NationStates Jolt Archive

... why was the "Welcome to NS Hype" ( http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=408250 ) thread closed???

probably because it was spammy bilge.

Bump!

I dunno...unless its cause we got off topic of welcoming Hype for like 10 seconds? I dunno Poppy. :(

probably because it was spammy bilge.


How is it spammy to welcome people to NS???? AND I put in big letters "WELCOME TO ALL NEW PEOPLE"

I dunno...unless its cause we got off topic of welcoming Hype for like 10 seconds? I dunno Poppy. :(
Some of these mods are getting to be way too tight-assed for my taste! :(

Moderation questions go in "Moderation". Hence, iMove http://assets.jolt.co.uk/forums/images/icons/icon2.gif "Moderation".

--The Modified Democratic States of Cogitation

Moderation questions go in "Moderation". Hence, iMove http://assets.jolt.co.uk/forums/images/icons/icon2.gif "Moderation".

--The Modified Democratic States of Cogitation
So tell me, oh great one, why was that thread Peechland started at http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=408250 locked???

So tell me, oh great one, why was that thread Peechland started at http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=408250 locked???
I don't know. I didn't take action on it. But, you're more likely to get the attention of the Mod who did by posting here in "Moderation".

--The Modified Democratic States of Cogitation

How is it spammy to welcome people to NS???? AND I put in big letters "WELCOME TO ALL NEW PEOPLE"
Come on, new folks don't need gala openings; this whole friedly-peachy-keen-brady-bunch buisness is so superfluous. New players can make their own posts, and be recogninzed through lively debate. And your thread quickly turned into chit-chat, not any information that would help a newbie.
...not that I'm against fun, but still. (I sound rather crusty today, don't I? hmmm)

I'm not a moderator obviously, but after taking a look at the thread, here's what I've noticed.

1. The topic changed with practically every post.
2. It degenerated quite quickly into a partial conversation between all of you, which can really be done over some other instant messenger, or e-mail.
3. Not to be harsh, but I really don't see any reason for the topic to be unlocked. It really isn't contributing anything to General at all.

I'm not a moderator obviously, but after taking a look at the thread, here's what I've noticed.

1. The topic changed with practically every post.
2. It degenerated quite quickly into a partial conversation between all of you, which can really be done over some other instant messenger, or e-mail.
3. Not to be harsh, but I really don't see any reason for the topic to be unlocked. It really isn't contributing anything to General at all.
Whatever. If they locked every thread that "really isn't contributing anything to General," there would be very, very few threads left.

I'll tell you what isnt contributing to General.....all this bullshit arguing and self righteous crap. Do you honestly think this site has to be ALLLL about debate and seriousness?? The whole premis of this game is humorous, yet so many of you bitch and gripe about people who want to have fun. Its like youre anti-laughter or friendliness Screw this. I'm sick of this crap. I'm writing Max Barry a letter and telling him that he needs to check his site more and if no fun or laughing or welcoming or flirting or anything like that is allowed, then he can just shove his books up his ass.

Okay, I don't want any more bickering over this. iLock pending a response from the Mod responsible.

Eutrusca: If you need this bumped for attention, then telegram me no more than once every three days.

--The Modified Democratic States of Cogitation

I closed the thread because it was spam after about the first 6 posts. That's policy.
http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=288255
Forbidden Actions

Spam/SPAM: Off-topic, irrelevant and multi-posts that clog the server. This includes posting lots of smilies which is known as Smilie Spam. Also akin to spamming is Post-whoring which is when a player posts anything just to increase the postcount. Going in and out of a region and hence filling up the regional events board with departing and arriving messages is known as Events Log Spamming and is not allowed. Spamming to the point where you get deleted is known as Klamathing. Spamming in the forums should be reported through the Moderation forum, and In-game, through the Getting Help Page (http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/target=help).

Thread Hijacking: Appropiating a thread for a discussion totally unrelated to the original purpose of said thread.
Some of these mods are getting to be way too tight-assed for my taste!
We've had requests from readers who want less spam in General.

We've had requests from readers who want more spam in General.

There is no possible answer that will satisfy both camps, so I'm just going to have to use my judgment. If that makes me tight-assed, so be it.

If they locked every thread that "really isn't contributing anything to General," there would be very, very few threads left.

