State of the Union - January 2014

[David]

You DO delete a ton of posts. I've never been on a forum that deleted anythig but porn. Any time someone whispers the name of a competing console in a thread you delete the posts Anderson.

Or you close the thread. Usually the most active thread on the forum.

I've never had my time wasted more on a forum typing up posts only to has the thread closed or the post I'm responding to deleted.

Honestly who had EVER been on a forum that deleted anything but porn?

OMG someone mentioned Xbox in a thread about Sony! Hide yo posts Anderson is coming!

Other way around on X1 thread. Sony is a big subject on it. But sometimes its good to have the stuff on there. I don't want to have X1 rules and nothing can compete mentality. If something sucks on the X1 I want to know about it( compared to what ps Nintendo fans can do)

 

[Andy]

You DO delete a ton of posts. I've never been on a forum that deleted anythig but porn. Any time someone whispers the name of a competing console in a thread you delete the posts Anderson.

Or you close the thread. Usually the most active thread on the forum.

I've never had my time wasted more on a forum typing up posts only to has the thread closed or the post I'm responding to deleted.

Honestly who had EVER been on a forum that deleted anything but porn?

OMG someone mentioned Xbox in a thread about Sony! Hide yo posts Anderson is coming!

You sure like to exaggerate.

Anytime someone whispers the name of competing console, I delete the posts. lol. Anytime someone whispers the name of a competing console, I close the thread. lol. "I've never had my time wasted more" Who has EVER...?

Good lord.

 

[BunzHoles]

You delete a ton of posts.. yes I exaggerated. You were trying to downplay how often you delete posts.

This is literally the ONLY forum I've ever been on where posts are routinely deleted for the cause of somehow keeping the conversations the way the mods want them.

And what is so confusing about my time wasted comment?

Posts can take several minutes to type up.. especially if you are finding URL's or doing other research.. I've repeatedly been in conversations where I was constructing a post that never was able to be posted because you closed the thread with your over-sensitive moderation.

 

[Plainview]

You delete a ton of posts.. yes I exaggerated. You were trying to downplay how often you delete posts.

This is literally the ONLY forum I've ever been on where posts are routinely deleted for the cause of somehow keeping the conversations the way the mods want them.

And what is so confusing about my time wasted comment?

Posts can take several minutes to type up.. especially if you are finding URL's or doing other research.. I've repeatedly been in conversations where I was constructing a post that never was able to be posted because you closed the thread with your over-sensitive moderation.

When he first started modding he was doing more deleting and closing. He's definitely become more open to letting things progress. It's all a progression and learning and I think he's done that. We try to make the site as engaging as possible to everyone that posts here while keeping a balance. While you suggest keeping threads open we have others PMing and reporting "Close and delete this nonsense." It's all about trying to strike a balance. I know he's taken the suggestions you've made in the past and has been more lenient with everything.

 

[BunzHoles]

Except twice in the last week I stopped posting for the day because the only conversation I was interested in was interrupted by a thread closure, and then post deletions.

Maybe that's anecdotal, but it's been par for the course for me since I started posting here.

What is so offensive about Flynn mentioning Microsoft's technology in the Sony Playstation now thread?

If people act like children because they can't handle comparisons, ban the children. It's demotivating.. Flynn typed up a several paragraph post in that thread. I'm sure he spent at least a couple minutes on it. Then just to have it deleted?

And I was working on a reply to his post.. doing some research.. googling Gaikai performance information, etc. Only to see the thread was updated with Anderson deleting posts.

Because TOPDAWG acted like a clown? So.. ban the clown.. "Oh, well TOPDAWG, serial derper got mad at Flynn's post.. I better delete Flynn's posts." Huh?

 

[Plainview]

Except twice in the last week I stopped posting for the day because the only conversation I was interested in was interrupted by a thread closure, and then post deletions.

Maybe that's anecdotal, but it's been par for the course for me since I started posting here.

What is so offensive about Flynn mentioning Microsoft's technology in the Sony Playstation now thread?

If people act like children because they can't handle comparisons, ban the children.

Maybe it was anecdotal. I dunno. You can see he's now breaking off posts of a thread into a new thread, rather than deleting posts if it's detracting from the subject of the thread and people still want to discuss the OP.

 

[BunzHoles]

See my edit.

