NationStates Jolt Archive

The current spate of Appreciation Threads is starting to spiral out of control. Like any other fad, a few can be fun, but once everyone starts to copycat them it becomes overbearing and spammish. Consider this as a notification that such threads may be locked or moved to Spam by any moderator who considers that thread to be a copycat or spam thread.

As a side note, singling out specific Generalites for Appreciation threads is cliquish and exclusionary. A high post-count from social spam doesn't make anyone "royalty" here, it only means that they post a lot. Frankly, I see cliques as one of the failings of a forum, not as something to be celebrated. Your view may, of course, be different.

~ Frisbeeteria ~
NationStates Forum Mod

I can understand the "Care Bear Appreciation Thread"(and silly stuff like that) being spammish and locked, but what is the harm in the other legit appreciation threads, such as the ones for Oksana, Zooke and Eutrusca? I fail to see how spreading positive messages about fellow NSers is a bad thing. People who dont even know them or have only seen them post a few times have made nice comments about them....which tells me that positivity is contagious. Yes I know we have some silly threads, but there are some genuine threads that some people consider spam, which bring a positive, fun, energetic mood to the forum...not just arguing like you see on so many other threads. Lets not do away with the fun part of the forums. The pass the love thread is great too because people have nothing to say except good things about each other.....and not just people of the same "group" or "clique". Thanks!

I can understand the "Care Bear Appreciation Thread"(and silly stuff like that) being spammish and locked, but what is the harm in the other legit appreciation threads, such as the ones for Oksana, Zooke and Eutrusca? I fail to see how spreading positive messages about fellow NSers is a bad thing. People who dont even know them or have only seen them post a few times have made nice comments about them....which tells me that positivity is contagious. Yes I know we have some silly threads, but there are some genuine threads that some people consider spam, which bring a positive, fun, energetic mood to the forum...not just arguing like you see on so many other threads. Lets not do away with the fun part of the forums. The pass the love thread is great too because people have nothing to say except good things about each other.....and not just people of the same "group" or "clique". Thanks!

Because people see them, decide to start other ones, and before long we end up with the forum being swamped with them and people get pissed off and complain to us. As happened with the 'Ask a ...' threads.

I can understand the "Care Bear Appreciation Thread"(and silly stuff like that) being spammish and locked, but what is the harm in the other legit appreciation threads, such as the ones for Oksana, Zooke and Eutrusca?Read his first message more closely. They are cliquish and exclusionary. What about other posters who DON'T have a thread devoted to THEM? In the space of recognising people, you risk offending those you exclude from your affections.

I think this action was somewhat overdue, to be honest.

Because people see them, decide to start other ones, and before long we end up with the forum being swamped with them and people get pissed off and complain to us. As happened with the 'Ask a ...' threads.


I understand Myrth....I was just trying to say something positive about them. I can appreciate the fact that a Mods job isnt easy. I just hope that people will take note of this thread and stop copycatting appreciation threads so that we dont lose the ones that are truely made in appreciation for members. (pay attention people) We even had a newbie appreciation thread to welcome new members. I guess Ive always worn the welcome wagon hat and like for everyone to feel welcome. Anyways, thank you mods for the job you do and thank you NSers for being part of such a great group.

Read his first message more closely. They are cliquish and exclusionary. What about other posters who DON'T have a thread devoted to THEM? In the space of recognising people, you risk offending those you exclude from your affections.

I think this action was somewhat overdue, to be honest.

I disagree Sarz..... read some of the threads the whole way through. Being a newbie myself once, I would look at the appreciation threads and see what was up. I then started paying more attention to the posters that the threads were made for, and learned that there was a reason they were being appreciated. They had fun, witty posts, they were kind to others,they were intelligent on serious subjects. I never felt left out by these kinds of threads.
Again, people have made two "newbie appreciation"threads (which is where I met two of our not so newbs at) and even Mod appreciation threads....I think that pretty much includes everyone. I mean, those threads say positive things about people...even from and to people who are not in a clique. I do understand when people copy cat and there are 14 appreciation threads, including threads for "sandwich appreciation thread,"pet appreciation thread" and "Drew Carey appreciation thread" that it is annoying.....all I'm saying is that, in my experience, the threads have promoted kindness and positivity throughout the forum and provided a break from all the bickering about politics, religion and sexual orientation. Lots of people them, including me....and I buy Max's books just like anyone else. I probably wouldnt if the site became policed so strongly that you couldnt have some kind of social thread. I'd write Max a letter too and tell him why.

This is just my opinion,I still think youre great Sarz....watch out or I might make an appreciation thread for you ;)

Read his first message more closely. They are cliquish and exclusionary. What about other posters who DON'T have a thread devoted to THEM? In the space of recognising people, you risk offending those you exclude from your affections.

I think this action was somewhat overdue, to be honest.

I agree whole heartedly.

I have read plenty of posts in non-appreciation Threads that express their appreciation of others.

I was lost on why we needed special Threads for each one.

