About spam

[tickle_fan031]

I wouldn't single out the cliques either,like black magic has said things can change.In a few months down the line they could change then you have to keep addressing the different cliques. Coz I'm sure there were cliques exactly like the ones that are happening now that did exactly the same thing.People are bound to come and go.So it'd be easily to address the members as a whole so that the messages reaches everybody.

 

[Celtic_Emperor]

Vlad,

I think you may have missed my point, or I was not clear enough. I am not saying single people out individually at all, but I'm saying don't single out the cliques. The issue is a concern to the whole forum, and should be addressed as such. I think that treats people as individuals and appeals to them as a larger part of the forum, than just belonging to some clique which they may the feel they are part of or not. To say this is an issue with a certain group of people I think misses the point. They are only the most obvious example, not the only one. I say this because I know I have been party to a few hi-jackings (didn't make a penny) and I do not consider myself any part of a clique. I'm sure there are others who feel likewise.

I also think our defintions of spam may differ. If the Admin and Mods decide to make forum for this kind of activity I certainly wouldn't classify it as spam. They're being social, and perhaps that's the need TT serves for them. In my opinion they are vital part of the forum, their energy trickles into other places on the forum.

Good for now.

I think it's you who isn't understanding me.

The cliques are not the problem. Their activity is. Remember that. This is not a crack down on them as people, as friends, as members or as cliques. It is a crack down on their activity and the means by which they partake of this activity, which history shows is not changing, but is, rather, evolving so as to fall into the loopholes of the system (which is why we have this situation). How that system is able to service the rest of us has something to do with how it is able to service spammers. The two are not exclusive yet need to be dealt with in their own way.

To not be mindful of that is to undermind the whole point of this or misinterprete it.

As you admit, you don't feel you're a part of these cliques. While I find that rather convenient, it serves to demostrate that it is what transpires that is of concern, not who is associated with so and so.

Addressing the cliques is the same as addressing the rest of the site. We are essentially one big clique. However, there are those in the clique which don't conform completely, and by virtue of their difference of opinion, need to be dealt with differently or accomidated as best as possible provided we want to call ourselves a democratic community.

This issue, this topic, and the people posting in it are moving toward that goal.

 

[Celtic_Emperor]

I wouldn't single out the cliques either,like black magic has said things can change.In a few months down the line they could change then you have to keep addressing the different cliques. Coz I'm sure there were cliques exactly like the ones that are happening now that did exactly the same thing.People are bound to come and go.So it'd be easily to address the members as a whole so that the messages reaches everybody.

Spammers rarely change, much like trolls. They merely adapt to a new situation. They only leave or stop when a new situation no longer suits them (which translates into boredom for them). That is the point of this topic and the same topics of yesteryear. To create a new situation, guideline, rule, or forum so as to inflict a change that, in turn, will encourage them to change, because, as things stand, they will not do that on their own, is a good thing.

They never or rarely have, my dear. The choice to be more considerate and to change is theirs to make, but they should be given an alternative as well, which is only what we're trying to do. Addressing their activity is necessary to that end, therefore.

Uncomfortable for them? Perhaps. Part of taking responsibility is accepting the uncomfortability and humility that may come with it. It's a self-admission that you want to change and will.

Necessary? Most definitely. If we all truely want wants best for everyone then we can all see the value in this. If we don't, then we're just being selfish.

 

[tickle_fan031]

Spammers rarely change, much like trolls. They merely adapt to a new situation. They only leave or stop when a new situation no longer suits them (which translates into boredom for them). That is the point of this topic and the same topics of yester year. To create a new situation, guideline, rule, or forum so as to inflict a change that, in turn, will encourage them to change, because, as things stand, they will not do that on their own.

They never or rarely have, my dear. The choice to be more considerate and to change is theirs to make, but they should be given an alternative as well, which is only what we're trying to do. Addressing their activity is necessary to that end, therefore.

Uncomfortable for them? Perhaps. Part of taking responsibility is accepting the uncomfortability and humility that may come with it. It's a self-admission that you want to change and will.

Necessary? Most definitely. If we all truely want wants best for everyone then we can all see the value in this. If we don't, then we're just being selfish.

