CD Members: Thoughts on How to Best 'Clean-Up' & 'Upgrade' the Forum?
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I don't think there is much the users of CD can do to fix the problem. Without some type of moderation or tools for users to moderate things themselves, this site will always be a haven for trolls. I've been here for 5 years now and it just continues to get worse every year. The only changes to the site I can think of during that time have been the ability to underline, which is broken, and the addition of Petitions, which hardly anyone uses. There have been many suggestions on ways to improve the site, but none of them have been implemented. Example 1, Example 2, Example 3, Example 4. Andy asked people what features should be added to the site 4 years ago, but I don't think any of them were ever implemented. I've pretty much given up hope on this site, which is why I rarely participate anymore. Most of the quality debaters are long gone. I hate to say it, but I don't think this site is ever going to change. I've considered building a new debate website that combines the best features of all the debate websites, and allows users to filter out trolls, but I'm just not sure I want to put the time and effort into it. When you create a debate, there is a way to add a list of users to ban from your debate. As moderator, you have to compile that list. You determine what constitutes trolling. As far as any new/additional features, it takes money. Are you willing to help pay for these new features? Send me a message if you want me to talk you through banning users. However, it is not automatic. You have to set it up for every debate you create. On a bigger picture, this country is currently split along partisan lines. It is roughly 50-50. It is not possible for one side to dominate or eliminate the other. We have to figure out a way to accept each other. People are different. We have to learn to live with that and move on ;) 1
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@jolie When you create a debate, there is a way to add a list of users to ban from your debate. As moderator, you have to compile that list. You determine what constitutes trolling. Yes--this is precisely along the lines I am thinking. Additionally, when one creates a debate, it is in their power to assign other members as Moderators as well. Then, we see, a self-refereeing structure could quickly arise in which a number of 'trusted' members are made Referees to new debates, a ban list is put into effect for known 'trolls', and an official 'Rule Book' can be laid out on a separate Thread. Now, if a member resorts to egregious behavior/strong ad hominem, then one of the Moderators can issue a 'warning' or 'foul'. Each member will be allotted a 'foul' count per Thread of 'x' (to be determined) and a large 'foul' count generally 'y', which if reached, will land them on the Ban list. This requires no new/additional features nor money--just a bit of Community planning & effort @LittleMisfit Thanks for you input I don't think there is much the users of CD can do to fix the problem. Without some type of moderation or tools for users to moderate things themselves, this site will always be a haven for trolls. There are tools to Moderate ourselves, as Jolie pointed out. As of now, they have been typically left unused however--I think it is high-time we start utilizing these features in a sensible manner I've pretty much given up hope on this site, which is why I rarely participate anymore. Most of the quality debaters are long gone. The site will only attract people that are of similar quality to the structuring itself. That is, 'good debaters' due not want to engage in 'bar fights', then we need to clean up the establishment in order attract more of the 'good' @Mint tea Good suggestion Mint. In fact, we could create a separate thread titled "Alt-Account Watch" purposed to hold abusers of the system accountable by the Community. All CD members would be encouraged to 'report a new finding' as they arise to the Thread--much like issuing a police report. Also, we could follow through with the same idea for "Troll Watch" 2
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A limit on repetitive topics (I may be guilty) that are really just babbling about similar themes over and over. I don’t wanna put any limit on freedom of speech UNLESS it is belligerent ranting or promoting violence. Some people just post personal attacks on individual s and this distracts from REAL debating @Slavedevice A limit on repetitive topics (I may be guilty) that are really just babbling about similar themes over and over. Yes--we could create a Thread linking similar topics together as well, sort a 'Home page' for topic 'x' which compiles the list of Threads. This could be opened to the Community who contribute to the effort as they please don’t wanna put any limit on freedom of speech UNLESS it is belligerent ranting or promoting violence. Some people just post personal attacks on individual s and this distracts from REAL debating Yes--this is why self-Refereeing system could prove very useful, as it will not be as strict as Formal Mods while more structured then Anarchy. That is, it would be like a self-organized pick-up Basketball game, with player-referees, score keeping, ect. who keep the game more structured, productive, healthy, ect. 1
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@excon There are plenty of things we (the members) can do to self-organize more efficiently. Attld has provided a basketball court & hoops, now we are the players with the basketballs and it is up to us to determine how to organize the matches. This is consistent with anything from a broken down ill-structured informal game to creating a self-organizing league of high quality which would naturally attract stronger players from elsewhere. Besides, why are you asking us?? I thought your mantra was HOW to change society from the bottom up.. I'm SURPRISED you don't have an answer.. I am asking 'you' as a collaborative effort of minds is far superior to individual efforts--as we have already seen some good suggestions from other members. I am sure more will come to the fore in time. As good ideas accumulate, we will have many potential options to implement & try-out 1
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