No Bergkamp, it really wasn't - stay! I think overall the forum is ticking along quite nicely. Its certainly an improvement from the bad old days of January, when this board was an absolute mess. However, I do feel recently, perhaps in the last month, the mods have had to get involved a bit more than I (or they) would like, which is a shame, but hopefully the winter months will be relatively harmonious as we're not going to be debating race incidents, etc, in the heat of the moment. Hopefully that can lead to greater respect between all members, so when things kick off next season, we can all get on better. I wouldn't necessarily say the rules need tightening up (Heck, I drafted them, they must be perfect ), but maybe some way of drawing a users attention to why a post has been moderated could be helpful. Maybe a thread in The Pits where the mods can post the offending material, along with a reason for deleting (or modifying it), and any discussion on whether it was fair or not can happen there, to take it away from the main board?
What a great idea Canary! I was going to suggest PMs for sorting these things out, but public (where appropriate) would indeed be a better way for others (even those not directly involved) to get a handle on things if they wish.
90% of the time the reason is blatantly obvious, but sometimes it may not be so obvious. We don't mind being PM'd to ask us why we've deleted something, but if this is what people want thats fine by me.
I think what is important is that even the offender be shown respect throughout any break-down of why action was taken. For this reason, it is important that any public discussion does not ridicule or in any way belittle the 'offender'. Any discussion of the reason, including an offender's request that it not be discussed in public, should be respected.
I do think something should be done. I have gradually found my interest waning - in spite of my little contribution to the TEAM effort to revitalise the forum. There is far too much 'driver xxxxxx is God on wheels and nothing can come close.' or 'driver yyyyyyyy is **** and should be dropped'. Sadly the forum is rather like the graffiti you see from railways- they just HAVE to have the last word - however pathetic. Now I openly admit to doing my bit to challenge in the hope of deterring this onslaught - but to no avail. Until the virtual spray can is removed it will continue. So - its ignore TOTALLY, continue to confront - or piss off. After the winter break - (and retirement for me end December) I may not have the stomach for more.
A lot of thread's recently have ended up as Slag Fests'. Edit What a mean to say is... If someone post a thread on a driver that is known to have a dislike of a that particular driver, then that certain thread can warrant a reaction without actually meaning too. And people take it as being personal.
Some home truths here. But Bergy, you are a vital part of this forum. Do not go. - Or if you ever decide to, please PM me first! I would also say the same thing to Eternal, who is making an effort despite some lack of experience as a consequence of fewer years. Best of luck for your retirement. But please stick around. You are Eternally (sic) valuable to this forum - just as he is actually.
Cosi- I was intending to sign-off for today. This is not a plea for persuasion - more a constructive criticism (laughable I know) to encourage others of similar views to speak out. If others are content with the status quo - I may give up, however if some steps are taken to rein in the monotony there is hope. At the end of the day - I prefer to try humour - some might appreciate it - others are not impressed, that is their choice and SOH. But I'd find it preferable to the tedious 'join me or I'll hate you campaigns'. The forum has been mostly fun, downhill I fear - but I have a life outside (several you could say) and other interests might prevail.
Yeah. I know. Understood. (And appreciated!) I've taken today off and have some 'down-time' in the closed season, although retirement is some way off for me yet (and actually something I'm not looking forward to, so I may not!). I have recently shared your concerns and I think it is great that the moderation team have decided to take a fresh look at what might be done. Ultimately, we all have other things far more important than chatting about motor racing, but this place would be less without you, just as is the case with quite a number of members who have walked away already, or whose contributions have fallen. With a bit of luck, there will be something of a 'shake-up to shape-up'! This could make it a place of genuine fun and a creative exchange of views, rather than a place full of bitterness, resentment and the litter of disrespect.
I appreciate that, given my lack of input to the forum generally, my opinion is not going to carry as much weight as forum regulars but I really don't understand how anyone can consider criticism of drivers or anyone else connected with F1 in a professional capacity to be bad. Obviously, hurling racial abuse, sexist slurs or homophobic insults at drivers is offensive and such content should be deleted on the basis that it's racist, sexist or homophobic regardless of who it's directed at. Criticising a driver's racecraft or even his interview techniques, however, is surely what the forum is here to provide a platform for.
All opinions are welcome Although I feel members should be free to criticise drivers for their F1 activities, there are some I feel would find a reason to criticise a driver even if he saved their granny from a fire. Your welcome to generally dislike someone but there has to be a line somewhere.
What about the other side of the coin? Where posters deify their drivers? Posters who can't ignore any thread, regardelss of it's headline or content, to push their love of Schumacher or Hamilton on us at every turn. Why should I have to put up with their total BS without reply?
Hi everyone. Very good point, IMO. Repeatedly disparaging a driver's abilities is surely no worse than someone else repeatedly glorifying them.
Who has repeatedly glorified them, the only time these drivers are mentioned are really when they are disparaged. Both Schumacher and Hamilton, I will make that clear.
I think we're doing fine as we are, the Sunderland has very light moderation, very few posts are deleted, which is good. If someone oversteps the line they normally get a PM just to let them know, freedom of speech is very important. Unless it's racist/sexist/any of that sort of stuff, it should be allowed. I think we're all mature enough to get around the few WUMs. There was one on the Sunderland board a while ago (BDU), if you ignore them they just go away.
