thing. Despite some minor quibbles here and there how we don't like some decision overall the moderators do a good, thankless, but necessary job.

As I have become more familiar with Exploroz and particularly the blogs I have come to realize a lot of what is posted in the forum should really be a blog article. Perhaps the blogs should be used more as in the post leading to events that led to this thread.

The matter of balance in the forums is a concern to me. I think they have become a bit bland of late and that people try and liven them up sometimes in their different ways and then get moderated. The "Chit chat" rule seems to be broken fairly often.

I wonder if there could be a social thread or chit chat thread where the chit chat rule did not apply or at least applied in a more relaxed way. Rather then go on forever it could be deleted and restarted weekly or at some other interval. In some respects it would be a bit like the temporary Friday Funnies thread.

Just some ideas I had and now is as good a time as any to air them.

Flynnie
AnswerID: 402754

Follow Up By: Road Warrior - Friday, Feb 05, 2010 at 12:08

Friday, Feb 05, 2010 at 12:08
I would say that what you are asking is not possible with the current forum software and architecture. They would need to move to a "proper" forum platform like VBulletin to have that sort of functionality.

Mind you VBulletin or similar would give much more user flexibility and options.
0
FollowupID: 672296

Follow Up By: The Landy - Friday, Feb 05, 2010 at 17:12

Friday, Feb 05, 2010 at 17:12
Hi Flynnie

I agree with your point that there are many posts in the forum that would be better suited to a 'blog'. Particularly as it will be easier to find and access and various topic headings.

Cheers
0
FollowupID: 672371

Reply By: Member - Mike DID - Friday, Feb 05, 2010 at 07:14

Friday, Feb 05, 2010 at 07:14
Newcomers to Australia are surprised that you can publicly criticise the Prime Minister and the governments without fear - that's because freedom of speech is one of the fundamentals of Australia's way of life.

When this site banned discussion of moderation policy and even had moderation of Moderation criticism, they lost me as paying member.
AnswerID: 402761

Follow Up By: Fiona & Paul - Friday, Feb 05, 2010 at 10:16

Friday, Feb 05, 2010 at 10:16
I have been following this thread with some interest as although I am a regular reader I am not a regular contributor unless I can add something positive, or as I have done in the past ask a question to resolve some issue I have.

This is not a political platform and freedom of speech does not apply here, if we read the rules (posted on this page somewhere at the bottom) than all contributors have to do is stick by the rules and all will be sweet.

I cannot call anyone a stupid idiot, nor would I want to but, I can say something like 'sorry mate I think you missed the point' and continue to either help or simply leave it at that. You may think some people are stupid but you cannot say it!

My point is this is not a political forum.

Regards
Paul H

PS: Rejoin Mike DID as I am sure you have contributed some assistance to me over the past couple of years and I appreciate any help I can get. C'mon Mike!

Paul H
OZ Downunder

Lifetime Member
My Profile  My Blog  My Position  Send Message

0
FollowupID: 672277

Follow Up By: Member - Timbo - Friday, Feb 05, 2010 at 16:09

Friday, Feb 05, 2010 at 16:09
But newcomers should also expect to be required to abide by the rules of this country...
0
FollowupID: 672349

Follow Up By: The Landy - Friday, Feb 05, 2010 at 17:59

Friday, Feb 05, 2010 at 17:59
Mike

Your point is the crux of the problem over this whole ‘moderation’ discussion that has been permeating the forum for some time.

Many are confusing moderation of posts as being a ‘freedom of speech issue’ – it isn’t, it is because posts are not being made within the framework laid down by the owner’s of this site. And further, they have said we have considered our ‘terms of use’ policy and don’t won’t to argue the point with members, guests or whoever. Agree or disagree, however their ‘house’ their rules.

The irony I have found in your post is that you have sought for sometime to have the ‘rights’ of those who want to travel the bush diminished by calling for the authorities to legislate the use of personal protection devices. Yet, you cry all-foul at having your ‘freedom of speech’ rights infringed…….

