Welcome to the Minecraft Forums! Enjoy yourself here, but please keep in mind these simple rules:
Rules
DO:
Be Polite - If you can't be respectful of other members, at least be courteous. Two wrongs don't make a right.
Use Search - It's your friend, and it's in the upper-right corner of the forum.
Use the Report Feature - If you see a rule violation, this lets the staff know to look at the thread/post and determine the best action.
Stay on Topic - Don't derail threads with your own conversation.
Think Before you Post - Sensible, well-thought-out, legible posts are easier to understand.
DON'T:
Spam - TL;DR, +/-1, one word responses, memes, imageposts, doubleposts, etc.
Post Redundant Threads - Be aware of other threads in the forum, and don't duplicate (see "Use Seach" above).
Bump Threads - Do not bump your own threads to get more replies or older threads that have dropped off unless there is significant new information to add. Necrothreadia is preventable disease: let the dead lie.
Post ban lists - This can lead to innocent people being banned from the servers.
Troll/Flame - See "Be Polite" above. Insulting and baiting will not be tolerated.
Create Multiple Accounts - If you have a good reason for having a clone account, contact a staff member first.
Advertise - You can have a link to your personal (non-commercial) site in your signature, but links promoting outside websites or merchandise will be removed.
NEVER:
Post Illegal Activity:
- Anything referring to Minecraft hacks;
- Any link or reference to third-party clients or game interfaces;
- Any material that is the work of another individual but is being represented as original. Permission must be obtained from the original creator, and due credit must be given, before including any element of that creator's work.
Abuse a Member's Personal Safety:
- Swearing at a member; while there is no rule against swearing here, use of it against another member is a different story;
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- Overt sexually loaded comments or content;
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Spread Hate Speech:
- The use of slurs of any kind;
- Derogatory statements about social groups, including but not limited to age, race, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, or sexuality;
- Promoting or expressing support for hate groups and terrorist organizations;
- Posting messages deliberately to offend or upset members of a social group (For example, posting images of Muhammed in a thread full of Muslims)
PERMABANS
Posting or linking to anything relating to the pirating, or copying, of any software game title, especially Minecraft.
Posting or linking to any content malicious to computer hardware or software, such as viruses.
Any content that violates another person's privacy.
Evading a Temporary Ban - If you're sent on a vacation for a bit, accept it and wait.
Excessive or repeated violations of any of the above infractions - Learn your lesson or else.
Course of Action and Bans
- Each rule infringement is taken case by case; the more severe the rule is broken, the bigger the punishment.
- Staff has the authority to override or skip any and all steps and issue whatever punishment is deemed necessary
Warnings - Infractions which warrant action against a member will earn you a Warning Point:
1st Warning - The only actual warning-only consequence.
2nd Warning - Banned (three days).
3rd Warning - Banned (seven days).
4th Warning - Warning in name only. If you have three warn points and you break a rule, you are permanently banned.
Disclaimer
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Contacting - Please contact the staff if you have any questions or concerns: memberlist.php?mode=leaders, or by #minecraftforums at irc.esper.net
hi!
as everyone knows, these are the forum rules.
i just have a few questions about clarification. i was recently banned and i would really like to be informed on some vague points so i dont get in trouble again.
Bump Threads - Do not bump your own threads to get more replies or older threads that have dropped off unless there is significant new information to add. Necrothreadia is preventable disease: let the dead lie.
okay, so how long does it have to be without any replies before you can bump your own thread ? and is there actually a rule that says you cant add to an old conversation ?
Warnings - Infractions which warrant action against a member will earn you a Warning Point:
1st Warning - The only actual warning-only consequence.
2nd Warning - Banned (three days).
3rd Warning - Banned (seven days).
4th Warning - Warning in name only. If you have three warn points and you break a rule, you are permanently banned.
so this account has had 4 warnings on it at one time. i wasnt banned. i got a 5th and was.
so what are the new warning punishments ?
and i have one more question. please dont hate me for this ..
The answer for all of these is "read the Disclaimer." We ask you to abide by the SPIRIT of the law, not just the letter. The Disclaimer closes the loopholes that rule-breakers and poor users LOVE to exploit. But since I know that's not a sufficient answer for some, I'll go into detail.
