Are the mods on strike?

[Cas77]

I come in, open 3 random threads and it's nothing but personal attacks either direct or indirect. I used to come here to read constructive informative discussions, sometimes partake in them and a good laugh every now and then.

http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=262969

http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=262777

I can't relocate the 3rd one. Remember it's not 12 year olds that pay the bandwidth bills through sponsor support....

[Derek]

If you do see personal attacks, please report them. The moderators are doing their best to keep the forums as clean as possible.

[anabeces]

i.n.t.e.r.n.e.t...man people take stuff on these boards seriosly?

(next thing i know this guy is gonna report this post)

[anabeces]

they should make a sub forum where EVERYTHING GOES.

FLAME ON

[lkn4deals]

i.n.t.e.r.n.e.t...man people take stuff on these boards seriosly?

(next thing i know this guy is gonna report this post)


that is a personal attack....reported!

















:lol:

[misterchill]

that is a personal attack....reported!

















:lol:

Seriously, you're one of the peeps who needs to grow up.

[lkn4deals]

Seriously, you're one of the peeps who needs to grow up.

uh, right

[Donkey_boy]

ha ha ha ha LMFFAO only on RFD!!!!! :lol: :lol:



that is a personal attack....reported!

















:lol:

[anabeces]

rofl that asian trans. picture is awesome man.

[lkn4deals]

rofl that asian trans. picture is awesome man.

some people don't like it :(

[Becks]

When I report something, and the mods don't do anything about it, I'd like to have an answer as to why not. Is this possible? Who do I ask?

[FastFokker]

Make a thread like everyone else.

[masterhapposai]

If you do see personal attacks, please report them. The moderators are doing their best to keep the forums as clean as possible.

he just reported didn't he

Now, where's the bans?

[gei]

Can we report posters (ie the OP) who are being big babies?

[Ryan]

Most stuff is dealt with.

We get lots of personal/group attacks reported that aren't stong enough for us to consider them attacks.

[burnt_toast]

Seriously, you're one of the peeps who needs to grow up.


now that is a personal attack...

too many people with tight panties on...

[Carnage]

Anyone who spends time on internet forums needs to develop a thick skin.

Someone harrasing someone is one thing. But sarcastic comments should not result in running to the mods crying.

[burnt_toast]

Anyone who spends time on internet forums needs to develop a thick skin.

Someone harrasing someone is one thing. But sarcastic comments should not result in running to the mods crying.

well said...

[Cas77]

Anyone who spends time on internet forums needs to develop a thick skin.

Someone harrasing someone is one thing. But sarcastic comments should not result in running to the mods crying.

..and I do agree to a certain extent. However, if you notice the threads I used as an example, once one person posts a sarcastic comment, rather than laughing it off and forgetting about it, people take it further and further thereby diverging from the issue and creating a hateful enviroment (thread)

I'm not here to debate morals, I'm simply stating that I do have limited time and having to wade through the garbage will only cause other users like me to feel alienated and spend their limited internet time elsewhere. I don't want it to come to this...and simply voiced my opinions.

If I have a problem with a retailer, I'll voice my opinion either orally or in writing. If the response I get is satisfactory I will continue to support said retailer. I've shared this website with many others who at first thought the concept was great and did spend quite a bit of time here. These same people are the ones who told me this site has lost it's 'attraction' because of this.

Also, the thick skin comment simply shows the attitude towards these forums and the forums you frequent. I'm into health, investments and sports. I'm a member of many forums devoted to such hobbies/professions and not once would a member degrade another member to feel...I don't know...witty?? To receive aknowlegement of his virtual peers? I don't know why people do it...Like I said in my initial post, this is plain and simply the result of having a young'ish' demographics. You would think that based on the new forums added in the last year or so (namely Finance, Home&Garden etc...) these would aim to please a different demographic and not alienate current members of that newly sought demographic.

I could handle issues like those described when venturing in the off-topic forums...but that's not the case. Attacks can be found in the more serious forums...

