Max, how about a new section that is heavily edited--standards like a print publication--such that having a post *remain* is a prestige item.

"Best and Worst Casinos" has good discussions, but they wander off into socialization--which is just fine for some personality types, but drives others nuts.

I'm not sure what to call the new section. It's necessary to make it clear that there's no shame in having a message deleted, it's just a Type A discussion medium.

Nice idea Mary.
I'll second that one.
Problem: Max, or whoever, may not have the time.
Maybe a limited posting system would be easier, ie 1 post per member on the thread, or a max of 10 lines sort of thing.

eek

Yes, I can't imagine that the forum administrator would have the time nor inclination to provide a service like that.

An un-moderated, free forum will always be a mess of socializers, whingers, spammers, comedians, potheads and crackpots, and given that the unwashed masses don't generally take too unkindly to the majority of these I'm afraid you're probably stuck with them.

Maybe a "quality" page could be offered on a fee basis, paid by those who would agree to contribute, but which would in no way be LIMITED to just those contributers? The "fee" would be soley for the purposes of remunerating Max for the extra work involved in putting in three or four appearances a week to zap the junk. Maybe a few regulars could be assigned to moderate, as well, under strict guidelines, as per the BJ21 postbusters.

Actually, what you three suggested above are not too feasible at this stage.

Inevitably, each and every classification, no matter how clear the definition, has its grey area and is faced with intruders.

Basically, the problems herewith of the "Best and Worst Casinos" forum are caused typically by 2 or 3 of totally lack of discipline members. TOO MUCH & TOO OFTEN the (1)private parties, (2)jokes built on the mockings of other people, (3)shouting without factual supports, (4)obscene & abusive languages. Other than those, the condition is actually within toleration, no big harm.

To deal with this turmoil, one effective weapon is the power of criticisms. Nobody is needed to assign nobody to do this moderator job. Only that if more people like caruso, zrapture or me, who fear not being unfriendly, who fear not confront with them, join in as a team voluntarily to criticize against them(and the criticisms shall escalate accordingly), I think the bad elements will eventually improve or fade out.

We have seen so many such sucessful examples before, when some righteous posters stood forward to point them out, those bad elements would automatically vanish without the need of riddance.

.... how about a new section that is heavily edited ....

I like the idea but. I've seen forums like this elsewhere and unfortunately the guys running the show have to spend a hell of a lot of time on them. That's just not feasible for us right now. That might change in the future but until then ....

Regards,
Max Drayman
max@winneronline.com

Hi Max. :)

Firstly,may i say i prefer the way you run your forum,in comparison to some others i won't mention.I seek not to offend.Each to thier own.I personally dislike posting and finding out the next day the post,or whole thread has even has been deleted,or archived only for moderators eyes.Just my preference.

I don't like the elite thread/section thing either.If thats a fair way to describe it.There are enough staff sections and so on as it is online.Caruso said it could be open to all.I take that on-board.

Due to your workload and your not wanting to waste time checking every post,i will say this.Just an idea mind,okay?

Firstly:I don't think it's anyones job or place but yours and your staff to admonish errant posters.

Would it be possible,for you to have another addy,titled something like: WOLforumdodgy postcomplaints@wherever.com? I'm sure you can think of a better name.So could i i suppose.Beside the point though.

Anyone with a problem with a post,or a thread even,for any reason they consider worthy of posting a complaint about in the forum,could direct thier problem direct to you,with a link to the said post or thread for ease to you and an explanation of thier displeasure.Anonymously of course.For your eyes only.That way i would hope maybe the toing and froeing could stop.Guilty as i am of joining in.It seems to be the done thing to be honest.

If you decide the post or thread needs editing or deleting,you can,obviously.If someone pops at you for deleting thier handywork,you'll be able to deal with that how you see fit,come the day.Same goes if you decide not to edit or delete.It's your board and everyone should respect your decisions.If they can't,or won't,they can leave or get the boot.You could even warn a member,in private if you so wish.For moaning too much to you or for errant posts also.I guess you probably have everyones details?

Cheers,Utopia Joe. :)



[This message has been edited by joeyl (edited 06-02-2002).]

Leave things as is...
We are adults and can figure out what we want to read or not to read.

We can also think twice about what we post to see if it's just additional clutter that adds nothing of value (which is kind of how I feel right now writing this da** post!!!!)

I hate moderation unless it is to address personal attacks on poster's parents, sex, religion, national origin, etc.

Right now, it seems there's a falling out "in the family" due to some new additions.

It will probably blow over.

PS: Agree with what Wave said above...let the members handle this.



[This message has been edited by dalzilla (edited 06-03-2002).]

Caruso and Wave: I think you both have a knack of "hitting the nail" on the head right on at times and tend not to be too offensive in doing so!

But as I said, it was often sillier on this board 18-20 months ago, but people have forgotten!

If enough people here will pay for such a forum, will it be feasible? What is the cost of doing a moderated board? (more or less, just to know where the numbers lie)

If enough people here will pay for such a forum, will it be feasible? What is the cost of doing a moderated board? ....

If enough people pay _anything_ is feasible ( :) ) but in this particular case we're sceptical. WINNERonline.com has always had an "open discussion" approach to our message boards, we think that's part of the unique services we offer, and unless the demand was strong and clear we'd be reluctant to move away from that.

As to operating costs we're looking at something in the neighbourhood of US$100 per day, give or take. I'm thinking of software, server, labour, etc. Not cheap!

Regards,
Max