That's the point to locking spam topics. General used to be much better than it is now, it used to actually have a standard, now, any type of trash is posted there which is why many of us original Generalities rarely post there anymore.

That's the point to locking spam topics. General used to be much better than it is now, it used to actually have a standard, now, any type of trash is posted there which is why many of us original Generalities rarely post there anymore.

FYI, I have already posted a request that the mods remove the thread on me. As for your observations, I will be sure to get with some of us newer folks and see what we can do about getting the trash out of your General forum. I am sure you will like it much better when it is run your way and you won't have to spend half your time here on moderation. :rolleyes:

I closed the thread because it was spam after about the first 6 posts. That's policy.


We've had requests from readers who want less spam in General.

We've had requests from readers who want more spam in General.

There is no possible answer that will satisfy both camps, so I'm just going to have to use my judgment. If that makes me tight-assed, so be it.



First Fris, sorry, I've been referring to you as 'she" and I saw you post that you are a male. People think I'm a guy quite often, so I guess its hard to tell via text soemtimes.
I understand COMPLETELY that mods have a very difficult task in trying to keep the forums clean and running smoothly. You volunteer your time, and its a rather thankless job. I have made this suggestion before as have other members, and it has not been granted, yet we keep facing the same spam problem. I know you saw my reply to Uratania or whoever about "then just give me a sticky and make me the welcome wagon and I will welcome and do the apreciation threads forom the one thread."
In addition to, or in place of, why can we not make a sticky called "Chit Chat" and let everyone who fluffles, talks, gets off topic go there and have casual conversation without debate. One little thread. Just one. It would be a thread people can go just to 'hang out" (isnt that what it says under the NS logo? "Sometimes even world leaders just want to hang out"). Then the endless complaints of people socializing should be brought to a minimum.
I dont believe in complaining about a problem unless I am willing to be part of the solution. Anyone can complain about something, but when people are willing and offering suggestions to resolve issues, I think it should be carefully and thoroughly considered. Thats all I'm asking is to mull it over...its a great idea and would really help in matters such as this. The people who are reporting the spam and complaining of off topic ramblings should think its a good idea too. It would get the chatty people out of their hair.

As a wise man once said ...
"Think about it for a moment"

Thank you

Oh wow... Here a couple days and already instigating...

Well, I just ran across this thread, and wasn't going to bother looking @ the thread you all were talking about. :eek: A bit surprised!

Thanks anyhoo Peeches, and to all who responded, however, I guess I get the idea of what constitutes spam (kind of?). I really don't know how to navigate around here...

And on that closed thread, those who stated they were expecting a SANE new person will be mighty disappointed! :D

Now the above was off the topic of closed threads, so is this post spam too? :confused:

Now the above was off the topic of closed threads, so is this post spam too? :confused:
Pretty much, yeah.

I'm curious, when there's so many options available to acommodate large groups of people in a much easier manner than a thread, why so many people still insist on socializing so much in the threads. Granted, being as I'm one of those who uses those other options, such as IRC and what not, I suppose I'm a touch biased, but I figured I'd ask some of you people your opinions on it, since the socialization/spam topic has come up.

My reasoning is this:

An actual chat room or channel is real time interaction. Much easier, much more fun, and not dependant on forums or waiting for a page to reload constantly to see if someone has replied.

People can come and go as they need to. It's frighteningly easy to 'hello/goodbye' any and everyone as they do so. Actions are a piece of cake in channel - fluffles/huggles/what have you abound.

Concerns for keeping those discussions? No worries - you can log everything. In addition, side discussions are as easy as clicking the name of the person you want to talk with, additional rooms for smaller groups can be made with no fuss at all, any and all special interest groups can be handled with ease, you can set your own rules of conduct for any channel/room you create ... you get the picture, yes?

This being the case, why do so many people seem so resistant to the idea? Mind, I'm not advocating stopping any and all socialization on the forums, because I think to a certain extent, that's just part of the chemistry of online activity. I'd just like to know what the problem is with using other avenues, I guess.

All very good points Lady..... although I think some of us like to be "in" the forum and have the ability to browse back and forth through the threads(some of us actually do address some of the serious threads). Also, the chat programs are for instant conversation sure, but some of the dialogue in question is better in message board form vs instant messages.