Are my panties too tight? Perhaps...but since I'm in the workplace subsidizing your education...I don't have half the time you have in front of my PC.

[Ryan]

The threads you pointed out the issue was more that people weren't being as 'nice' as they could or perhaps should be rather than personal attacks. When you have a community this size there are always going to be a few jerks, but attitude is a slippery thing to police. I think that the nice and helpful people far outweigh the few bad apples. If you notice someone being a jerk, you can use the ignore user function and you won't have to see their posts.

[Txiasaeia]

What I'm concerned about is that the epithet "bible thumper" is widely ignored by the mods. If I were to use equivalent slurs such as "****," "******," "*********," "kaffir," or "*****," I'd be banned instantly, but I've reported at least ten "bible thumper" comments in the past couple months with absolutely no effect. This is somewhat confusing, given this statement:

In recent weeks the general quality of debate in Off-topic has degraded into name calling and personal attacks. This will not continue. In the interest of maintaining a positive environment, we have decided to enforce strict new penalties for those who would rather sling insults than share deals. There will no longer be a warning sent to those who personally attack another member or hurl hate filled messages at groups of people. The penalties for making such an attack either through a post, signature or through the private messaging system are now as follows...

I know that bashing Christianity is very fashionable in our society, but why bother have these rules at all if they're merely going to be selectively enforced? We're not talking about "attitude" here, but a specific term that is patently and obviously offensive, and which is used by certain users specifically in order to insult others. So what's up with the double standard?

[Ryan]

I hardly consider those in the same class. IIRC, you're the only one who has reported that, so if others who find the term offensive please PM me. Personally as a Catholic (admittedly lapsed), I don't find it offensive.


What I'm concerned about is that the epithet "bible thumper" is widely ignored by the mods. If I were to use equivalent slurs such as "****," "******," "*********," "kaffir," or "*****," I'd be banned instantly, but I've reported at least ten "bible thumper" comments in the past couple months with absolutely no effect. This is somewhat confusing, given this statement:



I know that bashing Christianity is very fashionable in our society, but why bother have these rules at all if they're merely going to be selectively enforced? We're not talking about "attitude" here, but a specific term that is patently and obviously offensive, and which is used by certain users specifically in order to insult others. So what's up with the double standard?

[Txiasaeia]

I hardly consider those in the same class. IIRC, you're the only one who has reported that, so if others who find the term offensive please PM me.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bible_thumper

Bible thumper (also Bible Basher) is a derisive term used to describe Christian fundamentalists, or anyone perceived as aggressively pushing their religious beliefs upon those who do not share them. As an insult, its target domain is broad and can often extend to anyone engaged in a public show of religiosity, fundamentalist or not.

If somebody uses the term intending to insult another, and if the target of the insult is offended, then why isn't it treated as an insult?

Personally as a Catholic (admittedly lapsed), I don't find it offensive.

I'm not Chinese, so I'm not particularly offended by the term "*****." Does that mean that it's not an offensive term?

[Gdog]

i.n.t.e.r.n.e.t...man people take stuff on these boards seriosly?

(next thing i know this guy is gonna report this post)

I am SO offended by your comment!! Damn you to h3ll!!! :lol: :lol: :lol:

[nsd]

I was looking up the above terms in Wikipedia (I had no clue what "****" and "kaffir" were) and I ran into this random off-topic weird fact:
***** is an antiquated English term for money (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/*****)
I think eveybody should lighten up, as many else have said the same thing - we're on t3h intraweb.

[Txiasaeia]

I think eveybody should lighten up, as many else have said the same thing - we're on t3h intraweb.

So does that mean that anything goes? We should be free to use whatever offensive and vile terms we fancy, simply because we're communicating via the Internet rather than in real life?

[Sajjad]

So does that mean that anything goes? We should be free to use whatever offensive and vile terms we fancy, simply because we're communicating via the Internet rather than in real life?


Within the rules, yes.

