Mod Probs: Foot on the Ball Moment. Advice on Direction Needed

Winds of Change on Our Board

This board's evidently turning a corner. Quite a few off topic (OT) threads of late testing the boundaries of our relatively straight forward house rules. Not a problem in itself as that inevitably happens with rules and standards anyway - but if we don't get our foot on the ball for a minute and sort our act out, things are going to run away with themselves. Won't be long then before we mods find ourselves between a rock and a hard place with all sorts of precedents inadvertently set and no solid basis to work from.

About QPR Mods

Firstly, a bit of perspective for newer users. Mods on this board ain't governors. We're Rs fans and ordinary users like you, but ones who've volunteered to serve the site's wishes to keep the sport-based boards as moderate as possible. In the main we like to stay in the background applying as far as you'll let us, a live and let live approach. We're essentially lazy and encourage users to self-moderate by checking and toning down their posts before pressing 'post quick reply'.

Every now and again there's a need to consult the 'membership' on here to agree our rules and practices and do what we can to ensure the visible majority are reasonably happy with the way things are operating. This thread is one of those consultations.

Our House Rules

Let's start by reminding ourselves of what the agreed rules are. The following is a direct lift from them.

'Basic standards for us has to involve levels of respect for others and the need to avoid personal insults with particular regard to our human differences on gender, age, race, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation; and religious and/or political beliefs.

Whilst this is not an exhaustive list, that’s about it really.

Anything more than this will usually have to be put to us by you as members as a request for moderation.'

Okay So What's the Issue?

Back to those trail blazing or 'testing' OT threads we've been getting more of recently. Whilst we've had numerous opportunities to air our position on race over the past year or so, issues around respect in the context of the rest of the 'isms' seem to have come to the fore within the last couple of months or so. Sometimes these things come up in the form of humour; other times things get a bit serious, sparks fly and we mods have to start doing what we hate more than anything: work!

Examples

The kinds of thread I'm talking about are these:

• QPR247's 'Blade nowhere to runner??'
• Kiwi's 'from the mouths of politicians'
• Northolt's 'in the summertime, you've got women on your mind : Bikini thread!'
• Swords' 'People calling for bans'

Whilst there's no suggestion that QPR247 intended to test the water on matters disability, some of the replies comprising insensitivity towards amputees and assumptions about the female victim's virtue, did lead me to close the thread before it went completing AWoL.

As for Kiwi, Northolt and Swords' efforts I feel that, after all this time, I know these characters well enough to spot a bit of a mod tease when I see one, even if there WERE other motives involved! Having said that, whilst the first two of these are a bit of a test on race and tits (Norf's obsession justifying a plea of diminished responsibility!), Swords' one's neither 'ism' nor bosom related: more an exposé of another recent phenomenon on here, namely the appealer looking for a booking, i.e. trying to get someone they don't like banned. If it's a comfort to him, we mods don't issue bans on outcry or simple complaint alone. There actually really are other factors in the equation.

As for testers on sexual orientation, there's been a couple of threads (e.g. the Fash doc inspired gay footballers debate) and a few random posts over time but in the main seems one area few 'healthy' bloods like us want to talk about more than so...

Lastly there are the threads and posts discussing our belief systems. Interesting to note the right v. left wing thing's less combustible as a contentious issue these days (probably cos between them Major, Bliar and Cameron conspired to blur the boundaries) - but given the evident impotence of that 'terrorist' threat we hear so much about but rarely see against the number of Muslims around, the Islamophobic undercurrents on here are unfortunately all too often palpable and wholly disproportionate.

'Playtime' Threads

For those of us concerned that the 'PC brigade' is taking over, you may not have noticed but in addition to the site's wholly unholy 'General Chat' facility where ****s are king and the more discerning among us are mere 'mopes', there are a couple of threads on this board that remain for all intents and purposes mod-free zones. These are of course the long running and virtually immortal 'Word association thread' aka Northolt's legacy thread and Kiwi's 'heres a joke for you all'.

