closing threads

[somaeye]

I would like to suggest discontinuing the ability of moderators to close threads.

I had started a thread in PD that had alot of people posting and alot of posts. One of the moderators began expressing a dislike of the thread and began trying to discourage people from posting to it. When it appeared that that wouldn't end it, he closed it.

I can see the need for moderators to be able to ban users who are abusive, but the ability to close threads on the whim of a moderator gets into the realm of censorship.

 

[Tommyboy]

I would like to suggest the exercising of the ability to report posts and to send private messages to moderators.

My thread was closed and I don't know why!


Moderators are encouraged to make a post in each closed thread explaining why it was closed. If you know who closed your thread but you do not understand why, you can send them a polite PM (private message) asking why it was closed. If you do not know who closed it, you can PM any moderator of that forum. Being rude, aggressive, or accusatory does not get you answers, and will likely just cause more problems and make people less willing to help you, so just be nice, its easier on you and us. Moderators are not out to get you or close all your threads. I promise.

I appreciate that you would like this mod feature to be disabled, but what would be do when we get numerous reported posts requesting that we close a particular thread?

 

[Captain.Heroin]

Moderators absolutely need to be able to close threads.

If you disagree with why your thread was closed, send a private message to the moderator.

 

[somaeye]

I appreciate that you would like this mod feature to be disabled, but what would be do when we get numerous reported posts requesting that we close a particular thread?

Thanks for your concern.

If the thread is not off-topic for the forum, and not otherwise promoting something obviously objectionable - why should it be closed? No one is forced to read it.

For example, some "christians" might object to posts by atheists. There might also be a moderator who objected and would want to close a discussion and would look for excuses to be able to do so.

It gives the moderators too much availability to act on whimsy.

 

[Tommyboy]

Thanks for your concern.

If the thread is not off-topic for the forum, and not otherwise promoting something obviously objectionable - why should it be closed? No one is forced to read it.

There would be 100's of active threads on the same topics if mods couldn't close threads. It is better to have the majority of information about something in just a few threads on the topic, this way someone using the search function can find the information a lot easier. Merging isn't always an option since the timing of the posts may make things confusing.

For example, some "christians" might object to posts by atheists. There might also be a moderator who objected and would want to close a discussion and would look for excuses to be able to do so.

Then report the posts or PM the mod about it.

 

[lastest]

You mean on a whim, not on whimsy.

 

[alasdairm]

I would like to suggest discontinuing the ability of moderators to close threads.

your suggestion is noted.

I had started a thread in PD that had alot of people posting and alot of posts. One of the moderators began expressing a dislike of the thread and began trying to discourage people from posting to it. When it appeared that that wouldn't end it, he closed it.

what happened when you contacted the staff member in question and politely made a case to have the thread reopened?

I can see the need for moderators to be able to ban users who are abusive, but the ability to close threads on the whim of a moderator gets into the realm of censorship.

just because you can't see a need for something, doesn't mean there isn't a need for it...

alasdair

 

[somaeye]

your suggestion is noted.
what happened when you contacted the staff member in question and politely made a case to have the thread reopened?
alasdair

I didn't contact the person, nor do I want to. He has been insulting and condescending towards me and has expressed an obvious dislike of my religious beliefs - which, I believe, is why he closed the thread.

 

[alasdairm]

^ we have a mechanism in place for handling these kinds of issues. if you won't use it, there's little we can do.

alasdair

 

[_a_A_C_c_]

^well, none of us can speak for NKB. the only way you can resolve this is by speaking to him or discussing it with the other moderators of the forum.