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Post by solicitorious on Mar 21, 2016 15:57:14 GMT
Regrettably, I have noticed a deterioration in the quality of posts since the turn of the year, with a corresponding increase in the quantity of rubbish, which seems to be growing exponentially. <removed by mod> It was inevitable really, as all open forums eventually become infected. We see <an individual (word substitution by mod)> being publicly named and shamed today for playing mind games and holding a conversation with himself via multiple accounts. And a call for re-inforcements on the Mod team. Thanks to those who have stepped forward, btw. So this isn't scaremongering. The forum is deteriorating FAST. And once the rot starts... Some might say C'est la vie... Others might say, wait a minute, we've got serious amounts of money invested in P2P, and this forum has been an invaluable resource for like-minded, serious people to do serious research and engage in serious, sincere discourse on how to keep hold of our hard-earned money, and hopefully make it grow... Most of us didn't come here to 'enjoy' lame jokes, lame cartoons, monkey pictures, wind-ups and smart-aleck cracks, etc. posted by <bored individuals (phrase substitution by mod) > infesting every thread, who for all we know don't have £60 invested between them. Harsh, and an exaggeration? Yes, but I have seen THE FUTURE... We literally can't afford to let this forum die, or degenerate any further. We can afford, however, to shut out the growing "noise" by making it subscription only. Therefore I invite you to think carefully, and VOTE either for or against this, in principle. |
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Post by mrclondon on Mar 21, 2016 16:26:47 GMT
Hmm. Potentially this could have been a serious poll on a topic that is exercising quite a few minds. Instead I've had to make three edits to tone down the language. pot, kettle , black ??
I've voted NO simply because the poster of this poll seems to have missed the point that the forum rule "Polite and constructive discussion" applies to everyone.
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brin
I am trying to stay calm.
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Likes: 69
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Post by brin on Mar 21, 2016 16:33:23 GMT
If the poster wants a subscription only forum, i am sure he is free to start one whenever he likes.
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Post by solicitorious on Mar 21, 2016 16:36:21 GMT
Oh dear, looks like I'm six months too late...
I have not called anyone in particular a troll, a weirdo, an obsessive [the words you censored], etc. but if you, as a mod, cannot even accept such people exist and are a threat to the forum, then good luck in your next assignment - padre to the 'Scrubs!
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Post by mrclondon on Mar 21, 2016 16:38:03 GMT
I'll add that a medium term strategy for the forum is something the recently enlarged mod/admin team will be working on over the coming months in consultation with those that have a stake in the ongoing success of the forum.
EDIT: The invitation to volunteer some of your time to assist in the moderation and administration of the forum including assisting with formulating a medium term strategy that works within the legal and regulatory framework remains open to all forum members - simply PM me if interested.
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jonah
Member of DD Central
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Likes: 1,113
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Post by jonah on Mar 21, 2016 19:52:38 GMT
Do I think that the signal to noise ratio is worse this year than last year? Yes. Do I think that this forum will die as a consequence? Probably not. Do I think that there needs to be the 'fun police'? No. The admins/mods in this place seem to put a lot of effort into building and maintaining a balanced approach. Whilst I don't think they get it 100% right all of the time, they do get it pretty close in my opinion. I do think they have a solid framework and it gets followed. I don't think I've anywhere near sufficient experience to be part of the mods here. Arguably I'm not mature enough but I'll leave that to others to decide.  . In terms of this poll, a modest annual fee wouldn't be my main concern. It would be the drop off in other voices as part of the benefits of this place. Varied perspectives are useful. |
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Steerpike
Member of DD Central
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Post by Steerpike on Mar 21, 2016 20:00:00 GMT
For me, it hasn't quite got to the point where I feel the need to introduce a filter, however, I did go as far as finding out how one can block a member and decided that I can do this in the future if necessary.
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Post by oldnick on Mar 21, 2016 20:43:44 GMT
Do I think that the signal to noise ratio is worse this year than last year? Yes. Do I think that this forum will die as a consequence? Probably not. Do I think that there needs to be the 'fun police'? No. The admins/mods in this place seem to put a lot of effort into building and maintaining a balanced approach. Whilst I don't think they get it 100% right all of the time, they do get it pretty close in my opinion. I do think they have a solid framework and it gets followed. I don't think I've anywhere near sufficient experience to be part of the mods here. Arguably I'm not mature enough but I'll leave that to others to decide. . In terms of this poll, a modest annual fee wouldn't be my main concern. It would be the drop off in other voices as part of the benefits of this place. Varied perspectives are useful. you have just displayed the only skills required to be a mod - a critical mind tempered by thoughtfulness. Experience is gained by doing rather than observing, and maturity, well I don't know where you got that idea from - call us.
