Idea for the Politics Forum

[Anonymous]

Given how incredibly ugly the politics forum gets (and Lord knows I'm an all too willing participant), have you ever considered restricting posting to registered users only? IME on other boards, even the faux identities of user names tend to have a somewhat moderating effect on peoples' behavior over time as a "community" starts to form and users get to "know" each other. Just a thought.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Given how incredibly ugly the politics forum gets (and Lord knows I'm an all too willing participant), have you ever considered restricting posting to registered users only? IME on other boards, even the faux identities of user names tend to have a somewhat moderating effect on peoples' behavior over time as a "community" starts to form and users get to "know" each other. Just a thought.

I meant to include "like the explicit forum" but forgot.

[Anonymous]

IMO it'd kill traffic, like explicit. Pretty sure Political is Jeff's bread & butter so....

[jsteele]

Anonymous wrote:Given how incredibly ugly the politics forum gets (and Lord knows I'm an all too willing participant), have you ever considered restricting posting to registered users only? IME on other boards, even the faux identities of user names tend to have a somewhat moderating effect on peoples' behavior over time as a "community" starts to form and users get to "know" each other. Just a thought.

This idea comes up every once in a while and I am not in favor of it. The explicit forum is a special case because it has no advertising and therefore provides no revenue. Whatever effort I put into moderating it was wasted in terms of revenue. I'm not against volunteering my time and work, but the explicit forum was not exactly the cause that I was most interested in supporting. Logins were required to make moderating easy -- indeed it hardly requires it anymore -- and if it resulted in killing the forum (which it mostly did) it was no big loss.

I feel the same way about anonymous posts in the political forum as I do about anonymous posts on the rest of DCUM: the benefits outweigh the problems. I am a firm believer that the forum is best moderated by a team effort between myself and the users. If users report inappropriate posts, I can remove them (or not). User involvement gives me a better idea of community standards and leads to an environment that is more than simply what I think it should be. Right now, the liberals in the political forum are pretty good about reporting. The conservatives, with a couple of exceptions, prefer to complain about my moderation rather than report anything.

That said, if we ever reach the point where I am convinced that usernames would improve rather than detract from the political forum, I would implement the requirement. However, in my opinion, we are a long way from there.

[Anonymous]

jsteele wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Given how incredibly ugly the politics forum gets (and Lord knows I'm an all too willing participant), have you ever considered restricting posting to registered users only? IME on other boards, even the faux identities of user names tend to have a somewhat moderating effect on peoples' behavior over time as a "community" starts to form and users get to "know" each other. Just a thought.

This idea comes up every once in a while and I am not in favor of it. The explicit forum is a special case because it has no advertising and therefore provides no revenue. Whatever effort I put into moderating it was wasted in terms of revenue. I'm not against volunteering my time and work, but the explicit forum was not exactly the cause that I was most interested in supporting. Logins were required to make moderating easy -- indeed it hardly requires it anymore -- and if it resulted in killing the forum (which it mostly did) it was no big loss.

I feel the same way about anonymous posts in the political forum as I do about anonymous posts on the rest of DCUM: the benefits outweigh the problems. I am a firm believer that the forum is best moderated by a team effort between myself and the users. If users report inappropriate posts, I can remove them (or not). User involvement gives me a better idea of community standards and leads to an environment that is more than simply what I think it should be. Right now, the liberals in the political forum are pretty good about reporting. The conservatives, with a couple of exceptions, prefer to complain about my moderation rather than report anything.

That said, if we ever reach the point where I am convinced that usernames would improve rather than detract from the political forum, I would implement the requirement. However, in my opinion, we are a long way from there.

OP here. Fair enough - thanks for listening.

[Anonymous]

jsteele wrote:The conservatives, with a couple of exceptions, prefer to complain about my moderation rather than report anything.

Someone outright told me in the "exhausted conservative" thread that they prefer not to report posts so they can use them as ammunition for their "intolerant liberals" hobby horse.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

jsteele wrote:The conservatives, with a couple of exceptions, prefer to complain about my moderation rather than report anything.

Someone outright told me in the "exhausted conservative" thread that they prefer not to report posts so they can use them as ammunition for their "intolerant liberals" hobby horse.

