04/18/24
May 17, 2007
Hidden: SportsFilter--The new internet police state.: I am starting to fear posting a FPP or even make a comment in a thread. Keep in mind I said Me. I'm not going to link to any of the threads but there seem to be on-going feuds(sp)between some members.
posted by Folkways to editorial policy at 11:46 AM - 50 comments
I think it really fucks up the discussion when the same people continually ignore the guidelines.
posted by bperk at 11:53 AM on May 17, 2007
I find the constant feuding between a few choice members much more annoying than the pointing to the guidelines. Maybe the fact that a thread in the Locker Room is devoted to them will quell the hate?
posted by hawkguy at 12:03 PM on May 17, 2007
I really wish I understood this phenomenon so I could help fix it. But I just don't know what to do.
posted by DrJohnEvans at 12:07 PM on May 17, 2007
By all means point them to the Guidlines. Then it is up to the X person to choose whether to abide by them or not. My point is, that should be the end of it!!! It makes no sence to me to keep following the X person from topic to topic just to keep telling them to read the guidlines. If X person/s refuse bring it to the attention of the Pantheon and let them deal with it as they wish. After all this too is in the guidelines ((Don’t discuss etiquette issues here—if you have a complaint about a member’s conduct, contact us.)
posted by Folkways at 12:39 PM on May 17, 2007
I've seen people who introduce a new member to the guidlines that throw in a little nasty sarcastic comment instead of just saying " Please refer to our guidlines before future commenting and posting."
posted by TelamarketersBeware at 12:48 PM on May 17, 2007
I'm not going to link to any of the threads but there seem to be on-going feuds(sp)between some members. I can understand not calling out individual members, but with no example, I can only guess at what you're referring too. Is this thread an example?
posted by justgary at 12:51 PM on May 17, 2007
If it is, I apologize for the confusion: I only added my thread to point to the earlier story, which is a convention on Metafilter, which isn't here, which I forget sometimes, which is no excuse.
posted by yerfatma at 12:57 PM on May 17, 2007
Justgary, that is one of them. The other one is one of the NBA playoff wraps. It's could get ugly.
posted by hawkguy at 01:06 PM on May 17, 2007
Amen, and thank you Folkways! I can understand some members not liking some of the FFPs, but why do they feel it is necessary to come into the thread and say so? Why can't they just keep quiet? I don't always like everything on here, but I don't feel compelled to comment about it. Pointing someone to the guidelines is fine. Do it and then let it alone, please! And if member A just has to make a comment about member B, why can't they do it and then let it alone? Instead, they have answer member B's reply, usually just throwing gasoline on the fire. I understand that no one wants Sportsfilter to turn into just another site to gas about sports. But the constant harping about the guidelines, punctuation, spelling, ect., ect. is really getting old. Also, it seems some members have carte blanche to post/comment at will, while others get deleted. Sorry for the rant.
posted by steelergirl at 03:16 PM on May 17, 2007
And, if someone doesn't want to follow the guidelines, it should be up to the mods to deal with him/her. It seems members pointing/calling them out about it just starts more crap.
posted by steelergirl at 03:20 PM on May 17, 2007
You are correct to want to address this issue, Folkways. I can only speak for myself but it seems that if there are a few 'established members' that seem to want to create some sort of chaos over nothing. The thing is, I have no idea where it's coming from or why it started in the first place. It's getting way out of line when someone wants to make a comment that has nothing to do with the subject at hand but the moment I retort, I get the whole "why don't you just drop it" comment. First off, I am a grown man and the last thing I'm going to do is to let someone feel the need to rip me over a simple observation especially over the internet. I would never disrespect someone with intent so why should I allow someone to do the same to me? I'm so glad to see someone else create this discussion because I'm sure if I was the one to do so, someone would want to cause some sort of unwarranted drama. I just want to understand where this pent up hostility is coming from. It's not needed or necessary.
posted by BornIcon at 04:02 PM on May 17, 2007
It seems like we have a couple of people to police the site (rcade, justgary) who are extremely busy with about a billion other things. At the same time, we have several members who don't like to see the site sullied by bad punctuation, SUX/ROX dogma, and new members who can't spell their way out of a paper bag, and who, maybe, are a little overzealous in their protective instincts. I don't know if it's a bad thing that some members want to protect the site, and I think it's natural that, among 16,000 or so members, people are going to argue. Stuff pisses you off, you feel like you've got to respond, then there's a response to the response, and so on. I get as argumentative as the next guy, although, believe it or not, I used to be much worse (I could dig up an old left vs. right political discussion with mjkredliner, but it was a mess when it happened, and now it'd just be a year-old mess). Sometimes it's hard to pass up a good ol' fashioned internet slap fight. Plus, we do have members whose only purpose seems to be hijacking threads for their own personal agendas, be they political, social, racial, or gender-al. Also, some of us are pretty blunt, some of us are snarky as hell, some of us are flat out assholes. Volatile ingredients, all mixed together and shaken into a Barry Bonds thread, and BOOM! We're a big community. Shit's gonna happen. The Good Doctor may have put it best: I really wish I understood this phenomenon so I could help fix it. But I just don't know what to do.