The main point is this: when youre in a group of people, say a bunch of friends get together for drinks or dinner and you get on the topic of say abortion, there are many times during the course of conversation in which the subject changes. Eventually, after chit chatting, they go back to the original topic. Its just the dynamics of conversation, and it exists in online form too. Thats the best answer I can give you :)

Your comments are appreciated though

Perhaps the mods can toil with the idea of making an "IM" forum? Seperarate from General/II/etc that enables people who just wanna chill to do just that? I do understand that would be a pain in the neck to deal with moderation wise... maybe then too some sort of disclaimer that moderation will be slowed in said forum? Just my stupid idea...

*NOTE* Ish not a mod */NOTE*

Perhaps the mods can toil with the idea of making an "IM" forum? Seperarate from General/II/etc that enables people who just wanna chill to do just that? I do understand that would be a pain in the neck to deal with moderation wise... maybe then too some sort of disclaimer that moderation will be slowed in said forum? Just my stupid idea...

*NOTE* Ish not a mod */NOTE*
I do believe the mods have considered and rejected this idea before, but I can't get the search function to work to find the thread at the moment. Grr.

<- is not a mod

That is quite likely... as my sig says (if you can see it) I've only activly played NS for a year now... and only recently got into the forums recently (less than a month)

If said thread existed/exists... I appologize for waisting the mods time

In addition, Jolt already has a Chat Forum (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/forumdisplay.php?f=373) and a Spam Forum (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/forumdisplay.php?f=29) so there's no point in adding another one of each in the NS forums if people can just go to the one that's already there.

In addition, Jolt already has a Chat Forum (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/forumdisplay.php?f=373) and a Spam Forum (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/forumdisplay.php?f=29) so there's no point in adding another one of each in the NS forums if people can just go to the one that's already there.


Some of us do not think that showing appreciation for other members and promoting positive moods and friendliness is spam. Its bad when you have to defend somthing thats nice , friendly, peaceful and fun. Its a bad thing apparently....

That's the point to locking spam topics. General used to be much better than it is now, it used to actually have a standard, now, any type of trash is posted there which is why many of us original Generalities rarely post there anymore.


Didnt you post a long goodbye admitting that you had spent entirely too much time on Nation States and it was affecting your personal life? Yes, I know I read that. So dont blame the ''trash" in General for your reasons for not posting. I guess thats why this site is growing in leaps and bounds because it "sucks" so bad now ay?/ sarcasm

btw.....Max would go bankrupt if it werent for new members/new readers.....he cant rely on simply the ''originals" as you put it to keep his Literary career flourishing.

As for your observations, I will be sure to get with some of us newer folks and see what we can do about getting the trash out of your General forum. I am sure you will like it much better when it is run your way and you won't have to spend half your time here on moderation. :rolleyes:

Wow. Did I really deserve that hostility? All I stated was an opinion, for someone who's asked to give advice to people on NS and had it be a hit, this sure is immature behavior for my simple expression of a different opinion.

I stated a fact: General used to actually be a place of value. It isn't anymore, and it has to do with the amoung of spam. Does that mean everything that isn't politically centered of geared spam? Not at all. It just means that a vast majority of people forget that this is a political simulation game; ask around to older players who started playing when the game first started. They'll tell you the same thing I've told you: General is no longer the great place it used to be, but it could be.

I don't just post in Moderation. I post in Technical, Gameplay and the UN forums frequently, because I am heavily involved in the gameplay of this game. That hasn't changed, and I'd beg you to check your facts before you make a blanket statement against me.

Didnt you post a long goodbye admitting that you had spent entirely too much time on Nation States and it was affecting your personal life?

I left NationStates overall for a bit for peronsal reasons relating to my university. That has nothing to do with the General forum, and I'd beg you not try to libel those words into your own meaning. I had stopped posting in General frequently long before I stepped away to take a look at my personal life.

So dont blame the ''trash" in General for your reasons for not posting. I guess thats why this site is growing in leaps and bounds because it "sucks" so bad now ay?/ sarcasm

I blame the "trash" in General as a reason for a lot of us not posting. I'm not the only one who feels this way. This site grows leaps and bounds, as you say, because people actually play the game, most don't touch the forums with a ten foot poll.

I blame the trash in General entirely on the people know playing this game and their lack of understanding of what this game's purpose is as players. This is a political simulation game, first and foremost, when it actually comes to gameplay. The forums are just an after thought where politics can be played out and discussed. That's what NationStates is, what dwells in General now is a melee of spam, trash and otherwise wastes of bandwidth.