I do believe that was my comment. I have reported my share of posts. I don’t hesitate when they are terribly offensive or hateful. And, it doesn’t matter which side of the aisle those comments are generated by.....Sometimes the posts are deleted. Other times they remain up.
However, there are times when I do not reports posts that are offensive to me and likely offensive to others because I think it is important for others to see how some people behave and what their true thinking is.....This is an example of one that when I first read it, I thought I should report.....

I've never once claimed not to hate every single republican on earth, regardless of which one of them is in the White House. If I could push a button that would release a lethal bioengineered virus that would exterminate every last one on earth, I'd probably push it so hard it would break. So don't assume that many of us only hate cheetolini, and would happily tolerate anyone else. Go to hell.

After thinking about it, I thought it should remain as an example of how some liberals feel about Republicans. I did find it offensive, in a variety of ways. But, I also think it is emblematic of what is wrong in today’s political climate.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

jsteele wrote:The conservatives, with a couple of exceptions, prefer to complain about my moderation rather than report anything.

Someone outright told me in the "exhausted conservative" thread that they prefer not to report posts so they can use them as ammunition for their "intolerant liberals" hobby horse.

I do believe that was my comment. I have reported my share of posts. I don’t hesitate when they are terribly offensive or hateful. And, it doesn’t matter which side of the aisle those comments are generated by.....Sometimes the posts are deleted. Other times they remain up.
However, there are times when I do not reports posts that are offensive to me and likely offensive to others because I think it is important for others to see how some people behave and what their true thinking is.....This is an example of one that when I first read it, I thought I should report.....

I've never once claimed not to hate every single republican on earth, regardless of which one of them is in the White House. If I could push a button that would release a lethal bioengineered virus that would exterminate every last one on earth, I'd probably push it so hard it would break. So don't assume that many of us only hate cheetolini, and would happily tolerate anyone else. Go to hell.

After thinking about it, I thought it should remain as an example of how some liberals feel about Republicans. I did find it offensive, in a variety of ways. But, I also think it is emblematic of what is wrong in today’s political climate.

Maybe it's just me, but should liberals talk about their wish to "exterminate" 60 million people they are accusing are being like neo-Nazis?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

jsteele wrote:The conservatives, with a couple of exceptions, prefer to complain about my moderation rather than report anything.

Someone outright told me in the "exhausted conservative" thread that they prefer not to report posts so they can use them as ammunition for their "intolerant liberals" hobby horse.

I do believe that was my comment. I have reported my share of posts. I don’t hesitate when they are terribly offensive or hateful. And, it doesn’t matter which side of the aisle those comments are generated by.....Sometimes the posts are deleted. Other times they remain up.
However, there are times when I do not reports posts that are offensive to me and likely offensive to others because I think it is important for others to see how some people behave and what their true thinking is.....This is an example of one that when I first read it, I thought I should report.....

I've never once claimed not to hate every single republican on earth, regardless of which one of them is in the White House. If I could push a button that would release a lethal bioengineered virus that would exterminate every last one on earth, I'd probably push it so hard it would break. So don't assume that many of us only hate cheetolini, and would happily tolerate anyone else. Go to hell.

After thinking about it, I thought it should remain as an example of how some liberals feel about Republicans. I did find it offensive, in a variety of ways. But, I also think it is emblematic of what is wrong in today’s political climate.

Maybe it's just me, but should liberals talk about their wish to "exterminate" 60 million people they are accusing are being like neo-Nazis?

I take it from the fact my post was deleted that this isn't the original "exhausted conservative," just someone equally pathetic and disingenuous?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

jsteele wrote:The conservatives, with a couple of exceptions, prefer to complain about my moderation rather than report anything.

Someone outright told me in the "exhausted conservative" thread that they prefer not to report posts so they can use them as ammunition for their "intolerant liberals" hobby horse.

I do believe that was my comment. I have reported my share of posts. I don’t hesitate when they are terribly offensive or hateful. And, it doesn’t matter which side of the aisle those comments are generated by.....Sometimes the posts are deleted. Other times they remain up.
However, there are times when I do not reports posts that are offensive to me and likely offensive to others because I think it is important for others to see how some people behave and what their true thinking is.....This is an example of one that when I first read it, I thought I should report.....

