NationStates Jolt Archive

I have a (hopefully) quick question.

I understand what the definition of flaming is (having read the help thingy)... however, do the Mods still consider issuing a warning for flaming if they spot it, but there is no complaint?

Lets say person a and b are mates. one day they have a bit of a mock row and start sending insults on General to each other. Assuming they weren't slanderous or using innaproriate language.. would they still be warned/deleted for it?

Misunderstandings have occured before, we cannot be expected to know the status of every forum relationship. If you are having a fight with a friend and you receive a warning, the two of you may explain that there was no malice behind it. However, it is a pain, and if unrelated people get sucked in, that may well be a different matter.

Tactical Grace
Forum Moderator

Misunderstandings have occured before, we cannot be expected to know the status of every forum relationship. If you are having a fight with a friend and you receive a warning, the two of you may explain that there was no malice behind it. However, it is a pain, and if unrelated people get sucked in, that may well be a different matter.

Tactical Grace
Forum Moderator

ok.. so the Mods WOULD issue warnings, even if there was no alert or complaint?

(Again, it is not my intention to have a go at Mods, just understand how stuff works!!)

It is not a question of would, but could. This is a hypothetical question, and I am giving a hypothetical answer. If a couple of friends were having a flame war, they could get ordered to cool it even if no-one complains. If they explain that there was no malice in it, maybe any warning given would be retracted. However, this may not be the case if others were affected, for example by being drawn into the fight, or the presence of expletives and otherwise abusive language. As always, it is a case of players needing to understand the virtues of calm and reason, regardless of the circumstances. It is always best to be civil, and not risk ending up in a situation where excuses need to be made, and the outcome uncertain.

Tactical Grace
Forum Moderator

It is not a question of would, but could. This is a hypothetical question, and I am giving a hypothetical answer. If a couple of friends were having a flame war, they could get ordered to cool it even if no-one complains. If they explain that there was no malice in it, maybe any warning given would be retracted. However, this may not be the case if others were affected, for example by being drawn into the fight, or the presence of expletives and otherwise abusive language. As always, it is a case of players needing to understand the virtues of calm and reason, regardless of the circumstances. It is always best to be civil, and not risk ending up in a situation where excuses need to be made, and the outcome uncertain.

Tactical Grace
Forum Moderator

Thanks (good answer by the way).

If I may, I'd like to extend the hypothetical question. Lets say person B came to my coffee shop thread. For some reason, they were annoyed at me and decided to insult me in some (non swearing or slanderous) way. assuming no-one else got involved, is it possible person b could receive a warning for flaming, even though I'd never made an alert or complaint?

I'm sure you can see where I'm going with this!!!

Is it possible.. to save Mod time.. for warnings about flaming ONLY to be issued after an alert or complaint?
This might save you guys time, whilst still protecting those who require it, yet letting those of us who aren't bothered by a few personnal insults just get on with life?

It remains solely at our discretion whether to act. If at one moment in time a complaint has not been made, one could be made later. Player reactions cannot always be anticipated. Sometimes players wisely ignore flamebait, sometimes they report it. Whichever occurs, we reserve the right to take action with regard to the flamebait, if we feel it is in the interests of the forum users. As always, it is about considering each case on its merits.

Tactical Grace
Forum Moderator

I suggest that if you choose to banter with someone on the forums, that you make proper use of smilies or text descriptors of your mood to make it clear that you're only joking.

If the person you're bantering with tells you to stop, then you're required to stop. That way, nobody can use what I shall call the "smiley defense" to try to excuse their flaming.

Example follows:
Hopefully this little arrangement will keep nincompoops like you from giving mods like me headaches. :P

Does this clear things up for you?

--The Modified Democratic States of Cogitation
"Think about it for a moment."

I suggest that if you choose to banter with someone on the forums, that you make proper use of smilies or text descriptors of your mood to make it clear that you're only joking.

If the person you're bantering with tells you to stop, then you're required to stop. That way, nobody can use what I shall call the "smiley defense" to try to excuse their flaming.

Example follows:
Hopefully this little arrangement will keep nincompoops like you from giving mods like me headaches. :P

Does this clear things up for you?

--The Modified Democratic States of Cogitation
"Think about it for a moment."

Very helpful thanks!