Speak Your Mind on the OD Rules

[sixpartseven]

Recently, OD has strayed from its true mission: Harm Reduction. Admittedly, us Mods have lot a lot of threads slide that should have never been allowed to continue in the first place. In order to get this forum back on track, we have been judging threads to a higher standard. This means closing threads at our individual discretion, and eventually re-writing the guidelines to the newest version now visible at the top of the forum. This is all in an effort to improve the quality and respectability of Other Drugs. OD is one of the highest traffic forums on all of BL, if not the highest traffic forum. Because of this, it is important that we give a good impression of what Bluelight is about.

The new mission, which actually isnt new at all, is strictly to promote harm reduction and discuss Other Drugs. Neither of these topics include discussion on how to get high. What this does include is topics on drug chemistry (basic chemistry), the health aspects of using specific drugs, the addiction potential and subsequent addiction to specific drugs, and general dosing methods, sometimes including actual dosages. Harm Reduction topics include things like safe IV practices, how to properly prepare some drugs for IV, the inherent dangers of certain drugs, and anything else that can cause immediate harm to you from using drugs.

As you can see, nowhere in that list is there a topic that relates to "how to get higher" or "the best way to get high." Its completely possible to discuss other drugs without discussing the high.

We understand that some decisions and policy changes have rubbed some of you the wrong way, and some of you feel the need to talk about. Thats where this thread comes in to play. This is a rare opportunity being given to you right now. Nowhere in my immediate memory do I remember seeing a forum on BL give the community a chance to openly discuss that forums policies/rules, and quite possibly affect how the forum is ran. Since this opportunity is being given to all of you, we expect a respectable atmosphere in this thread. You can complain about what you dont like, but any rude posts or uncalled for flaming is going to be removed, and since we are asking you right now to be civil, you will be warned if we have to edit or remove your post from this thread. Also, no off topic posts. If you are going to post in this thread, it has to be either a comment on the topic, or a polite response to someone else's post. This is not a social thread.

So, tell us how you feel. What dont you like about the new rules? What would you like to see changed? What DO you like about the new rules? Anything we should add? Tell us. We are going to seriously consider anything you guys have to say, so dont feel like this whole thing is for nothing.

We will be actively engaging in discussion in this thread, so anything you want to say or know, dont hold back.

REMEMBER: BE NICE. We can discuss this in a civil manner.

 

[sixpartseven]

Friendly reminder: Any flaming or out of line bullshit will be edited/removed and a warning will be issued.

Have fun, and tell us what you think.

 

[brutus]

I agree with pretty much all of the rules, More people, especially those who have recently joined need to learn how to use the search engine. I think more threads should be locked especially those where the OP obviously didn't UTFSE.

 

[sixpartseven]

How could we make it more clear to newer users that they need to use the search engine?

If you see threads that you think violate guidelines, you can always report them, btw.

 

[johanneschimpo]

^ Please. I can't stress that enough. Please use the report button people; it makes everything run smoother.

To get people do read guidelines: I'm clueless. Just like any time you install a program on your computer, you scroll through that crap and click "I agree" without having any idea what you are agreeing too.

Sadly, it seems like the guidelines will need to be rammed down people's throats (metaphorically speaking). When I close a violating thread, I usually link to the guidelines, but I have no way of knowing if anyone ever clicks on it, and if they do, if they see that its a good few paragraphs and a dozen or so rules and just say "F it."

Most people though, do know the guidelines, either by reading them, or just learning from example. A lot of people know them and still choose to break them

Well I'm going to be back on my computer in about 3 hours. I hope there's a hot discussion raging by then.

 

[sixpartseven]

Come on guys. Some of you have been asking for the opportunity to do this for so long. Normally public discussion of policies is not allowed on BL, and here we are giving you that chance.

Some of you dont like the way we have been running OD, and this is your chance to speak up PUBLICLY about it.

Even if you dont have a problem, why not at least tell us what you do like or if you have any suggestions for things we arent doing that we should be, tell us.

Were all ears.

 

[johanneschimpo]

It's a sticky. No one ever reads stickies.
A thread on poppy seeds created like 4 hours ago has more view than this one, where we are giving people the chance to speak their mind about any and all aspects of this forum, and possibly make changes in the way its run. Its like bizarro-world.