posted by The_Black_Hand at 04:45 PM on May 17, 2007
I am starting to fear posting a FPP or even make a comment in a thread. posted by Folkways Justgary, that is one of them. The other one is one of the NBA playoff wraps. posted by hawkguy They may be valid, but I'm not following folkway's concern with these threads. The first thread was a problem waiting to happen because of the link. As nice as it may be to hear about athletes doing good there really isn't much to discuss. They're similar to obit threads. When there's not much sports to the topic there's often a misunderstanding and then things go to hell. It's really best to post that kind of link and then just let the comments fall where they may. The second link has a little bickering, but nothing to write home about. So I don't really see why anyone would fear posting an FPP or make a comment based on those threads. Yes, sometimes members can overreact, but community is a big part why sportsfilter runs as smoothly as it does. Most of the times I read about a link complaint they're correct. I hope sooner than later we have a flag option that allows members to help shape the community in a more hidden way.
posted by justgary at 06:53 PM on May 17, 2007
I hope sooner than later we have a flag option that allows members to help shape the community in a more hidden way. I wish I had a dollar every time you have mentioned this, justgary :)
posted by scully at 07:01 PM on May 17, 2007
I wish I had a dollar every time you have mentioned this, justgary :) I know. I need to work on my coding skills.
posted by justgary at 07:03 PM on May 17, 2007
I know. I need to work on my coding skills.Wouldn't mathowie share that?
posted by geekyguy at 12:42 AM on May 18, 2007
Wouldn't mathowie share that? Naa, he doesn't even do his own coding any longer.
posted by justgary at 01:34 AM on May 18, 2007
I'm so glad to see someone else create this discussion because I'm sure if I was the one to do so, someone would want to cause some sort of unwarranted drama. I just want to understand where this pent up hostility is coming from. It's not needed or necessary. Thanks for your contribution. You're right man, gay jokes are the best! Very mature, too!
posted by The_Black_Hand at 05:34 AM on May 18, 2007
Thanks for your contribution. You're right man, gay jokes are the best! Very mature, too! TBH, your little rift that you may or may not have with yay-yo is not my concern. I could've done the very same thing and brought forth an example but I thought the whole point of this discussion is to try and extinguish these types of situations, not to cause them. Because I found humor in what was said, that makes me the culprit? Just trying to make light of the situation, buddy. Didn't you say, "We're a big community. Shit's gonna happen"??
posted by BornIcon at 06:43 AM on May 18, 2007
but there seem to be on-going feuds(sp)between some members You talking to me, Folkie boy? Step outside and say that.
posted by owlhouse at 07:20 AM on May 18, 2007
Just trying to make light of the situation, buddy. Yeah, encouraging yay-yo when he is acting like an ass is really a clever way to extinguish that kind of behavior.
posted by bperk at 08:31 AM on May 18, 2007
Maybe we could add a Fight Ring link on the home page for when two people go at it. That way they don't take up the thread with death threats and stuff.
posted by TelamarketersBeware at 08:34 AM on May 18, 2007
Then The Beard Jr. would drag Nash to the mangled mess of Horry and finish him off with a good fuzz-fuckin. Do you kiss your mother/teacher with that mouth, TelA?
posted by scully at 08:42 AM on May 18, 2007
Encouraging yay-yo? Yeah, I so happen to be the sole reason on why those two are locking horns because his comment made me laugh. Get real guys, if they want to continue to battle it out, that would be just because I 'encouraged' yay-yo. What are we....12? There's much worse shit out there but me laughing at dumb humor is now out of line? Oh brother, here we go again. Can't we all just get along?
posted by BornIcon at 08:53 AM on May 18, 2007
In addition to a flagging system I also hope there is a way to give users a timeout.
posted by scully at 09:12 AM on May 18, 2007
Do you kiss your mother/teacher with that mouth, TelA? Wow, I didn't know anyone cared. Guess that means you don't like my idea.
posted by TelamarketersBeware at 09:14 AM on May 18, 2007
Seconding terrapin.
posted by jerseygirl at 09:26 AM on May 18, 2007
Who gets to play teacher/nanny/mommy, then?
posted by lil_brown_bat at 09:35 AM on May 18, 2007
Take it ya'll never cussed when you were under eight-teen?