[nsd]

No, it means you should let it go. Be smart - why in the world would you care if someone calls you a *insert term here* ? Real life isn't too civilised, so what makes you think the internet will be ?

[Hurk]

I agree with Txiasaeia on this, I find "Bible thumper / humper / whatever" offensive. It's used in a negative manner and is meant to offend. Just because it isn't reported by other users (most are atheist / agnostic anyways) doesn't make it any less offensive. While I personally wouldn't put it on the same level as the slang terms stated, I'd like to see stronger stance against those who look down on those who actually do believe in something.

The lack of respect is is at an all time high.

[nsd]

Online respect is earned.

[Shaner]

So does that mean that anything goes? We should be free to use whatever offensive and vile terms we fancy, simply because we're communicating via the Internet rather than in real life?

So what happens if someone uses the words "bible thumper" in the real world, who are you going to complain to then? Your parents, the police? Seriously, what is with people these days. Everybody seems to get offended over every little thing.
Just relax and ignore the comment.

If you give out bans for bible thumber, then the mods have to start giving out bans for people calling others things such as: ignorant, racist, extremist, rude, etc.

When are people going to stop complaining to the mods and learn to deal with things themselves? Were you really that sheltered growing up that every little thing offends you? Time to grow a backbone, because if you don't, you'll be eaten alive in the real world where vertually nothing is sheltered.

[Txiasaeia]

So what happens if someone uses the words "bible thumper" in the real world, who are you going to complain to then? Your parents, the police? Seriously, what is with people these days. Everybody seems to get offended over every little thing.
Just relax and ignore the comment.

If you give out bans for bible thumber, then the mods have to start giving out bans for people calling others things such as: ignorant, racist, extremist, rude, etc.

When are people going to stop complaining to the mods and learn to deal with things themselves? Were you really that sheltered growing up that every little thing offends you? Time to grow a backbone, because if you don't, you'll be eaten alive in the real world where vertually nothing is sheltered.

When I'm called a Bible thumper in the real world, I say, "Excuse me, but I consider that term to be offensive. Please don't use it around me." EVERY SINGLE TIME I'VE SAID THIS, the offending person had the grace to drop their eyes and be embarrassed about what they've said & apologise. I've never actually heard it being uttered out loud as an insult, as if it were a taboo term like the others mentioned in this thread. Hmm.

Shaner, if you don't use the term, and if you're not offended by the term, then I don't see how this concerns you. If I say something insulting to somebody else, I'm going to apologise rather than say, "Time to grow a backbone! Just relax and ignore the comment!"

[actng]

Online respect is earned.

No it's not.
Online respect is for demolishing.

[Derek]

Different people are going to find different things offensive. We have a team of moderators here who do the best they can to keep things clean. You may not agree with them but it's just not possible to get everyone to agree with everything.

[kcjchan]

With a community as large as RFD, i think it's quite difficult to police comments made on posts that may be culturally or ethnically insulting. I believe it's also quite rare for a single community to contain as much ethnically diversified people comparable to RFD. If you report a post, with a valid reason pointed towards WHY you found it offensive, the mods will always do their best in resolving the matter. But you have to understand that the mods have to go with the majority, just as our social norms and laws don't build on one person. Unlike the real world, there are situations where you have to "live with it" but RFD is more of an optional tool for you to use and you can either choose to block people who say things that may seem offensive or simply, choose not to use this optional tool.

Also, just like the CEO has control over the politics and policies of his own established company, the administrators and mods abide to the policies set up by the owner of this forum. I'm not saying he's king or god, but he definitely owns this place and he is the leader of this society. Although you may find some things offensive in YOUR society, this is the admin's society and he should be able to set the social norm on what's acceptable and not here. An employee can quite his job if he thinks the negative consequences outweights his gains in staying at a company with questionable ethics, you may also choose to stay, abide to the social norms setup by the admins or leave, depending on your weighing of the advantages and disadvatages of using the resources setup by RFD.