I've never once claimed not to hate every single republican on earth, regardless of which one of them is in the White House. If I could push a button that would release a lethal bioengineered virus that would exterminate every last one on earth, I'd probably push it so hard it would break. So don't assume that many of us only hate cheetolini, and would happily tolerate anyone else. Go to hell.

After thinking about it, I thought it should remain as an example of how some liberals feel about Republicans. I did find it offensive, in a variety of ways. But, I also think it is emblematic of what is wrong in today’s political climate.

Maybe it's just me, but should liberals talk about their wish to "exterminate" 60 million people they are accusing are being like neo-Nazis?

I take it from the fact my post was deleted that this isn't the original "exhausted conservative," just someone equally pathetic and disingenuous?

Some liberal - and perhaps it's you - calling for the extermination of every Trump voter is what is pathetic, even frightening. Why don't you have disdain for that sentiment? (Encouraging mass murder like that is also borderline illegal.)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

jsteele wrote:The conservatives, with a couple of exceptions, prefer to complain about my moderation rather than report anything.

Someone outright told me in the "exhausted conservative" thread that they prefer not to report posts so they can use them as ammunition for their "intolerant liberals" hobby horse.

I do believe that was my comment. I have reported my share of posts. I don’t hesitate when they are terribly offensive or hateful. And, it doesn’t matter which side of the aisle those comments are generated by.....Sometimes the posts are deleted. Other times they remain up.
However, there are times when I do not reports posts that are offensive to me and likely offensive to others because I think it is important for others to see how some people behave and what their true thinking is.....This is an example of one that when I first read it, I thought I should report.....

I've never once claimed not to hate every single republican on earth, regardless of which one of them is in the White House. If I could push a button that would release a lethal bioengineered virus that would exterminate every last one on earth, I'd probably push it so hard it would break. So don't assume that many of us only hate cheetolini, and would happily tolerate anyone else. Go to hell.

After thinking about it, I thought it should remain as an example of how some liberals feel about Republicans. I did find it offensive, in a variety of ways. But, I also think it is emblematic of what is wrong in today’s political climate.

Maybe it's just me, but should liberals talk about their wish to "exterminate" 60 million people they are accusing are being like neo-Nazis?

I take it from the fact my post was deleted that this isn't the original "exhausted conservative," just someone equally pathetic and disingenuous?

Some liberal - and perhaps it's you - calling for the extermination of every Trump voter is what is pathetic, even frightening. Why don't you have disdain for that sentiment? (Encouraging mass murder like that is also borderline illegal.)

Allegedly grown adults focusing on one obnoxious post in a transparent attempt to cast an entire group of people as guilty by association is pathetic and a strong sign of intellectual dishonesty.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

jsteele wrote:The conservatives, with a couple of exceptions, prefer to complain about my moderation rather than report anything.

Someone outright told me in the "exhausted conservative" thread that they prefer not to report posts so they can use them as ammunition for their "intolerant liberals" hobby horse.

I do believe that was my comment. I have reported my share of posts. I don’t hesitate when they are terribly offensive or hateful. And, it doesn’t matter which side of the aisle those comments are generated by.....Sometimes the posts are deleted. Other times they remain up.
However, there are times when I do not reports posts that are offensive to me and likely offensive to others because I think it is important for others to see how some people behave and what their true thinking is.....This is an example of one that when I first read it, I thought I should report.....

I've never once claimed not to hate every single republican on earth, regardless of which one of them is in the White House. If I could push a button that would release a lethal bioengineered virus that would exterminate every last one on earth, I'd probably push it so hard it would break. So don't assume that many of us only hate cheetolini, and would happily tolerate anyone else. Go to hell.

After thinking about it, I thought it should remain as an example of how some liberals feel about Republicans. I did find it offensive, in a variety of ways. But, I also think it is emblematic of what is wrong in today’s political climate.

Maybe it's just me, but should liberals talk about their wish to "exterminate" 60 million people they are accusing are being like neo-Nazis?

I take it from the fact my post was deleted that this isn't the original "exhausted conservative," just someone equally pathetic and disingenuous?

Some liberal - and perhaps it's you - calling for the extermination of every Trump voter is what is pathetic, even frightening. Why don't you have disdain for that sentiment? (Encouraging mass murder like that is also borderline illegal.)

Allegedly grown adults focusing on one obnoxious post in a transparent attempt to cast an entire group of people as guilty by association is pathetic and a strong sign of intellectual dishonesty.

