Locking Topics

TeflonTeflon Join Date: 2003-08-27 Member: 20289Members
edited September 2003 in NS General Discussion
<div class="IPBDescription">A plea to the moderators</div> Well I'm short on time so I'll have to be blunt.

Basically, moderating is good and fine. Locking topics that are flamefests that will just get worse is fine.


But what I find *REALLY* irritating is when the moderator needs to get the 'last word' in and *POW* locks the topic. It might have been pages and pages of discussion and because the moderator feels the topic is concluded, it must be for EVERYONE? Right?

Wrong. I see several examples of this all the time. Usually they're followed up by 'Why'd you lock this topic'? You think that'd tell you something?

<a href='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=5&t=46522&st=15' target='_blank'>http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/in...5&t=46522&st=15</a>

Example thread. Okay Talesin, you made your point. If we feel that you made your point, then we'll let the thread die. If we want to just chat about the idea, then fine, let us. But was a lock necessary?

PLEASE save the 'locking' ability for flame threads, SNiperMarine threads, and other nonsense. But closing a topic because YOU feel that the point has been made, or YOU think that your opinion is 'right' and deserve to have the last word on the subject... it's just insulting. This is a forum for the community. I know it's a free service you provide, and I'm grateful for it. We are that community. Stop treating us like sheep. You're a moderator. You volunteered (Or got chained to the job) to do this. Despite your powers and what you do for us, you're no more 'right' or 'wrong' then we are.
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Comments

  • DoppleDopple Join Date: 2002-12-31 Member: 11698Members
    I have to agree here. There seems to be a problem with moderators locking topics with no justifiable reason.

    It's very annoying when a mod locks a lively discussion.
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  • TeflonTeflon Join Date: 2003-08-27 Member: 20289Members
    edited September 2003
    I can only see the irony when a moderator locks this topic and says 'Use PMs to complain to a moderator'. And since that outcome is probably gauranteed... well, you can read the first post to see MY stance on that.
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  • n4s7yn4s7y Join Date: 2003-04-18 Member: 15627Members
    You picked a bad example. That thread was going nowhere, as you and trev (w/e his name was) were going back and fourth at each other. Even if some serious discussion had existed, it wasn't going to go anywhere anyway, not only because it HAS been discussed to death and you and trevlyon's lil flame war.

    On the other hand, I think the mods ARE crossing a line when they close topics like the funny pics thread. Not only was it one of THE most popular threads ever, there was only one person ruining it for all the others. Instead of doing what should've been done, *cough* temp ban *cough*, the entire forum was punished for one person's stupidity. That's just my view on things -- but what do I know :-/.
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  • TeflonTeflon Join Date: 2003-08-27 Member: 20289Members
    <!--QuoteBegin--n4s7y+Sep 9 2003, 12:43 AM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (n4s7y @ Sep 9 2003, 12:43 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> You picked a bad example. That thread was going nowhere, as you and trev (w/e his name was) were going back and fourth at each other. Even if some serious discussion had existed, it wasn't going to go anywhere anyway, not only because it HAS been discussed to death and you and trevlyon's lil flame war.

    On the other hand, I think the mods ARE crossing a line when they close topics like the funny pics thread. Not only was it one of THE most popular threads ever, there was only one person ruining it for all the others. Instead of doing what should've been done, *cough* temp ban *cough*, the entire forum was punished for one person's stupidity. That's just my view on things -- but what do I know :-/. <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
    Perhaps, but it was the only one I could find off the top of my head. But yes, the pic thread is a good example.
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  • ShadowcatShadowcat Join Date: 2003-01-18 Member: 12443Members
    Talesin always locks stuff up, lol. He has a lock spree.
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  • criticaIcriticaI Join Date: 2003-04-07 Member: 15269Banned, Constellation
    Well guys,

    The mods are human just like us and sometimes they might get a bit lock happy, etc.
    I don't think that making a post about it is anymore likely to change it than being a peace activist is likely to end all war.
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  • SnidelySnidely Join Date: 2003-02-04 Member: 13098Members
    edited September 2003
    Most people accept that they probably won't change anything like this. That doesn't mean it's pointless to try. Same goes for peace activists. If it's one or two people who are ruining the thread, all a mod has to do is post, "Knock it off, or I lock the topic."
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  • TalesinTalesin Our own little well of hate Join Date: 2002-11-08 Member: 7710NS1 Playtester, Forum Moderators
    The problem inherent, Teflon, is that S&I tends to overflow with repeated ideas. In this particular case, one that had been discussed before and received a hard NO, from someone in-charge. At that point there is little cause to continue with a suggestion thread that has reached the end of its useful life. It simply becomes spam at that point (much like this particular thread), and is closed so that viable ideas may once again resurface for constructive discussion and evaluation.