He just outright deleted a totally non-offensive post.. stopped me from posting a very informative reply.

Your Playstation Now thread could have had an extensive post with links to Gaikai performance numbers, nVidia's cloud computing performance data, as well as other information I was working on looking up.

But screw that.. not going to waste my time if any random thread I'm in is going to get closed or have the conversation deleted.

Either way.. see you guys maybe sometime, going to take a break from this place.

 

[Plainview]

See my edit.

He just outright deleted a totally non-offensive post.. stopped me from posting a very informative reply.

Your Playstation Now thread could have had an extensive post with links to Gaikai performance numbers, nVidia's cloud computing performance data, as well as other information I was working on looking up.

But screw that.. not going to waste my time if any random thread I'm in is going to get closed or have the conversation deleted.

Either way.. see you guys maybe sometime, going to take a break from this place.

I can see where you're coming from and I'm sure after Anderson reads the last few posts here he'll get a better understanding of why it could be bothersome when certain posts get deleted/closed. I've had that happen in the past at other forums and can understand the frustration that it can cause.

 

[Andy]

Well, here's my thoughts...

I understand Bunz's frustration with the threads I closed where he was preparing responses. I'm sure that's annoying. He made the complaint a couple weeks ago, and since then, I have tried to respond to that feedback and have been more circumspect in my thread closings. I've worked to salvage threads, redirect them, and split them off rather than close them, whenever possible. Sometimes I've chosen to close the thread anyway. I'm fine with those decisions.

The fact that Bunz is still unhappy is unfortunate but not too surprising. I don't think Bunz (or several other people) are ever going to be happy with my moderating style. We have different standards for communication and for moderating a forum.

Bunz keeps saying I deleted Flynn's post. I did not delete Flynn's post. I deleted one paragraph of the post, a paragraph about how Microsoft did things better than Sony. I actually let it stand for a while, knowing what would happen, and then, predictably, it triggered an argumentative post, and here we go down the usual "MS vs. Sony" path. I've made it clear multiple times that I'm not going to let that happen in PS4 threads. I like Flynn, but he is prone to starting these types of discussions in PS4 threads. So I deleted Top Dawg's response and the paragraph in Flynn's post that triggered it. A rather minimal intervention, imo. Just keeping things on track and out of the usual ditch, imo.

I've gotten plenty of good feedback about my moderation style. I'm really quite comfortable with it, at this point. If anyone ever has a specific complaint about a post deletion, I will always talk with you about it and explain my reasons. I'm a level-headed guy, and I always have good reasons for what I do.

 

[illiniguy]

Well, here's my thoughts...

I understand Bunz's frustration with the threads I closed where he was preparing responses. I'm sure that's annoying. He made the complaint a couple weeks ago, and since then, I have tried to respond to that feedback and have been more circumspect in my thread closings. I've worked to salvage threads, redirect them, and split them off rather than close them, whenever possible. Sometimes I've chosen to close the thread anyway. I'm fine with those decisions.

The fact that Bunz is still unhappy is unfortunate but not too surprising. I don't think Bunz (or several other people) are ever going to be happy with my moderating style. We have different standards for communication and for moderating a forum.

Bunz keeps saying I deleted Flynn's post. I did not delete Flynn's post. I deleted one paragraph of the post, a paragraph about how Microsoft did things better than Sony. I actually let it stand for a while, knowing what would happen, and then, predictably, it triggered an argumentative post, and here we go down the usual "MS vs. Sony" path. I've made it clear multiple times that I'm not going to let that happen in PS4 threads. I like Flynn, but he is prone to starting these types of discussions in PS4 threads. So I deleted Top Dawg's response and the paragraph in Flynn's post that triggered it. A rather minimal intervention, imo. Just keeping things on track and out of the usual ditch, imo.

I've gotten plenty of good feedback about my moderation style. I'm really quite comfortable with it, at this point. If anyone ever has a specific complaint about a post deletion, I will always talk with you about it and explain my reasons. I'm a level-headed guy, and I always have good reasons for what I do.

I can say, as a former community manager, I wouldn't have a single issue having someone like you on my moderation team. for three years, I ran a site and looked for someone level headed, and critically thinking like you. seeing you type out that you are taking constructive criticism is a major plus for someone who is staff.