It's not so much we wouldn't ever intervene if a serious complaint were made - but out of respect for this being a male dominated internet domain, we see the wisdom in having an exhaust pipe!

Questions

So the question now needs to be asked: where do you want us to draw the moderation lines these days?

The fact is whilst I personally enjoy a lot of the new wave OT threads and see them as part and parcel of this round the clock magazine of ours, there is a vocal purist lobby that grumbles a bit and calls for keeping the board to what it says on the tin: a QPR based football forum only.

However, the growing tide of 'ism' irreverence within these OT threads and Norf's promotion of yet another playtime thread, gives pause for thought in terms of whether we want these things or not. If it seems we do to any extent, do we keep them in the main frame, thus complicating our ability to keep clear lines on moderation - or do we take a leaf out of Newcastle's book where their board divided itself a year or so ago and now has a main football board and something it calls its 'Sexy Poll'?

Be interested in your thoughts on this stuff for a general pulse reading.

Cheers.

 

I guess the proliferation of OT threads is partly down to the fact that we all want something to take our mind off QPR's plight and that we haven't got a game this weekend.

BR: Point noted.

Personally I enjoy this board more for the QPR related threads but see no harm in OT threads where they keep to the house rules.

BR: Yep. That's the problem. We've got rules to cover these things but to apply them in all cases would result in tragic over-modding.

As you say Brix, self-moderation is the key and we can make yours and NUTs thankless task easier by sticking to them. Thanks again for helping make this a great board, let's all do the same

Cheers Mr T!

 

Oh and I would ban any non-mod threads that mention the word ban!

 

I don't think a bikini thread is appropriate for a forum that should be accessible to all ages.

BR: The all ages thing isn't immediately apparent but judging by other replies to this thread, you're right. We need to consider this factor when modding stuff in future.

In general, off-topic threads are only going to appeal to regulars who get enjoyment out of 'socialising' with familiar names. For those who have simply popped in to use the forum for it's primary purpose- to catch up on QPR-related news, the threads can be a bit of a pain. I know people who specifically avoid particular QPR forums solely because of all the off topic stuff.

BR: Maybe we could encourage thread starters to include 'OT' at the beginning of off topic threads (or mods edit it in where possible) so people can avoid them... We'll see.

I must admit, i've had a snigger at every one of the threads Brixton has mentioned, but wouldn't want them to become a regular occurrence. There's definitely shades of WATRB about all of it, and we certainly wouldn't want to go the same way as those lot

BR: Quite. Need to retain our own separate identity.

Cheers Griff.

 

yep I'm totally in this camp. Whilst I log in to this board predominently for the QPR info, updates, reports etc, It can at times be quite refreshing to read something non QPR related written by a poster I feel i know (sort of) and who has something of major importance in common with me.

BR: Even at such distances, the feeling of knowing fellow posters, especially the more regular ones, isn't something we should discount when thinking of ways to move forward. Relationships on here are in various ways as valid, enduring and fulfilling as in other dimensions of life - especially when you consider the daily, even hourly, nature of our interactions. Gets quite soapy, seeing those characters respond to different circumstances. There'll be times I'm sure you'll be reading stuff and howl out in delight as I do at certain in or out of character responses - even though you can't be arsed to reply.

Some of Rollers great posts were barely QPR related. Remember the one at the end of last season about what everyone was doing when we stayed up? I think that was one of the best posts i've read on this board and it wasnt so much about QPR, but about those who followed QPR. I suppose it fits in the band of "almost OT"?

As Peru said (and nines the other day) at the moment we are all looking for something to take our minds off what can only be described and an ongoing nightmare. I would suggest that would be the main reasoning behind the OT threads more than anything else. I'm sure when we are back winning matches in the NPC later this year, the number of Ot threads will decrease & we will become more football orientated again.

BR: Agree. Good point re. 'almost OT' threads. Food for thought.

Self modding is the obvious; if not so easy answer. Some of the posts you named were so obviously gonna go in a certain way that i didnt even bother reading most of the replies. I'm not sure what the solution is, but like I said, right now I just wanna read something positive even if it isnt about my team.