 

[Sportfisher39]

Well, I don't have anything bad to say.I love this site and I have learned alot. I have had a couple of threads closed. But I realize it was my fault because I broke the rules, and I didn't use the search engine. But hey I'm learning.
Keep up the good work, You guys rock%)

 

[LightTrailz]

YES using the search function definatley needs to be reiterated for all new members , not that has something to do with not answering the questions but the fact that this forum is filling more and more everyday with the EXACT same questions on a 24 hr basis just because people dont want to do the footwork involved in using their drugs to a safe manner , all they want to do is get high thats it its not about harm reduction or safe practices .

ie IV'ing oxycontin , coke , fentanyl , how to CWE . how to get high on newly aquired prescriptions - Nowhere on that prescription bottle does it say "use me to get high and if it happens to curve your pain well thats cool too."

Snorting Benzos is becoming a highly aggravating issue as of latley to myself as im sure a few other members considering also one look in the ODD would resolve such questions.

And then such threads just turn into a massive flaming ball of he said she said bullshit. AND also ive noticed that you even get smartasses who just recommend something to get a post regardless of the information their posting . Ie . the one thread on a fent patch an EX bluelighter recommended he inject it in a solution of unknown concentration and strength.

Also i think its just more of a fact that greenlighters just want to get out of that status and onto bluelight status with just stupid questions and the easiest way to do that .. make a thread thats already been answered start a huge debate about something and by the time you know it that status is gone ..

thats my #1 pet peeve and shoudl be more strictly enforced.

And another thing , stop with the AM I ODING THREADS . how much fucking common sense do you need that if your OD'ing call a paramedic dont sit on the computer and post away to people who probably arent even in the same TIMEZONE as you .

those are my requests .. im sure their some others but im watching csi so my attention is skewed right now .

 

[trichr0me]

I appreciate this thread, I was waiting for a mod discussion like this to come up, I have been on and off this forum for the past 2 years and I too have been noticing alot of rule breaking and a lot of people that just flood the forum with child like bullshit and the same information over and over, lately.

Thanks for the updated information, I am sure it will help, and I am looking forward to a new standard of the OD in bluelight.

 

[johanneschimpo]

^ Thank you guys. Now the thing is:

So, tell us how you feel. What dont you like about the new rules? What would you like to see changed? What DO you like about the new rules? Anything we should add? Tell us. We are going to seriously consider anything you guys have to say, so dont feel like this whole thing is for nothing.

How do you implement that? Actually, thats a rhetorical question.


I guess I'm the nazi or the fascist or whatever I'm called, because I've closed a lot of threads lately; I haven't put up with BS threads, or things that have been covered thousands of times.
How can we get people to search? Or realize that we can't guess their tolerance through a series of tubes 3000 miles away? More rhetorical questions I suppose. If anyone can answer these, please do.

By the way, as long as you keep it civil, you can say whatever's on your mind. Flaming, getting out of line, etc will result in consequences, as sixpartseven said, but if you're open and honest and civil, feel free to criticize us. Especially me.

Does anyone hate me? Want me dead? Why?

 

[beta1]

How could we make it more clear to newer users that they need to use the search engine?

If you see threads that you think violate guidelines, you can always report them, btw.

Maybe before you post a thread something pops up that asks you if you searched first and under that have a message that says something about how if you post something that could easily be found by searching it may lead to disciplinary action/warning. Maybe if you had less than 50 posts or have started less than 2 threads, that would come up before the thread is actually posted up.

Idk if something like that could even be done with the way the site is set up, I just think its a good idea in general. It would act as a reminder as well as informing people that are new. You could also have the search box in the same popup window so people are more inclined to just make a quick search on the fly before saying yes.


And as far as the rules go, I'm fine with them in general and love the site, especially OD. I do have a question though, lets say you are discussing something like the thread about the most effect way to snort wax-matrix pills. You could look at it as sharing information and discussing the best methods of getting the most out of something that could be used to help manage breakthrough pain, or you could just say its talking about how to get high. How would a thread like that be managed if it was created after the new rules? Personally I think there is a place for certain threads like that in OD as long as they stay strictly to the topic at hand.