Regards,
Gaar

As a side note, singling out specific Generalites for Appreciation threads is cliquish and exclusionary. A high post-count from social spam doesn't make anyone "royalty" here, it only means that they post a lot. Frankly, I see cliques as one of the failings of a forum, not as something to be celebrated. Your view may, of course, be different.I was thinking the exact same thing but was unable to but so eliquently. Thank you.

Thankyou Fris.
I think that if someone posts are thoughtful and interesting they will be appreciated; there's no need for threads entirely devoted to feel-good fluffling and cycles of reciprocal back-patting. Plus, its really the same people who are always appreciating each other, to the point where thats their main contribution to the forum.

I just hope that people will take note of this thread and stop copycatting appreciation threads so that we dont lose the ones that are truely made in appreciation for members.
What makes you think I'm talking about CareBear threads, Peechland? When I posted this today, the following Appreciation Threads were on the front page:The Oksana appreciation thread! : )) (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=402162)
The "Gramps" Appreciation Thread (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=408210)
The Zooke Appreciation Thread! (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=408030)
Missing NSers (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=408249)
Who's your favorite NS'er? Explain, if you wish. (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=408202)
Welcome to NS Hype (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=408250)What do all these have in common? They're all pretty much fluff, celebrating a very small percentage of overall readers, at the cost of six slots on the front page.

We've got seven permanent topics (the stickies), and on my screen at least there are 32 topics on the front page. Add in these six, plus the inevitable Paradise Club, Pass on the Love, NS Dating Service ... the list goes on and on ... and you end up with about half the footprint of General's front page devoted to a couple of dozen regulars. Can I point out that this is a political simulation game, not a chat room or spam forum?

Peechland, it's sweet that you want positive threads on the forums, but there is a difference between positive threads and saccarine "fluffle" threads. These threads don't have content. They're just "awww, you're so great" threads. They're fluff. They're spam. We tolerate a certain amount, but not this much.

At this point, I'm willing to listen to other input, but so far it seems to be Peech against everyone else. Since I started out agreeing with everyone else, I must say I'm not swayed. Make a better case, please.

No thanks. My opinion doesnt matter anyway. This site is anti fun apparently so I'll just make my complaints to Max Barry himself and not bother you Mods with it.

The thread you listed, in which I was the originator, was made with the best of intentions......to welcome and introduce someone to the forum. I have seen several like this or similar where a new member made a thread introducing themselves, so I thought it was perfectly acceptable. Not everyone is bold enough to make a thread as a new person to say 'I'm so-in-so and I'm new". So I thought I'd make a thread for Hype......and in big letters saying "welcome to all new members". My mistake for trying to be hospitable.

No thanks. My opinion doesnt matter anyway. This site is anti fun apparently so I'll just make my complaints to Max Barry himself and not bother you Mods with it.

The thread you listed, in which I was the originator, was made with the best of intentions......to welcome and introduce someone to the forum. I have seen several like this or similar where a new member made a thread introducing themselves, so I thought it was perfectly acceptable. Not everyone is bold enough to make a thread as a new person to say 'I'm so-in-so and I'm new". So I thought I'd make a thread for Hype......and in big letters saying "welcome to all new members". My mistake for trying to be hospitable.

I guess my question to you Peechland would be...

What do you think would happen if everyone who uses these Forums posted just one "Fluffle Thread" every day, or even once a week?

So why should it be ok for some, if not ok for everyone?

Regards,
Gaar

Then give me one sticky and make me the welcome wagon and I will welcome and appreciate everyone in that ONE thread. I can change the title of the thread to reflect whoever we are welcoming or appreciating.......

That's actually not a horrible idea, except for two things.

One, the practical: you can't change thread titles anymore. A Mod has to do it. Therefore, you'd need to make it generic, i.e. "The Welcome Thread" or some such.

Second, we're not likely to give you a sticky. If it's not popular enough to stay on the front page on it's own (like the Paradise Club), then it's not something that enough people want.

I'll get some other modly opinions, but honestly, that sounds fine.

So whos Appreciation thread broke the camels back??

Just a thought...a non-considered, quickly-typed thought, mind you...

Would it be possible to have a 2nd General Forum? Then all the serious types could stay in "Regular" General, and all the stuff that many consider to be spam, but others consider to be an IMPORTANT part of their daily visit, could be in the "FUN" General forum?

Oh, and I support Peechy and her quest to keep happiness and fun alive.

Thank you Gawd :) ......I felt all alone in here, and I know I'm not the only one who spams or makes appreciation threads(I've made 1 total)

Thank you Gawd :) ......I felt all alone in here, and I know I'm not the only one who spams or makes appreciation threads(I've made 1 total)

*creates virtual Peechy Appreciation Thread in his mind, writes lots of nice things in it*

You, darlin', make the tastiest spam around!

I could care less how many Appreciation threads there are. They're no more wasteful than the vast majority of the other threads in General.

I don't see much difference (in terms of spam) between a "yet another debate on gay marriage" thread and a "yet another appreciation of a random poster" thread.

