Moderation!!!!

Quark (Trevor) · #1 02-01-2009, 12:36 PM

Hi All,

Just wanted to share some thoughts about the level of moderation on IIS, especially in this "Year of Astronomy". I have noticed some dissension regarding the level of moderation on this site.

Astronomy is for everyone, all age groups, no one is to old or to young to become involved. I applaud the level of moderation on IIS, I think you only need to look at other forums to appreciate it.

There have to be rules and they need to be applied, this is one of the few astro forums in this country that attempts to control the language and content of what is posted. This is a family friendly forum where mums dads and their kids can learn about astronomy without being confronted by offensive language.

Maybe I am old fashioned, but the language that would be fine in the crib room on the mine is not appropriate on a public forum that is trying to promote astronomy to the community, that is my humble opinion.

Regards
Trevor

ngcles · #2 02-01-2009, 01:15 PM

Hi Trevor & All

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quark

Just wanted to share some thoughts about the level of moderation on IIS, especially in this "Year of Astronomy". I have noticed some dissension regarding the level of moderation on this site.

Astronomy is for everyone, all age groups, no one is to old or to young to become involved. I applaud the level of moderation on IIS, I think you only need to look at other forums to appreciate it.

There have to be rules and they need to be applied, this is one of the few astro forums in this country that attempts to control the language and content of what is posted. This is a family friendly forum where mums dads and their kids can learn about astronomy without being confronted by offensive language.

Maybe I am old fashioned, but the language that would be fine in the crib room on the mine is not appropriate on a public forum that is trying to promote astronomy to the community, that is my humble opinion.

Regards
Trevor

I'm in 100% agreement and I couldn't have expressed it better Trevor.

Keep up the good work mods.

Yep, you probably are old-fashioned Trevor but I don't have a problem with that at all. If people spoke like that at my astronomy club meeting or at Sydney Observatory they'd be politely asked to moderate the language and/or leave. Why should it be different here? It is very much a mixed audience and an "intelligent" avocation that doesn't need it.

Just my 2c worth ...

Best,

Les D

matt · #3 02-01-2009, 01:28 PM

I agree 100% with you too, Trevor.

astroron (Ron) · #4 02-01-2009, 01:34 PM

Hear! Hear! Trevor, if people can't express themselves without putting in an expletive, then it is a pretty sad state of affairs.

xelasnave · #5 02-01-2009, 02:24 PM

The moderation on this site has always been excellent even on the receiving end on the odd occassion I think the moderators here do a fantastic job....

Swearing destroys ones ability to select the right word by substituing a disgusting universal... not good for the brain not good for society... I hate it when I fall victim at a party or such to swearing...

Trevor is on the money.

alex

Kevnool (Kev) · #6 02-01-2009, 03:09 PM

Trevor you are right 100% in my books as well.
I also like the idea that you can alert the moderators by pushing the bad post button (which i have done on occassions) because there not here all the time and some of these posts just go over the top and stray away from astronomy.
My 2 bob......Cheers Kev.

Dennis · #7 02-01-2009, 04:12 PM

I wouldn’t label this as “old fashioned”, more like respecting others because you respect yourself and the community where you dwell.

The need to pollute the Forum (together with yourself!) by throwing pebbles into the toxic waters of negativity, creating far-reaching ripples that you can never hope to re-call, just doesn’t seem necessary.

On those occasions where I have succumbed to this unwise and uncool behaviour, I have always instantly regretted it, feeling quite diminished, not to mention appearing like a chump to the world wide readership! A Pyrrhic victory always leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

Cheers

Dennis

matt · #8 02-01-2009, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dennis

I wouldn’t label this as “old fashioned”, more like respecting others because you respect yourself and the community where you dwell.

The need to pollute the Forum (together with yourself!) by throwing pebbles into the toxic waters of negativity, creating far-reaching ripples that you can never hope to re-call, just doesn’t seem necessary.

On those occasions where I have succumbed to this unwise and uncool behaviour, I have always instantly regretted it, feeling quite diminished, not to mention appearing like a chump to the world wide readership! A Pyrrhic victory always leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

Cheers

Dennis

Summed up perfectly, Dennis

And by ruling firmly on foul language and boorish behaviour IIS is more than just a family-friendly forum....

iceman (Mike) · #9 02-01-2009, 06:11 PM

Thanks for your thoughts Trevor and I appreciate everyone's support.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ngcles

If people spoke like that at my astronomy club meeting or at Sydney Observatory they'd be politely asked to moderate the language and/or leave. Why should it be different here? It is very much a mixed audience and an "intelligent" avocation that doesn't need it.

Excellent points there Les.

IceInSpace has always been, and will always be, a family-friendly forum where people can come and learn about astronomy, find out what equipment to buy, look at beautiful astrophotos and hopefully continue coming back for more. There's absolutely no reason people need to swear to get their point across or talk to their friends on IceInSpace.

The level of moderation here isn't for everyone and there's often been times where conflicts have arisen because of it, but ultimately it's the whole community that benefits from these rules.

There's other places people can go if they don't like the terms and conditions and level of moderation here.

Thanks again for taking the time to start this thread, Trevor. I'm sure the moderators, whose job is often a very thankless one, appreciate your words.

WadeH (Wade) · #10 02-01-2009, 07:49 PM

Cheers to the moderaters.

As my grandpa used to say "bad language belongs down the back paddock, not in the farmhouse!"

Mick et al, keep up the good work.

RB (Andrew) · #11 02-01-2009, 09:32 PM

Very much appreciated everyone !!

Here's to a wonderful 2009 !

Shawn · #12 02-01-2009, 10:07 PM

Indeed , well done team, I know from experience how difficult it can be to moderate a forum. Bad language , well there is bad and there is bad, and I agree there is no room for coarse or offensive language, the difficulties arise in other areas, chat about religion and politics, even haircuts..this sort of stuff is difficult to moderate. I take my hat of to the team of 2008...Good Job..

GeoffW1 (Geoff) · #13 02-01-2009, 11:20 PM

Ah yes, but we still need one or two volunteers to misbehave a bit in 09, just so they can have something to moderate

Cheers

Jen · #14 03-01-2009, 04:18 AM

Yay for the mods

Jen · #15 03-01-2009, 04:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GeoffW1

Ah yes, but we still need one or two volunteers to misbehave a bit in 09, just so they can have something to moderate

Cheers

yeah we have to give them something to do i have been known to be a bit cheeky at times

xstream (John) · #16 03-01-2009, 07:27 AM

Thanks all for the support. It's truly appreciated.

acropolite (Phil) · #17 03-01-2009, 08:14 AM

Thanks for your understanding and support.

A special thanks to the members who make our task easier by using the report bad post button.

jjjnettie (Jeanette) · #18 03-01-2009, 11:20 AM

Onya guys, you're doing a great job.

erick (Eric) · #19 03-01-2009, 04:09 PM

What they all said

h0ughy (David) · #20 03-01-2009, 10:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RB

Very much appreciated everyone !!

Here's to a wonderful 2009 !

what he said ^^^ - thank you