Moderators Taking Liberties

[2JZFAN]

I'm noticing a number of threads getting closed that contain valuable information and have pages of constructive conversation. With a staff as large as this sites time should be taken to salvage a thread rather then just close it. No one wins when a thread is simply closed by an uninformed moderator.

It is starting to seem as if members are not allowed to express their unhappiness with GT here.. As if it were sacrilege. Personally I really expect better from such a large & long standing community. People are going to be unhappy, you need to accept that and find a positive way to moderate through it.

 

[Jordan]

In case you're wondering, I'm the "uninformed moderator" who closed this thread, which you are presumably referring to. There was nothing valuable or constructive about it.

 

[Famine]

In case you're wondering, I'm the "uninformed moderator" who closed this thread, which you are presumably referring to. There was nothing valuable or constructive about it.

Since he also reported the staff for locking it, I imagine that he's referring to that thread also.

A "lack of effort" indeed

 

[2JZFAN]

In case you're wondering, I'm the "uninformed moderator" who closed this thread, which you are presumably referring to. There was nothing valuable or constructive about it.

Jeez, even worse! It's unfortunate you didn't see the value in that thread. I had hoped there was no bias here.. I had hoped this was an open forum for GT fans to communicate with one another. I hope when this launch passes this forum can return to that.

 

[Northstar]

Jeez, even worse! It's unfortunate you didn't see the value in that thread. I had hoped there was no bias here.. I had hoped this was an open forum for GT fans to communicate with one another. I hope when this launch passes this forum can return to that.

Thing is that there are 2-3 other threads that entire discussion could have fit into. There really is no need to have the same discussion going on in multiple threads if you can prevent it.

 

[Jordan]

Jeez, even worse! It's unfortunate you didn't see the value in that thread. I had hoped there was no bias here.. I had hoped this was an open forum for GT fans to communicate with one another. I hope when this launch passes this forum can return to that.

Open debate has been allowed and welcomed here since the beginning, and your accusation of "bias" on my part is as ridiculous as it is insulting.

 

[GT_Prologue5]

Jeez, even worse! It's unfortunate you didn't see the value in that thread. I had hoped there was no bias here.. I had hoped this was an open forum for GT fans to communicate with one another. I hope when this launch passes this forum can return to that.

If it hasn't been noted, the Mods are trying to cut down on the amount of unneeded threads in there. For Christ's sake, there's a whole thread devoted to whether the Veyron should've been Premium. It's just nonsecial stuff, people not thinking, so don't take it like people are here to hassle you from speaking. There's just a bit too many places talking about the same thing.

Sidenote here, but how is a site that is open to not only it's game but also competitors be biased? Just wondering.

 

[Anes]

I blame Famine regardless.

 

[2JZFAN]

Thing is that there are 2-3 other threads that entire discussion could have fit into. There really is no need to have the same discussion going on in multiple threads if you can prevent it.

I agree and like I said it shows a lack of effort from the staff.

Open debate has been allowed and welcomed here since the beginning, and your accusation of "bias" on my part is as ridiculous as it is insulting.

I didn't mean to insult you directly, I'm just calling it like I see it.. I understand the staff has had to adjust due to the excitement of the release date.. I just feel they're going about moderating wrong. Possibly the lack of moderation experience is showing itself now with all the recent attention. I have a background in running online communities so I thought it would be best post about this nagging issue before it becomes worse. I hope this thread will get moderators thinking and in turn using the tools given to them to moderate.

If it hasn't been noted, the Mods are trying to cut down on the amount of unneeded threads in there. For Christ's sake, there's a whole thread devoted to whether the Veyron should've been Premium. It's just nonsecial stuff, people not thinking, so don't take it like people are here to hassle you from speaking. There's just a bit too many places talking about the same thing.

Sidenote here, but how is a site that is open to not only it's game but also competitors be biased? Just wondering.

