Moderator's post on posting

sporr · 02-13-2006, 12:18 PM

Let me start by saying that I am speaking only as a moderator and fellow poster and this is NOT to be considered the official word from Markus, Steve, etc.

Think of this board as a business setting. This board is here, first and foremost, to provide a group of people who all share the same hobby a forum to provide feedback or ask questions on the game. Anything beyond that is extra. OOTP doesn't owe anybody a forum to post whatever they like. Now, in the spirit of goodwill a forum exists to allow discussion not centered around the game and a considerable "off-topic" community has grown on this message board. It has grown so much that many people who may not have even purchased recent versions frequent this area of the boards to have fun. Regardless this doesn't change the main intent of these boards.

There seems to be a lot of confusion as to what is a warn-able post and what isn't, but there really shouldn't be if we all use some common sense and think of this board as the business setting that it is. Would we use foul language at work and not expect some reprimand? Would we post racial slurs? Would we display pornographic pictures? Would we call others names or harrass our fellow workers? Yet this kind of activity goes on on a daily basis in these forums and when someone gets in trouble for it, people ask why.

If we think of this logically, I think we can see somewhat clearly how one post could get a warning and anther one may not. Different people will be offended by different things. Something you say to one person you may not be able to say to another. Now, as a mod there is absolutely no way to read each and every post on the board. That's why some posts may lead to a warning while another similar post may not, leading some to point at this as an example of inconsistency. The post reporting function helps to bring some of these questionable posts to our attention. We try to be consistent, but we are only human and may make mistakes. Some warnable posts may go unpunished while others that walk the line of a warning will receive one. But here's the good news. You get multiple chances to cross the line before you totally lose your privileges here (except in extreme circumstances). If the regular forums are the office of our workplace, off-topic is the outside of the building. Sure the rules are a little more laid back there, but you still can't expect to say or do whatever you want. Even when you're on your own time, your workplace still has certain rules that will get you fired or reprimanded if you break them. So, too, do we have such rules on this board even for off-topic posts. Keep in mind that while a handful of board members (yes, some of them are the most visible or vocal) will post on the fringes of the warning zone, most board members will NEVER post anything even remotely close to getting a warning.

There are as many different personalities and personal beliefs on this board as there are members. We don't have to agree with what anyone else thinks or posts. We don't have to like each other. However, we should still treat each other with respect and post in good taste if we expect to be allowed to keep posting on the boards. Many of the problems that have come up could be solved quite simply if everyone would just take a minute to think before hitting that "Submit" button. Ask yourself: What is the intent of your post? Would you be proud to have your mom (or dad or grandma, etc) read it? How would you feel if someone posted the same thing to or about you?

Finally, when you created your screenname you made an agreement. You don't have to like the rules here, but you are expected to follow them.

spleen1015 · 02-13-2006, 12:39 PM

Very well said, Shane. Let these animals know who's in charge!

Sublimity · 02-13-2006, 12:44 PM

Oh, sure, post this in here, too. Just looking for a +1, I imagine.

marky32082 · 02-13-2006, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sporr

If the regular forums are the office of our workplace, off-topic is the outside the building. Sure the rules are a little more laid back there, but you still can't expect to say or do whatever you want. Even when you're on your own time, your workplace still has certain rules that will get you fired or reprimanded if you break them.

Agree with everything said. Might I suggest that the break room or cafeteria may be a more apt metaphor than outside the building. Anyway not that it matters, the point is clear.

LeiterFanatic · 02-13-2006, 01:27 PM

I agree 100%... I think that most of the problems will be solved when the games OOTP7 is released. Too much energy and not enough "meat" to discuss.

Eugene Church · 02-13-2006, 01:31 PM

Fine post, sporr.

I hope everyone will take it to heart.

Thanks for your great contribution to this Forum.

JohnnyBench · 02-13-2006, 05:13 PM

Hey! Just who do you think you are? Coming on this forum and telling us...

Just joking! I agree with you. Thanks for adding a level headed view to some of the problems. Good work, my friend!

Malleus Dei · 02-13-2006, 09:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LeiterFanatic

I agree 100%... I think that most of the problems will be solved when the games OOTP7 is released.

LOL. The problems will change when the personal attack crowd changes their ways and not one minute before, and that's never happening.

GForce · 02-13-2006, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Malleus Dei

LOL. The problems will change when the personal attack crowd changes their ways and not one minute before, and that's never happening.

I agree. Hopefully, your condescending attitude and personal attacks will stop at some point and light the way.

GH

DiMaggio5CF · 02-13-2006, 09:54 PM

While this forum is a business setting, we the posters are the customers, not the employees.

GForce · 02-13-2006, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DiMaggio5CF

While this forum is a business setting, we the posters are the customers, not the employees.

And the customer is always right

GH

tim_uwrf · 02-13-2006, 10:21 PM

+1

BigCity · 02-13-2006, 10:23 PM

Excellent post sporr - and directly to the point.

darkhorse · 02-13-2006, 10:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Malleus Dei

LOL. The problems will change when the personal attack crowd changes their ways and not one minute before, and that's never happening.