posted by TelamarketersBeware at 10:02 AM on May 18, 2007
Good Mornin' all I must say I did not expect so many peeps to respond. JustGary, you are correct that I should have included an example so you would see where my concern started. I don't post comments very often but I am here just about every day. This site makes my days go by much faster, kinda like my own little sports novel to read. I know my spelling is tarable, see. Owlhouse, you and me at a nutral spot somewhere here on this planet. Spot must have a very good stout beer on tap, none of that bottled shit. First one to drain their own keg wins!
posted by Folkways at 10:13 AM on May 18, 2007
I would never disrespect someone with intent *spit take* You wrote this less than five hours after writing "I can [sic] believe the shit that comes out of peoples mouth's [sic] sometimes." Please explain how this translates into respectful discourse. I'm not going to get into the mindless patter in October when you said Yankees fans are basically incapable of appreciating the game of baseball, except to point out that you forgot to add that I have no sense of humor and a little dinky.
posted by The Crafty Sousepaw at 10:41 AM on May 18, 2007
Who gets to play teacher/nanny/mommy, then? Don't get us started on a nanny, again.
posted by MrFrisby at 10:42 AM on May 18, 2007
You wrote this less than five hours after writing "I can [sic] believe the shit that comes out of peoples mouth's [sic] sometimes." Please explain how this translates into respectful discourse. Did you even read why I would write that? My thought is no, otherwise you would totally understand where and to whom that was directed to and you wouldn't need an explanation. I'm not going to get into the mindless patter in October when you said Yankees fans are basically incapable of appreciating the game of baseball, except to point out that you forgot to add that I have no sense of humor and a little dinky. I am no fan of the Yankees but I said no such thing. Please stick with the facts, people and we can have a civil discussion.
posted by BornIcon at 11:09 AM on May 18, 2007
Did you even read why I would write that? I didn't have to. You didn't say, "I would never disrespect someone with intent unless I was provoked." You said blanketly, "I would never disrespect someone with intent," as though you always rise above the fray. I don't find that to be the case. Unlike Yankees fan, I can actually appreciate having a great season- Win or Lose And while I was checking on that, I found this little beauty as well. Proclamations of your unfailing respect have been slightly exaggerated.
posted by The Crafty Sousepaw at 11:20 AM on May 18, 2007
Don't get us started on a nanny, again. I didn't get it started, MrFrisby, and I wouldn't vote to go there. My comment was intended to point out that if we concede that a "timeout" could be effective, we still have the thorny problem of who decides who goes into the timeout room (and for how long). That's all.
posted by lil_brown_bat at 11:43 AM on May 18, 2007
There's a big difference between appreciating the game of baseball and appreciating having a great season. They're two different things (at least IMO they are). Proclamations of your unfailing respect have been slightly exaggerated. ....sigh Just let it go.
posted by BornIcon at 11:55 AM on May 18, 2007
This is going well then. I say again, we so need a throwdown feature over here. It's a guaranteed* cure for all this animosity. *guarantee not guaranteed.
posted by Mr Bismarck at 11:59 AM on May 18, 2007
that if we concede that a "timeout" could be effective, we still have the thorny problem of who decides who goes into the timeout room (and for how long). That's all. Since I brought it up, I will offer my thoughts.... If a comment or post gets enough flags it will be obvious to the moderators that something is up. At that point however, it will probably be up to them to decide the "punishment." If the comment is hateful or threatening to another member or group of people (blatantly racist, etc) then the moderators could decide to put the person on a time out. This isn't necessarily a ban (temporary or not). It may simply help the person (or people) involved to cool down and chill out. During the timeout, the moderators should consider emailing the offender(s) and tell him/her/them that they are being given a timeout, why, and for how long.
posted by scully at 12:04 PM on May 18, 2007
Did you even read why I would write ["I can [sic] believe the shit that comes out of peoples mouth's [sic] sometimes."]? My thought is no, otherwise you would totally understand where and to whom that was directed to and you wouldn't need an explanation. That was directed at me, because I pointed out that you called out the entire site for not commenting on the heartwarming Sean Casey posts. Just sayin', in case anyone's trying to follow without descending into that clusterfuck of a thread.
posted by DrJohnEvans at 12:17 PM on May 18, 2007
Thanks for your contribution. You're right man, gay jokes are the best! Very mature, too! You really consider that a gay joke? Please explain. Its funny TBH that you would bring my name up, as you seem to be the first person to start shit with someone and the first to point out the guidelines when they come back with something that you don't like. I'll be happy to take a timeout, but if someone attacks me, I won't bend over. There also seem to be a few people on here that think because they have been a member for x amount of years that the guidelines don't apply to them. They seem to think the guidelines are only for new users. Is this true? Are they only for certain people? We need a rulling Stu...