Perhaps they lost you as a paying member; but you never left……a similar stance to many of those that have complained. Why, I can only surmise that the overall benefit gained from visiting this site far outweighs some of its nuances. It also gives you a on-going platform for your position on personal protection devices, and that, my friend, is freedom of speech at work!


Good weekend to you….The Landy
0
FollowupID: 672383

Follow Up By: Member - Mike DID - Friday, Feb 05, 2010 at 18:17

Friday, Feb 05, 2010 at 18:17
There's a fundamental difference between -

- I want the right to ignore the laws of the land

- I want the right to criticise the laws of the land


All democracies have laws.



"I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it"
0
FollowupID: 672386

Reply By: Member - Mike DID - Friday, Feb 05, 2010 at 07:17

Friday, Feb 05, 2010 at 07:17
"Give the Moderators a fair go!!!"

- if the Moderators gave me a fair go, I would do so.

I'm a member of many forums - all moderated. This is the ONLY one where moderation is inconsistent.
AnswerID: 402762

Follow Up By: Member - John (Vic) - Friday, Feb 05, 2010 at 11:53

Friday, Feb 05, 2010 at 11:53
I would seriously doubt that most of the other forums you may access would have the high level of instant reply that this one does.

I should add thats why so many say they are leaving and soon return as there is no other forum like this one.

With so many people visiting here every hour posts are answered almost instantly giving the moderation team almost no time to react.

Other forums I have been on would be lucky to get a reply in an hour or two and sometimes it takes days so its easy for a one or two person moderation team to address the post, on here its obvious they have more than one or two mods and every so often the moderation may feel a little inconsistent because of the individual interpretation of the many, Big deal its not gunna kill me to have a post knocked off now and then.

The site has rules, your an intelligent bloke you can read and understand them the same as everyone else.
I have been moderated a number of times the same as everyone else, I think I asked for a review once and the post was adjusted and reinstated the other times I let it go as I had not followed the rules that I agreed to. Big deal.

The term freedom of speech is often misused in society, It applies to the Political Freedom of speech, you generally cannot say what you want to who you want without possibly breaching other laws.

People are so temperamental and politically correct these days, "How dare you inhibit my freedom of speech" is a common thought we see posted in indignation.
I laugh myself silly with these stupid replies, its so telling of the individual.

I think they should be moderated with the "Grow up and stop being a child rule"

If my kids behaved like some do on here they would get a right old clip behind the ears or at least loose their computer or mobile phone (Kids life support system) for a week.

Remember its only the Internet and its not life changing.
VKS737 - Mobile 6352 (Selcall 6352)

Lifetime Member
My Profile  Send Message

0
FollowupID: 672295

Follow Up By: Member - Timbo - Friday, Feb 05, 2010 at 16:07

Friday, Feb 05, 2010 at 16:07
If someone has a problem with the actions of the moderators why don't they discuss it with the moderators? The moderators are more than willing to discuss - even to the point of offering to reinstate moderated replies (albeit usually after being revised).

I can't see how it can benefit anyone if those who are dissatisfied refuse to discuss the matter with those who have upset them but instead just resort to complaining to everyone else about it...

If someone thinks that some action (or inaction) of the ModSquad is inappropriate, why don't they tell it to THE MODSQUAD? Afterall, none of us can do any thing about it that you can't!
0
FollowupID: 672347

Reply By: Alloy c/t - Friday, Feb 05, 2010 at 11:09

Friday, Feb 05, 2010 at 11:09
'Give the moderators a fair go'. NO , not until the so called moderation is applied fairly and across the whole forum , the site does not allow basic debate anymore let alone "passionate" discourse ; The rules as per advertising are constantly broken by so called buisness members without fear , yes ExporOz is a commercial enterprise but should the forum be made poorer in content due to moderation that is inconsistant in it application.
AnswerID: 402809

Follow Up By: Mick O - Friday, Feb 05, 2010 at 12:45

Friday, Feb 05, 2010 at 12:45
Have a read of John (Vic)'s reply above. Might help you see things a bit more realistically. Again you’re indulging in the very thing you accuse the moderators of. Read the rules. I've seen the "passionate discourse" you talk about and it usually involved denigrating, abusing or flaming someone else. It was because of all this that the owners of this commercial site had to implement a moderation policy in the first place. What was your handle before you became Alloy c/t?