BR: Self-modding sure saves us from unnecessary effort - and you from the feeling of BBC style censorship / over-modding.

Positive is great when it's genuine like after a win. Bit tacky when it's created for effect. Them times I'd prefer the gloom - but that's probably just me...

So, basically I havent helped & have just rambled on but I'l happily go along with what ever decision is made. this is stil the best QPR board on the net & thats why we have so many visitors from other clubs come calling.
You & Nuts made a hard job look easy & you definately have my support what ever you decide.
Good luck


BR: Thanks mate.

 

excellent post Brix.
we all have different tastes on certain things we like but we all have one thing in common and that is the love for football and QPR in particular (apart from yappy) .
regarding threads like the bikini thread, on a personal view I feel you cant get enough of a good thing so I love it. I want football, beer and birds all day long.
If others are not happy with a thread like that maybe it could be moved but should be available to anyone who wants it.

I dislike any threads regarding politics or beliefs as there is always a poster that believes his faith but not another.

BR: And therein lays the purpose of the consultation. Yes, we're mostly all blokes - and probably of a certain type in some aspects - but that doesn't mean we all cut from the same cloth in terms of tastes and what we're looking for in this live magazine of ours. I want us to be able to cater for as many of those tastes and wants as we can, and hopefully without those things clashing or causing ructions.

Cheers Andy

 

Whoa whoa whoa what? Huh? Youse are crazy or summat? Ain't got a clue, eh there, matey? It's OK. We all have our faults. I'll continue to watch the lot of you heckle each other to childish death while I sit up 'ere in me air-conditioned box at Loftus Road. Sheesh we can't all be bed-wetting page-3 reading thug hooligans like most of you (OK was that too sharp an insult for most of you? Or was it not strong enough? )

At least I've stayed out of most of the political, religious and overtly sexual nonsensical threads and put my downright perfect analysis and prediction of our past managers' tactics and our boards thoughts on things (as I am rather close to that end of the business being up here in one of the boxes most of the time).

Loved NW, loved the old crazy goat Paladini, hated MH from the moment his name was even linked with us (and I was right!) and my tactical prowess had been spot on from the perspective of the players' energies and commitment.

But if you call me out...... I might do some more ...... that should be vague enough

And it's OK to spout one's discontent (about the R's, that is)) as it is, on that level, personal.

I don't hate any of you, whatsoever, but I just think sometimes some of you are immature, pedantic, and downright ludicrous and a bit clueless and uneducated (probably because you are!). But I don't hate. Nope. Because I know we all love QPR.



BR: Yo Yappy chappy! Great not so recent addition to the fold imo. You probably realise by now that I'm not one of your suspicious detractors. You like to go for the abstract at times, bit like DT in that way, but perhaps unlike him you'll give it out hammer and tongs, warts and all when you're ready - and upset a few rose tints in the process! End of the day, it's just another angle on our club.

On the face of it some of us might be forgiven for thinking you'd be pretty hard to please on finding new directions - but for some reason I just happen to think not...

 

stop yapping yappy

 

Hi Brix, thanks for that. I think the OT posts proliferate during long breaks from the QPR football.

BR: Too true mate - but we just need to know how you want us to mod the storm when it happens!

I like exercising my choice as to which threads I engage with and which not.

BR: Me too. For the life of me, can't understand why that's not the case with all of us.

Thanks for all you do.

BR: And you RTID, great poster imo.

 

Personally I think the mods are doing a great job in pulling things onside if needed and closing threads when appropriate. I don't get all this 'ban so and so' bollox, if you don't like reading someone's drivel then do that.....DON'T READ IT !! (As I do with a few on here).
I saw the way the 'blade runner' thread was going, and as I had heard all the jokes before, after 10 mins of the incident being reported, I couldn't be bothered to read . Shame 'cos it might of turned into a decent thread on race and crime in SA.