Quote from ArnoldPalmer »
hi!
as everyone knows, these are the forum rules.
i just have a few questions about clarification. i was recently banned and i would really like to be informed on some vague points so i dont get in trouble again.
Bump Threads - Do not bump your own threads to get more replies or older threads that have dropped off unless there is significant new information to add. Necrothreadia is preventable disease: let the dead lie.
okay, so how long does it have to be without any replies before you can bump your own thread ? and is there actually a rule that says you cant add to an old conversation ?
Common sense. If your server thread or suggestion or point doesn't get any replies, and it "dies," reviving it just bumps active conversations down. If it died, it was for a reason, notably that no one wanted to reply. It's survival of the fittest. We just don't have enough room for all threads on the front page. If your thread dies, DON'T bump it, especially not with:
Bump!
Adding to an old conversation, it's, again, a judgement call and common sense. If you bump an old topic, and do it with more information AND there's not a newer thread on the same topic that took it's place after it died, then that's ok, usually. If you bump an old thread with "That's cool!" or "+1," that's pointless spam.
Quote from ArnoldPalmer »
Warnings - Infractions which warrant action against a member will earn you a Warning Point:
1st Warning - The only actual warning-only consequence.
2nd Warning - Banned (three days).
3rd Warning - Banned (seven days).
4th Warning - Warning in name only. If you have three warn points and you break a rule, you are permanently banned.
so this account has had 4 warnings on it at one time. i wasnt banned. i got a 5th and was.
so what are the new warning punishments ?
Again, these aren't HARD rules. We take every situation as it comes. You had your 3-day Ban for your 2nd Warning. ez chose not to Ban you for your 3rd. Your fourth was shortened after you spoke with Swingerzetta about it. I'm not sure about the 5th one you talk about, I only see 4, ever.
The point is, if we see a distinct pattern of behavior we'll stick closer to the schedule. If there are mitigating circumstances, we may choose to forego, lessen, or extend the bans, based on the situation at hand.
where in the rules does it say its illegal to repost a closed thread ? also just curious.
thanks!
No reason was given for the first closure, and I'll try to find out why not, but I can easily guess the reason. It was really nothing more than a "***** and moan at staff" thread. If you have an issue with an action by staff, take it to them PRIVATELY. If you have a problem with the forum in general, keep the discussion civil.
As to the second thread, I don't care why the first one was closed. It's not an invitation to start a clone of it.
There is no set time for when a bump can occur. I would hope people only reply to a thread when they have something valuable to contribute, beyond "bump" or "join my server". However in practice it doesn't appear to be so, we will generally warn users who bump multiple times within 24 hours, however if your thread becomes 14 replies of "bump" in a row over a 2 week period, it will also be frowned upon; if your thread is being buried and not getting replies it's clear that other users aren't interested and therefore the thread shouldn't remain at the top of the list.
With regards to old threads, if you bump an old thread with "bump" or "lol" it will result in a warning or a ban (depending on whether or not you're a repeat offender). It is only appropriate to post in an old (1 month+) thread when you have something to contribute, something that expands upon the discussion. The preferred action is to create a new thread, but if you feel a reply is best that is fine. It's moderators discretion.
We removed permanent banning, I felt it was unfair towards some users who broke many minor rules but didn't necessarily harm the forum, just caused a minor nuisance. I spoke with the moderators and any permanent bans should be passed through me first, for me to confirm they are indeed warranted. We reserve the right to remove anyone from the forum if we feel they are detrimental to the community without warning, however I can't think of a single occasion this was done.
This thread was locked because nobody was listening, it was just shouting back and forth without reasonable discussion. I felt that it wasn't helping anything, just causing more frustration from both users and moderators. There are other unlocked threads regarding the state of the forum that you can reply to.
It is not "illegal" to repost a closed thread, it is however pointless. If staff have decided a thread should be closed for any reason then that means the discussion in it should end, this can be for many reasons.
The rules are a guideline to keep users out of trouble and help them contribute positively to the forum, we do however reserve the right to respond to any users action with warnings/bans if we feel it's necessary, even if it isn't outlined in the rules. This rarely happens though, it is only used when a user is intentionally being bad and skirting around the rules intentionally.
So, if it did turn into a "***** and moan at staff," why insta-lock it, instead of try to redirect it?
I don't even see how it was a ***** and moaning thread, it looked like a disagreement to the rules to me.
