Thread Re: Covid 19 Isolation advice
What was the point of locking a thread which was under the heading of: "General Discussion ( Talk about anything here! Other gauges, hobbies, the weather...) !!!!
And you locked the thread and posted quote : " This thread is achieving nothing and is unrelated to N gauge - unless you want to paint ( or not) tiny masks on every figure on your layout! !!!!!
Respectively
Dave AKA Mr Sprue
[gmod]I have removed a portion of this as it could have been made by PM and not broadcast on the open forum. We Mods are human, not Gods, and are therefore prone to make unGodlike
decisions at times. The attitude of 'if it can't be done properly, stand down only makes sense when (a) the forum has a pool of people it can promote from and (b) people want to stand up as people stand down. That is not our situation. If anyone wants to volunteer then by all means apply to Tank[/gmod]
Rule one
Don't poke the omnipotent one :angel:
If you want to see some really bad mod work pop over to RMWEB that lot really do believe they are God.
Bye
Quote from: N_GaugeModeller on October 09, 2020, 08:22:12 AM
If you want to see some really bad mod work pop over to RMWEB that lot really do believe they are God.
Amen to that!
I've spoken here several times about how I find the moderation too heavy handed - locking of threads when there's an active discussion purely because it's "off topic" and constant moving of threads being my pet peeves. But I also get that moderating is a thankless task, you get idiots like me to deal with, and that I don't have to post here if I have a real problem with it. Conversely I have no issue with RMWeb.
Bizarrely despite my repeated offers Tank has never made me a moderator. 8000 users? Could get that down by 90% in a few weeks I reckon. :D
I read a lot of the forum comments every day, (must get a hobby!), and have occasionally wondered why a particular thread has been locked. Conversely, I have sometimes wondered why a particular thread has not been locked or, better still, removed, as the comments were, in my opinion, getting a bit 'out of hand'. The relevant point in the previous sentence is "in my opinion" - we all have differing opinions on everything and the Moderators are only human with their own opinions. If any member thought any particular Moderator was starting to get too 'opinionated', I am sure we could send a PM to the Boss! In general, I think this is the most friendly and generally well behaved forum there is, so a 'well done' from me to @Tank (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=2) and all the Mod's. :thankyousign:
I find the moderation of this forum overwhelmingly fair and balanced in approach. It is much better than a lot of other places.
Personally if I ever did have an issue with a Mod I would never put something on the open forum to that effect, I would raise the issue offline, I think most likely with Tank via a PM.
Roy
As the penultimate poster on the thread in question that initiated this thread, I am aware that what I posted was, in one phrase at least, poorly expressed. Where I had typed in parenthesis "all the time?", my question mark was meant to imply that perhaps masks should be worn all the time to help slow the spread of the virus, which they currently are not. I can quite see how I could be misunderstood.
I then let my irritation when out and about with folks who flaunt the actual current rules in shops etc to get the better of my judgement, making a closing statement that is clearly, in hindsight, potentially inflammatory.
Rather inevitably an angry response followed.
I therefore quite see why a Moderator felt the need to curtail the thread after a single reply as it could have subsequently got overly heated, and would not be in keeping with this family-friendly place. Perhaps closing the thread was a tad OTT, but it was nonetheless understandable. A Mods life is not an easy one.
My apologies.
Hi daffy,
Might be wrong but I think Dave's @Mr Sprue (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=2668) problem is that it was locked because the thread was "achieving nothing and is unrelated to N gauge".
As he (Dave) says it's under General Discussion and I ,personally, think there were some good points made. If you were getting a bit overheated, I think that is by the by, but if you were maybe a little warning to you and not lock the thread.
I dunno. Just saying.
Cheers, weave.
Yes, fair point @weave (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=735)
Still, I'll choose words more carefully next time some pillock in Tesco's winds me up in his attempt to breathe up my nose! >:(
Perhaps. >:D
Hi again Daffy,
Just to clarify, meant to say if a mod thought you were getting overheated that they should maybe give you a little warning. I, personally, don't think you should get any warning at all, unless you went completely beserk of course, although that would still be quite amusing :D.
Cheers, weave :beers:
In my opinion the appointment of moderators on this forum is rather opaque and undemocratic.
[gmod]Too right it is fella ;) you pay you say 🤪😝😉😉[/gmod]
Warning! :offtopicsign:
Berserk. :hmmm: That reminds me of my History teacher back in the dim and distant past, who, in his description of the Viking Beserkers, came out with the wonderful line (entirely unintentionally of course ;) ) :
"Before a battle they would partake of drink and drugs and work themselves up into such a rage and fury that they would rip off all their clothes and charge down upon their enemy brandishing their choppers."