I feel like there are some threads that have some good information that there really is no other good place to discuss on BL that might get shutout if you guys get too strict and picky.

Anyway, I hope everything works out. I love the site and OD but I agree things do need to be cleaned up some.

 

[sixpartseven]

And as far as the rules go, I'm fine with them in general and love the site, especially OD. I do have a question though, lets say you are discussing something like the thread about the most effect way to snort wax-matrix pills. You could look at it as sharing information and discussing the best methods of getting the most out of something that could be used to help manage breakthrough pain, or you could just say its talking about how to get high. How would a thread like that be managed if it was created after the new rules? Personally I think there is a place for certain threads like that as long as they stay strictly to the topic at hand.

You dont know how glad I am you brought that up. Its a very good point, and one that needs to be addressed.

The best way to answer it would be that us Mods have to use our individual discretion on threads like that, because as you say, it could go either way. What you can do to ensure that your thread will not be closed for the wrong reason is to word it properly. You have to understand we have to make judgements on a lot of threads and try to figure out for ourselves what the original Lposters true intent is. Its hard to do, and sometimes we do make the wrong decision, but there are ways to correct it. All anyone has to do is send a (polite) PM to any of the OD staff, state your case, and we will review it. Just because a thread got closed does not mean we wont re-open it. Many posters fly off the handle when their thread gets closed for a "bull-shit" reason and send us the most angry PM they could possibly come up, but honestly, if you do it that way, you just lost any chance of us reconsidering. We arent the total assholes some people assume us to be, and Im not saying anyone in particular thinks we are assholes, but some people do assume that we couldnt care less and would never give any decision we made a second thought, which just isnt true.

As for the pop up idea, I dont think there is any way to implement that. I dont even think its an available option with the forum software, but it is a good suggestion that could be looked in to still.

Thanks for the awesome post.

YES using the search function definatley needs to be reiterated for all new members , not that has something to do with not answering the questions but the fact that this forum is filling more and more everyday with the EXACT same questions on a 24 hr basis just because people dont want to do the footwork involved in using their drugs to a safe manner , all they want to do is get high thats it its not about harm reduction or safe practices .

ie IV'ing oxycontin , coke , fentanyl , how to CWE . how to get high on newly aquired prescriptions - Nowhere on that prescription bottle does it say "use me to get high and if it happens to curve your pain well thats cool too."

Snorting Benzos is becoming a highly aggravating issue as of latley to myself as im sure a few other members considering also one look in the ODD would resolve such questions.

And then such threads just turn into a massive flaming ball of he said she said bullshit. AND also ive noticed that you even get smartasses who just recommend something to get a post regardless of the information their posting . Ie . the one thread on a fent patch an EX bluelighter recommended he inject it in a solution of unknown concentration and strength.

Also i think its just more of a fact that greenlighters just want to get out of that status and onto bluelight status with just stupid questions and the easiest way to do that .. make a thread thats already been answered start a huge debate about something and by the time you know it that status is gone ..

thats my #1 pet peeve and shoudl be more strictly enforced.

And another thing , stop with the AM I ODING THREADS . how much fucking common sense do you need that if your OD'ing call a paramedic dont sit on the computer and post away to people who probably arent even in the same TIMEZONE as you .

those are my requests .. im sure their some others but im watching csi so my attention is skewed right now .

Excellent post. Some very good points you have mood, and I must say I agree with all of it. Cracking down on problematic trends in threads is something we can consider.

Thanks to everyone who posted so far. Keep em coming!

 

[zombiesarepeaceful]

Yeah, UTFSE should be implemented more...don't ask me how, though. Seems more people post threads and admit being too lazy to search, or not using the right search criteria.

I agree with the rules though. I've noticed far more posts lately stray away from harm reduction and more towards how to get higher, and more reckless things mentioned.

 

[sixpartseven]

Some search tips:

- When you click the "Search" drop down menu at the top of the page, always use the Advanced Search option.

- Use specific key words. If you are looking for tips on shooting fentanyl for example, type the words "IV shooting fentanyl." (If you actually try to search for that, youll see its not the best example, but Im using it anyways.)