See above.

bias

• influence in an unfair way; "you are biasing my choice by telling me yours"
• a partiality that prevents objective consideration of an issue or situation

More here: http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=define:bias&btnG=Search 👍

 

[arora]

I blame Famine regardless.

In general the gt5 section is way out of hand, full of idiotic posts and threads imo. I'm surprised the mod team has done as well as they have to contain it up till this point.

No worries, the game is almost out which means a few more months of chaos and then back to the normal higher standard of posts and threads as the fly by nighters will crawl back into the woodwork.

 

[autofusion]

Stuff like this is exactly the reason I lay low, keep my mouth shut, and respect every staff member's decision.

 

[Dan_]

Well, there is so much 🤬 going in GT5 section that I won't blame any mod for locking any thread in there, rationality and quality posts are as rare as diamonds in that section.

 

[Jordan]

I agree and like I said it shows a lack of effort from the staff.

I didn't mean to insult you directly, I'm just calling it like I see it.. I understand the staff has had to adjust due to the excitement of the release date.. I just feel they're going about moderating wrong. Possibly the lack of moderation experience is showing itself now with all the recent attention. I have a background in running online communities so I thought it would be best post about this nagging issue before it becomes worse. I hope this thread will get moderators thinking and in turn using the tools given to them to moderate.

Questioning my competency is no less insulting than questioning my motives. With your experience, you should be well equipped to appreciate my reasoning for closing that topic. It was the epitome of the "debate" that has become so incredibly tiresome for so many users here over the past several weeks ("it's unacceptable for GT5 not to have ____" vs. "if you want silly features like that, play ____" vs. "shut the hell up"). That's not interesting, that's not valuable, and it's not constructive.

Deleting posts in the thread would have been as productive as re-arranging deck chairs on the Titanic. It would not have made the topic any more interesting, and they would be replaced in a matter of minutes. Locking the thread does not indicate bias or a lack of effort, it indicates an ability to recognize a lost cause.

The problems the GT5 forum are experiencing right now are impossible to fix through moderation, short of shutting it down completely. People are angry about the game, people are angry about people being angry about the game, and everyone else is angry the forum is consumed by this debate. The staff and I can step in when anyone from any group steps out of bounds, but there is no way for us to control the psycho-dynamics of the game's fan base and it would be silly to try - especially with November 24th little more than a week away.

 

[Joey D]

Possibly the lack of moderation experience is showing itself now with all the recent attention.

Most of the mods have been on this site for several years, that should equate to some pretty good experience.

 

[opelgt1969]

Questioning my competency is no less insulting than questioning my motives. With your experience, you should be well equipped to appreciate my reasoning for closing that topic. It was the epitome of the "debate" that has become so incredibly tiresome for so many users here over the past several weeks ("it's unacceptable for GT5 not to have ____" vs. "if you want silly features like that, play ____" vs. "shut the hell up"). That's not interesting, that's not valuable, and it's not constructive.

Deleting posts in the thread would have been as productive as re-arranging deck chairs on the Titanic. It would not have made the topic any more interesting, and they would be replaced in a matter of minutes. Locking the thread does not indicate bias or a lack of effort, it indicates an ability to recognize a lost cause.

The problems the GT5 forum are experiencing right now are impossible to fix through moderation, short of shutting it down completely. People are angry about the game, people are angry about people being angry about the game, and everyone else is angry the forum is consumed by this debate. The staff and I can step in when anyone from any group steps out of bounds, but there is no way for us to control the psycho-dynamics of the game's fan base and it would be silly to try - especially with November 24th little more than a week away.

I like this guys thinking :tup:I hope he sticks around for a long time. Heck someday he just might be running this site
This complement brought to you by that "Crazy opelgt1969 guy"

 

[Tornado]

Most of the mods have been on this site for several years, that should equate to some pretty good experience.

And some of the mods have experience that dates back to the GT4 launch as well, so they have direct experience with the goings on of major launches.

 

[Talon]

The problems the GT5 forum are experiencing right now are impossible to fix through moderation, short of shutting it down completely.