Of course things change people move on, I'm sure there where different cliques among this forum before this current one and other regular members were "spamming" or "hijacking" threads.Well it's only come to light now that there is an issue with all this going on,so is it any wonder that things haven't changed.Once people know guidelines about this kinda thing I'm sure things will improve coz I think people here are mature enough to see the sense in them rather than go out of their way to break the rules and cause trouble-so it won't be a case of humiliating people.I don't think it'd be a major change, people will just reduce the amount they spam and spam somewhere else.Now that they know it is an issue for some people.Once they get used to the system then there shouldn't be a problem.Plus if they wana stay in the community they not exactly make life difficult for the staff etc.

 

[Celtic_Emperor]

Of course things change people move on, I'm sure there where different cliques among this forum before this current one and other regular members were "spamming" or "hijacking" threads.Well it's only come to light now that there is an issue with all this going on,so is it any wonder that things haven't changed.Once people know guidelines about this kinda thing I'm sure things will improve coz I think people here are mature enough to see the sense in them rather than go out of their way to break the rules and cause trouble-so it won't be a case of humiliating people.I don't think it'd be a major change, people will just reduce the amount they spam and spam somewhere else.Now that they know it is an issue for some people.Once they get used to the system then there shouldn't be a problem.Plus if they wana stay in the community they not exactly make life difficult for the staff etc.

Correction: It has NOT only NOW come to light that this is an issue. That is complete misinformation on your part, and I can't fathom to think how you came to that conclusion. This problem, in fact, predates your existance here.

The fact you said that allows me to capitalize on it.

The fact spammers know this has been a problem and they've been talked to before (some of the very same people responsible for it these days), yet they continue, proves several things, not excluding defiance toward reasonable requests to not deviate from the kindly suggestions.

Suggestions are no longer working. Pruning and merging threads is no longer working.

They seemingly never did. It's a real shame this has been let go until now. It would have been easier to impliment back then, then now. People feel more intitled now than ever. Why? Because little has been done to curve the direction of their spam. They aren't considering others beyond their own fun as much as they used to.

You say people change, I know for a fact they simply adapt or leave. They only change when they are made to.

No one ever wanted to be heavy-handed about this, and no one will be, provided that THIS TIME the spammers listen and obey. Not merely consider, have it go through one ear and out the other, and then back to fun after things have cooled down.

That is the loophole, and it needs to be done away with. Now.

I don't want to be talking about this next year too. I want it done and over and settled.

 

[blackmagicjack1]

I think it's you who isn't understanding me.

The cliques are not the problem. Their activity is. Remember that. This is not a crack down on them as people, as friends, as members or as cliques. It is a crack down on their activity and the means by which the partake of this activity, which history shows is not changing, but is, rather, evolving so as to fall into the loopholes of the system (which is why we have this situation). How that system is able to service the rest of us has something to do with how it is able to service spammers. The two are not exclusive.

To not be mindful of that is to undermind the whole point of this or misinterprete it.

As you admit, you don't feel you're a part of these cliques. While I find that rather convenient, it serves to demostrate that it is what transpires that is of concern, not who is associated with so and so.

Addressing the cliques is the same as addressing the rest of the site. We are essentially one big clique. However, there are those in the clique which don't conform completely, and by virtue of their difference of opinion, need to be dealt with differently or accomidated as best as possible provided we want to call ourselves a democratic community.

This issue, this topic, and the people posting in it are moving toward that goal.

Spamming and Hi-jacking (the activities you are speaking of) are not activities that are only committed by a certain groups of people. They are activities that transpire outside of any one group, and why it should be addressed to the forum as a whole. I believe even you have spammed, even if it was only to make a point.

As you admit, you don't feel you're a part of these cliques. While I find that rather convenient, it serves to demostrate that it is what transpires that is of concern, not who is associated with so and so..

Your opinion of my involvement with any group of people, of course is just that, but the reason I mention it is precisely that, it seems to me that you are currently speaking to a paticular group of people, as opposed to the activity that you disagree with. If it is the activity of a clique that is the issue, are you still not talking to the clique? If it just is an activity that is the issue, why not address the entire forum?

 

[Celtic_Emperor]

I don't know if you think or feel I'm mincing words or something, but I'm not.