Not only that, but the staff is horribly biased. I've reported many posts, that were obviously flaming the OP, that should have received a warning, but did not. The only conclusion I can come to, is since the OP was voicing a complaint about Minecraft/Mojang. They didn't get warned... In fact, the only warning issued was for "spam" because someone 1 word posted.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
It's hard to follow your dreams when you run from your nightmares. --
but lightwarrior, you seem really pissed dude. I don't see how it was a "***** and moan" thread as there were many valuable points made. sure it got a little heated at times but it has still remained civil.
things like this frustrate the community more and more at the loss of good threads. I'm really just wondering why a discussion about the rules should be locked with no official reason.
but thanks for all the response in recent days, we'll figure it out eventually.
but lightwarrior, you seem really pissed dude. I don't see how it was a "***** and moan" thread as there were many valuable points made. sure it got a little heated at times but it has still remained civil.
things like this frustrate the community more and more at the loss of good threads. I'm really just wondering why a discussion about the rules should be locked with no official reason.
but thanks for all the response in recent days, we'll figure it out eventually.
p.s. damn typing on an iPhone is a pain haha
It's pretty understandable to me why LWK is frustrated. There is a courteous way to criticize, and I don't feel that that thread did that. True, it has made some good points we are looking into, but threads with that "tone" generally generate a lot of "bitching and moaning" and "ganging up" on administration that make it tough for us to do our jobs. I feel that the thread could have been a lot more productive for everyone had you handled it different.
There are ways to voice legitimate concerns. That thread was not it.
I see. Well, from what I've seen over the last few months, every thread that DID voice legitimate concerns has been locked and ignored from Admins and Moderators such as yourself. Opinions have not gotten better, they have gotten worse due to inaction on you Admins parts at reigning in bad moderators. Furthermore, you make excuses that legitimate threads are not legitimate and you pass of the complaints of the users as nothing. Then, what is worse, these same poor moderators actually get PROMOTED in the face of the users while the administrative staff rejoices.
There is no outlet for the users, only ignorance.
If you would like, please make us a checklist at what you consider to be a GOOD model for voicing concerns. Something like:
1. Name
2. Complaint
3. Etc...
At least this way, we could voice our concerns and who knows, maybe not get ignored, warned, or banned for simply stating we have a problem.
First and foremost, it is not for you to know what goes behind the scenes between the Admins and the Moderators.
Any issues with moderators are dealt with privately, and NOT in full view of other users. That said, if they are still moderators they have full support of the Admins, so you might as well get used to that. You're not going to get a public flogging or apology letter followed by a moderator getting removed simply because a VERY few users (relatively) take issue with some actions.
We encourage feedback, and there are many threads in this forum that aren't locked that provide such. If you want a model, look at any of the ones not locked.
What we won't tolerate is attitudes that you have some authority over how this forum is run. Curse owns the forums. The Admins run it. The Moderators enforce the rules. Users operate within those bounds. If you can't accept that, you should probably find a forum where you're going to be happier, because this one isn't going to satisfy what you're looking for.
Personally, what I look for is thus:
1) Polite: Even if you don't agree with the action or problem, don't act like a 10 year old with a temper-tantrum. Even if you are one.
2) Don't break the rules and then complain about the punishment. Just don't break the rules in the first place. You agreed to follow the rules when you signed up.
3) Don't publicly call out staff decisions. It's right in the rules: if you have an issue with an action taken against you bring it to an Admin privately. I don't care how indignant you are, nor how much you want a "torch and pitchfork" riot to depose the moderator in question.
4) Don't try to cause a riot in any case. It negates your argument more than anything else.
Quote from Beltir »
Not only that, but the staff is horribly biased. I've reported many posts, that were obviously flaming the OP, that should have received a warning, but did not. The only conclusion I can come to, is since the OP was voicing a complaint about Minecraft/Mojang. They didn't get warned... In fact, the only warning issued was for "spam" because someone 1 word posted.
If you send me a link to those, I'll look into it. That's not supposed to happen. Flaming is flaming, no matter who or what the subject of it is.
Quote from ArnoldPalmer »
but lightwarrior, you seem really pissed dude. I don't see how it was a "***** and moan" thread as there were many valuable points made. sure it got a little heated at times but it has still remained civil.
things like this frustrate the community more and more at the loss of good threads. I'm really just wondering why a discussion about the rules should be locked with no official reason.