💡

Honestly, that whole forum is full of whiners and new members without any grammar skills, and it would probably prevent a lot of headaches if it was closed until launch.

Not gonna happen I know, but it's a nice thought.

 

[Studentdriver]

*reads this thread*

*reads the latest news post*

2+2=5?

EDIT: If I'm wrong, Jordan, there may or may not be someone impersonating you on the main page.

 

[2JZFAN]

Questioning my competency is no less insulting than questioning my motives. With your experience, you should be well equipped to appreciate my reasoning for closing that topic. It was the epitome of the "debate" that has become so incredibly tiresome for so many users here over the past several weeks ("it's unacceptable for GT5 not to have ____" vs. "if you want silly features like that, play ____" vs. "shut the hell up"). That's not interesting, that's not valuable, and it's not constructive.

Deleting posts in the thread would have been as productive as re-arranging deck chairs on the Titanic. It would not have made the topic any more interesting, and they would be replaced in a matter of minutes. Locking the thread does not indicate bias or a lack of effort, it indicates an ability to recognize a lost cause.

The problems the GT5 forum are experiencing right now are impossible to fix through moderation, short of shutting it down completely. People are angry about the game, people are angry about people being angry about the game, and everyone else is angry the forum is consumed by this debate. The staff and I can step in when anyone from any group steps out of bounds, but there is no way for us to control the psycho-dynamics of the game's fan base and it would be silly to try - especially with November 24th little more than a week away.

I am firmly against any form of editing posts, deleting posts, and above all others the closing of threads. As forum moderators we're given tools to get the job. All to many forums neglect the tools at hand..

I'm not going to sit here and tell you how to do your jobs step by step.. Again, I was just attempting to bring light on to the subject.. I really feel for limited communities like this when things like this happen. In the end it comes down to how you're able to adjust and moderate through it. The closing of the thread in question tells me the moderation staff didn't have the time nor the patience to do their job.

That's simply the wrong attitude and it's unfortunate you feel that way. There's lots you can do.. re-define the rules, announce them throughout the forum.. utilize the warning system.. etc etc.. In the end though it all comes back to moderation staff and the ability to both utilize tools & moderate through it. Whatever happens the next week the forum will calm down over the next month, so you guys will get some seemingly needed rest.

 

[Studentdriver]

I love it when people just assume they know how the moderating staff does their job.

 

[arora]

I am firmly against any form of editing posts.

I'm not if the post violates the aup, there are standards here.

deleting posts.

I'm not sure what to think about this one, I see your point.

and above all others the closing of threads. .

I'm for closing goofie threads, sure it's easy enough not to click on it and better off not to read it, but others do and it reflects on gtp as a whole.

As forum moderators we're given tools to get the job. All to many forums neglect the tools at hand..

I don't think so.

I'm not going to sit here and tell you how to do your jobs step by step..

Are you sure?

Again, I was just attempting to bring light on to the subject.. I really feel for limited communities like this when things like this happen. In the end it comes down to how you're able to adjust and moderate through it. The closing of the thread in question tells me the moderation staff didn't have the time nor the patience to do their job.

Wrong, they are doing there job.

That's simply the wrong attitude and it's unfortunate you feel that way.

He owns the site, no one is telling you to stay here. If you don't like how it is run simply frequent another site. This is not a democracy in any form.

 

[Neal]

I am firmly against any form of editing posts, deleting posts, and above all others the closing of threads...

I'd hate to see the forum you moderate!

 

[2JZFAN]

All cheerleading aside, please step away from the Koolaid . I'll be clear as it seems a few of you just aren't getting it. This thread is not an attack on GTP or any one person directly. I'm simply asking of the staff to use better judgement in the future while moderating.. I ask they attempt to utilize or further educate themselves on the moderation tools they have available to them. I know if done right then the forum will make a smooth passage through this launch and the stress on everyone will subside.

I'd hate to see the forum you moderate!