[FastFokker]

No offense here, but I would consider bible thumper on par with other disparaging terms used on this website, such as "******" "idiot" "moron" "redneck"..etc.

Yes they're perhaps not appropriate in all conversations, but they're not exactly overly offensive.

So not that I think "bible thumper" or "******" or "redneck" are useful terms, they do show what type of person you are conversing with and that can help you to decide whether you want to even acknowledge them. I'd recommend just putting them on ignore, and everyone else who uses the term in an offensive way.. *IGNORE*

[Txiasaeia]

So, given the results of this poll (http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2991720), is using the term "bible thumper" now going to be considered a bannable offense, then?

[NDman]

So, given the results of this poll (http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2991720), is using the term "bible thumper" now going to be considered a bannable offense, then?
Why? It's 28 (no) vs 25 (yes) as of this morning, 9am

[Txiasaeia]

Why? It's 28 (no) vs 25 (yes) as of this morning, 9am

"Yes" doesn't have to outweigh "no"; Ryan wanted to know if the term was offensive to anybody else (http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2990771&postcount=22) other than me.

[FastFokker]

"Yes" doesn't have to outweigh "no"; Ryan wanted to know if the term was offensive to anybody else (http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2990771&postcount=22) other than me.Then gather up all those people and get them to PM him.. as that's what he asked for.

Current standings (11:48 Atlantic):
37 - No
32 - Yes
5 - Don't care

[Ryan]

So, given the results of this poll (http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2991720), is using the term "bible thumper" now going to be considered a bannable offense, then?


You asked if it was an insult in your poll. I never claimed it wasn't, only that it's not strong enough to warrant a ban in my mind.

It's all a question of degrees. If we were to ban anything negative said about another member, we may as well close off topic.

Controversial threads are given more leeway than other threads because they are controversial, there are emotions involved, and you are choosing to participate in them. If debates or opponents start to bleed into other threads, that's when it becomes a bigger problem.

[Carnage]

Hmm 40 members out of 40,000 think it's an insult.

Yup, start the witch hunt and start banning.

[Becks]

If eye bee elle can be starred out, then ************ and ***** can be starred out. What's the problem, *******s?

[Txiasaeia]

Controversial threads are given more leeway than other threads because they are controversial, there are emotions involved, and you are choosing to participate in them. If debates or opponents start to bleed into other threads, that's when it becomes a bigger problem.

So, how about these comments, then?

Oh no, did I hurt your little bible thumping heart with my bad "words"?

And yes that little bit of latin does have a lot to do with what you're whining about. You're trying to get me to provide proof for frivolous things.

Prove to me you're alive. Prove to me there is a computer in front of you or me. Prove to me the Sun came up this morning. You can't do it. So STFU about proving mindless minutiae.

http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2978611&postcount=712

Too many big, complicated words for our bible thumper friends out there who are clueless about science. You might as well be posting in Swahili.

http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2977613&postcount=28

You do not know the difference between a scientific theory and the more common type of theory.

Please do not speak of that which you have no clue

This will never happen in Canada because we are not stupid, bible thumping morons like the people down there. Of course there are always exceptions. Like how the quoted bozo is an exception here and I would be an exception if I lived there.

I find it quite sad that so many people still believe in this horseshit. I feel even more sorry for the kids who have to be subjected to this stuff when they don't want to be and shouldn't have to be.

It is mind-boggling how in our technologically advanced world we are still battling the shackles of ignorance.

http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2389947&postcount=26222

Two billion poor lost confused people. I feel sorry for all of you. I hope for your sake that one day you will shed the shackles of your religion and finally enter the world of free thought, knowledge and peace, leaving behind a world filled with oppressed thought, static progress, war and hate.

http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2056218&postcount=172

What does a bible thumper like you know about the Big Bang? Seriously?

Don't compare Jesus/God/Creation BS with things like the Big Bang. One can be scientfically inferred. One is a myth made up by idiots who couldn't explain the world around them so they made up a story to explain everything away to make themselves feel better, to give themselves a purpose, to not make them feel so dumb.