Sidebar: I tried to reply to your PM but you seem to be a popular fellow 'round here and it was full up.

Broadway runs right by my Post Office.

Malleus Dei · 02-14-2006, 12:16 AM

DH: Maybe I should have picked up your mail for you.

Malleus Dei · 02-14-2006, 12:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sporr

Many of the problems that have come up could be solved quite simply if everyone would just take a minute to think before hitting that "Submit" button.

http://www.wired.com/news/technology/0,70179-0.html

"According to recent research published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, I've only a 50-50 chance of ascertaining the tone of any e-mail message. The study also shows that people think they've correctly interpreted the tone of e-mails they receive 90 percent of the time.

'That's how flame wars get started,' says psychologist Nicholas Epley of the University of Chicago, who conducted the research with Justin Kruger of New York University. 'People in our study were convinced they've accurately understood the tone of an e-mail message when in fact their odds are no better than chance,' says Epley."

bjkach · 02-14-2006, 04:15 AM

I agree 100% with this post, but I was surprised to see it because I didn't think there was a problem on this particular board.

I've been on here just about every day going back to when I had STB 2k3 and always felt this board has been the most respectful and helpful one I've ever seen. Maybe I missed something in some threads I don't click on, but I don't ever recall seeing someone get shot down for having a question or idea, even if it's been asked in multiple posts. I have also seen tremendous praise towards people who have great game ideas, stories, logo and stadium creations, etc., which without a doubt is well-deserved because the ones that do it are pure geniuses.

Most other boards I see on the internet are unbelieveably horrible and it makes me appreciate this site a lot more. I am also a big PS2 Madden gamer, but I don't go on any of those boards anymore because every other response is rude and insulting. You can't post one question or comment on there without getting reponses ranging from "look it up yourself" to "you s...!" (wasn't sure if that word was acceptable here so I err on the side of caution).

As you can see, I don't post that often. But every time I had a question, the person that responded was always helpful, respectful, and didn't talk down to me like I'm some idiot. In addition, all of the game stories, comments or ideas that I have shared has also been met positively, which makes me feel good and gives me more confidence to post more. I can't say enough about how great everyone is on here and because of that, I look forward to coming on here every day.

As far as off-topic stuff, I've never had a problem with people talking about current baseball news because usually it's done while comparing it to this game anyway and that's how tangets get created. If it gets beyond that, then there's a problem, but I've hardly seen it on here either.

Unfortunately, there are always going to be a couple of people who come on boards just to cause trouble. The only way to stop them is to just ignore what they say and not lower yourself to their level by picking a fight because that's what they want. I know it's hard, but there are too many intelligent people on here to let this board go to crap.

Like I said, maybe some things happened that I'm unaware of. I can only go by my experiences on here and so far it's all been positive and I don't really see a problem. Let's all keep it up!

jf7623 · 02-14-2006, 05:28 AM

so once again why is this post in this part of the forum? And please don't delete this again, cause that is just rude and uncalled for

disposableheros · 02-14-2006, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jf7623

so once again why is this post in this part of the forum? And please don't delete this again, cause that is just rude and uncalled for

maybe a lot of members dont read the OT forum?

canadiancreed · 02-14-2006, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by disposableheros

maybe a lot of members dont read the OT forum?

or regard it as the lwoest fo the low here. A more offical annoucement in an offical area bodes wel.

Although I woudl have suggested General Discussions myself.

02-13-2006, 12:18 PM	#1
sporr Global Moderator Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Muscatine, IA Posts: 8,277	Moderator's post on posting Let me start by saying that I am speaking only as a moderator and fellow poster and this is NOT to be considered the official word from Markus, Steve, etc. Think of this board as a business setting. This board is here, first and foremost, to provide a group of people who all share the same hobby a forum to provide feedback or ask questions on the game. Anything beyond that is extra. OOTP doesn't owe anybody a forum to post whatever they like. Now, in the spirit of goodwill a forum exists to allow discussion not centered around the game and a considerable "off-topic" community has grown on this message board. It has grown so much that many people who may not have even purchased recent versions frequent this area of the boards to have fun. Regardless this doesn't change the main intent of these boards. There seems to be a lot of confusion as to what is a warn-able post and what isn't, but there really shouldn't be if we all use some common sense and think of this board as the business setting that it is. Would we use foul language at work and not expect some reprimand? Would we post racial slurs? Would we display pornographic pictures? Would we call others names or harrass our fellow workers? Yet this kind of activity goes on on a daily basis in these forums and when someone gets in trouble for it, people ask why. If we think of this logically, I think we can see somewhat clearly how one post could get a warning and anther one may not. Different people will be offended by different things. Something you say to one person you may not be able to say to another. Now, as a mod there is absolutely no way to read each and every post on the board. That's why some posts may lead to a warning while another similar post may not, leading some to point at this as an example of inconsistency. The post reporting function helps to bring some of these questionable posts to our attention. We try to be consistent, but we are only human and may make mistakes. Some warnable posts may go unpunished while others that walk the line of a warning will receive one. But here's the good news. You get multiple chances to cross the line before you totally lose your privileges here (except in extreme circumstances). If the regular forums are the office of our workplace, off-topic is the outside of the building. Sure the rules are a little more laid back there, but you still can't expect to say or do whatever you want. Even when you're on your own time, your workplace still has certain rules that will get you fired or reprimanded if you break them. So, too, do we have such rules on this board even for off-topic posts. Keep in mind that while a handful of board members (yes, some of them are the most visible or vocal) will post on the fringes of the warning zone, most board members will NEVER post anything even remotely close to getting a warning. There are as many different personalities and personal beliefs on this board as there are members. We don't have to agree with what anyone else thinks or posts. We don't have to like each other. However, we should still treat each other with respect and post in good taste if we expect to be allowed to keep posting on the boards. Many of the problems that have come up could be solved quite simply if everyone would just take a minute to think before hitting that "Submit" button. Ask yourself: What is the intent of your post? Would you be proud to have your mom (or dad or grandma, etc) read it? How would you feel if someone posted the same thing to or about you? Finally, when you created your screenname you made an agreement. You don't have to like the rules here, but you are expected to follow them. Last edited by sporr; 02-13-2006 at 01:31 PM.