 

[TDbank24]

I'm late to the thread but thanks Plainview. This place is absolutely awesome and feeling like TXB more and more every day. Actually it's better than TXB was in just the short 4 months that we've been here at UVGF. It's nice having so many new features that really add to the experience of posting. Bots are on the down low. Of course that might change as we get more traffic but right now this place is heaven.

I have to agree with Bunz though, you mods are doing a great job overall but it's really frustrating just seeing other people's posts deleted when i'm trying to sift through a conversation. Nevermind having my own posts deleted. Which i don't think any of my posts have been deleted yet except for a double post i made across two threads. No problem there. But i think we all have to realize that the console wars are going to happen and basically just let it happen. If someone is out of hand. Take care of them and give them a vacation. This isn't high school. Everyone shouldn't be punished just because a few children are acting up.

Other than that, i love this place and keep up the great work guys!

 

[Andy]

I can say, as a former community manager, I wouldn't have a single issue having someone like you on my moderation team. for three years, I ran a site and looked for someone level headed, and critically thinking like you. seeing you type out that you are taking constructive criticism is a major plus for someone who is staff.

Thanks, illini.

Just to clarify, I am fine with specific and constructive criticism. However, be respectful and be specific. If you can't speak to me respectfully, I'm not going to listen to what you have to say. And be specific, because unless I know what thread and posts you are talking about, your feedback isn't useful. I don't know what it is you are questioning; heck, I don't even know if it's me that did it.

 

[Oblong]

I've been moderating forums for years and I have the utmost respect for what Plainview and Anderson are doing here. Moderating is often a thankless job that regardless of what you do or don't do will often bring criticism. Overall they have done a marvelous job on these forums. That said, I'd prefer more effort be placed at moderating the constant offenders who derail threads. It shouldn't be such that mature people can say the X1 word in a PS4 thread or vice versa. It's those people that take a comparison discussion and start throwing digs, flames, and insults afterward that derail the threads completely.

When a thread starts going off topic a simple reminder warning post from a mod to get back on subject is often sufficient to get things back on track rather than locking/deleting the thread. And for those who continue to stoke flames or go off subject they need a temp ban or thread ban.

Overall there is really a lot of leeway given, especially to some oldtimers (or maybe mod favorites) who seem to get away with more than others. All should be treated equally.

And finally, while moderators should be welcome to engage in discussions as they are gamers too...I've seen situations where a certain mod seems to occassionally enjoy fanning the fire more than extinguishing them. Not really setting a good example imho.

 

[David]

I've been moderating forums for years and I have the utmost respect for what Plainview and Anderson are doing here. Moderating is often a thankless job that regardless of what you do or don't do will often bring criticism. Overall they have done a marvelous job on these forums. That said, I'd prefer more effort be placed at moderating the constant offenders who derail threads. It shouldn't be such that mature people can say the X1 word in a PS4 thread or vice versa. It's those people that take a comparison discussion and start throwing digs, flames, and insults afterward that derail the threads completely.

When a thread starts going off topic a simple reminder warning post from a mod to get back on subject is often sufficient to get things back on track rather than locking/deleting the thread. And for those who continue to stoke flames or go off subject they need a temp ban or thread ban.

Overall there is really a lot of leeway given, especially to some oldtimers (or maybe mod favorites) who seem to get away with more than others. All should be treated equally.

And finally, while moderators should be welcome to engage in discussions as they are gamers too...I've seen situations where a certain mod seems to occassionally enjoy fanning the fire more than extinguishing them. Not really setting a good example imho.

Good rule people should try to follow is, if this person could kick my arse, would I be saying this stuff. Trust me I try, don't always succeed, but try to follow this simple formula to making posts.

 

[BunzHoles]

Bunz keeps saying I deleted Flynn's post. I did not delete Flynn's post. I deleted one paragraph of the post, a paragraph about how Microsoft did things better than Sony.

I apologize for the misleading remark.. perhaps I thought it was deleted because the post shrunk, so I assumed or whatever.

Still don't really "get it".. we don't have to agree obviously. If people can't handle comparisons/arguments.. and the mods support the idea that most threads shouldn't have comparisons/arguments.. it's just not really a forum I want to spend too much time on.

Not necessarily the moderators fault.. the posters here also tend to not be able to handle the conversations.