The forum being addressed is just that- the forum being addressed. It is the spammers and hijackers who will and who are meant to heed the news the most. While everyone has their bouts with spam, some are far more susceptible to it.

Furthermore to that, no particular group will be mentioned by name. If you were under the impression that is how it would or should be, then its my fault for not making that clear enough, I guess.

The declaration is for everyone to heed, but obviously it is the spammers, hijackers, and yes, even the trolls who are the focus of such statements, largely because they are the reasons the statements were made in the first place and that this is a problem.

Understand? 🙂

 

[Excess]

I believe that in order to resolve this issue, everyone must be willing to change some things. The thing with you, Vlad, is that you keep targeting the activities of certain cliques. Yet the fact is, the overall problem being debated is an issue with the ENTIRE forum. I'll admit that I am guilty of spamming, and am quite willing to change that. And YOU are also guilty of spamming on occasion. The most important thing, though, isn't singling out the particular groups that a bit more spam may come from specifically, but about speaking to the entire forum. Providing an understanding for the entire forum.

And yeah, it has been an issue for a while. Despite my actual user data, I have been a member here for almost 3 years, and I have seen the spam continue on and on. And the last time I checked, YOU weren't a mod, so therefor, it is not your decision alone on how to handle this. Everyone has opinions, but no one is always right, and the best way to figure out a proper solution is to work together. It's better than individually trying to think of the best thing for everyone, which is what you seem to be doing, Vlad.

Anyway, that's just my two cents, and I believe that this issue can be resolved agreeably. It only needs to be made known and dealt with in a reasonable yet effective matter for the majority (since not everyone is gonna agree with everything of course).

 

[Celtic_Emperor]

I believe that in order to resolve this issue, everyone must be willing to change some things. The thing with you, Vlad, is that you keep targeting the activities of certain cliques. Yet the fact is, the overall problem being debated is an issue with the ENTIRE forum. I'll admit that I am guilty of spamming, and am quite willing to change that. And YOU are also guilty of spamming on occasion. The most important thing, though, isn't singling out the particular groups that a bit more spam may come from specifically, but about speaking to the entire forum. Providing an understanding for the entire forum.

And yeah, it has been an issue for a while. Despite my actual user data, I have been a member here for almost 3 years, and I have seen the spam continue on and on. And the last time I checked, YOU weren't a mod, so therefor, it is not your decision alone on how to handle this. Everyone has opinions, but no one is always right, and the best way to figure out a proper solution is to work together. It's better than individually trying to think of the best thing for everyone, which is what you seem to be doing, Vlad.

Anyway, that's just my two cents, and I believe that this issue can be resolved agreeably. It only needs to be made known and dealt with in a reasonable yet effective matter for the majority (since not everyone is gonna agree with everything of course).

The only ones who have demostrated, in regards to spam, that need to change are of course the spammers. They are called that for a reason. It also just so happens that they are members of cliques.

I'm just calling a spade a spade. Theres a difference between a person who spams sparingly and one who spams habitually.

How we deal with this however is no different that what I've been suggesting and what others have either already agreed with or will come to.

I'm not sure that you read what I said when I said the messege IS to the forum and to ALL the members, but it's even more to the benefit of spammers themselves to heed it as it specifically refers to their activity and what they need to change about it.

Finally, please do not assume that I think I am a moderator or that I think only my opinion counts or that I don't want to work as a group despite the fact Valerie, myself, and others ARE doing just THAT now and have in the past. It's very shortsighted and an ignorant thing to say. If you were to have said anything more about it, I'd be asking for an apology right now because it's borderline rude. What I "seem" to be doing, in YOUR opinion, rather than what I actually AM doing here is not up for dispute and isn't where your attention should be.

That I have the attitude or influence of a moderator (and yes, I was a mod at one point and still am if you count my forum) is not to be mistaken for natural leadership which is perfectly fine. I am a leader. You don't have to be a moderator to be a leader, and I would think it would be rather good to have people think like moderators, in instances like this, than as the regular users they are. It better allows the users to work with the staff more efficiently, than having the staff carry the burden of the work while the users scratch their heads in confusion or something.

I want to be a part of the solution, not someone just standing by waiting for it.