Ooo-er! :o :goggleeyes:
Nothing changes.
Apparently in the first world war the French soldiers got tanked up on wine before going "over the top".
In the second world war the German soldiers were given amphetamines.
Quote from: joe cassidy on October 09, 2020, 01:21:16 PM
In my opinion the appointment of moderators on this forum is rather opaque and undemocratic.
I'm ok with that though. The forum isn't a democracy. I do find the moderators fail to be disinterested sometimes, but as said, they're only human.
I'm on forums where moderators are anonymous, the fact they're all visible on here is both advantageous and disadvantageous.
I take it all threads that are "unrelated to N gauge" in the General Discussion area will now be locked?
Quote from: joe cassidy on October 09, 2020, 01:34:15 PM
Apparently in the first world war the French soldiers got tanked up on wine before going "over the top".
In the second world war the German soldiers were given amphetamines.
... and tanks
Quote from: Philip. on October 09, 2020, 02:44:09 PM
I take it all threads that are "unrelated to N gauge" in the General Discussion area will now be locked?
Hopefully not my new beer thread (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?topic=51222.new#new) :beers:
I sympathise with the mods on this one. I'm on another forum where the general attitude to moderation is a bit more laid back, and I've given up looking at any virus-related topics because they usually end up with enthusiasts for lock-em-down or for let-it-rip essentially repeating the same points again and again, rather than engaging with the points made by anyone they disagree with.
Isn't that how life works?! People with a polarised opinion ignore the counter view and merely shout at those with an opposing stance!
I'm on a cycling forum with a thread about Donald Trump which is at 15,000 posts. I've never ever opened it to see what the hell they're talking about!
I think it has to be pointed out before topics are moved, amalgamated or locked, its important to maintain a little diversity even if a thread wanders off topic for a bit so what! As long as members were not contravening any forum rules and that the subject diverts back to the original no harm is done, so I fail to see why intervention should be made.
As with most (I would assume all on here!) I like and have an interest in the hobby that's why I log in to the forum regularly, but that doesn't mean to say I eat, sleep and breath N Gauge. Its a friendly informative place to visit even to talk about something that may not be connected to the hobby!
Yes, that's exactly my issues. Forums that aren't lively die, and posts breed posts. What I find tough is when there's a good discussion, tangental to a post and then it gets locked because it's off topic. Clearly those involved are happy, it's just stifling the discussion. It'll come back on topic, things nearly always do.
While I'm on my soapbox... merging of threads. Just no. It's the most annoying thing ever, because you end up with two threads which don't belong together, a load of references that don't make sense and no flow to discussion.
Firstly, apologies that this is rushed. My dad has just come home from hospital after three weeks.
I agree that the thread shouldn't have been locked, and I feel that it was the wrong decision. I also feel that a PM about this would have been better. The moderating team and myself were talking about the thread being locked and it was due to be unlocked. Sadly my time has been used elsewhere, so I'm a little behind on things.
I personally don't agree with the comment saying that this forum is too heavy handed with locking and deleted threads. There was a period where it was more frequent, but I don't think this has been the case for a long time.
I also don't agree with a comment saying that the way that moderators are chosen is not democratic, or such?! I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do about that, as the team put forward anyone that they think may be suitable and we talk about it before a decision is made.
As I always say, any issues then feel free to message me. I'm always here to sort out any issues or questions. Thanks all.
having been on the receiving end of mods, on the odd occasion :-[
well I do possibly admit to err on the side of sledgehammer rather than pen :hmmm:
I have never felt in any way that Tank or the mods were in any way doing other than steering us onto the paths of righteousness on this family forum.
my feeling of why use mace when you can use a sterling has, just occasionally >:D been over the top,
and I have taken my censure in the spirit in which it has been given ...
and then taken that mod off my christmas list :smiley-laughing: :smiley-laughing: :smiley-laughing: :smiley-laughing:
I think they do a great job controlling us, and ensuring that we do not, in the heat of the moment, overstep the mark.
thank you.
I do agree that moderation is better than it was, particularly with regards to locking threads.
I'm honestly not sure about the democratic process, it wouldn't be appropriate for the membership to nominate moderators, so I think how it's orchestrated is just fine. I wasn't really joking when I said it's not a democracy. Isn't that right Kim Il Tank?