I could care less how many Appreciation threads there are. They're no more wasteful than the vast majority of the other threads in General.

I don't see much difference (in terms of spam) between a "yet another debate on gay marriage" thread and a "yet another appreciation of a random poster" thread.
Without sounding threatening can I ask why are you even responding in general if you think most of the threads are pointless spam?

Without sounding threatening can I ask why are you even responding in general if you think most of the threads are pointless spam?

I never said in my previous post that most of the threads in General are pointless spam.

What I pointed is that most of the debate threads could also be considered spam based on the same criteria used to rule that the additional "Appreciation" threads are spam. If excessive Appreciation threads will be locked or deleted, then shouldn't the excessive "Christianity Sucks" or "Communism is teh suxx0r" threads be deleted or locked as well?

Quite honestly, I like the Appreciation threads and others like them (despite the fact that I'm not part of any "clique" or "royalty" group and I haven't AFAIK had an Appreciation thread started for me, nor have I started one for someone else).

Fine, can we have one single "I appreciate..." thread, where new members can see who is respected, upset people can get cheered up and if someone's said or did something really good on NS (or elsewhere) others can say "I appreciate X because they did y today"?

I suggested that actually Randomea......We will see what happens.

I know, and you asked for it to be stickyed. But what I mean is one with rules. You can't just say 'I appreciate' for no reason and go into a fluffle fest. It has to be the set structure, with a valid reason. And no-one simply saying 'I agree.'

I know, and you asked for it to be stickyed. But what I mean is one with rules. You can't just say 'I appreciate' for no reason and go into a fluffle fest. It has to be the set structure, with a valid reason. And no-one simply saying 'I agree.'
I'm completely open to such ideas, as are (I suspect) the other mods. If you want to throw out some possible introductory text and get input from the readers of this thread, feel free.

Come up with a title that's welcoming, and some suggestions / invitations that comply with site rules, and you can kick it off anytime. I do advise you to seek input first to avoid putting in something that simply wouldn't work.

Moderation ain't Mount Olympus, y'know. You're willing to work with us, and we're willing to work with you. Let's see what you can do.

This thread is dedicated to making Nation States members feel welcome to the group and to express appreciation or recognition to a member that you may feel is deserving! We dedicate this thread and request that members do not make multiple Appreciation threads/Welcome threads so that we may keep the forum running smoothly for everyones enjoyment and debate. Post your words of welcome here to new members, new members- feel free to introduce yourself here, and anyone who would like to recognize someone for specific appreciation, please so so here. There is multitude of personalities on Nation States, as well as topics. The bottom line is, theres something here for everyone.......
Welcome to Nation States!

I want to make a thread called "Ask a Norwegian". Am I allowed to do so without being accused of spamming?

(draft)

Welcome to this thread, and perhaps to NS. This thread is about honouring members who have made a difference, no matter how big or small, to a NSer. It may simply be that someone wants to recognise and greet a new member, or make sure that one of the great members, worthy of everyone's respect, can be recognised for their true worth. New members, see why these members are so great and maybe one day you could be up there.
There are rules, however, to this topic:
For every 'appreciation' made there has to be a valid reason. 'Because he's nice' is not enough, we want to know what makes this person so esteemed. In addition, other members please don't spam the thread with 'I agree' or fluffles, (Pass the Love On thread is good for those instead found here). If the member is new something along the lines of "<name> is new, s/he he is making a good impression in <url>these posts</url> and hope you'll have good discussions with them."
Use your common sense.
Happy appreciating!

Something like that?

Hey, I'm posting in a policy sticky. Weirdness. For me anyway...

So-

Way back when I seem to remember that there was a thread that was for Newbs, which is I believe is where I made my first posts easing into the forum (not thinking anyone would take me seriously unless I came up with a name-jury is still out on that). It was fine, I was eased into posting.

But it was a newb thread and nothing more. There where some kindly 'old timers' in there commenting and welcoming-but they where just there to mingle with the newbs. That got me going. At the same time the Self-Appreciation Societies where in full force, post count celebrations where all the rage, etc. Those threads turned me off. I didn't want to join the Cult of Paratoga nor be bothered to try and foster a cult of my own. I wanted to sample other opinions, other sides of the argument to better understand my own.

I do not believe we need cliques telling the new people 'who to respect, who to look out for, etc.' They've got eyes, they've got 'view thread' buttons, they've got faculities of thier own. I see nothing wrong with developing respect or whatever about posters by reading the content of thier posts. You will develop your own filter. You appreciate a poster by being shoulder to shoulder with them in an argument, or being on the other side and maintaining your respect. The 'you're great, no you're great' parades are, to be blunt, pathetic. With the proliferation of AIM and the availability of IRC channels, etc. they are a total waste, their content does not need the preservation of a thread.

In short, a stickied thread where newbs can introduce themselves and interact with each other-worked for me. The logic of stickying it is that newbs aren't neccisarily a frequent enough occourance to maintain front page status and a new player isn't going to know to go looking for it. "Appreciation thread," on the other hand-plenty of other opportunities to glad hand each other, no real need to subject the rest of us to it.