It just so happens I've been here long enough to know this site, it's people, and how it works (backstage behind the curtains too) just as well as any moderator. So have some others. To share that experience in verbal form (which is all any of us can do at this point) is not a crime or innappropriate, and I'd appriciate it if you didn't attempt to chide me for it.

 

[Excess]

The only ones who have demostrated, in regards to spam, that need to change are of course the spammers. They are called that for a reason. It also just so happens that they are members of cliques.

I'm just calling a spade a spade. Theres a difference between a person who spams sparingly and one who spams habitually.

How we deal with this however is no different that what I've been suggesting and what others have either already agreed with or will come to.

I'm not sure that you read what I said when I said the messege IS to the forum and to ALL the members, but it's even more to the benefit of spammers themselves to heed it as it specifically refers to their activity and what they need to change about it.

Finally, please do not assume that I think I am a moderator or that I think only my opinion counts or that I don't want to work as a group despite the fact Valerie, myself, and others ARE doing just THAT now and have in the past. It's very shortsighted and an ignorant thing to say. If you were to have said anything more about it, I'd be asking for an apology right now because it's borderline rude. What I "seem" to be doing, in YOUR opinion, rather than what I actually AM doing here is not up for dispute and isn't where your attention should be.

That I have the attitude or influence of a moderator (and yes, I was a mod at one point) is not to be mistaken for natural leadership which is perfectly fine. I am a leader. You don't have to be a moderator to be a leader, and I would think it would be rather good to have people think like moderators than the regular users they are. It better allows the users to work with the staff more efficiently, than having the staff carry the burden of the work while the users scratch their heads in confusion or something.

It just so happens I've been here long enough to know this site, it's people, and how it works just as well as any moderator. So have some others. To share that experience in verbal form (which is all any of us can do at this point) is not a crime or innappropriate, and I'd appriciate it if you didn't attempt to chide me for it.

Perhaps you are right in some ways, but in some ways you're misunderstanding me as well. For one, a person who spams sparingly can become a person who spams habitually, and vice versa. This is because they are both capable of making that decision. If you think that people who spam habitually can't change, then you are sorely wrong. I have seen it happen. It doesn't always happen, of course, but it can. Their decision on such things, for example, can change based on outside influences, as can so many other things.

And I have read all of your posts here, but there is difference between saying and doing. You say you are speaking to the entire forum, yet you keep bringing up the cliques that you speak of. If you really want to speak to everyone, then stop thinking of groups as smaller things.

Alot of the working together things it is probably because of the way you post it that you seem to come across as someone who believes that they are the group that you refer to working with. I'm sure after reading your post that this isn't the case, but it does seem like it to some.

And maybe you don't realize it, but you come across as too forceful over people. And I know this for a fact. You may have been a mod at some point, but nothing gives someone an excuse to talk down to others as you do sometimes. And yes, you do that. I've seen it on numerous occasions. And you might say it has nothing to do with the matter at hand, but it does. When you talk down to others, it cuts at their beliefs, and therefor, at their opinions, which may be of use. It isn't about showing them knowledge that they don't have, but it's about tearing away at who they are. And I'm sure it isn't meant, but it can be quite easy to do. And alot of this is simply because I despise talking down to people.

Now it is quite clear right now that you and I have quite different views on a number of things, but you are right that it isn't the overall issue. Perhaps this isn't the kind of place for that, but conversations can flow into different conversations. I'm not sure if this is what you think spamming is, but I don't think I'd consider it so. One thing we do have in common is that we have a strong belief in voicing our opinions. And perhaps I'm just a bit too protective, but when I see something that does something that I disagree with, I make my opinion known. Mods, I apologize if this is too much on my part, I can let myself get lost in things sometimes. But I'm working on that, and I've done much better.

But as for the matter truly at hand, I think that another area for the spamming could work quite well, assuming that others could know that it is necessary. I personally don't have as much a problem with it, but I can see how it could make it difficult to read the truth behind the said topic. It's getting them to know that can be a problem. Not all spammers are so reasonable as to just hear it and try to stop. Perhaps a slightly strict rule is necessary, though I hope it doesn't have to come to that.