02-13-2006, 12:44 PM	#3
Sublimity Hall Of Famer Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: This thread. Posts: 3,199	Oh, sure, post this in here, too. Just looking for a +1, I imagine. __________________ mrs ria: I hereby dub Sublimity the Glorious Upholder of the 5B3. Current leading vote-getter in the Worst Poster in OT History poll.

02-13-2006, 12:39 PM	#2
spleen1015 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 6,009	Very well said, Shane. Let these animals know who's in charge!

02-13-2006, 01:27 PM	#5
LeiterFanatic All Star Starter Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Miami, FL Posts: 1,358	I agree 100%... I think that most of the problems will be solved when the games OOTP7 is released. Too much energy and not enough "meat" to discuss.

02-13-2006, 01:31 PM	#6
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 36,292	Fine post, sporr. I hope everyone will take it to heart. Thanks for your great contribution to this Forum.

02-13-2006, 05:13 PM	#7
JohnnyBench Minors (Triple A) Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 254	Hey! Just who do you think you are? Coming on this forum and telling us... Just joking! I agree with you. Thanks for adding a level headed view to some of the problems. Good work, my friend!

02-13-2006, 09:54 PM	#10
DiMaggio5CF All Star Reserve Join Date: Dec 2001 Posts: 921	While this forum is a business setting, we the posters are the customers, not the employees.

02-13-2006, 10:21 PM	#12
tim_uwrf Hall Of Famer Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Field of Dreams Posts: 1,998	+1

02-13-2006, 10:23 PM	#13
BigCity All Star Starter Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: South Shore, Great Lakes Posts: 1,386	Excellent post sporr - and directly to the point.

02-14-2006, 04:15 AM	#17
bjkach Minors (Single A) Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 85	I agree 100% with this post, but I was surprised to see it because I didn't think there was a problem on this particular board. I've been on here just about every day going back to when I had STB 2k3 and always felt this board has been the most respectful and helpful one I've ever seen. Maybe I missed something in some threads I don't click on, but I don't ever recall seeing someone get shot down for having a question or idea, even if it's been asked in multiple posts. I have also seen tremendous praise towards people who have great game ideas, stories, logo and stadium creations, etc., which without a doubt is well-deserved because the ones that do it are pure geniuses. Most other boards I see on the internet are unbelieveably horrible and it makes me appreciate this site a lot more. I am also a big PS2 Madden gamer, but I don't go on any of those boards anymore because every other response is rude and insulting. You can't post one question or comment on there without getting reponses ranging from "look it up yourself" to "you s...!" (wasn't sure if that word was acceptable here so I err on the side of caution). As you can see, I don't post that often. But every time I had a question, the person that responded was always helpful, respectful, and didn't talk down to me like I'm some idiot. In addition, all of the game stories, comments or ideas that I have shared has also been met positively, which makes me feel good and gives me more confidence to post more. I can't say enough about how great everyone is on here and because of that, I look forward to coming on here every day. As far as off-topic stuff, I've never had a problem with people talking about current baseball news because usually it's done while comparing it to this game anyway and that's how tangets get created. If it gets beyond that, then there's a problem, but I've hardly seen it on here either. Unfortunately, there are always going to be a couple of people who come on boards just to cause trouble. The only way to stop them is to just ignore what they say and not lower yourself to their level by picking a fight because that's what they want. I know it's hard, but there are too many intelligent people on here to let this board go to crap. Like I said, maybe some things happened that I'm unaware of. I can only go by my experiences on here and so far it's all been positive and I don't really see a problem. Let's all keep it up!

02-14-2006, 05:28 AM	#18
jf7623 Banned Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 713 Infractions: 0/4 (4)	so once again why is this post in this part of the forum? And please don't delete this again, cause that is just rude and uncalled for