BR: We've had one or two really great in-depth OT discussion threads in the last few months. Tbh, like you, I was kind of hoping for a repeat of that on the Runner thread. Shame from my point of view it went the other way. Never mind. Still entertained some while it lasted.

To be honest the non-football threads do interest me more nowadays 'cos I already know how **** the team are playing and don't really care about what formation we play, as long as we start winning.

BR: Ditto on that Stainsey.

 

Right time to have this discussion.

There is no QPR news.
Some/most of us are pretty sick of QPR at the moment (an increasingly long moment) anyway
Result is only 5 genuinely football related threads on the first page of the site by my count (if QPR was a movie is not a football thread, though there is some funny stuff on it)

Some of these are funny/ informative. I have no problem with off topic threads or posts, I do it myself and sometimes deliberately on threads that are repetitive (such as all the 'blame Mark Hughes' ones). And its good that people can use this place to vent, be outrageous etc etc, saves them doing it at home/at work.

BR: Gulp! I was responsible for one of those Hughes is guilty threads... Moving on, the opportunity to vent is certainly a facility this board must retain.

For me the problem is the genuinely low quality stuff we are getting - the Pistorius/bikini ones good examples. These are just crass, even though the OP may not have intended it. Solution - someone has to suggest - lets transfer this discussion to General Chat. Or, as you have been doing Brix, just close the thread. I'm happy for anyone to discuss anything they want in whatever terms they want (in fact I would encourage it), but I am bored with the clutter.

Much bigger issue for me is the huge surge in the insult throwing, which has dominated some threads, and all the 'banning' rubbish. IT'S JUST SO ****ING BORING!!!! I've decided not to post on threads which include this crap, which really does reduce the number of threads open to post on. I think many others have made the same decision - a lot of regulars very quiet, though the lack of Rs news may be the cause. It's the respect thing. Even if you don't respect the person you are insulting, have some for the rest of us.

BR: This is one of THE moderation concerns. Rules essentially call for due respect - even amidst keenly disputed exchanges. Difficult line sometimes, between banter and abuse. That's why we tend not to act unless complaints are formally put (which tbh is rarely the case these days).

Finally, as my kids will tell you, I am an enthusiastic, regular and effective swearer. But what has happened to the swear filter? I don't find any words offensive, but the 11 year olds who think its shocking and can't resist writing naughty words for their own sake rather than to emphasize strength of feeling etc are, once again, boring.

BR: (I'm a bit Anglo-Saxon in that way too.) I refer you to my informed answer at #74.

Apologies for the length of this.

BR: See, you do this Stan, get flakey if you post more than a couple of paragraphs. Reckon most of us agree you're one of the great minds on here - and all that travelling means you get time to think. A few longer OPs and posts from you would add a powerful dimension for those of us who come on as much for a stonking read over a cuppa as much as for a natter with our virtual mates.

Don't worry, I'll nag you till you buckle mate. Never been one to shy away from my more feminine genes (ask Beth!)

 

Brix,

I think something of a community has evolved over the past few years and many of the regular posters have developed invaluable cyber-friendships.

BR: Read this point of your's before my edit on Queens' post at #5 above. Something every much to be taking into account on future directions.

Whether off-topic threads are more prevalent when the Rs don't have a game, or proliferate during bad runs I couldn't say, but I personally have a healthy appetite for the absurd whilst believing that I generally self-moderate reasonably well. I would certainly have no problem apologising if this is not the case and offence is taken.

BR: Your absurdity is a valued asset on here Ubes. Has me in heeps at times (furry space hopper?!!).

I agree that some of the recent threads have gone over the top. The aftermath of the Swansea humiliation was particularly disappointing with both certain Rs and certain Swans refusing to back down and going at it cliched hammer and stereotyped tong. It was best kept out of, so that's what I chose to do.

BR: The aftermath of that debacle was all too predictable though. Some chose to slang invading Swans off, other chose to invade Swans board and upset silly Dilly. Me? Just got under me quilt and sulked - and left water to find its own level!

