Nina. Did this ever happen?
When posters here can make the rules or manipulate the board (i.e.) flame and attack and hurry and erase their attack after reporting someone they hate and want to get banned, that is/was the beginning of the end.
The moderators try to watch out for stuff like that, but it seems that it could be done and might have been done at some point. There is always someone around who wants to circle around rules.
And there are always going to be childish things going on. Seems that adults don't ever completely grow up sometimes. I'm sure I'm as stupid about that sometimes as anyone else here is. But to me, we just come here to hash out things in the news, especially politics and if our behavior were pristine or if the moderators checked out and edited every word we say, things would become boring. Our present moderator-in-chief is a "less-is-better" fan and I think she is doing a terrific job.
All that's desired is for a board to be somewhat on-topic with as little of the personal insult as is possible. Some people think there should be more strict moderation. Recently some of those have left us. Others think that moderators on "their side" should give them breaks when it comes to obeying the rules and some left when that didn't happen to their liking. It would be impossible for any moderator to please everyone and we all have the right to stay or go as we choose.
You don't give the moderators enough credit regarding the "report" button, Nina. The motives of people using that button are quite transparent to all moderators. They aren't stupid. And usually the reporter leaves a pretty clear message that disintegrates any doubt as to what the motive is. But moderators are only human and moderator priority is the board, not specific posters. Moderators want everyone to stay..........you, your friends, your enemies (the general you that also includes you, Nina). As a moderator I came to the defense of you and of anyone who needed it. I saw all moderators defend people that were on the "other" side...asking for leniency. Sometimes, leniency is not possible. And I feel that posters know good and well when they have posted something that needs to be deleted or infracted. Many people who have been deleted or received infractions respond with "yeah. I know I screwed up. Sorry" Others get angry and pretend they are innocent.
But it's all okay. I'm not moderator but I love everyone and consider everyone here to be my "kids" (even gramps). Sometimes I get pissed off and pop in anger............but that lasts only a minute then I'm ready for hugs. So, okay. Nobody wants to hug me. That's okay. I love you anyway. And that's how it is with the moderators too. I don't think anyone on the moderator board hates anyone or is out to get anyone. I feel safe saying that and I am certain it's true.
Best to you, Nina.
Even when you yell at me.
Jen
When posters here can make the rules or manipulate the board (i.e.) flame and attack and hurry and erase their attack after reporting someone they hate and want to get banned, that is/was the beginning of the end. When they can howl and threaten to "LEAVE" with their 'gang' if they don't get their way, even go so far as to have contracts drawn up so certain posters can only post in certain threads and about certain things while they break every rule imaginable, yet are some of the ones yelling for their SECOND AMENDMENTMENT RIGHTS while trying to squelch their target's first amendment rights, go on about how independent and strong and capable they are yet run and tattle tale over the damnest things...and manipulates the mods (some of them) into making new rules just for them...to appease them...then that's when I wonder WTH happened to this place?
And Mods don't always have it so good...these manipulating souls even throw their own friend(s) under the bus and even though they know it will bother this person a lot, refuse to post to her/him and let her/him know that she/he is NO LONGER THEIR FRIEND. Kindergarten much? More like nursery school.
I have a feeling that the "REPORT BUTTON" is being used every time someone feels the need to control this place. Pathetic as it seems that anyone would have the need to control people they don't know it certainly does happen, just so they can somehow try to battle their inferiority complex by controlling others. And if banning me for speaking up helps them to attain their goal I guess I can always tell myself that I did something for the NEEDY.