I am. I come back from vacation to see this? A thread started by ban-evasion for the expressed purpose (even in the evasion user name) to draw a flames. msmit71 summed it up perfectly.
Quote from DaBiggman »
No, we won't figure it out eventually. I've been here for months and things are still run the same now as they were back in December.
Namely: We are going to run things how we want, ignore user criticism, and lock any thread that dares discuss change. The users out of fear will shrink back into the shadows and keep quiet, just the way they like it.
I'm sure this thread won't last long either but whatever, I've got my questions answered and won't be getting into anymore pointless discussions about or with any staff from here again.
Bottom line: Mods and Admin can do what they want, when they want, and will not be held accountable to any standard save for their own internet power.
Welcome to a big forum. Mods are accountable to the Admins, and we Admins are accountable to each other and Curse. I certainly don't see anyone shrinking into the shadows or staying quiet, but we sure could use a little more of it from the rulebreakers.
Bottom line: Mods and Admin can do what they want, when they want, and will not be held accountable to any standard save for their own internet power.
This is my job, beyond wanting to create a good community my livelihood depends on this forum being the best it can be, if this forum sucks my job, pay and life sucks, we take on board all criticism and suggestions and many are considered/implemented.
We don't take joy in the problems the forum has, they make our lives harder and they make the community worse, but a lot of the fixes users suggest don't consider the problems long term. I won't harp on about the upcoming changes with IPB, but we honestly believe that it will improve the forum greatly. I won't make public bets, but every decision made here is betting my future on it and I don't take that lightly.
I think communication is definitely something we can improve, when we get the position where my job is not doing moderator tasks that moderators assign to me because the software won't let them do it, I think I will have more time to talk with users and get problems/feedback the attention it deserves.
It's pretty understandable to me why LWK is frustrated. There is a courteous way to criticize, and I don't feel that that thread did that. True, it has made some good points we are looking into, but threads with that "tone" generally generate a lot of "bitching and moaning" and "ganging up" on administration that make it tough for us to do our jobs. I feel that the thread could have been a lot more productive for everyone had you handled it different.
okay, i realize i shouldnt have attacked all of the forum with that thread, but dude, i was PISSED. for real. i mean, look at the account i made for it. i'm sorry.
later i did rewrite it, also not perfectly but it was better. and then there was good discussion!
so in its current state i didnt see anything wrong. just because of things that happened in past it had to be locked ? why not just remove questionable content.
1 more thing, users tend to gang up on mods because, think about it, mods have a lot of power. users feel like they have to be a larger force than the power to make a point, so they gang up. think about it. real life riots start when a large group of people get together and start taking over power.
one person doesnt make a riot.
so how do you expect us to believe that we can get through to mods when the community thinks they are oppressive and have all the power ? users gang up to feel powerful. that is just how life works.
EDIT: okay, i'm going to be called retarded for this, but people are actually payed to be admins on this site ? i thought it was all simple volunteer work ! jeeze !
& LWK, i am just so sorry about me ruining your nice return. in this post i speak of how we know we have no power. (i personally think the official forum should be community-run, but whatevs) and yeah, i was evading a ban i suppose and looking to start a big stir. im sorry. ban me again if you feel like im still hurting this board so much.
EDIT: okay, i'm going to be called retarded for this, but people are actually payed to be admins on this site ? i thought it was all simple volunteer work ! jeeze !
I am paid for my work here (it's my full time job, which is why I'm replying to you at 6am...) however the rest of the staff you've seen post are not, they are volunteers. WedTM and Aera are also paid staff, however they work behind the scenes.
EDIT: okay, i'm going to be called retarded for this, but people are actually payed to be admins on this site ? i thought it was all simple volunteer work ! jeeze !
I am paid for my work here (it's my full time job, which is why I'm replying to you at 6am...) however the rest of the staff you've seen post are not, they are volunteers. WedTM and Aera are also paid staff, however they work behind the scenes.
Wow, first time I've ever seen a paid administrator. Then again, this is an official forum. Most of the ones I use are small or unofficial.
EDIT: okay, i'm going to be called retarded for this, but people are actually payed to be admins on this site ? i thought it was all simple volunteer work ! jeeze !