As a newbie, I think a newb thread woulda been nice... I ended up lurking a bit until I just HAD to burst out with SOMETHING, then I posted.

I like to think of every thread as a Keruvalia Appreciation thread. It makes things easier.

I like to think of every thread as a Keruvalia Appreciation thread. It makes things easier.


and rightly so....

here's what Pablo doesn't understand... I've been visiting nationstates off and on for years... always in general briefly part of "the royalty" at the height of the days when general was a free for all (more or less... i may be "good old days"ing it a little)

In all that time, the political arguements has been the same over and over and over again sometimes considered, sometimes angry but mostly the same old same old.

The only thing that changes is the personalities, and they are the interesting bits.

Pablo finds the same repetitive left right christian non-christian arguements tedious (so Pablo doesn't read them)

The grumpy people who don't like chat should not read it, and if their boring threads have merit they will stay at the top of the page.

I suspect the comment about those not being appreciated feeling left out is close to the truth. It's a sad world where you can't single out individuals for appreciation because others might be offended... but I suspect the one clique with any power (the mods in case that is unclear) are hurt by the fact that the only club that will have them is one that most people don't want to belong to... (any mod who reads this, Pablo of course does not mean you, I like you, it's the other mods ...)

Pablo says lock any thread that posts a political arguement that has been had before in the history of NS.

Pablo says lock any thread that posts a political arguement that has been had before in the history of NS.
Not to say that's a bad idea but how 'bout an official thread for each topic? Then everything relating to that will go in that thread. If another thread about the same thing is made it should be deleted, eh?

Not to say that's a bad idea but how 'bout an official thread for each topic? Then everything relating to that will go in that thread. If another thread about the same thing is made it should be deleted, eh?
I agree we need more oppresion!
Censor ME!!!
Please dont! :(

So Whos Appreciation Thread broke the Camels Back?

Not to say that's a bad idea but how 'bout an official thread for each topic? Then everything relating to that will go in that thread. If another thread about the same thing is made it should be deleted, eh?

what about length limits?

I do not believe we need cliques telling the new people 'who to respect, who to look out for, etc.' They've got eyes, they've got 'view thread' buttons, they've got faculities of thier own. I see nothing wrong with developing respect or whatever about posters by reading the content of thier posts. You will develop your own filter. You appreciate a poster by being shoulder to shoulder with them in an argument, or being on the other side and maintaining your respect. The 'you're great, no you're great' parades are, to be blunt, pathetic. With the proliferation of AIM and the availability of IRC channels, etc. they are a total waste, their content does not need the preservation of a thread.


Have been trying to find a way to say this - but this covers it perfectly from my perspective. What I like about General is its diversity, and while I've never been "appreciated" - I've also certainly been made welcome and welcomed others over time.

So whos Appreciation thread broke the camels back??
I ignored this the first time you posted it in post 15, Harlesburg, and I ought to ignore it again. The answer was posted in #10.

No one's thread broke the camel's back. I saw that similar social threads devoted to individual posters were starting to fill up the front page, and I posted this thread. There's no vendetta against any of the people mentioned. There's no vendetta against any of the people who started the threads. There's no vendetta against anyone, really, when it comes right down to it.

If you want this to be about ZOMG! SECRIT M0DZ0R !BIAS!, then I'll let you in on a little secret. Yes, we're biased. It's true. We've gone on a deliberate crusade to reduce and remove rule-breaking and warn off the rule-breakers. There's even a posted list (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=288255) of things we're OMG! biased about. It's a dirty little secret that's been around since the early days of moderators, but one that finally must be told.

There. The truth is out now. I feel so much better.

what about length limits?We get rid of them for the Official threads. I'd rather have one huge thread than a countless number of smaller threads.

Guess the appreciation fad's over now: Cotland's started a new trend off :rolleyes:

Guess the appreciation fad's over now: Cotland's started a new trend off :rolleyes:

go to the mod forum and check out the outcome with Fris.....it was good!

I guess the question is....now what?

edit: whos cotland and whats he doing

We get rid of them for the Official threads. I'd rather have one huge thread than a countless number of smaller threads.

I wouldn't.

I already get discouraged signing on in midafternoon and seeing an interesting thread title, only to find I have to read through 12 pages to get to the end and make sure Im not saying anything already said.

And when I do,a good 6 pages are just two posters having a huge argument while everyone else ignores them and talks about the main topic. Sometimes there'll be 2 sets of arguments that quickly degenerate away from the main topic and it gets annoying. It's like, why bother? I can find a more interesting thread that's only got 2 pages and have a REAL discussion

I wouldn't.

I already get discouraged signing on in midafternoon and seeing an interesting thread title, only to find I have to read through 12 pages to get to the end and make sure Im not saying anything already said. That's the thing. Sooner or later people will figure out that everything that could have be said has been said and we never have to talk about it ever again.