Either way, not trying to alter the way the forum is run.. not all forums are for all people..not going to outright quit the site, but I had already tailed off my serious posting.. not sure this place is worth many paragraph interesting and informative posts basically.. not sure any forum really is.. not your fault.

 

[Andy]

That's cool; it's your choice, of course.

Just to clarify my position... I don't have a problem with arguments or comparisons. I just think the arguments need to be within bounds (without personal attacks), to go somewhere (not just be circular, repetitive bickering), and that most of the "versus" discussions ought to be in the MP section, since it's about multiple platforms.

I'm stricter in the PS4 forum. I've said this a couple times, so bear with me if you've heard this before, but this is an Xbox-dominated forum, with at least twice as many Xbox fans as PS4 fans, and at least three times as many Xbox fanboys. In a forum that is skewed so heavily in one direction, it would be easy for the majority to overrun the minority, especially during console war season -- for Xbox fans to derail PS4 threads with talk of how MS is superior, for instance, or posting lots of negative news about Sony, or just coming over to post a negative, snarky comment. So I clamp down on that stuff pretty quickly, especially if it comes from certain posters who are known pro-MS, anti-Sony. I could probably loosen up about it a little, but it's something I am committed to, at least for the near future.

But that just pertains in the PS4 forum. In the X1 and MP sections, I don't hold those lines at all. A lot of the X1 posters can't help but talk about Sony and make it a "versus" discussion, and I'm not inclined to stop them, since the rationale isn't there (they badly outnumber the "opposition"). And the entire MP forum is a place for those sorts of arguments.

 

[Videodrome]

I've been wondering how this forum feels about Political Discussion. For quite a while, this place didn't seem political. Mostly just about games, movies, or other entertainment. Over time though, Political topics have crept into off topic. Some of this does make a lot of sense if it touches on topics relevant to us like Net Neutrality, Censorship, or topical discussions of how video game violence effects are discussed and presented in the media.

However, there is the bigger picture of whether to really get into the bigger picture of Politics, Economics, or the Elections for 2014 and 2016.

In the meantime, I'll admit I'm kind of glad not to see a dedicated "Political Playground" here. If I were in Plainview's position, I'm not sure how I'd feel about the contentious 2014 arguing that may come up.

I'd like to suggest considering whether or not to reign in political stuff as it pertains to Gaming and Entertainment and maybe not much get into fierce party politics.

 

[Plainview]

I've been wondering how this forum feels about Political Discussion. For quite a while, this place didn't seem political. Mostly just about games, movies, or other entertainment. Over time though, Political topics have crept into off topic. Some of this does make a lot of sense if it touches on topics relevant to us like Net Neutrality, Censorship, or topical discussions of how video game violence effects are discussed and presented in the media.

However, there is the bigger picture of whether to really get into the bigger picture of Politics, Economics, or the Elections for 2014 and 2016.

In the meantime, I'll admit I'm kind of glad not to see a dedicated "Political Playground" here. If I were in Plainview's position, I'm not sure how I'd feel about the contentious 2014 arguing that may come up.

I'd like to suggest considering whether or not to reign in political stuff as it pertains to Gaming and Entertainment and maybe not much get into fierce party politics.

It is something I would like to stay away from but when there's major discussions, like the lead to the presidential elections, major stories, etc., I don't see that as being an issue and probably needed. I think those of us that are here can handle it pretty well. If we can't then we just end the discussion.

 

[Kvally]

So according to the site stats on the front page a minute ago, we are almost at 1000 members (that you personally had to authorize), and at 103,000 posts?

FORUM STATISTICS
Discussions:
2,358
Messages:
103,116
Members:
857
User Record:
398
Latest Member:
willstyles

 

[Plainview]

So according to the site stats on the front page a minute ago, we are almost at 1000 members (that you personally had to authorize), and at 103,000 posts?

FORUM STATISTICS
Discussions:
2,358
Messages:
103,116
Members:
857
User Record:
398
Latest Member:
willstyles

Visible number wise we're over 100,000 posts now. I'd like to get to 1,000 members by the end of this year but that's gonna be tough. It's doable and I'll continue to try to think of ways to get more members to sign up, but it will be tough.

 

[Kvally]

What is the STATE OF THE UNION?

 

[wshowers]

Plainview Might be time for an update.