Veteran Forum

[IcSyU]

This is a popular request... but a moderation nightmare. People attack each other via negative rep, then we hear lots of complaints about it and have to moderate it. There were both internet tough guys AND people being too sensitive when we had it.

Oh yeah? COME AT ME, BRO!

[cyeah]

Could we make a private forum for members over 5k posts to blab? Maybe require a certain number of reputation points as well?

Who is to say there is not already an invite only secret forum? Maybe, just maybe you have not made the cut?

Not saying there is, not saying there is not. Just saying...

[CyAggie]

Shhh, they are watching

[ISUboi12]

I propose an exclusive forum for cat owners

[Cyclonepride]

I propose an exclusive forum for cat owners

I own cats. I mean, I'm not a cat owner, but if I play against cats in various games of skill, I totally own them.

[ianoconnor]

There was a message board I used to post on (pbnation.com) that had a forum w/ this basic idea. I think you had to be a registered member for a year before you could get in. Obviously it breeds a bit more of a mature conversation.

I like the idea.

[Al_4_State]

This is a popular request... but a moderation nightmare. People attack each other via negative rep, then we hear lots of complaints about it and have to moderate it. There were both internet tough guys AND people being too sensitive when we had it.

Maybe overhauling the moderation approach to negative rep wouldn't be a bad idea? If people are attacking each other via rep, just stay hands off as a mod team. Kind of a "you make the bed, you sleep in it" approach. You don't need to protect everyone's feelings. Lots of websites have it, but those websites don't engage in as extensive moderation as this one either (not a criticism, its just that Cyclone Fanatic's level of moderation is much, much higher than the typical sports message board).

Negative rep is a pretty good tool for keeping people in line. Instead of having Cyclone Fanatic be a police state where the mods rule everything, it gives the users a little more power to create the environment they want to create, and generally keeps people from being complete d-bags. I would think this would cut down on work for the mods too. Just let people know right away that they don't come running to the mods like a crying child just because someone thinks they're a tool, and you don't have to spend a ton of time with it. If people can't handle it, they probably shouldn't be on message boards to begin with.

Just my $.02.

[CycloneErik]

I own cats. I mean, I'm not a cat owner, but if I play against cats in various games of skill, I totally own them.

link? Not buying this.

[ISpyCy]

I, too, have been on a forum where they had a "gold members" area for those demed worthy of higher-intellect conversation. Unfortunately, they didn't really follow the criteria. As long as standards are set and rules are met, it could work.

[EddieISU]

I would like a forum for grunge music and flannel shirts lovers. A speed metal forum would be great too, basically anything that allows me to relive my teenage angst, thanks.

[Acylum]

I'd rather see a # of posts/rep level ratio used. Sadly, I'd still be on the outside looking in.

[gogagig]

I propose platinum membership for cool people like me.

[Tailg8er]

I propose platinum membership for cool people like me.

I had a Bud Light Platinum once, does that mean I'm in?

[Angie]

Maybe overhauling the moderation approach to negative rep wouldn't be a bad idea? If people are attacking each other via rep, just stay hands off as a mod team. Kind of a "you make the bed, you sleep in it" approach. You don't need to protect everyone's feelings. Lots of websites have it, but those websites don't engage in as extensive moderation as this one either (not a criticism, its just that Cyclone Fanatic's level of moderation is much, much higher than the typical sports message board).

Negative rep is a pretty good tool for keeping people in line. Instead of having Cyclone Fanatic be a police state where the mods rule everything, it gives the users a little more power to create the environment they want to create, and generally keeps people from being complete d-bags. I would think this would cut down on work for the mods too. Just let people know right away that they don't come running to the mods like a crying child just because someone thinks they're a tool, and you don't have to spend a ton of time with it. If people can't handle it, they probably shouldn't be on message boards to begin with.

Just my $.02.

By and large, that system absolutely works. And that's mostly what we did. What it doesn't account for, though, is users who had vendettas against each other, trolls, etc. There are many instances where people didn't make their bed, and it's offensive to them to be called names, have personal comments made, etc. Those are the ones we have to moderate heavily.

[benjay]

There are many instances where people didn't make their bed, and it's offensive to them to be called names, have personal comments made, etc.

Called names?! The humanity!

I guess there is a reason I'm not a moderator. I'd be harder on the wimps than the trolls.