I ignored this the first time you posted it in post 15, Harlesburg, and I ought to ignore it again. The answer was posted in #10.

No one's thread broke the camel's back. I saw that similar social threads devoted to individual posters were starting to fill up the front page, and I posted this thread. There's no vendetta against any of the people mentioned. There's no vendetta against any of the people who started the threads. There's no vendetta against anyone, really, when it comes right down to it.

If you want this to be about ZOMG! SECRIT M0DZ0R !BIAS!, then I'll let you in on a little secret. Yes, we're biased. It's true. We've gone on a deliberate crusade to reduce and remove rule-breaking and warn off the rule-breakers. There's even a posted list (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=288255) of things we're OMG! biased about. It's a dirty little secret that's been around since the early days of moderators, but one that finally must be told.

There. The truth is out now. I feel so much better.
Oh sorry i must have missed the explanation!

And just so you know i wasnt implying you had a thing out for
1:Someone who made an Appreciation thread
or
2:Someone who was Honoured by an appreciation thread.
But merely interested to know if appreciation threads were ok to a point but they just became a fad(Not the right word im looking for) and so had to be dealt with!

Im sorry you took it the wrong way! :(
But very funny all the same.
Thanks. :)

Title has been edited to indicate that "Ask a ..." threads have rejoined appreciation threads on the endangered species list. Don't start any more.

~ Frisbeeteria ~
NationStates Forum Moderator

Title has been edited to indicate that "Ask a ..." threads have rejoined appreciation threads on the endangered species list. Don't start any more.

~ Frisbeeteria ~
NationStates Forum Moderator
You'll let the ones existing remain alive, aren't you? Please?

You'll let the ones existing remain alive, aren't you? Please?
If they turn to spam like they usually do, they'll be locked or dumped. We don't make sweeping generalisations about a thread's future, we just have to wait and see. I think it's safe to predict a slightly higher level of mod scrutiny, though.

The problem with the 'Ask a' threads - is that one well intentioned thread leads to spam. When I seen the Icelandic thread, I was intrigued, having already had my curiosity peaked about that nation by another person here on NS. The thread did have merrit, and posts were made in a serious effort (at least for the most part) to find out about that country.

There were other 'Ask a' threads that then sprang up, some of which could have conceivably had merrit, were it not for the fact that they were built as copy-cat threads. Some of these threads did move on to have sufficient content to be considered (at least in my opinion) non spam threads.

However, coming with these legitimate threads were the obviously spam threads like 'Ask someone with one ear' or 'Ask a gun toting American' (sorry, I couldnt be bothered to look up the real names).

By the same token, and though I know the mods considered it spam - the 'Pass the love on thread' was really a nice little addition to general, theres nothing wrong with a generic 'feel good' thread now and again. Still, someone felt it was nessecary to run right off and copy it, thus angering the powers that be and ruining a good thing.

We can't blame the mods for wanting to cut down on spammy topics as a whole... they are being at least diplomatic about it. In the end, the only people we have to blame if we arent getting what we want, are ourselves. We have rights, but we also have responsibilities. If a right is being abused, its our responsibility to acknowledge that, lest it be taken away.

Of course I know this must sound hypocritical, coming from someone who makes an effort to no longer post in the threads about religion and policy that some NS'ers seem to feel are the be all and end all of proper posting. But I do think that I have contributed something positive to this forum, I don't know how others feel - but I'd like to keep it running smoothly. The only way to accomplish this is to find that happy medium between what we want and what others do.

I think it is nessecary to provide NS'ers with a balanced blend of both aspects in general. We need the serious discussion, I crave it sometimes as do others - but we also need a bit of brevity as well. I think that the mods are trying to provide this balance, its on us to assure that we all get a just and proper dealing from whatever actions they take. Im glad to see that some people are working with, rather than against the mods to this end. If you don't feel that the mods are properly representing all interests - make cogent arguments stating so (as some have) not subtle digs at either side of the two quickly seperating factions of NS.

That said, Ill stop now before one of the mods deletes me or forum bans me... I'm sure there are at least a few that have a target on my head anyway.

On a side note, why don't you mods ever tell us what you think of us as indivduals so we know whether or not to change our ways? I mean, before it comes down to actual warnings... I know youve posted rules and regs. but theyre so generic and a little vauge, more contact with the mods is always nice when its in a non threatening manner - come and talk to us without the pretense of a warning thread more often! :)

Lasc-go to the mod forum and see the three relevant threads on these matters and please make comments on them...no wait....just go to the one Cog made. ....when mods ask for our input-we should take advantage of their generosity....

Lasc-go to the mod forum and see the three relevant threads on these matters and please make comments on them...no wait....just go to the one Cog made. ....when mods ask for our input-we should take advantage of their generosity....
Sorry - I don't know why I posted this here actually thinking of that... but honestly, I don't think many of the mods value my opinion. I know there are a few that might like me - but I always got the impression from most of them that I wasn't very admired, so perhaps I'm better off not getting involved after all. It might do more harm for the case of balance than good - in particular considering the hypocrasy of me (a person most likely considered a spammer) stating that we do need to cut down on spam in some ways.