posted by yay-yo at 12:20 PM on May 18, 2007
Everybody gets a one-game suspension for leaving the bench! Game 5 will be decided by the training staff!
posted by DrJohnEvans at 12:28 PM on May 18, 2007
I'll be happy to take a timeout, but if someone attacks me, I won't bend over. Damn near every comment you make is offensive. Do you have any idea how to turn if off?
posted by bperk at 12:32 PM on May 18, 2007
I say again, we so need a throwdown feature over here. It's a guaranteed* cure for all this animosity Sounds fair. I'll be happy to take a timeout, but if someone attacks me, I won't bend over My sentiments exactly. It's just humorous how Crafty seems to be getting all bent out of shape since I found yay-yo's comment to be funny and is going all Carmen Sandiego suddenly. That was directed at me, because I pointed out that you called out the entire site for not commenting on the heartwarming Sean Casey posts. Doc, you are correct that it was directed at you since what you felt the need to 'point out' was way off base. It was a rather heart-warming post until the 'established members' decided to hijack it and fucked it up for the rest of us.
posted by BornIcon at 12:35 PM on May 18, 2007
Damn near every comment you make is offensive. There's a perfect example right there. How am I supposed to take that? I feel like this site has made me a better person because I never knew that 1/2 the shit I said would offend anyone. Like when LBB pointed out to me that calling someone a "pussy" was demeaning to women. That type of thing doesn't even register in my thought process, so if she never told me, I wouldn't have known. Maybe instead of being a "jerk" about it, you could explain how it's offensive. Someone has said it before, but we all have different backgrounds and have all been raised differently, so what is offensive to one person is just normal everyday life to another. Maybe hyper sensitive people should try to avoid this place since it is a place where other people are going to voice their opinions? And you still haven't answered me as to how that was a gay joke. Or were you just trying to stir the pot?
posted by yay-yo at 12:42 PM on May 18, 2007
Well, you know what they say, BornIcon, one bad apple spoils the bunch. Or spoils it for the whole bunch. Or something.
posted by lil_brown_bat at 12:45 PM on May 18, 2007
We have a problem with members making the thread about themselves. As I've said previously, sometimes it's better to post the link and let the comments happen. Yay-yo, when things get out of hand on sportsfilter between two members we've always had a policy of taking it to email. The other member offered you that option and you refused it with a joke. If you can't be bothered to discuss a disagreement via email, regardless if you feel you're at fault, then don't use sportsfilter to replace it. I think the timeout idea is a good one and I don't think it would be a difficult one to enforce. It's quite obvious which members simply want to cause trouble, and which are sincere in wanting to participate but don't quite get the vibe (which is where a timeout might help). If your name is constantly coming up in threads on topics not related to the link you're making the site about you and something needs to change. Taking it to email, getting a timeout, and being banned seems to be the obvious choices. The choice is really in the hands of the member.
posted by justgary at 12:48 PM on May 18, 2007
It was a rather heart-warming post until the 'established members' decided to hijack it and fucked it up for the rest of us. BI, you were arguing that people don't like to pay attention unless the subject matter is negative. I'm sure you were pursuing a purely philosophical argument for the sake of discussion, but it's easy to see how people could misinterpret that as a criticism of all of us for not commenting on the Casey posts. I think everybody took everything a little too personally in that thread.
posted by DrJohnEvans at 12:48 PM on May 18, 2007
I've only been around as a member for about a year, but I've figured one thing out : sometimes less is more. I notice a lot of newer users feel like they need to rush to get fpp's out there and build up comments like crazy in an attempt to "join the crowd". I think the bulk of the fpp's and comments by some irritate others because they may not be to the standards that once were established here. Personally, when I see a fpp or comment from someone like Chico, YYM, Dyams, or DJE, just to name a few, I think " this dude's got something to say." They don't over do it just for the sake commenting, so their comments usually have a little more thought and passion behind them. I may even disagree with what they are saying, but I can appreciate their opinion more knowing that if they feel the urge to post it, they have probably put some thought into it.
posted by louisville_slugger at 12:59 PM on May 18, 2007
BI, you ask me to let it go, then in less than hour you take a pot shot at me? (I'm going to give you the benefit of the doubt that your attempt to tie me in with the yay-yo joke -- an issue on which I have made no comment at all -- was not your subtle way of working in yet another gay joke with me as the target.) Best of luck with your continued defense of that untouchable character.
posted by The Crafty Sousepaw at 01:23 PM on May 18, 2007
I really am concerned about a few of the established members who/m only comment in a thread is to tell someone about the guidelines. Once ok sure, but then drop it. It really fucks up the flow of discussion when theses pissing matchs get started.