Were you even around on the phpBB forums when they crashed at all hours of the day? I can't even imagine that we'd have forums had we not moved to Jolt. Since we've moved here, things have gone down hill, and as such, many refrain from posting in General unless they find a few threads that tickle their fancy.

I'd appreciate it if the hostility was cut to a bare minimum. I'm allowed to post my opinions here without the threat of being slandered simply because you don't agree with it. It's just an opinion, get over it if it doesn't mesh with your own.

Wow. Did I really deserve that hostility? All I stated was an opinion, for someone who's asked to give advice to people on NS and had it be a hit, this sure is immature behavior for my simple expression of a different opinion.

I stated a fact: General used to actually be a place of value. It isn't anymore, and it has to do with the amoung of spam. Does that mean everything that isn't politically centered of geared spam? Not at all. It just means that a vast majority of people forget that this is a political simulation game; ask around to older players who started playing when the game first started. They'll tell you the same thing I've told you: General is no longer the great place it used to be, but it could be.

I don't just post in Moderation. I post in Technical, Gameplay and the UN forums frequently, because I am heavily involved in the gameplay of this game. That hasn't changed, and I'd beg you to check your facts before you make a blanket statement against me.



I left NationStates overall for a bit for peronsal reasons relating to my university. That has nothing to do with the General forum, and I'd beg you not try to libel those words into your own meaning. I had stopped posting in General frequently long before I stepped away to take a look at my personal life.


I blame the "trash" in General as a reason for a lot of us not posting. I'm not the only one who feels this way. This site grows leaps and bounds, as you say, because people actually play the game, most don't touch the forums with a ten foot poll.

I blame the trash in General entirely on the people know playing this game and their lack of understanding of what this game's purpose is as players. This is a political simulation game, first and foremost, when it actually comes to gameplay. The forums are just an after thought where politics can be played out and discussed. That's what NationStates is, what dwells in General now is a melee of spam, trash and otherwise wastes of bandwidth.

Were you even around on the phpBB forums when they crashed at all hours of the day? I can't even imagine that we'd have forums had we not moved to Jolt. Since we've moved here, things have gone down hill, and as such, many refrain from posting in General unless they find a few threads that tickle their fancy.

I'd appreciate it if the hostility was cut to a bare minimum. I'm allowed to post my opinions here without the threat of being slandered simply because you don't agree with it. It's just an opinion, get over it if it doesn't mesh with your own.
No- actually you explained in length publically that it had hindered you for about a year since you spent so much time here. My point being, the goodbye that I read stated exactly that....not that you were leaving because General was so awful. Your words...not mine


And we are also allowed to post our opinions here. If you sense hostility, perhaps its because I hit a nerve. But whatever. What I dont understand is why you and the "many others" are still around if its gone downhill so much. You can dish it out Tuesday, but apparently you cant take it. If you dont want people putting their opinions in your face, then dont put yours in theirs.

Okay, I don't have time to review this topic, but I want the bickering... to... stop... NOW!

Do I make myself clear?

Peechland and Tuesday Heights: The next one to snipe gets an official warning.

--The Modified Democratic States of Cogitation

There's more to this game (A LOT more) than these forums. Just because you lose one aspect that you like doesn't mean you give up the whole game. In fact, it may give you more time to explore another aspect. :)

I would concur with TH. The quality of General is less than it has been. But then, I've very rarely actively participated in General, merely watched and read a ton of interesting and not so interesting threads for amusement. So my perspective is that of an observer, not one that has contributed either way.

Personally, I miss the roleplaying threads that were somewhere between Paradise Club and the RPs in NationStates. Those were my favorite to read. But I'm not sure if they'd be classified as spam or moved to NationStates now.

OK..no sniping from me. Just be sure my posts prior to the disagreement between TH and I dont get lost in the shuffle please. I have made some very valid points and suggestions.

Okay, I don't have time to review this topic, but I want the bickering... to... stop... NOW!

Do I make myself clear?

Peechland and Tuesday Heights: The next one to snipe gets an official warning.

--The Modified Democratic States of Cogitation
Um ... shouldn't that be "The Mortified States of Cogitation?" :D

Um ... shouldn't that be "The Mortified States of Cogitation?" :D
Elaborate, please.

If this is a joke, it went over my head.