- Use the option search titles only. Its right underneath the area where you enter the keywords. It will greatly reduce the number of irrelevant results.

- Use forum specific searches. You can be sure that you wont find tips on shooting fentanyl Philosophy and Spirituality, so at the bottom right of the search page, click on Other Drugs, or Drug Basics, that way you will only get results from those forums.

 

[beta1]

You dont know how glad I am you brought that up. Its a very good point, and one that needs to be addressed.

The best way to answer it would be that us Mods have to use our individual discretion on threads like that, because as you say, it could go either way. What you can do to ensure that your thread will not be closed for the wrong reason is to word it properly. You have to understand we have to make judgements on a lot of threads and try to figure out for ourselves what the original Lposters true intent is. Its hard to do, and sometimes we do make the wrong decision, but there are ways to correct it. All anyone has to do is send a (polite) PM to any of the OD staff, state your case, and we will review it. Just because a thread got closed does not mean we wont re-open it. Many posters fly off the handle when their thread gets closed for a "bull-shit" reason and send us the most angry PM they could possibly come up, but honestly, if you do it that way, you just lost any chance of us reconsidering. We arent the total assholes some people assume us to be, and Im not saying anyone in particular thinks we are assholes, but some people do assume that we couldnt care less and would never give any decision we made a second thought, which just isnt true.

As for the pop up idea, I dont think there is any way to implement that. I dont even think its an available option with the forum software, but it is a good suggestion that could be looked in to still.

Thanks for the awesome post.



Excellent post. Some very good points you have mood, and I must say I agree with all of it. Cracking down on problematic trends in threads is something we can consider.

Thanks to everyone who posted so far. Keep em coming!

Yeah, I didn't think it was a possibility but I figured I would toss it out there.

And I understand what your saying, I assumed it would be on a thread by thread, "at mod discretion basis", and because I don't think any of you guys are assholes I'm OK with that.

Looking forward to the changes, sounds like all improvements. Also, I think after things have been tightened up for a while the site will improve past enforcement of rules because without all the bullshit threads and posts, there will be less things the search engine has to sift through so, in turn, search results will get better and better, and as a result I think there will be less posts about things that have been answered 100 times because less people will search and not find something thats there because there is so much bullshit they have to look through to find what they want. So, sounds like a good idea, long and short term.

 

[delta_9]

I dont post in OD all that much, but I think the staff does a great job. I've always though running OD was tougher than some of the other forums, and hopefully, that new sticky with all the mega threads will cut down on the barrage of self serving threads OD seems to be a giant magnet for.
Anyone who thinks the OD mods are being "nazis" or whatever is completely wrong. Half of the threads here toe the line between whats allowed and whats not, and if anything, ODers should be thankful their threads go on as long as they do
Maybe no one cares what I think , but the OD mods go a great job and being a good mod often means being "the bad guy", and I certainly hope I'm not the only one who recognizes this.
Anyway, the mods here have my full support.

 

[sonic]

Thanks for the positive feedback everyone. We've been trying our hardest. It's nice to see that our efforts are appreciated. It's unfortunate that mods often have to deal with a lot of negative feedback. People can get upset when their threads get closed. Just remember, all of us mods are looking out for what's best for the forum. We try to conduct ourselves professionally. It'd be easier for us to not close any threads and let things slide, but then the forum would eventually lower in overall quality over time. I appreciate all the members who are a part of our cause. There are many of you here. Whenever we pick a new mod there's are so many good candidates to choose from.
Keep up the good work and bear with us. Also, we're open to suggestions. Feel free to let us know what we can do better in this thread or elsewhere (such as PM).

 

[2oclockbeanfiend.2]

unfortunately, because people have abused it, i think all threads that include "HELP HELP PLEASE PLEASE URGENT URGENT!!!!!!" or anythinig of the sort need to be closed...i can't remember the last time one of those threads that was actually urgent

and i know its gonna take a little for me to get used to the revised guidelines, but as long as everybody is consistent i think this will work out great

 

[burn out]

the line between harm reduction and how to get high is often very thin. sometimes telling someone how to get the best high is harm reduction, if you go by the philosophy that if you don't tell them, they will try to figure it out on their and possibly hurt themselvers. and that's what bluelight is all about preventing.