It started as a love for cars (think username ) then turned into a hobby.. Before I knew it I was getting offers from gaming companies to manage communities and implement my strategies. I'm just trying to help out where I think I can, I'm sure you would do the same. 👍

 

[arora]

All cheerleading aside, please step away from the Koolaid .

I'm not a cheerleader, in fact I'm not even a fan of gtp, I come here to gather pertinent information and find organized racing events.

I'll be clear as it seems a few of you just aren't getting it.

No disrespect, I think you are not getting it.

This thread is not an attack on GTP or any one person directly. I'm simply asking of the staff to use better judgement in the future while moderating.. I ask they attempt to utilize or further educate themselves on the moderation tools they have available to them. I know if done right then the forum will make a smooth passage through this launch and the stress on everyone will subside.

You are asking the entire gtp community to conform to your beliefs over one silly thread that was a lead weight.

It started as a love for cars (think username ) then turned into a hobby.. Before I knew it I was getting offers from gaming companies to manage communities and implement my strategies. I'm just trying to help out where I think I can, I'm sure you would do the same. 👍

Take up one of those gaming companies offer, this site is fine the way it is imo.

 

[2JZFAN]

Jeez I didn't even get a chance to log.. I throughly enjoy posters who separate quotes for the manufactured emphasis . This thread has now officially run its course, hopefully it opened some minds.

You are asking the entire gtp community to conform to your beliefs over one silly thread that was a lead weight.

Take up one of those gaming companies offer, this site is fine the way it is imo.

Just an opinion for the future but you may want to give my previous post another read rather then so much focus on seperating all those quotes 👍. I'm really not interested in going back and forth with you on this, you've attempted to derail enough for today IMO.

Oh and I'm gainfully employed at the moment, thanks though.

 

[Scaff]

All cheerleading aside, please step away from the Koolaid . I'll be clear as it seems a few of you just aren't getting it. This thread is not an attack on GTP or any one person directly.

I have to say it rather seems that you are unhappy that GT Planet is not run in the manner you think it should be run. That others disagree does not make them wrong and you right.

Given that we are easily the webs biggest GT community and that we still remain a community that actually upholds standards of grammar, politeness and reasoned debate I would argue that we are doing rather well.

I'm simply asking of the staff to use better judgement in the future while moderating.. I ask they attempt to utilize or further educate themselves on the moderation tools they have available to them.

I'm unsure as to exactly how you know what moderation tools we are using? Given that almost all moderation is carried out in private and changes to process' and procedure are debated and carried out regularly I would suggest that you talking about a subject that (in the context of GT Planet) you know little about.

I know if done right then the forum will make a smooth passage through this launch and the stress on everyone will subside.

That most of the staff have been here through at least two GT launches and we still remain a site with high standards and a large community I think we are already well aware of what works and what does not.

It started as a love for cars (think username ) then turned into a hobby.. Before I knew it I was getting offers from gaming companies to manage communities and implement my strategies. I'm just trying to help out where I think I can, I'm sure you would do the same. 👍

Given that most gaming company forums are plain nasty places to be with extreme moderation of anything that does not toe the company line are far from uncommon and the widespread use of text-speak, attacks and insults. I think I would rather stick with our approach.

That you wish to share you opinion and experience is great, however simply because we do not do something the way you think is best does not mean we are wrong. Always keep in mind that we are successful and maybe you could have something to learn from us.

After all how many other forums out their have both a strong community and high posting standards?


Scaff

 

[Famine]

I am firmly against any form of editing posts, deleting posts, and above all others the closing of threads.

Wow.

I'm not going to sit here and tell you how to do your jobs step by step.

Skipping the part where you are.

I really feel for limited communities like this when things like this happen.

Really? Wow.

The closing of the thread in question tells me the moderation staff didn't have the time nor the patience to do their job.

The job of not editing nor deleting any posts in it or closing it.

That's simply the wrong attitude and it's unfortunate you feel that way.