I am paid for my work here (it's my full time job, which is why I'm replying to you at 6am...) however the rest of the staff you've seen post are not, they are volunteers. WedTM and Aera are also paid staff, however they work behind the scenes.
alright, citric, you are a LEGEND.
i will never think any lower of you, ever, no joke.
if you can administrate this forum as a full time job, i dont care who you are, you are some sort of madman.
for real, major thanks to you dude. i thought everyone was just volunteering to do this.
you are a legend.
okay, i realize i shouldnt have attacked all of the forum with that thread, but dude, i was PISSED. for real. i mean, look at the account i made for it. i'm sorry.
later i did rewrite it, also not perfectly but it was better. and then there was good discussion!
so in its current state i didnt see anything wrong. just because of things that happened in past it had to be locked ? why not just remove questionable content.
1 more thing, users tend to gang up on mods because, think about it, mods have a lot of power. users feel like they have to be a larger force than the power to make a point, so they gang up. think about it. real life riots start when a large group of people get together and start taking over power.
one person doesnt make a riot.
so how do you expect us to believe that we can get through to mods when the community thinks they are oppressive and have all the power ? users gang up to feel powerful. that is just how life works.
EDIT: okay, i'm going to be called retarded for this, but people are actually payed to be admins on this site ? i thought it was all simple volunteer work ! jeeze !
& LWK, i am just so sorry about me ruining your nice return. in this post i speak of how we know we have no power. (i personally think the official forum should be community-run, but whatevs) and yeah, i was evading a ban i suppose and looking to start a big stir. im sorry. ban me again if you feel like im still hurting this board so much.
Apology accepted, and I'm sorry for being pissed for my part.
Threads are typically closed instead of cleaned when the whole thread would have to be cleaned. If the OP is going to still generate problems, it's sometimes just better to finish it.
The problem with riots in a place like this is that it hurts the community more than it helps the problem. I can't speak for every forum on the internet, but our staff is MUCH more likely to listen to polite conversation than a thread like that one.
but lightwarrior, you seem really pissed dude. I don't see how it was a "***** and moan" thread as there were many valuable points made. sure it got a little heated at times but it has still remained civil.
things like this frustrate the community more and more at the loss of good threads. I'm really just wondering why a discussion about the rules should be locked with no official reason.
but thanks for all the response in recent days, we'll figure it out eventually.
No, we won't figure it out eventually. I've been here for months and things are still run the same now as they were back in December.
Namely: We are going to run things how we want, ignore user criticism, and lock any thread that dares discuss change. The users out of fear will shrink back into the shadows and keep quiet, just the way they like it.
I'm sure this thread won't last long either but whatever, I've got my questions answered and won't be getting into anymore pointless discussions about or with any staff from here again.
Bottom line: Mods and Admin can do what they want, when they want, and will not be held accountable to any standard save for their own internet power.
They have reasons for what they do, also if things are still the same as they were back in december then why haven't you figured it out yet? Seems to me you just don't want to. Not trying to hate/bash on you but you have to realize that mods and admins do what they do for the better good for the forum and their decision is final.
I don't go around here posting bash threads on the staff and thinking I am mightier then the staff because I run my own forums and have an IPB skinning business.
As Citric said, he makes sure what happens is the right thing or he won't be getting paid. Now either figure out how things are run around here or go find another forum.
Also so far, the latest discussions that were about change that I have seen were not closed, to name one, the suggestions topic for the new IPB board/forum, as that discussion is one of the few that doesn't talk trash about the staff or how the site is run.
Again, I wasn't trying to hate/bash on you, just stating my opinion as how I see it.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"We have a dream that one day people will be judged not by the content of their character but by how many evil planets they have exploded."
As finding even these ones was a pain in the ass, and these aren't the worst I've seen (I generally try to avoid posting into flamewars, but sometimes I do), this is all I will link. I don't expect/want any of these to receive a warning, as they are dead posts, and responses have been made based on them not getting punished in some cases. And there should be a limit on how long after a post can something be warned (a day, ok sure, a week, screw that). If these do not deserve a warning, then what does exactly? How much am I allowed to insult someone before I get a warning?