Excellent. I’ll remember this statement, and likely quote it, when some liberals continue to refer to Trump supporters as “racist” or “Nazi sympathizers.” Good advice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

jsteele wrote:The conservatives, with a couple of exceptions, prefer to complain about my moderation rather than report anything.

Someone outright told me in the "exhausted conservative" thread that they prefer not to report posts so they can use them as ammunition for their "intolerant liberals" hobby horse.

I do believe that was my comment. I have reported my share of posts. I don’t hesitate when they are terribly offensive or hateful. And, it doesn’t matter which side of the aisle those comments are generated by.....Sometimes the posts are deleted. Other times they remain up.
However, there are times when I do not reports posts that are offensive to me and likely offensive to others because I think it is important for others to see how some people behave and what their true thinking is.....This is an example of one that when I first read it, I thought I should report.....

I've never once claimed not to hate every single republican on earth, regardless of which one of them is in the White House. If I could push a button that would release a lethal bioengineered virus that would exterminate every last one on earth, I'd probably push it so hard it would break. So don't assume that many of us only hate cheetolini, and would happily tolerate anyone else. Go to hell.

After thinking about it, I thought it should remain as an example of how some liberals feel about Republicans. I did find it offensive, in a variety of ways. But, I also think it is emblematic of what is wrong in today’s political climate.

Maybe it's just me, but should liberals talk about their wish to "exterminate" 60 million people they are accusing are being like neo-Nazis?

I take it from the fact my post was deleted that this isn't the original "exhausted conservative," just someone equally pathetic and disingenuous?

Some liberal - and perhaps it's you - calling for the extermination of every Trump voter is what is pathetic, even frightening. Why don't you have disdain for that sentiment? (Encouraging mass murder like that is also borderline illegal.)

Allegedly grown adults focusing on one obnoxious post in a transparent attempt to cast an entire group of people as guilty by association is pathetic and a strong sign of intellectual dishonesty.

Excellent. I’ll remember this statement, and likely quote it, when some liberals continue to refer to Trump supporters as “racist” or “Nazi sympathizers.” Good advice.

Please do, because as we all know, calling people names is JUST LIKE calling for their extermination.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

jsteele wrote:The conservatives, with a couple of exceptions, prefer to complain about my moderation rather than report anything.

Someone outright told me in the "exhausted conservative" thread that they prefer not to report posts so they can use them as ammunition for their "intolerant liberals" hobby horse.

I do believe that was my comment. I have reported my share of posts. I don’t hesitate when they are terribly offensive or hateful. And, it doesn’t matter which side of the aisle those comments are generated by.....Sometimes the posts are deleted. Other times they remain up.
However, there are times when I do not reports posts that are offensive to me and likely offensive to others because I think it is important for others to see how some people behave and what their true thinking is.....This is an example of one that when I first read it, I thought I should report.....

I've never once claimed not to hate every single republican on earth, regardless of which one of them is in the White House. If I could push a button that would release a lethal bioengineered virus that would exterminate every last one on earth, I'd probably push it so hard it would break. So don't assume that many of us only hate cheetolini, and would happily tolerate anyone else. Go to hell.

After thinking about it, I thought it should remain as an example of how some liberals feel about Republicans. I did find it offensive, in a variety of ways. But, I also think it is emblematic of what is wrong in today’s political climate.

Maybe it's just me, but should liberals talk about their wish to "exterminate" 60 million people they are accusing are being like neo-Nazis?

I take it from the fact my post was deleted that this isn't the original "exhausted conservative," just someone equally pathetic and disingenuous?

Some liberal - and perhaps it's you - calling for the extermination of every Trump voter is what is pathetic, even frightening. Why don't you have disdain for that sentiment? (Encouraging mass murder like that is also borderline illegal.)

Allegedly grown adults focusing on one obnoxious post in a transparent attempt to cast an entire group of people as guilty by association is pathetic and a strong sign of intellectual dishonesty.

Excellent. I’ll remember this statement, and likely quote it, when some liberals continue to refer to Trump supporters as “racist” or “Nazi sympathizers.” Good advice.

Please do, because as we all know, calling people names is JUST LIKE calling for their extermination.

.....And, it seems some liberals here do both.