Really? Wow squared.

There's lots you can do.. re-define the rules

Brilliant! Members decide not to respect your rules, so you change the rules. Win.

announce them throughout the forum

Bottom of every page on the site.

utilize the warning system

Of course! We never issue Warnings nor Infractions to anyone - and since every moderation decision is played out in public, everyone would know!

 

[2JZFAN]

Glad to see we're back on topic. 👍

I have to say it rather seems that you are unhappy that GT Planet is not run in the manner you think it should be run. That others disagree does not make them wrong and you right.

Given that we are easily the webs biggest GT community and that we still remain a community that actually upholds standards of grammar, politeness and reasoned debate I would argue that we are doing rather well.

I'm unsure as to exactly how you know what moderation tools we are using? Given that almost all moderation is carried out in private and changes to process' and procedure are debated and carried out regularly I would suggest that you talking about a subject that (in the context of GT Planet) you know little about.

That most of the staff have been here through at least two GT launches and we still remain a site with high standards and a large community I think we are already well aware of what works and what does not.

Given that most gaming company forums are plain nasty places to be with extreme moderation of anything that does not toe the company line are far from uncommon and the widespread use of text-speak, attacks and insults. I think I would rather stick with our approach.

That you wish to share you opinion and experience is great, however simply because we do not do something the way you think is best does not mean we are wrong. Always keep in mind that we are successful and maybe you could have something to learn from us.

After all how many other forums out their have both a strong community and high posting standards?


Scaff

It has nothing to do with being unhappy, it's more about expectations. The reasoning behind starting this thread was an attempt at two things.. I wanted to bring attention to one of a few inefficiencies I've noticed over the last week. Secondly I wanted to voice my opinion that the staff here seems to be coming inundated and in turn the moderating is suffering..

The site is normally fine, I've been a member since 2005.. Again, this is about current moderation.

I thought I was clear earlier in stating that I have a professional background in community development & management.. When I was referencing tools I was talking about actual tools and or modifications within vBulletin forum software.

I don't think this launch is like anything the series has seen before.

My communities are & were not run like other official communities. I base my experiences from a very large private community and I utilize them in all of my new projects & staff.

I'm just making suggestions, a few people seems to be misconstruing that.

Quite a few actually, they're not all train wrecks. 👍

* Edit for Famine


Your post is a great example of the stressed mentality the staff is suffering from that I'm speaking of.

 

[Famine]

Your post is a great example of the stressed mentality the staff is suffering from that I'm speaking of.

I've just come back off two weeks' holiday in a very sunny, relaxing place (quite near you, as it happens). You imply "stress" where none exists - I'm so relaxed I keep pouring off the sofa and onto the floor - and pretending that someone who disagrees with you is in some way emotionally compromised is a poor debating technique. As is failing to address any of the points raised.


Are you going to let us all in on the secret of which huge community you successfully run without ever deleting or editing any posts (spammers must have a field day), closing any threads and changing the rules every time people decide they can't be bothered with them?

Or are you just going to pontificate to the owner of the largest single-platform, single-series fansite anywhere on the internet that, after all this time, he's "doin it rong"?

 

[GilesGuthrie]

All cheerleading aside, please step away from the Koolaid . I'll be clear as it seems a few of you just aren't getting it. This thread is not an attack on GTP or any one person directly. I'm simply asking of the staff to use better judgement in the future while moderating.. I ask they attempt to utilize or further educate themselves on the moderation tools they have available to them. I know if done right then the forum will make a smooth passage through this launch and the stress on everyone will subside.

You're attacking both GTP and the staff who spend their limited free time trying to moderate it. You're implying that we're all incompetent. You're backing this up with baseless claims of your own prowess, and you're failing to acknowledge that the majority of moderating activities would be hidden from a regular user yourself.

In short, you're attempting to claim you know what we're doing, but in a manner that demonstrates the opposite to be true. This all boils down to the fact that you're just sore your thread got closed.