Sorry - I don't know why I posted this here actually thinking of that... but honestly, I don't think many of the mods value my opinion. I know there are a few that might like me - but I always got the impression from most of them that I wasn't very admired, so perhaps I'm better off not getting involved after all. It might do more harm for the case of balance than good - in particular considering the hypocrasy of me (a person most likely considered a spammer) stating that we do need to cut down on spam in some ways.

well i just spent a week in there pleaing to the mods and i felt like i was by myself. i know i cant be the only one who spams or liked the pass the love thread. run to cogs thread Lasc! hurry lad! :)

well i just spent a week in there pleaing to the mods and i felt like i was by myself. i know i cant be the only one who spams or liked the pass the love thread. run to cogs thread Lasc! hurry lad! :)
Ill just make a little soft post and link to my rant - if you think that will help. Perhaps later when I have more time Ill take a little longer to plead my case.

Ill just make a little soft post and link to my rant - if you think that will help. Perhaps later when I have more time Ill take a little longer to plead my case.

You're such a good guy, LM. http://home.doramail.com/blondie/kissingsmilies.gif

You're such a good guy, LM. http://home.doramail.com/blondie/kissingsmilies.gif
Well thank you Elle! Thats very sweet of you. :)

I just wish I could fool everyone into thinking that. ;)

Well thank you Elle! Thats very sweet of you. :)

I just wish I could fool everyone into thinking that. ;)

You're welcome.
I'm easy and gullible. http://home.doramail.com/blondie/curtsey.gif


PS...
Just kidding. You're a sweet guy.

You're welcome.
I'm easy and gullible.
PS...
Just kidding. You're a sweet guy.
Aww! Thanks Elle! Youre such a sweetie! *huggles*

but wait... you're what now?... *kicks self*

don't say it... don't say it

On a side note, why don't you mods ever tell us what you think of us as indivduals so we know whether or not to change our ways?
I don't think you have any idea just how busy this forum keeps most of us. The rules are posted, and there is not a great deal of vagueness in most of them. Some are deliberately vague, because of the many-times-aforementioned "judgment calls" that we have to make on a regular basis.

We all interact socially as players with a wide variety of other players, but in Moderator persona we're all business. We don't "like" or "dislike" or "hate" anyone as players in mod persona - we judge and we rule, based on posted rules and precedents. We're moderators. That's the job description, and we all take it seriously.

We're not babysitters. We're not going to take each of you aside and say "wouldn't it be nice if you would do less of this and more of that". That's not in the job description, and frankly I'd consider it patronizing if anyone tried that crap with me. You know what the rules are. You can learn by example, if ot from reading the rules. It was pretty obvious to me as a player, and it hasn't changed all that much as a mod.

Just as a side note, writing a thoughtful and well-crafted post in a rules sticky, then posting a social spam episode immediately following, pretty much wrecks any point you were trying to make. You and ElleDiamonique should have figured out by now that not every thread is a place for happy little exchanges. Consider this "com[ing to] talk to [you] without the pretense of a warning thread".

~ Frisbeeteria ~
NationStates Forum Moderator

Fris, I'm not sure if you could have interpreted that any worse. I'm not in here trying to be disrespectful of your time - half of my rant was dedicated to you and the other mod community and the relevance and importance you carry. I appreciate what you do, and am only trying to help. Pardoning the slight indiscretion of a few harmless (and non-threatening) comments made within this thread.

I'm not asking for there to be a full scale dialouge between mods and generalites all the time - but it is discouraging that the the only words ever heard from some mods (as mods) are words spoken in anger or distaste. If you want to get respect and garner interest you should be coming at players as an equal not a superior sometimes. I understand that certain players actions demand that you be harsh - and so be it that this is often the case, but it isnt always the case.

Furthermore, my attempt to invite you into friendly non-mod issue conversation had nothing to do with you taking us aside and saying "wouldn't it be nice if you would do less of this and more of that". I'm not looking for a pat on the back, nor am I looking for patronization - I'm looking mods to take off the police outift sometimes and step down a peg or two (and there are some who do this).

I rarely ever say anything bad about anyone on these forums, Ive dedicated my time here in an attempt to make other NS'ers feel welcome and appreciated (no matter how well received it was, is or will be). Im not saying that I don't expect some people to respond to this with ill behaviour - but I do wish that mods would at least approach myself, others, and issues without the supercilious remarks and superiority.

Im glad you are finally putting an end to all those fluff threads. I hope that all of the King and Queen of NS and NS Royalty threads will be gone too.