--The Modified Democratic States of Cogitation

Elaborate, please.

If this is a joke, it went over my head.

--The Modified Democratic States of Cogitation

I think it had to do with the 'sniping'. The next time someone snipes the other, they'd be 'dead', and you would be giving them a 'warning' for killing the other. :p

Pretty much, yeah.

Sounds like everything is spam to me. I admit I don't know what these threads are supposed to be about. Especially the "General" threads, if they aren't "general".

Are we only supposed to post on topics without any interaction or comments on any other person posting? If that's the case, it would seem a bit dull to me... :confused:

Sounds like everything is spam to me. I admit I don't know what these threads are supposed to be about. Especially the "General" threads, if they aren't "general".

Are we only supposed to post on topics without any interaction or comments on any other person posting? If that's the case, it would seem a bit dull to me... :confused:


Especially since it says "Because sometimes even world leaders just want to hang out" under the NS logo. Hang out......

anyway....I am going to make a trial thread and see how it goes. I will try to pursuade people to come to that thread if they want to just casually talk instead of hijacking and spamming up the other threads. Perhaps it will work out and become popular like the Paradise Club and the spam will be greatly reduced.

Especially since it says "Because sometimes even world leaders just want to hang out" under the NS logo. Hang out......

anyway....I am going to make a trial thread and see how it goes. I will try to pursuade people to come to that thread if they want to just casually talk instead of hijacking and spamming up the other threads. Perhaps it will work out and become popular like the Paradise Club and the spam will be greatly reduced.

Sounds good to me!!!! :D

After reading through more of this, I think I'm beginning to understand at least a couple underlying reasons for choosing forums over chat options. It's the audience factor, and the point of being 'immortalized' online for anyone who browses to see ... but only where one chooses to and feels they've a 'right' to, given that other portions of the forums have been created for just such activities - the Chat and Spam forums. The whole 'I want it my way' bit and such. Add to that the accepted 'community' aspect, and it goes into my next point. I can understand the inherent discomfort of venturing out into a larger forum such as those, I suppose - but then again, it's what we all did when we first started posting at all in NationStates.

It seems that what it boils down to once again, is the feeling of 'rights' and 'ownership' that have been time and again pointed out as being irrelevant, and an unwillingness to compromise on several points such as 'post as much as you like of that, in the designated forums - but not here'.

Granted, I seldom post in General anymore. There was a time when I did, but more in lighthearted stuff as well. I tried rp'ing in sone of the 'club' deals, but found it to be more a clique and awkward than anything. I don't like constant arguing, so most of the 'debate' threads don't interest me that much, especially given the levels of nastiness that things seem to all too often degenerate into. I figure I have enough opportunity to deal with that offline, and don't care to fill up my free time online with it. This being the case, I know that my opinions and viewpoints on the topic will vary wildly with those who do enjoy those activities and have fun with it, and who do post regularly in General. I'm not trying to be offensive with any of this, just offer a different take on it all. Please accept my apologies if you view this post otherwise - not my intention.

Whatever ends up getting decided, I do hope it all works out in such a way that folks will be able to continue enjoying their NationStates play time, and that those who are feeling a bit put out over some of the points of contention currently will be able to work past that and still find ways to play and have fun with it all. That is kind of the point, no? Fun and enjoyment - within the bounds of site guidelines. One thing I think we all need to bear in mind when looking at topics like this is that the definition for 'fun' does not mean the same thing to all players. It seems that's where a good lot of our problems come into being - conflicting interests.

At any rate, I think I've rambled on quite enough. Best of luck to everyone involved in getting things settled.

What I see is the decline of the general forum, it's been that way for some time now. That is why the most respected people and debaters save a handful have left. Between fluffles and simple garbage imo that shows up in general now, it's not even worth the effort. We seen the best of the best in general leave NS because of this. There use to be real debate and intelligent conversations, now all we see is a freaking social club. It is not the nationstates most of us remember from the old days. The best general forum players have left and what remains are newbies who never knew what it use to be like. There are a few who have stuck it out, but that's about it.

Just to sneak in a quiet observation on the whole 'good old days' mentality ... General is pretty much the same as it ever was. In fact, it used to be MORE of a social thing. I remember the cries of outrage when limits first got implemented, and when social threads started getting capped due to there being so much of it going on. You see, the problem with that line of thinking is we tend to view the past in a softer light than what we view the present in. It's easy to forget, especially if we've had someone we like stop playing for whatever reason, or gotten jaded due to current conflicts.