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
It's hard to follow your dreams when you run from your nightmares. --
As finding even these ones was a pain in the ass, and these aren't the worst I've seen (I generally try to avoid posting into flamewars, but sometimes I do), this is all I will link. I don't expect/want any of these to receive a warning, as they are dead posts, and responses have been made based on them not getting punished in some cases. And there should be a limit on how long after a post can something be warned (a day, ok sure, a week, screw that). If these do not deserve a warning, then what does exactly? How much am I allowed to insult someone before I get a warning?
Oh you can bet your *bottom dollar* I expect a warning on that last one. I hadn't even noticed that. If that DOESN'T get a warning, you know things here are completely biased. There isn't even subtly there, that is a direct insult of me which meet all criteria of a warning.
That last one does deserve a warning or a ban, that is a direct flame towards another user.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"We have a dream that one day people will be judged not by the content of their character but by how many evil planets they have exploded."
hi!
as everyone knows, these are the forum rules.
i just have a few questions about clarification. i was recently banned and i would really like to be informed on some vague points so i dont get in trouble again.
okay, so how long does it have to be without any replies before you can bump your own thread ? and is there actually a rule that says you cant add to an old conversation ?
so this account has had 4 warnings on it at one time. i wasnt banned. i got a 5th and was.
so what are the new warning punishments ?
and i have one more question. please dont hate me for this ..
why was this:
http://www.minecraftforum.net/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=316799
locked ? im just curious.
but then, someone did this:
http://www.minecraftforum.net/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=323716
where in the rules does it say its illegal to repost a closed thread ? also just curious.
thanks!
[simg]http://i.imgur.com/DgD9d.png[/simg]
checked the rules and didnt see anything, so i figured i'd ask some questions.
[simg]http://i.imgur.com/DgD9d.png[/simg]
Common sense. If your server thread or suggestion or point doesn't get any replies, and it "dies," reviving it just bumps active conversations down. If it died, it was for a reason, notably that no one wanted to reply. It's survival of the fittest. We just don't have enough room for all threads on the front page. If your thread dies, DON'T bump it, especially not with:
Adding to an old conversation, it's, again, a judgement call and common sense. If you bump an old topic, and do it with more information AND there's not a newer thread on the same topic that took it's place after it died, then that's ok, usually. If you bump an old thread with "That's cool!" or "+1," that's pointless spam.
Again, these aren't HARD rules. We take every situation as it comes. You had your 3-day Ban for your 2nd Warning. ez chose not to Ban you for your 3rd. Your fourth was shortened after you spoke with Swingerzetta about it. I'm not sure about the 5th one you talk about, I only see 4, ever.
The point is, if we see a distinct pattern of behavior we'll stick closer to the schedule. If there are mitigating circumstances, we may choose to forego, lessen, or extend the bans, based on the situation at hand.
No reason was given for the first closure, and I'll try to find out why not, but I can easily guess the reason. It was really nothing more than a "***** and moan at staff" thread. If you have an issue with an action by staff, take it to them PRIVATELY. If you have a problem with the forum in general, keep the discussion civil.
As to the second thread, I don't care why the first one was closed. It's not an invitation to start a clone of it.
Voyager of the Seas WIP ~~~~~ Big Book of Alchemy ~ Crafting Tech Tree
With regards to old threads, if you bump an old thread with "bump" or "lol" it will result in a warning or a ban (depending on whether or not you're a repeat offender). It is only appropriate to post in an old (1 month+) thread when you have something to contribute, something that expands upon the discussion. The preferred action is to create a new thread, but if you feel a reply is best that is fine. It's moderators discretion.
We removed permanent banning, I felt it was unfair towards some users who broke many minor rules but didn't necessarily harm the forum, just caused a minor nuisance. I spoke with the moderators and any permanent bans should be passed through me first, for me to confirm they are indeed warranted. We reserve the right to remove anyone from the forum if we feel they are detrimental to the community without warning, however I can't think of a single occasion this was done.
This thread was locked because nobody was listening, it was just shouting back and forth without reasonable discussion. I felt that it wasn't helping anything, just causing more frustration from both users and moderators. There are other unlocked threads regarding the state of the forum that you can reply to.
It is not "illegal" to repost a closed thread, it is however pointless. If staff have decided a thread should be closed for any reason then that means the discussion in it should end, this can be for many reasons.