    The reason a mod even posts a 'locked' thread at the end is not to get the final word in, but rather to explain why the thread is receiving the lock, as well as to give a name to speak with in regards to a topic that may unfairly be locked. This has happened, and unlocks have been granted (See 'Worst Ideas Ever', moved to Off-Topic from S&I, as a recent example).

    However, this much should be made clear. If there is an issue with someone on the boards, it should be resolved via PM rather than brought to a new thread; if you'll notice, most other 'dirty laundry' threads (particular servers, cheaters, etc) are swiftly locked, if not outright deleted. In the interests of not 'getting in the last word', I will not lock this one just yet.

    It is a moderator's prerogative to lock or delete threads; usually reserved for which serve no purpose (ie: spamthreads, duplicate topics) or have no place on these boards (hate-threads, flamethreads). We do our best to be fair and impartial in that responsibility. If there is reasonable cause for a dispute, a PM to the particular mod is the most preferred course of action, allowing further exposition and discussion in regards to the action taken. If things are at a deadlock, a PM to a different moderator for independent review would be the next step.
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  • ViolenceJackViolenceJack Join Date: 2002-11-03 Member: 5624Members
    edited September 2003
    right I aint read every reply simply because i wanted to say somin befor this is closed. i mean i tried to reply to a thread a few mins ago (teflons, stupid things in NS) by the time i read the replys and went to reply it was locked. i was ****, i nearly posted a new thread just too reply and shout at the mods.

    really though i know it sounds crazy but i would like to discuss stuff on the discussion board.

    threads shouldnt be closed on the grounds that somin similar or the same topic has been posted before. there is no harm at bringing up old topics.

    on the topic of S&I its fair enough to lock a thread repeating an idea. in discussion nothing really should be closed unless its not NS related or some one throwing abuse about or been offensive.
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  • DelarosaDelarosa Naturally Custom Join Date: 2002-11-29 Member: 10214Members, NS1 Playtester
    <!--QuoteBegin--ViolenceJack+Sep 9 2003, 05:25 AM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (ViolenceJack @ Sep 9 2003, 05:25 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> right I aint read every reply simply because i wanted to say somin befor this is closed. i mean i tried to reply to a thread a few mins ago (teflons, stupid things in NS) by the time i read the replys and went to reply it was locked. i was ****, i nearly posted a new thread just too reply and shout at the mods. <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
    sorry to make you "****"d. but go re-read the rules, you'll find that thread was in violation.

    Moderators don't make up these rules, and i for one, surf threads with multiple windows open, one of them, just so happens to be the rules page...

    and don't shout at the "mods" the thread in question was edited and closed by me...

    Some moderators don't post at the end of a thread... which i personally found infuriating when it was a topic i liked. The notes at the end of threads let you as users who to yell at.


    choose your fate, not having the last word, or not knowing who to yell at.
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  • EpidemicEpidemic Dark Force Gorge Join Date: 2003-06-29 Member: 17781Members
    Well, with all the respect for the mods, in that particular case, you didnt really give a reason for the lock. Only a last word.
    Also, mods are humans, and they should also know this and perhaps be alittle more open to complains`?
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  • MrMojoMrMojo Join Date: 2002-11-25 Member: 9882Members, Constellation
    Only a few threads are locked and they usualy have a good reason to do so.
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  • DXODXO The one... the only... Join Date: 2003-01-28 Member: 12894Members, NS1 Playtester
    edited September 2003
    Ok I see this topic going nowhere.. It's both spam and airing your dirty laundry with the mods in public.

    So I'm sure you can see the irony in this

    <span style='color:red'>**Locked**</span>
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This discussion has been closed.