The solution to all that, I would imagine, is to stop bitching about 'how it used to be' and lead by example, rather than waste time fussing over what everyone else is or isn't doing.

Remember folks - we were all newbies once. Trying to blame all our problems on the newcomers rather than look to ourselves is no way to carry on.

So here is a rough draft for all to see and comment on.....what do you think?


Welcome to NS.......We appreciate our members! (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=8558204&postcount=26)

There were a few typos and such, but the overall impression was fine. Here's my version:


Welcome to NationStates!

This thread is dedicated to making NationStates 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 everyone's enjoyment and debate.

Post your words of welcome here to new arrivals to the site. New members- feel free to introduce yourself here, and anyone who would like to recognize someone for specific appreciation, please say so here. There is a multitude of personalities on NationStates, as well as a variety of topics. Check out all the forums, and be sure to read the Sticky: topics atop each forum. The bottom line is, there's something here for everyone!

Welcome!

Yeah-I'm typo queen. Not bad ay?

First Fris, sorry, I've been referring to you as 'she" and I saw you post that you are a male. People think I'm a guy quite often, so I guess its hard to tell via text soemtimes.
I understand COMPLETELY that mods have a very difficult task in trying to keep the forums clean and running smoothly. You volunteer your time, and its a rather thankless job. I have made this suggestion before as have other members, and it has not been granted, yet we keep facing the same spam problem. I know you saw my reply to Uratania or whoever about "then just give me a sticky and make me the welcome wagon and I will welcome and do the apreciation threads forom the one thread."
In addition to, or in place of, why can we not make a sticky called "Chit Chat" and let everyone who fluffles, talks, gets off topic go there and have casual conversation without debate. One little thread. Just one. It would be a thread people can go just to 'hang out" (isnt that what it says under the NS logo? "Sometimes even world leaders just want to hang out"). Then the endless complaints of people socializing should be brought to a minimum.
I dont believe in complaining about a problem unless I am willing to be part of the solution. Anyone can complain about something, but when people are willing and offering suggestions to resolve issues, I think it should be carefully and thoroughly considered. Thats all I'm asking is to mull it over...its a great idea and would really help in matters such as this. The people who are reporting the spam and complaining of off topic ramblings should think its a good idea too. It would get the chatty people out of their hair.

As a wise man once said ...
"Think about it for a moment"

Thank you

OK -For the other suggestion^^^ I proposed....and this one is probably the more important of the two. The Chit Chat thread.....

example:
This thread is for everyone who may not be interested in the current forum topics. Come and ''hang out", say hello to other members, take a break from your debates.....BUT.....please abstain from spamming up other member's threads by getting off topic and having casual conversation in the middle of a thread. Come here, stay a while, then resume your forum debate. We hope this thread will enable all the members of Nation States to enjoy their online time. This will provide a more casual atmosphere to converse in about no specific topic, while giving those who wish to debate, their choice of interests, without having to sift through off topic posts. :)

I'm not asking that you sticky this(yet), but I wanted to show you that there are some of us who want to show respect to the forum and help reduce the amount of hijacking and spamming that occur. It might take a little while for people to come over to this thread, but I genuinely feel like it would be a great addition to the forum. Sometimes people just like to have witty banter- since this site gets your brain pan flowing. Nation States is stimulating and has such a wonderful mix of people, that making friends/having conversations is inevitable. Instead of 8 threads being jammed up with fluffles and humorous responses to a witty post....people can hop on here...chitter chatter....BAM- less spam. Less spam=less work for mods, less stress for members who are serious debaters.
Because after all....."Sometimes even National Leaders just want to hang out."

A) As explained earlier, we're not going to sticky the thread. Stickies are generally used to denote threads of interest to ALL players, not just a group of them. If you want to keep it on the front page, then it has to be popular enough to stay there. We're not going to guarantee it a top spot, pretty much no matter what.

Note that this is said not out of rancor, but out of practical forum management. If we grant such a thing, we'd have to do the same for the principal political or religious threads for those folks, and so on, and so on. 32 stickies, and nobody every sees any other topic. It's not gonna happen.