As for your bit about abuse by business members, read the rules again. I seem to recall a few of them getting cracked down on for breaching the rules some weeks back so it would appear that things are consistent. What you and a few others seem to be concerned about is not being able to force your views onto others.

John has it right.

Cheers Mick

''We knew from the experience of well-known travelers that the
trip would doubtless be attended with much hardship.''
Richard Maurice - 1903

Lifetime Member
My Profile  My Blog  My Position  Send Message

0
FollowupID: 672305

Follow Up By: Member - Timbo - Friday, Feb 05, 2010 at 16:07

Friday, Feb 05, 2010 at 16:07
If someone has a problem with the actions of the moderators why don't they discuss it with the moderators? The moderators are more than willing to discuss - even to the point of offering to reinstate moderated replies (albeit usually after being revised).

I can't see how it can benefit anyone if those who are dissatisfied refuse to discuss the matter with those who have upset them but instead just resort to complaining to everyone else about it...

If someone thinks that some action (or inaction) of the ModSquad is inappropriate, why don't they tell it to THE MODSQUAD? Afterall, none of us can do any thing about it that you can't!
0
FollowupID: 672346

Reply By: Bob of KAOS - Friday, Feb 05, 2010 at 12:39

Friday, Feb 05, 2010 at 12:39
The attitude to links to other sites seems to have changed since last April. See thread 67414.
AnswerID: 402818

Reply By: signman - Friday, Feb 05, 2010 at 13:12

Friday, Feb 05, 2010 at 13:12
I have been bitten by the ModSquad a 'few' times, for what I consider very petty and inconsistent reasons. On all occasions- whwn I receive the ruling- I just laugh to myself and move on.
The Squad are very swift on contacting you with the Moderation verdict and reasoning....HOWEVER if you 'Alert the Moderator' for a legitimate reason, there is no follow up when the post is not deleted and to their conclusion.

AnswerID: 402823

Follow Up By: Member - Timbo - Friday, Feb 05, 2010 at 15:41

Friday, Feb 05, 2010 at 15:41
That's a good point re: 'Alert the Moderator' but I guess something like that all takes up their finite time.
0
FollowupID: 672340

Reply By: Member - Timbo - Friday, Feb 05, 2010 at 15:39

Friday, Feb 05, 2010 at 15:39
Thanks John - I agree: the moderation team get a lot of people complaining about their actions but I've never had a problem (even after being 'stomped on' a couple of times after I initially joined).

I was brought up being taught that if you have a problem with something someone has done, you take it up directly with them ie. DON'T just go complaining (gossiping) to others about it. If there's a problem, discuss it directly with the ModSquad themselves. Afterall, the rest of us forumites can't change the policies no matter how many times we hear how 'unfair' someone thinks it is!

Then there are even a few replies to this thread that complain they aren't even allowed to have a discussion about moderation policy, yet the existence of this thread and their replies proves that point wrong.

The forum rules are quite clearly spelled out and if we don't abide by them, we should expect some action to be taken. From having been moderated previously myself, I KNOW that moderation is NOT "final and binding with no correspondance entered into" and they even offer you the opportunity to reword/revise your response to comply with the rules - I don't see how they could make it any fairer than that (perhaps some of those complaining could offer some useful suggestions?!). And if the opinions are truly irreconcilable, there is no obligation to stay here - in fact some of us would probably rather not read complaints about how much someone doesn't like the site or the people operating it! :-)

The forum moderators have my full support - they are doing a very difficult job very well. If at some time I am unhappy with their actions, none of you will hear about it, but the ModSquad will!
AnswerID: 402849

Follow Up By: jabiru340 - Friday, Feb 05, 2010 at 17:10

Friday, Feb 05, 2010 at 17:10
Some forum rules are not clearly spelled out, some of them are ambiguous, open to interpretation and so full of holes you could drive a truck through.