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Post by solicitorious on Mar 21, 2016 21:56:55 GMT
I forgot to add.
Poll ends on April Fools' Day, appropriately enough...
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brin
I am trying to stay calm.
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Likes: 69
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Post by brin on Mar 21, 2016 22:00:55 GMT
I was wondering who would be the first to notice.  |
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ben
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Post by ben on Mar 21, 2016 22:29:47 GMT
If it was subscription only would new members join I doubt it
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ribs
Probably not James Marshall
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Post by ribs on Mar 21, 2016 22:41:23 GMT
Can you please define 'subscription only'? As in, I'd have to pay to use the forum?
Uhhh, no. I'd leave, I think many others would as well.
The great thing about forums is that you can just ignore the posts you don't agree with. Most of the 'fluff' in the forum is in the general chat sub-forum, which is exactly where it belongs. As the community grows and more people join, there will of course be more idiots, this cannot be avoided. It's inevitable as a community grows.
A few people have responded to my posts in what I considered to be plain stupid at times. Sometimes even bordering on rude. I'm not going to get all upset by it; I don't care. It's the Internet, that's kinda the deal around here. Just like real life, some people are nice, thoughtful, well informed. Others are just jerks. The great thing about forums? You just ignore the jerks and carry on. In real life that can be tricky.
If a post really crosses the line, I'd report it, maybe even consider messaging a mod. Otherwise I honestly don't care. The information and enjoyment I get from this forum far outweighs that.
The signal to noise (or nice people to jerks, if you prefer) ratio here is still firmly in the acceptable range for me. If that ever changes, I'm sure I'll just visit less often, or not visit at all. Frankly the mods are doing an okay job as far as I see it.
I see no reason to change anything. Except maybe giving me some special flair or something. I'd like it to say "I wish I were James Marshall" just under my username.
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duck
Member of DD Central
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Likes: 6,892
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Post by duck on Mar 22, 2016 10:40:27 GMT
I'm struggling to understand why making the forum 'subscription only' would have the OP's desired outcome.
Subscription (especially if it involves payment) enhances a sense of entitlement and when that happens, well you can see where that leads .....
Newbies, how would they decide to join? OK I joined this forum on day one not knowing how it would develop but would I have 'subscribed' on the hope that the forum might be useful ..... I doubt it.
As a Mod on another (non financial) forum thread hi-jacking and whimsical diversions can be a problem if not policed well. If a technical question has been asked we as Mods we delete/edit posts until suitable responses have been given ..... nobody wants to read through pages of 'rubbish' in the faint hope that there may be a solution somewhere. If a similar approach was taken 'here' (not saying it is a big issue) I would have no problems.
Final thought how would the Platforms feel? Representatives of several of the Platforms that I am active on are regular and valued contributors. If these contributors found their contributions were being read by a much lower number of investors would they continue to be so active?
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max
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Post by max on Mar 22, 2016 11:30:14 GMT
So you would not charge for investing in a p2p platform, but would charge for speaking your mind about your investments in a forum. I wonder what type of subscribers this strategy is supposed to attract/retain. Those in desperate need of an advice? Those who are greatly intelligent and cannot keep it all for themselves? If I were a wirdo, I would definitely pay to speak to them. I would also advocate for such a fee to be introduced.
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ianj
Member of DD Central
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Post by ianj on Mar 22, 2016 15:07:42 GMT
As someone who recently commented on 'puerile drivel', I have a level of sympathy for the OP's concerns, but we do not yet live in a culture where there is any correlation, IMO, between an unpreparedness to part with cash and a 'lack of couth' in social interaction. Hands up anyone who doesn't know somebody of 'financial substance' they would prefer not have to pass the time of day with.
If this forum reflects attitudes prevalent in society in general, then this proposal would not achieve the OP's intentions, unless, of course, 'trolls, weirdos and obsessives' are all penniless.
Yesterday evening, I was informed that a neighbour had recently seen three rats (no euphemism intended, they were all small brown rodents) outside her window. "Should this be reported?" she asked. "Probably not at the minute. The trick is not to worry about something that can be ignored." was my response. Naturally, it will all depend on one's own tolerance levels: I have no problem living with the probability there are rats in the vicinity, while she would prefer the unachievable certainty that there were none.
Negatively unignorable content / tone of posts can always be referred to the experience and wisdom of our own forum Ratcatchers for collective consideration, but I would hate this space to to lose it's 'lighter side'.
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