The ancients had an excuse. They did not know very much. Today we are enlightened by science. And yet some people still live in the darkness. They still believe a fairy tale. Fools. All of them.

http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1972232&postcount=18

This shows a systematic attitude of oppression on the part of one poster. One. Since I've reported all of the above posts and nobody has done anything about the poster, I think it's time that RFD does something about the phrase "bible thumper."

[actng]

If you notice someone being a jerk, you can use the ignore user function and you won't have to see their posts.

This idea is only half good as there are others who dun ignore the idiots and quote the losers. As a result, I'm still forced to read those stupid comments when scrolling through the thread.

[actng]

Another example of the mods not doing their job.

http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=267172


Some n00b posts a LF:gmail thread in hot deals forum at around 12:00 am. It's been 3 hours and a full page of nonsense and the thread is still there... in the wrong forum.

[kcjchan]

Another example of the mods not doing their job.

http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=267172


Some n00b posts a LF:gmail thread in hot deals forum at around 12:00 am. It's been 3 hours and a full page of nonsense and the thread is still there... in the wrong forum.

I guess they work on an hourly wage? So at night they rest and stuff instead of patrolling these forums?

If you see more threads like those that last more than 12 hours, then you should complain.

[temporalillusion]

Mods getting paid is news to me! Where's my cheque!? :D

There's no way to read every single thread so if you see something make sure and report it, that way an email goes out and makes the team aware.

Mods have regular lives too so sometimes the response time isn't instant.

[Hurk]

There is another forum I frequent, and it also has a couple "Off Topic" sections. There is this one thread titled "Why do you believe in God?" and obviously it is a touchy subject.

Anyways, the thread is over 1,350 replies long, and NOT ONCE has the term "Bible Thumper" been used. Why? They know it'd be an instant vacation. It's just not tolerated there. Anyone who does flame, or troll, or whatever are given a vacation. You'll see many people have got banned from their forums, from that thread, just because of this. I'm not saying go overboard, but evman150 has always deserved a vacation as long as he've been here.

The thread is here (http://www.cad-forums.com/showthread.php?t=50793) if you want examples of how to handle those type of threads.

[FastFokker]

Cad Forums: Threads: 37,685, Posts: 1,098,400, Members: 12,191

RFD Forums: Threads: 248,329, Posts: 2,880,335, Members: 41,953

[Hurk]

Cad Forums: Threads: 37,685, Posts: 1,098,400, Members: 12,191

RFD Forums: Threads: 248,329, Posts: 2,880,335, Members: 41,953

The relevance of this: 0. If you're going to run a forum, run it properly, and if you need more mods, get more mods, if you need a mod to regulate religious threads, get a mod to regulate religious threads. Same goes for political threads. It's not that hard.

EDIT: I'd actually expect RFD to be more mature than a gaming forum.

[FastFokker]

EDIT: I'd actually expect RFD to be more mature than a gaming forum.It is more mature.. for example, you don't use the same signature on RFD as on you do on cad forums! ;)

http://www.cad-forums.com/member.php?u=18661

[Hurk]

Thanks FF, I love that sig.

I really don't think Txiasaeia are unreasonable though. Seriously, even without the "Bible thumping" comments, he/she is harrassing Txiasaeia beyond what should be allowed, and it's not the first time.

[Txiasaeia]

The thread is here (http://www.cad-forums.com/showthread.php?t=50793) if you want examples of how to handle those type of threads.

It's a good example, but the mods/administrators here don't seem to care.I suppose the NO PERSONAL/GROUP ATTACKS "rule" is all bark and no bite. What's the point of reporting *anything* after this?

[Ryan]

To put an end to this, fine, the phrase in question has been banned. BUT my advice is the same, if you don't want to run into people who disagree with you, perhaps passionately, either stay out of controversial threads or use the ignore function.

Free speech has and always will have it's pros and cons. If you want to participate on a board where everyone agrees with you, I'm sure you can find one.

Lock.