Consequently there is no consistency across the moderation team in applying the rules.
0
FollowupID: 672370

Follow Up By: Member - John (Vic) - Friday, Feb 05, 2010 at 17:29

Friday, Feb 05, 2010 at 17:29
Jabiru340 can you elaborate please as to which rules are ambiguous or open to interpretation?

Thy seem pretty simple to me.
VKS737 - Mobile 6352 (Selcall 6352)

Lifetime Member
My Profile  Send Message

0
FollowupID: 672374

Follow Up By: jabiru340 - Saturday, Feb 06, 2010 at 09:26

Saturday, Feb 06, 2010 at 09:26
John,

Suggest you read the Trolling Rule.

It could be interpreted that your post is for the sole purpose of inciting controversy, conflict, cause annoyance or offence.

Because if I answer your post and go through each rule and pick it to pieces there is no doubt in my mind that I will cause controversy and conflict.

In fact my post could easily be interpreted in the same manner because I have caused you annoyance, correct.

Neither of us have been moderated yet, but I believe we should have.

It all comes back to an individuals interpretation.
0
FollowupID: 672469

Follow Up By: Member - John (Vic) - Saturday, Feb 06, 2010 at 11:08

Saturday, Feb 06, 2010 at 11:08
You see there is a perfect example of individual interpretation Jab.

I asked you a simple question because I was interested in your views on this matter, you caused me no annoyance although you have developed the view (wrongly) that I am annoyed by your post.

I don't get annoyed by whats said on here in any respect after all its only the Internet and its not going to change my life.
This forum is entertainment, fun and information, I may question or take to task someones view and ask for a further explanation or detail but thats it, Its never personal with me and I turn the computer off and forget whats been said or done as it has largely no further relevance to me.

I would suggest that the individual perception is always going to be a problem because you can't see my face or hear my voice to understand whether I am serious or not, the Mods have to read the entire post to gain the view as to whether the posted comment is in keeping with the thread and gauge its perceived tone and attitude towards the others, not always an easy job in my view.

Example, Coppers can develop an individual perception of how the law should be enforced and be later found by a court to be wrong in that perception and interpretation, its not supposed to happen like that but coppers are human also, mistakes happen in life.

The moderation of any forum is always going to have an element of discretion and the occasional mistake due to individual interpretation, but you know what mistakes do happen and thats why the Mod policy allows you to contact them to explain your side if you so desire and argue that they may have indeed got it wrong.

The forum has been a much better environment since they developed a strong Moderation policy in my view, more relevance and less crap, also cleaned out so many of the bleep stirrers also.
If you want to crap on then write a Blog.

Also remember you have choices available to you also.
If you don't like the way this private business is run you also don't have to come in the door and visit, it costs you nothing to visit (unless you elect to pay for an additional service) and then you are critical of how they run their household, not very polite in my view.

I don't think they make to many mistakes overall and even if they do, so what its not personal as they more than likely don't know you from a bar of soap.

Cheers

P.S.
None of this is an attack or directed to you personally so please don't interpret it as such :-)
Just a friendly discussion between two blokes with perhaps different perceptions of the Moderation Policy:-)

VKS737 - Mobile 6352 (Selcall 6352)

Lifetime Member
My Profile  Send Message

0
FollowupID: 672477

Follow Up By: jabiru340 - Saturday, Feb 06, 2010 at 13:23

Saturday, Feb 06, 2010 at 13:23
John,

It is a pity that we can't discuss this face to face. I didn't take it that you were necessarily annoyed.

What I was simply doing was to give you an example, based on your reply, where a Rule, in this case The Trolling Rule is open to variable interpretation by a moderator.

Based on that Rule my interpretation of the rule is that if I did go through each Rule and pick it to pieces my action could cause controversy in breach of this Rule.

I understand what theModeration Policy is all about and it's intentions.

The Personal Attack Rule could be a hard one to interpret even though it might sound straight forward. But how does a Moderator determine when it is a genuine personal attack and not friendly banter.

Another is The Chit Chat Rule....what is a covert conversation and how is this type of conversation alienating and inappropriate. The Rule needs to be more clearly explained, maybe by way of example.