The rules are a guideline to keep users out of trouble and help them contribute positively to the forum, we do however reserve the right to respond to any users action with warnings/bans if we feel it's necessary, even if it isn't outlined in the rules. This rarely happens though, it is only used when a user is intentionally being bad and skirting around the rules intentionally.
Voyager of the Seas WIP ~~~~~ Big Book of Alchemy ~ Crafting Tech Tree
Care to explain when people got banned/warned for expressing their legitimate opinion about the forum?
I don't even see how it was a ***** and moaning thread, it looked like a disagreement to the rules to me.
Not only that, but the staff is horribly biased. I've reported many posts, that were obviously flaming the OP, that should have received a warning, but did not. The only conclusion I can come to, is since the OP was voicing a complaint about Minecraft/Mojang. They didn't get warned... In fact, the only warning issued was for "spam" because someone 1 word posted.
It's hard to follow your dreams when you run from your nightmares. --
The only time I see people banned or warned for that is when they go off all "OMG U MODZ SUK FUK U AL"
MineScience - viewtopic.php?f=25&t=166560
Dragonator - viewtopic.php?f=25&t=141803
Sand Skiffs - viewtopic.php?f=25&t=233346
but lightwarrior, you seem really pissed dude. I don't see how it was a "***** and moan" thread as there were many valuable points made. sure it got a little heated at times but it has still remained civil.
things like this frustrate the community more and more at the loss of good threads. I'm really just wondering why a discussion about the rules should be locked with no official reason.
but thanks for all the response in recent days, we'll figure it out eventually.
p.s. damn typing on an iPhone is a pain haha
[simg]http://i.imgur.com/DgD9d.png[/simg]
It's pretty understandable to me why LWK is frustrated. There is a courteous way to criticize, and I don't feel that that thread did that. True, it has made some good points we are looking into, but threads with that "tone" generally generate a lot of "bitching and moaning" and "ganging up" on administration that make it tough for us to do our jobs. I feel that the thread could have been a lot more productive for everyone had you handled it different.
First and foremost, it is not for you to know what goes behind the scenes between the Admins and the Moderators.
Any issues with moderators are dealt with privately, and NOT in full view of other users. That said, if they are still moderators they have full support of the Admins, so you might as well get used to that. You're not going to get a public flogging or apology letter followed by a moderator getting removed simply because a VERY few users (relatively) take issue with some actions.
We encourage feedback, and there are many threads in this forum that aren't locked that provide such. If you want a model, look at any of the ones not locked.
What we won't tolerate is attitudes that you have some authority over how this forum is run. Curse owns the forums. The Admins run it. The Moderators enforce the rules. Users operate within those bounds. If you can't accept that, you should probably find a forum where you're going to be happier, because this one isn't going to satisfy what you're looking for.
Personally, what I look for is thus:
1) Polite: Even if you don't agree with the action or problem, don't act like a 10 year old with a temper-tantrum. Even if you are one.
2) Don't break the rules and then complain about the punishment. Just don't break the rules in the first place. You agreed to follow the rules when you signed up.
3) Don't publicly call out staff decisions. It's right in the rules: if you have an issue with an action taken against you bring it to an Admin privately. I don't care how indignant you are, nor how much you want a "torch and pitchfork" riot to depose the moderator in question.
4) Don't try to cause a riot in any case. It negates your argument more than anything else.
If you send me a link to those, I'll look into it. That's not supposed to happen. Flaming is flaming, no matter who or what the subject of it is.
I am. I come back from vacation to see this? A thread started by ban-evasion for the expressed purpose (even in the evasion user name) to draw a flames. msmit71 summed it up perfectly.
Welcome to a big forum. Mods are accountable to the Admins, and we Admins are accountable to each other and Curse. I certainly don't see anyone shrinking into the shadows or staying quiet, but we sure could use a little more of it from the rulebreakers.
Voyager of the Seas WIP ~~~~~ Big Book of Alchemy ~ Crafting Tech Tree
This is my job, beyond wanting to create a good community my livelihood depends on this forum being the best it can be, if this forum sucks my job, pay and life sucks, we take on board all criticism and suggestions and many are considered/implemented.
We don't take joy in the problems the forum has, they make our lives harder and they make the community worse, but a lot of the fixes users suggest don't consider the problems long term. I won't harp on about the upcoming changes with IPB, but we honestly believe that it will improve the forum greatly. I won't make public bets, but every decision made here is betting my future on it and I don't take that lightly.
