Well, I can see it both ways on this subject, and they are both valid, so therefore, i stand divided! <IMG SRC="/phpBB/images/smiles/icon_wink.gif">

My biggest concern as a Mod is foul language and things that could be rather offensive to kids who frequent this site. I don't believe in ganging up as I've seen on other sites, like the one you mentioned. Speak your mind, but just be aware that what feels good to you can really upset other people. This site is about coasters, parks and other thrills and not necessarily about our personnal beliefs. Basically, if you wouldn't talk about it on a first date, please don't bring it in here, unless of course it's site related.
<BR>
<BR>Happy posting!<BR><BR><font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Jim Payne on 2001-05-08 09:37 ]</font>

I am all for a moderated forum, but I can't stand over-moderated forums, such as thispagecannotbedisplayed. Because of **'s over-moderation, I usually never have the desire to post there. My suggestion is to please let people have opinions, and don't delete posts that have already been discussed previously. Some people who are new to the forum my have something interesting to say towards a certain topic. I don't mean to bash another site, but I grew tired of seeing posters' opinions and views get pummeled by the moderators. **'s webmaster just got a bit too big for his briches, IMO. Please understand, I do not use vulgarity nor do I bash any other members. So if neither of the latter is happening in a particular post, please leave the post alone. Thank you!

Thanks. I'll look into it. I agree with you that personal opps should be left out.
<BR>
<BR>

I've been trying to work with similar ideas in mind as thispagecannotbedisplayed. I am in full support of what they do over there, but do believe that opinions should remain, as they're the main reason people like forums. Anyway, I have issues with the grammar, and flaming that goes on here, not to mention the pointless topics. I can assure everyone that I am doing my best to keep these boards a fun, friendly environment for amusement park discussion.

__________________
Erik Johnson
ThrillNetwork Co-Administrator
Upload an image to the DB! Post a track or comment in SpeedZone! They count towards your post count!

<!-- BBCode Quote Start --><TABLE BORDER=0 ALIGN=CENTER WIDTH=85%><TR><TD><font size=-1>Quote:</font><HR></TD></TR><TR><TD><FONT SIZE=-1><BLOCKQUOTE>
<BR>On 2001-05-08 09:29, Jim Payne wrote:
<BR>This site is about coasters, parks and other thrills and not necessarily about our personnal beliefs. Basically, if you wouldn't talk about it on a first date, please don't bring it in here, unless of course it's site related.
<BR></BLOCKQUOTE></FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD><HR></TD></TR></TABLE><!-- BBCode Quote End -->
<BR>
<BR>This is right on. If you want to debate ethics, religion or string theory I'm sure there are boards out there that can better suit your needs.
<BR>
<BR>This said. We want a friendly board that's inclusive. Don't moderate with a heavy hand. Just weed out the extreme bad posts (off topic, wrong board, excessive bad language etc.) and posters first. Then politely ask judgment calls to curb their ways. Always explain why you are complaining. Never lock a forum unless you tell the thread why. Also when deleting a forum post the warning. Lock it and wait a few hours before you delete it. This way the warning will be seen and absorb.
<BR>

I would simply like to suggest that EVERYBODY, including moderators, read a particular post a few times through before getting upset over it.
<BR>
<BR>Yes, I sometimes forget that guideline myself. I'll do better.
<BR>
<BR>However, I also feel that any post telling others that they "should be ASHAMED" of themselves for what they posted is at best highly inappropriate.
<BR>
<BR>Ditto "you should be shot," etc.
<BR>
<BR>It's one thing to debate viewpoints, or even to assail them--it's another to go after the person.
<BR>
<BR>It's even worse, however, to mistake one for the other. Just as some people shouldn't get personal, others need to avoid assuming that people are getting personal to begin with.
<BR>
<BR>Finally, when a moderator has a problem with a user, the moderator should: a)articulate the problem. Tell the user what's wrong VERY SPECIFICALLY, and help the user fix it. b) Do so PRIVATELY, with at most a minor mention--say, if the post had to be edited due to language or abuse. (Exception: spam. <IMG SRC="/phpBB/images/smiles/icon_wink.gif"> )
<BR>c) By all means, express personal opinions--about the topic, not about people's feelings on the topic.