I asked the Moderation Team that one some time ago after a fellow was moderated and I didn't receive an explanation other than to contest the moderation.

I suppose this conversation is now bordering on a private chat and in breach of this Rule.:-)

This what I'm getting at sometimes there is a fine line between a breach of a Rule or not and is therefore open to an incorrect interpretation.

From what I have seen there seems to be no consistency in Moderation which simply means most of the rules are open to incorrect interpretation.

By the way I didn't take your reply as a personal attach on me but a healthy debate. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.



0
FollowupID: 672489

Reply By: Member - MUZBRY(Vic) - Friday, Feb 05, 2010 at 15:48

Friday, Feb 05, 2010 at 15:48
Oh my gord
I have just read this lot and now have a head ache. I think i'll have a "Bex" and a lay down .
Murray
Muzbry
Great place to be Mt Blue Rag 27/12/2012

Lifetime Member
My Profile  Send Message

AnswerID: 402851

Reply By: Karen & Geoff - Friday, Feb 05, 2010 at 17:17

Friday, Feb 05, 2010 at 17:17
I had our blog address in my signature, as we are about to travel Australia for a few years. The blog site had no advertising on it, or links to other websites, but I received an email asking me to remove the blog address from our signature, so I did. But then there are posts or replies with a link to another website, and I ask myself what the difference is? I really didn't understand it. Some might say, "but exploroz have a blog section"! BUT, I want to have full control over our blog site, not someone else, hence why I chose not to go with the exploroz blog section.

I really dont see the harm in having our blog address in the signature, but it is not allowed so, so be it. It just puzzles me that you are allowed to put a link to another website.

Karen
AnswerID: 402865

Reply By: Wombat - Friday, Feb 05, 2010 at 17:27

Friday, Feb 05, 2010 at 17:27
Bwahahahahahahahaha.
AnswerID: 402868

Reply By: olcoolone - Friday, Feb 05, 2010 at 18:07

Friday, Feb 05, 2010 at 18:07
One word comes to mind..... INCONSISTENCY.
AnswerID: 402873

Reply By: The Landy - Friday, Feb 05, 2010 at 20:00

Friday, Feb 05, 2010 at 20:00
It appears fairly straight forward, however this thread will end up with 3,022 views, a bit of spline venting, a couple of hot headed comments, and next week we’ll be back to discussing the merits of Engel over Waco. Or was it Landy’s over Cruisers...anyway

The owner’s of this site have laid down the ‘terms of conditions’ for the use of this site and specifically, this forum.

And further, I sense they are saying we have given our ‘terms of use’ policy firm consideration before implementing and don’t won’t to argue the merit or otherwise of these conditions with members, guests or whoever. But you can contact us directly if you want to discuss moderated post further.

Given the number of uncontested (read unmoderated) posts made on a daily basis this issue seems to have got more airplay than it deserves....

And if this is all we have too worry about going into the weekend..perhaps life is pretty good anyway.

Beer O’Clock...enjoy the weekend....
AnswerID: 402894

Follow Up By: Member - John (Vic) - Friday, Feb 05, 2010 at 20:06

Friday, Feb 05, 2010 at 20:06
Yep!! Yep!! and Yep!!

Well put as always mate.

VKS737 - Mobile 6352 (Selcall 6352)

Lifetime Member
My Profile  Send Message

0
FollowupID: 672405

Reply By: ModSquad - Saturday, Feb 06, 2010 at 18:50

Saturday, Feb 06, 2010 at 18:50
All,

thank you for the debate. The originator of the thread (member John & Val)has asked the moderators to delete his thread rather than see it go off the rails. We don't see that as an obvious problem at this point but in due deference to members John & Vals request, we have opted to lock the thread. That way the opinions contained within the thread can still be viewed.

We hope this is acceptable to you John and if you wish the thread to be removed, please contact the moderation team.

Kind regards

The moderation team.
Moderation is just rules

Lifetime Member
My Profile  Send Message

AnswerID: 402988

Sponsored Links

Popular Products (11)