I don't think we'd necessarily need to have this conversation if certain contributors knew where to draw the line. There is clearly animosity and no love lost between some regular posters who only need to put each other on 'ignore' to avoid unpleasantness. It is disappointing when good threads get taken over by these personal ding-dongs.

As for some comments that may appear offensive at first read, I think contributors should ask the authors for clarifcation before jumping the gun and crying 'offensive', as these remarks are often ironic or set out on the screen in a fashion not meant by the typist. It only takes the use of a clumsy word or lazy sentence to set some people off on one, when a simply request for clarification may simply reveal a loss in translation.

BR: If some can't even be arsed to proof their replies, questioning the meanings within comments made by others might be a tad sophisticated for certain reactionaries on here mate.

We do sometimes take on the characteristics of the lynch mob hammering on the side of the Black Moria long before the suspect inside has been formally charged with anything. It is a worrying pre-occupation.

BR: Ain't so much the issue of the misspelling which you've conceded later in this thread - but the whole notion of Black Marias. Fred Flintstone'll remind you they prowled the streets of my youth - way before the SPG, much less the TSG which was recently disbanded! Keep up mate!

As for Northolt's thread: I propose that we remove the bikinis. Keep the girls, just remove the bikinis.

BR: Norf will be pleased. Can't resist a tit that man - quite the opposite of my purpose here!!

 

So you should be ...

Wanna see some knockers ?

 

.

 

sorry brix
never meant to cause you any trouble
was just amazed that the ramblings of a non elected mp that no one had heard of over here was making worldwide news

please don't send me to general chat
no one deserves that
although in the case of one of your other problems instead of banning anyone just banish them to gc for a month

BR: Can't afford to exile you to GC mate, who'd get the morning papers in?! Just keep your stuff coming in please - while we decide where to put it!

I am very sorry if any of my off topic threads insults or bores anyone
I drive a lorry over here so spend a lot of time on my own hence my wish to engage with people on here
my wife has no wish to listen to the drivel

BR: Are you fessing up to being a sad little trucker then Kiwi... Now then, where's NUTS put that mod violin this time?!

some of the ot stuff is very interesting and I think it would be a poorer place on here without it
hopefully there is some sense in the above post

 

ps
sorry in advance for anything that comes your way from the Swansea board

BR: Hmmm...

 

to late mate, its all your fault

 

Bingo, it's a matter of choice!

BR: Snap!

 

Crap. Can't respond to this in the spirit I know it was intended in because I've been so po-faced above.....well ok, show me your pictures of Hansen and Merson.

BR: See what I mean? Need to cater for ALL tastes!

 

I really like this and Bricktop is has hit the nail on the head ... This is a 24 hour magazine and we read and contribute to it. It's very addictive and ultimately should be fun and entertainment IMO . The banter is great and in my world you should should laugh at yourself and others equally on here that contributes to a brilliant energy .
Tits
I laugh when I see the tit stuff as it brings out the posters who are clearly not getting or enjoying the wonders of sex. This I can only guess is because of the place these people find themselves . The mind and body is a funny thing if you don't understand it's power I hope in time you get to see that bodies come in all shapes and sizes and its the mind we connect to
Best of luck

While I am serious I also would like to say I sincerely believe that our team will survive and I am enjoying the drama so much ... I understand people seeing this as foolish but I love my club in my way . If you could collect all the negative posts about our team the virtual sack of posts would outweighs the positive ones ... Maybe no one is right but I can't stand the moaning when it's floods and therefore I fight on here virtually with as much power as I can because I simply hate moaners and both that side and my own mean very little in the performance of our club... So what does it do?

It adds to the entertainment

I will continue to be daft and at times I will rip up my account and have a break as and when I feel like it

There will be more bans and fall outs as well as make ups I am certain of that.

You can't measure white without black or any if the **** inbetween

BR: Ain't even gonna try to strain the goodness out of a DT presentation! BUT clearly there to see and quite frankly much of where we're trying to get to with this exercise is stuff you've been going on about for ages.

Just trying to catch up mate. Be gentle with us. Patience!