 

[Celtic_Emperor]

Perhaps you are right in some ways, but in some ways you're misunderstanding me as well. For one, a person who spams sparingly can become a person who spams habitually, and vice versa. This is because they are both capable of making that decision. If you think that people who spam habitually can't change, then you are sorely wrong. I have seen it happen. It doesn't always happen, of course, but it can. Their decision on such things, for example, can change based on outside influences, as can so many other things.

And I have read all of your posts here, but there is difference between saying and doing. You say you are speaking to the entire forum, yet you keep bringing up the cliques that you speak of. If you really want to speak to everyone, then stop thinking of groups as smaller things.

And maybe you don't realize it, but you come across as too forceful over people. And I know this for a fact. You may have been a mod at some point, but nothing gives someone an excuse to talk down to others as you do sometimes. And yes, you do that. I've seen it on numerous occasions. And you might say it has nothing to do with the matter at hand, but it does. When you talk down to others, it cuts at their beliefs, and therefor, at their opinions, which may be of use. It isn't about showing them knowledge that they don't have, but it's about tearing away at who they are. And I'm sure it isn't meant, but it can be quite easy to do. And alot of this is simply because I despise talking down to people.

Now it is quite clear right now that you and I have quite different views on a number of things, but you are right that it isn't the overall issue. Perhaps this isn't the kind of place for that, but conversations can flow into different conversations. I'm not sure if this is what you think spamming is, but I don't think I'd consider it so. One thing we do have in common is that we have a strong belief in voicing our opinions. And perhaps I'm just a bit too protective, but when I see something that does something that I disagree with, I make my opinion known. Mods, I apologize if this is too much on my part, I can let myself get lost in things sometimes. But I'm working on that, and I've done much better.

But as for the matter truly at hand, I think that another area for the spamming could work quite well, assuming that others could know that it is necessary. I personally don't have as much a problem with it, but I can see how it could make it difficult to read the truth behind the said topic. It's getting them to know that can be a problem. Not all spammers are so reasonable as to just hear it and try to stop. Perhaps a slightly strict rule is necessary, though I hope it doesn't have to come to that.

First, I would never spam habitually. I have conditioned myself to not do so because it is not necessary for me or my enjoyment.

Second, that is a matter of opinion, my forcefulness on people. It is a perception of reality rather than a truth that applies to everyone. It is not a fact, but a matter of opinion, a view point. And even if other people share it the same as you do, as I'm sure they do, it does not change the fact that it remains an opinion. Others see it as something other than how you would discribe it, and still others praise me for it and tell me how being the way I am has made a good impression on them or has enriched their experience somehow.

This forum is full of complainers and praisers, and that being the truth is a part of what makes you bringing this up unnecessary, problematic, and is a spark for a flame I'm strongly suggesting you drop right now, for your good, the good of this thread, and for everyone who would like to see this thread succeed. Not because I'm telling you, but because I'm asking you nicely, calmly, and with common sense.

Please leave it alone, and drop it. You have nothing to prove, nor have you proven anything.

This is not the time or place for this and theres no need for you to come from that direction. Be a part of the solution. Don't just mirror what I and others have said and then take cracks at me inbetween.

Even if you disagree with me, you can stand to be a little more respectful. I have not crossed you, and you know that, so please do not cross me.

 

[Sockstickler]

I decided to come into this thread because I know that, in the past, I have been guilty of accidentally hijacking some of the threads here. For that, I sincerely apologize. I've been working on it, trying to do a lot better, to be a lot better, and I'd like to think I am a lot better about it than I was before. I only post in topics where I feel I have something relevant to say, except for threads such as the Random Banter thread where any topic is applicable.
That being said, spamming is a problem that is plaguing our community. We all know that. It does turn off posters who did frequent this forum more often, as Camel has testified, and I'm very certain she's not the only one. I feel the best approach is to deal with this as something that affects everyone, not just a few individuals or any certain "cliques" as Vlad put it.
As for possible solutions, I too second the motion to post clear guidelines as to what is considered spamming. Hopefully people will read that and realize what it is they're doing. That can only be a good thing. As far as eliminating post counts is concerned, I can see that working. Post counts do tend to lead to competitions to see who can reach the highest number there is. I'm not immune to that, and I'm sure a lot of people aren't either. As it is, there are a lot of message boards that don't use post counts, and they don't seem to have spamming problems as far as I've seen. I know that since I have one of the highest post counts in the forum, I should be against it, but maturity on a message board isn't measured by how many posts you've made. It's measured by how well respected you are among your peers here, whether you're known as someone who contributes to this board for the benefit of all or someone who's a nuisance to everyone else.
I do feel something has to be done, and I think that if we let cooler heads prevail in this matter, we will find the right course to sail this ship of ours through, because it is our ship, everyone's.