You know, there is a reason this place is Anything and Everything - General. There's debate, discussion and just ordinary conversation. The 'Pass the Love On' thread was a little tongue in cheek, but in general it was finding something nice about a person, and in my mind a witty conversation. Ok there might have been quite a few 'fluffles,' I can say I'm guilty of going from one to quite a few per a post, but it made me smile. And it wasn't just 'I like x, have 6 fluffles' it was a chain often of finding new ways of saying someone was worthy of them. There's room for a few little innocent pleasures in this world, and it's a draconian one without it.
I'd be the first to say 'copy cat' threads are annoying - I choose one and stick with it, but saying all should be banned just isn't logical. And the same argument applies to debates or discussions. Whereas one troll is one troll too many.
Some threads are silly...but how many of them did you even visit to see what they were talking about? A sensible thread can have a silly title and vice-versa.
Ironic, I like debating. How many debates have I been in here? Not many. Most tend to be 'this is my view, like it or lump it.' Bring more discussion topics in where people can play devil's advocate, or at least contemplate other views, something where a little socialite humour wouldn't go amiss, but serious points can still be made. All the best speeches etc were more than just a plotted out argument, make the reader laugh and you win support. My problem is I start laughing with them, which doesn't go down well in live mooting/mock parliaments/debates. :rolleyes:

What's even more ironic is that the socialites are discussing this issue more than the debaters. Or is that 'cos we tend not to go into Moderation? (did warn you Cog.) If that was a serios comment LazyHippies, it takes more than a whine to make an argument.

Guess I'd better duplicate this to Mod...-> :-/

If they turn to spam like they usually do, they'll be locked or dumped. We don't make sweeping generalisations about a thread's future, we just have to wait and see. I think it's safe to predict a slightly higher level of mod scrutiny, though.

So it's ok to do "Copy Cat" Threads until the Moderators say to stop, and then the only ones allowed are the ones who broke the Rules before you pointed them out?

So can I go start an "Answer Urantia II" Thread before you catagorize those as "Copy Cat" too?

Regards,
Gaar

So it's ok to do "Copy Cat" Threads until the Moderators say to stop, and then the only ones allowed are the ones who broke the Rules before you pointed them out?

So can I go start an "Answer Urantia II" Thread before you catagorize those as "Copy Cat" too?

Regards,
Gaar

If you recognize that it would simply be a copy cat thread, wouldn't it be a good idea to forego potentially upsetting the moderators and just not make the thread at all?

[snip]
If that was a serios comment LazyHippies, it takes more than a whine to make an argument.
[snip]


The King of NS/NS Royalty type threads are also cliquish, exclusionary fluff. The argument was implied.

If you recognize that it would simply be a copy cat thread, wouldn't it be a good idea to forego potentially upsetting the moderators and just not make the thread at all?

Sorry, I never meant I was going to start any such Thread, just using that as an example of what I am asking about.

Would this be considered something like the "in before lock" statements? I don't understand those myself...

Regards,
Gaar

Sorry, I never meant I was going to start any such Thread, just using that as an example of what I am asking about.

I see. Sorry for the confusion. Carry on.



Would this be considered something like the "in before lock" statements? I don't understand those myself...


"In before the lock" statements are made when a person recognizes that a thread is inflammatory and will most likely get locked or deleted. They realize that the there is a limited opportunity to post in the thread, so they decide to post a completely off-topic "in before the lock". It's considered spam because it has no relevance whatsoever.

I see. Sorry for the confusion. Carry on.

No problem. But from what you say, I should just "play dumb" if I ever do want to start one and pretend like I didn't think it was a "Copy Cat", right?!?!

:p

"In before the lock" statements are made when a person recognizes that a thread is inflammatory and will most likely get locked or deleted. They realize that the there is a limited opportunity to post in the thread, so they decide to post a completely off-topic "in before the lock". It's considered spam because it has no relevance whatsoever.

I see, thank you for the explanation. I had seen it done a few times and wondered why it was done. :D

Regards,
Gaar

So it's ok to do "Copy Cat" Threads until the Moderators say to stop, and then the only ones allowed are the ones who broke the Rules before you pointed them out?
No, the copycat threads that started as spam were deleted. There were several. The remaining "Ask a ... " threads were reviewed for content and left alone if they weren't spam. (It's possible I missed one or more - I was at work on a brief pause between meetings. I trust our faithful readers will report such.)

"Ask a ..." threads aren't in themselves spam, it's just that past and current experience leads us to believe that they WILL BE spam. Consequently, the restriction on starting more.

We get rid of them for the Official threads. I'd rather have one huge thread than a countless number of smaller threads.
ha! (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=400949)

The King of NS/NS Royalty type threads are also cliquish, exclusionary fluff. The argument was implied.
hey. there is no clique in the reject royalty thread. i started it to include EVERYONE, because i hate cliques.

hey. there is no clique in the reject royalty thread. i started it to include EVERYONE, because i hate cliques.


thats right...and people have joined who are newbies and oldbies......we welcome all!

hey. there is no clique in the reject royalty thread. i started it to include EVERYONE, because i hate cliques.

still fluff

Besides, maybe that one can stay and the others can get deleted.

still fluff

Besides, maybe that one can stay and the others can get deleted.
every human contains a little fluff.

See? Even Occy is fluffy!