That this thread is still running and the originator is still with us tells us all we need about the fairness and balance with which this forum is moderated...
One or two MODs do seem a little more 'interventionist' than others, but on the whole there feels to be a pretty good balance.
Quote from: njee20 on October 09, 2020, 09:50:54 AMlocking of threads when there's an active discussion purely because it's "off topic" and constant moving of threads being my pet peeves.
I agree to an extent on the moving of threads and more-so on merging (loosely related) threads, but on the one occasion a thread I'd started was moved to what I thought was an inappropriate location, a polite PM to the relevant MOD explaining my rationale got it moved back.
On appointing the MODs, all I'll say is that those who put themself forward for the role are invariably the
least suitable...
Quote from: njee20 on October 09, 2020, 04:47:58 PMI'm on a cycling forum with a thread about Donald Trump which is at 15,000 posts. I've never ever opened it to see what the hell they're talking about!
They are discussing spotting Trump in cycling Lycra :sick2: :D
Could be, who knows. What a horrifying prospect. I'd like to hope they've not managed 15,000 posts of that.
Quote from: Only Me on October 09, 2020, 11:05:51 PM
Quote from: Philip. on October 09, 2020, 02:44:09 PM
I take it all threads that are "unrelated to N gauge" in the General Discussion area will now be locked?
Now thats just down right silly!!... on par with Njee getting a blue badge 🤟🏻😉
As was locking the original thread in question ;)
Quote from: PLD on October 09, 2020, 11:20:06 PM
That this thread is still running and the originator is still with us tells us all we need about the fairness and balance with which this forum is moderated...
Are you implying that I should have been banned for highlighting something that wasn't right? :confused1:
Quote from: Mr Sprue on October 10, 2020, 07:56:03 AM
Quote from: PLD on October 09, 2020, 11:20:06 PM
That this thread is still running and the originator is still with us tells us all we need about the fairness and balance with which this forum is moderated...
Are you implying that I should have been banned for highlighting something that wasn't right? :confused1:
Completely the opposite - On some other fora, you
would have been for daring to criticise the Sainted ones... Here, your post has been allowed to stand (with a small amendment by another MOD) and taken on board by the Boss (Tank) in his comments.
I certainly don't consider myself saintly or even Godly - I gave up Sunday school when I was eight ;)
I think Tank has basically covered the whole incident.
All cool, chaps. :beers:
Quote from: PLD on October 10, 2020, 09:04:37 AM
Quote from: Mr Sprue on October 10, 2020, 07:56:03 AM
Quote from: PLD on October 09, 2020, 11:20:06 PM
That this thread is still running and the originator is still with us tells us all we need about the fairness and balance with which this forum is moderated...
Are you implying that I should have been banned for highlighting something that wasn't right? :confused1:
Completely the opposite - On some other fora, you would have been for daring to criticise the Sainted ones... Here, your post has been allowed to stand (with a small amendment by another MOD) and taken on board by the Boss (Tank) in his comments.
What I like about this forum is that its run in a fair and unbiased manner, where everyone pretty much gets along and can speak as they feel
(within the Rules of course!) Leaving my post up proves this and as you say anywhere else would have resulted in a different outcome.
I have to add at the time of posting this topic I was pretty annoyed that enjoyable banter was interrupted. Perhaps in hindsight I should have waited ten or so minutes before posting, but I would have still felt the same. it annoyed me like the last bell was rung and the best pint of the evening was snatched away before I could finish it!
However FWIW I don't personally hold any grudge against Railwaygun as he was acting on what he felt was the correct action to take. I realise I should have been more selective in what I said, but people who know me will tell you that I speak as I feel.
Anyway no hard feelings and hope Railwaygun hasn't taken this too personal and carries on in the team.
For what it's worth, I've been shot down quite a few times over the years, but as that song from some Pommy band (can't remember name - one hit wonders): I get knocked down, but I get up again ;)
I love your analogy of getting the last beer snatched from under you.... happens a lot to me here in Australia! :beers:
Quote from: Bealman on October 10, 2020, 09:41:57 AM
For what it's worth, I've been shot down quite a few times over the years, but as that song from some Pommy band (can't remember name - one hit wonders): I get knocked down, but I get up again ;)
I love your analogy of getting the last beer snatched from under you.... happens a lot to me here in Australia! :beers:
It doesn't happen to me anymore sadly! :(
Any Chance you could do me a favour and lock this thread now? I feel its run its coarse and all points have been covered. ;)
Cheers
Dave
Not a problem. :beers:
George