 

[MistressValerie1]

I have read through all of the suggestions here, and based on this discussion, I have proposed an anti-spam guideline for the Interaction Forums. Once the staff has had a chance to review it, we will decide on how best to implement it.

Thank you again to everyone for voicing your concerns and views.

 

[Celtic_Emperor]

I decided to come into this thread because I know that, in the past, I have been guilty of accidentally hijacking some of the threads here. For that, I sincerely apologize. I've been working on it, trying to do a lot better, to be a lot better, and I'd like to think I am a lot better about it than I was before. I only post in topics where I feel I have something relevant to say, except for threads such as the Random Banter thread where any topic is applicable.
That being said, spamming is a problem that is plaguing our community. We all know that. It does turn off posters who did frequent this forum more often, as Camel has testified, and I'm very certain she's not the only one. I feel the best approach is to deal with this as something that affects everyone, not just a few individuals or any certain "cliques" as Vlad put it.
As for possible solutions, I too second the motion to post clear guidelines as to what is considered spamming. Hopefully people will read that and realize what it is they're doing. That can only be a good thing. As far as eliminating post counts is concerned, I can see that working. Post counts do tend to lead to competitions to see who can reach the highest number there is. I'm not immune to that, and I'm sure a lot of people aren't either. As it is, there are a lot of message boards that don't use post counts, and they don't seem to have spamming problems as far as I've seen. I know that since I have one of the highest post counts in the forum, I should be against it, but maturity on a message board isn't measured by how many posts you've made. It's measured by how well respected you are among your peers here, whether you're known as someone who contributes to this board for the benefit of all or someone who's a nuisance to everyone else.
I do feel something has to be done, and I think that if we let cooler heads prevail in this matter, we will find the right course to sail this ship of ours through, because it is our ship, everyone's.

You may not think much of it, but this is site is now better off for your not only admitting that, but saying it at all. Like Camel, I thank you for your honesty.

The greatest threat to this site is the notion that there is no problem at all. Denial is the dagger in the back that will either bring this forum to it's knees someday or create enough of a divide that people leave this place, stay lurkers, or become one.

 

[Celtic_Emperor]

I have read through all of the suggestions here, and based on this discussion, I have proposed an anti-spam guideline for the Interaction Forums. Once the staff has had a chance to review it, we will decide on how best to implement it.

Thank you again to everyone for voicing your concerns and views.

You're more than welcome. My only regret is that more people didn't participate in this.

This is your home people. Don't you want to take care of your home?

 

[Sockstickler]

You may not think much of it, but this is site is now better off for your not only admitting that, but saying it at all. Like Camel, I thank you for your honesty.

The greatest threat to this site is the notion that there is no problem at all. Denial is the dagger in the back that will either bring this forum to it's knees someday or create enough of a divide that people leave this place, stay lurkers, or become one.

It's true. The first step to coming up with solutions to this problem is to first admit that there is a problem. The people who've posted in this topic get that there is an issue which has to be addressed. Posting the guidelines is a great first step. We all have to do our part to put our house, our home, as you put it, in order. I was part of the problem, but now I'd like to be part of a solution.

 

[MistressValerie1]

Interim anti-spam guidelines have been posted:

Posting Guidelines
To help keep the Interaction Forums useful for all members, please observe the following guidelines when posting:

(1) Replies to threads should be relevant to the thread topic. Off-topic replies which disrupt the thread may be deleted or moved.

(2) Role-playing (cyber-tickling, godmodding, etc.) messages should be posted only in designated role-play threads. Off-topic messages, personal in-jokes, and other "IM"-type conversations should be posted only in designated social threads, such as random-banter or member fan-club threads. Off-topic messages which disrupt a thread may be deleted or moved.

(3) Multiple threads should not be started for the same (or very similar) topic in a brief period of time. For example, a thread celebrating a member's post count and a fan-club thread for the same member, posted in the same week, are redundant. Repetitive threads may be merged, deleted, or closed.