B) I am not going to unilaterally grant permission for a permanent social spam thread. The other (more experienced) mods spent endless hours bickering over the contents of Paradise Club, which started out as exactly the same sort of social spam thread. Eventually, it was ruled that it needed to be a semi-roleplay sort of place, and that changed the nature of the readership. I'm not 100% familiar with that case, so I won't rule there.

Before the Paradise Club was the Volcano, and any number of word game and other spammy threads. These were unilaterally banned in Ruling on the General Forum (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=276811). I'm the newest Forum Mod, and I'm not going to overrule people who have been moderating General for 2+ years.

Most permanent threads just "happen". Sometimes they run just fine without interference, other times we get complaints. I can't and won't give blanket approval in advance for any thread that intends to be spam by the current definition. We'll be monitoring General, and we'll respond to complaints or make our own if we think it's necessary. It's that "judgment" thing again - I'm just not ready to toss it aside.

~ Frisbeeteria ~
NationStates Forum Moderator

Note of clarification: The Ruling on the General Forum banned the original "The Volcano" thread. Subsequent Volcano threads were limited to 65 pages each and deleted as soon as they finished, which is why I can't link to any of them as evidence.

This was in early 2004. The rules have gotten a lot more strict (IMO) since then, starting with the word game ban.

Well I'd like to say thank you Fris, the other mods, and the other members for being a part of this discussion. Fris has really exercised a great deal of patience and courtesy during the course of these topics, when he could have easily said "no, go away and dont bother me." He chose to offer his ideas and welcome the ideas of all the members and mods...and for that, he deserves a great deal of respect. By commending Fris for his manner, I certainly do not mean disrespect or anything negative to the other Moderators. I'm just giving credit where credit is due.

I still find this entire topic terribly confusing. Yes I'm new and don't even know what a "sticky" is.

Granted, I have not read every post here, but is General intended to be serious political debate only? From some of the previous and rather bitter posts here, it seems so. Serious debate, no humor, no interaction of any personal nature... Is that what General was when it was "better before"?

I'd still like to know what this is all about... I've asked before... It's still convoluted...

I hope someone can answer this in a short, concise way.

It would be much appreciated...

I still find this entire topic terribly confusing. Yes I'm new and don't even know what a "sticky" is.


A sticky is a thread that is 'stuck' at the top of the first page. A thread that doesn't have to be repeatedly bumped back to the 1st page.

Just to sneak in a quiet observation on the whole 'good old days' mentality ... General is pretty much the same as it ever was. In fact, it used to be MORE of a social thing. I remember the cries of outrage when limits first got implemented, and when social threads started getting capped due to there being so much of it going on. You see, the problem with that line of thinking is we tend to view the past in a softer light than what we view the present in. It's easy to forget, especially if we've had someone we like stop playing for whatever reason, or gotten jaded due to current conflicts.

The solution to all that, I would imagine, is to stop bitching about 'how it used to be' and lead by example, rather than waste time fussing over what everyone else is or isn't doing.

Remember folks - we were all newbies once. Trying to blame all our problems on the newcomers rather than look to ourselves is no way to carry on.

Despite the fact that you have never been a regular in general, I'll just take your word for it Lady Dread. :rolleyes:

Despite the fact that you have never been a regular in general, I'll just take your word for it Lady Dread. :rolleyes:

Just because someone doesn't take part in General doesn't mean they don't understand who makes it up and what it's all about.

You've been around how long, Xanaz? You know my whole history and reading habits?

Right then. *smiles sweetly* Statements stand.

I still find this entire topic terribly confusing. Yes I'm new and don't even know what a "sticky" is.

Granted, I have not read every post here, but is General intended to be serious political debate only? From some of the previous and rather bitter posts here, it seems so. Serious debate, no humor, no interaction of any personal nature... Is that what General was when it was "better before"?

I'd still like to know what this is all about... I've asked before... It's still convoluted...

I hope someone can answer this in a short, concise way.

It would be much appreciated...
There is some limited tolerance for whimsical topics. However, this forum is themed on a political game, so official preference is going to be shown towards political threads.

I'm not entirely sure if that answers your questions or not.

--The Modified Democratic States of Cogitation
NationStates Game Moderator

There is some limited tolerance for whimsical topics. However, this forum is themed on a political game, so official preference is going to be shown towards political threads.

I'm not entirely sure if that answers your questions or not.

--The Modified Democratic States of Cogitation
NationStates Game Moderator

Quite well enough! Thanks! :)