I think communication is definitely something we can improve, when we get the position where my job is not doing moderator tasks that moderators assign to me because the software won't let them do it, I think I will have more time to talk with users and get problems/feedback the attention it deserves.
okay, i realize i shouldnt have attacked all of the forum with that thread, but dude, i was PISSED. for real. i mean, look at the account i made for it. i'm sorry.
later i did rewrite it, also not perfectly but it was better. and then there was good discussion!
so in its current state i didnt see anything wrong. just because of things that happened in past it had to be locked ? why not just remove questionable content.
1 more thing, users tend to gang up on mods because, think about it, mods have a lot of power. users feel like they have to be a larger force than the power to make a point, so they gang up. think about it. real life riots start when a large group of people get together and start taking over power.
one person doesnt make a riot.
so how do you expect us to believe that we can get through to mods when the community thinks they are oppressive and have all the power ? users gang up to feel powerful. that is just how life works.
EDIT: okay, i'm going to be called retarded for this, but people are actually payed to be admins on this site ? i thought it was all simple volunteer work ! jeeze !
& LWK, i am just so sorry about me ruining your nice return. in this post i speak of how we know we have no power. (i personally think the official forum should be community-run, but whatevs) and yeah, i was evading a ban i suppose and looking to start a big stir. im sorry. ban me again if you feel like im still hurting this board so much.
[simg]http://i.imgur.com/DgD9d.png[/simg]
I am paid for my work here (it's my full time job, which is why I'm replying to you at 6am...) however the rest of the staff you've seen post are not, they are volunteers. WedTM and Aera are also paid staff, however they work behind the scenes.
Wow, first time I've ever seen a paid administrator. Then again, this is an official forum. Most of the ones I use are small or unofficial.
Kinda explains a few things now.
alright, citric, you are a LEGEND.
i will never think any lower of you, ever, no joke.
if you can administrate this forum as a full time job, i dont care who you are, you are some sort of madman.
for real, major thanks to you dude. i thought everyone was just volunteering to do this.
you are a legend.
[simg]http://i.imgur.com/DgD9d.png[/simg]
Apology accepted, and I'm sorry for being pissed for my part.
Threads are typically closed instead of cleaned when the whole thread would have to be cleaned. If the OP is going to still generate problems, it's sometimes just better to finish it.
The problem with riots in a place like this is that it hurts the community more than it helps the problem. I can't speak for every forum on the internet, but our staff is MUCH more likely to listen to polite conversation than a thread like that one.
Voyager of the Seas WIP ~~~~~ Big Book of Alchemy ~ Crafting Tech Tree
They have reasons for what they do, also if things are still the same as they were back in december then why haven't you figured it out yet? Seems to me you just don't want to. Not trying to hate/bash on you but you have to realize that mods and admins do what they do for the better good for the forum and their decision is final.
I don't go around here posting bash threads on the staff and thinking I am mightier then the staff because I run my own forums and have an IPB skinning business.
As Citric said, he makes sure what happens is the right thing or he won't be getting paid. Now either figure out how things are run around here or go find another forum.
Also so far, the latest discussions that were about change that I have seen were not closed, to name one, the suggestions topic for the new IPB board/forum, as that discussion is one of the few that doesn't talk trash about the staff or how the site is run.
Again, I wasn't trying to hate/bash on you, just stating my opinion as how I see it.
Looks a lot like an insult.
viewtopic.php?p=3422068#p3422068
This one looks a lot like flame baiting to me. Especially that last part.
viewtopic.php?p=3466023#p3466023
Not an image spam, but close enough.
viewtopic.php?p=3694735#p3694735
viewtopic.php?p=4347251#p4347251
As finding even these ones was a pain in the ass, and these aren't the worst I've seen (I generally try to avoid posting into flamewars, but sometimes I do), this is all I will link. I don't expect/want any of these to receive a warning, as they are dead posts, and responses have been made based on them not getting punished in some cases. And there should be a limit on how long after a post can something be warned (a day, ok sure, a week, screw that). If these do not deserve a warning, then what does exactly? How much am I allowed to insult someone before I get a warning?
It's hard to follow your dreams when you run from your nightmares. --
That last one does deserve a warning or a ban, that is a direct flame towards another user.