(4) Normal topic-drift and brief role-playing, flirtation, or social discussion are not considered to be spam.

(5) These guidelines will be enforced informally at first. If thread hijacking and spam continue to cause problems, the guidelines will be enforced more strictly.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

Please keep all feedback in this thread; thanks.

 

[Celtic_Emperor]

All I can say at the moment is that it's as good as we're going to get short of a seperate forum. It's balanced and fair.

Thank you for doing what you can. I, and I'm sure many members, appriciate this. 🙂

Hopefully the forum idea is not unrealistic or out of reach for this website in the future. I can see how it would be harder to justify it if any expense is incured because of it.

Since we cannot assume however how taxed the server would or could hypothetically be because of the spam, not pursuing the idea at all would be a waste of an opportunity to make good on this full-circle.

 

[Senshi1]

I love watching this site evolve. 😀

 

[Celtic_Emperor]

Evolving can sure take a long time though! At least to me anyways, that we have to take baby steps toward a forum when we're ready for it now and have been for years is a wee bit frustrating. A forum takes no more than a moment to create, and it can be created closed until the rules and stickies for it are made and then offically opened when ready.

The luxury of the ease and speed at which tasks are completed on the internet, and not utilizing that, makes for slow and cumbersome work.

In a little more time than it took to create those guidelines, the forum could have been made with it's set of rules and we could be test-driving it right now or very soon.

We would almost immediately be able to see what the site/server can handle and then make adjustments or know whether its practical to have the forum, which could easily be deleted as easily as it was created.

My guess work is that this could all be figured out in the next 48 to 72 hours or so, not counting the time it takes to get TT aware of the situation.

2 days to create a new forum and creating rules for it (which of course will be refined and tweaked as necessary) is time effective and easy, not to mention an achievement. Though figuring in the server issue may take a week or more to see it's affects, if any.

That we've waited years for something that only takes a minute to do (I should know, I've been an adminstrator before too) is indeed a wee bit frustrating, for me anyways.

We've come all this way over the years just for some guidelines.

It's not that I'm impatient (I can be very patient), I just know what we're capable of, and sitting on our thumbs talking about what ifs just isn't my style. I'm all for plotting something out and taking the time to make sure it works right, but this is one of those things you don't have to be that way about, at least not as much. It either works as you planned it, or it doesn't. You then fix it or don't.

I'm glad this much was done however. I'm grateful for it, even if it was a long time coming. 🙂

 

[MistressValerie1]

The off-topic spam was a relatively minor problem until recent months. The staff discussed it several times, but we did not want to implement new guidelines until other measures had been tried and failed. Once we determined that the sentiment was in favour of more guidance, we responded accordingly.

The TTC has approximately doubled its membership and activity level in the past 1 1/2 years. Until a few months ago, we wouldn't have had enough social threads to populate a "silly stuff" forum. At present, only the owner can create a new forum or change the layout, so I trust that he will decide wisely based on all considerations, including hosting costs.

 

[tickle_fan031]

The off-topic spam was a relatively minor problem until recent months. The staff discussed it several times, but we did not want to implement new guidelines until other measures had been tried and failed. Once we determined that the sentiment was in favour of more guidance, we responded accordingly.

The TTC has approximately doubled its membership and activity level in the past 1 1/2 years. Until a few months ago, we wouldn't have had enough social threads to populate a "silly stuff" forum. At present, only the owner can create a new forum or change the layout, so I trust that he will decide wisely based on all considerations, including hosting costs.

That's great that,thanks for posting the guidelines Val.

Well that's great that membership and activity levels have approximately doubled over the past year or so....but no wonder trying to keep things under control can be difficult for you.

I think from here it would be good to think postively and give people the chance to change,otherwise we will only get self fulfilling prophecies which will only creative negative actions.

So here's to the future of TTC y'all! 😀

 

[Celtic_Emperor]

That's what this is all about, giving people the chance to change. Emphasis on giving and chance. Let us not forget why the guidelines were created in the first place- a lack of will to change under one's own initiative.

I hope that by having the guidelines to spur them forward members are filled with a new sense of initiative and responsibility.