Glass wool is cool...that's fluffy but hard and sharp when broken.

See? Even Occy is fluffy!

Glass wool is cool...that's fluffy but hard and sharp when broken.
Occy fluffy

*chuckle*

Occy fluffy

*chuckle*
enough!!!!!! i am going to vomit. actually, i can be a like a kitten in the right company................

enough!!!!!! i am going to vomit. actually, i can be a like a kitten in the right company................
Purring or vomiting? Decisions, decisions

Purring or vomiting? Decisions, decisions
they can both be good.

Did that bit of fluff stick down your throat? :rolleyes:

Anyway, back on topic...oh damn already made a lot of points.
I can't refute points if no-one responds!

Are What does the World think of (Your Name Here)Threads?

Randomea, Legless Pirates, and Occidio Multus, are you actively trying to hijack the topic? 'Cause I for one am sick and tired of EVERY topic being fair game for the hijack presented in posts 72 to 78. I'm going to leave your posts undeleted and point to the three of you as a Bad Example, since you were so kind as to offer one up.

This topic is stickied as a discussion of how to find common ground, not a demonstration of how it's never going to happen unless the Hammer of Mod falls. Do I make myself clear?

~ Frisbeeteria ~
NationStates Forum Moderator

Randomea, Legless Pirates, and Occidio Multus, are you actively trying to hijack the topic? 'Cause I for one am sick and tired of EVERY topic being fair game for the hijack presented in posts 72 to 78. I'm going to leave your posts undeleted and point to the three of you as a Bad Example, since you were so kind as to offer one up.

This topic is stickied as a discussion of how to find common ground, not a demonstration of how it's never going to happen unless the Hammer of Mod falls. Do I make myself clear?

~ Frisbeeteria ~
NationStates Forum Moderator
on my part, it was mindless. please excuse said idiocy. i actually just went to moderation and read the thread about social spamming. i apologized there, and i will apologize here, also. i will, from now on, conduct myself with restraint, and use my chat server when i should.
on another note- this thread makes it unclear about the ASK A threads. i have asked on several occasions to create an Ask an Embalmer thread. this is not acceptable, correct?

i have asked on several occasions to create an Ask an Embalmer thread. this is not acceptable, correct?
The topic of embalming shouldn't be an illegal topic. If you want to create an interesting first post and give it a title that doesn't include the spammy "Ask a ..." appelation, I don't see an immediate problem. I'm assuming it's a genuine vocation and not just an opportunity to make death jokes. That would fail to pass my muster.

The topic of embalming shouldn't be an illegal topic. If you want to create an interesting first post and give it a title that doesn't include the spammy "Ask a ..." appelation, I don't see an immediate problem. I'm assuming it's a genuine vocation and not just an opportunity to make death jokes. That would fail to pass my muster.
thankyou for your advice. i am actually an embalmer and get a lot of questions on how its done, how i can hack it, etc etc.. i would have to keep the inevitable jokes from other posters out, as i take my profession pretty seriously.

Are What does the World think of (Your Name Here)Threads?
Sorry i should have finished my sentence!
Are What does the World think of (Your Name Here)Threads illegal?

I made a couple of points, they might have been brief...
1) "Even Occy is fluffy." Occido is not famous for 'Social Spam' as you put it. She said even she can enjoy a bit of the less debate-y topics. Maybe it wasn't a very sophisticated way of putting it, but hey I have things to do too, if I can say it concisely...
2) First part a pun. Ok maybe bad, but it was a pun. I then wanted to show that this was a one-sided argument, no-one was putting up the 'debaters' side. You're welcome to take that side if you like, or if you really want I'll play devil's advocate...I've argued with myself before...but you cannot have a discussion with only one half of the story.
I thought this was a forum for more mature people. Didn't think I had to explain my actions as I would to 12yr olds as I do on other forums. You can stick it up as much as you like, I stand by what I say and do not apologise.

Sorry Frisbee.

*writes down a hundred times "I shall not hijack stickies" on the backboard*

First of all, I would like to commend Peechland for her diplomatic style and friendly tone of voice. I believe that this should be the way that all moderators should go about in conducting their business. I will also like to say that she has my full support. Thank you, Peech.

Secondly, I would like to commend Frisbeeteria for his attempts in trying to reach a consensus with players. Thank you, Fris.

Anyway, I believe that it is most important that we create an amiable atmosphere ("increase goodwill") on NS. Not only will this be "nice", it will also reduce the air of hostility, leading to reduced flaming.

If this means more "fluff", then so be it.

This is really late. They're all gone now.

Removing this topic as a General Sticky and putting it back into Moderation as a matter of record. Please note that the removal of the Sticky does not remove the ruling that such copycat threads are still disallowed.

Thank you.

~ Frisbeeteria ~
NationStates Forum Moderator

The Fad that Never Dies needs to die again. C'mon, people, don't you ever get tired of this inanity?


Copycat "Ask a ..." threads will once again be moved to spam, as per the new Rules sticky (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=416023).