Members' Feedback

Dear members, please take few minutes to respond on following questions.
I respect Avatar's input in two threads he posted, but let's start with simple wishes first.
It's easier to follow and discuss smaller questions about the core issues, and then spread them to wider discussion.

I would love to hear your opinion on following questions:

1. What you like about SciForums?
2. What you dislike about SciForums?
3. What would you like to change (technically, personally,...) on SciForums?

These are small questions, but answers on them will give a valuable insight to me.
Previous talks about SciForums' future didn't gave any results, because they were too complicated, 'packed' into too formal suggestions and rules.

I use to say: "To cross the large gap, use small steps."
I think it's the best recipe for this.
So, when you have time, please quote the questions and answer on them.

Thank you.

 

Log in or Sign up to hide all adverts.

Plazma, you rock!

Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image!

Thank you again also for your kind reply in the PM. I would respond to your questions, but I'd see what will the others write first (I am kinda speechless)

Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image!

I would comeback to this questions soon. Thanks again...!

 

Log in or Sign up to hide all adverts.

Hi Plazma!

I would try to respond to your question, but as today is Monday and I am pretty occupied with work, possibly isn't best moment for me to give some input. Nevertheless, thanks for the given chance.

1. What you like about SciForums?

- I like it's plurality in term of available subforums and type of posters.
- I like this 2 ways communication, where the owner also give us chance to express our complain, opinion, suggestion, etc. I think it is getting better, I am really appreciate it, thank you.

2. What you dislike about SciForums?

Personally, I have no dislike because usually I tend to adapt on the place that I engaged. When I can't adapt, I just leave the place. So, I pretty much like this place, however, from what I've seen, some people thinks this place is a little bit fascist. The main problem is always around the relationship between members and moderators.

3. What would you like to change (technically, personally,...) on SciForums?

- Technically, if I could, I would open a mafia game subforum where everyone can be 'mod' there. But I think for this moment this is asking too much. We can wait for real mods if they have free time to mod the game, no problem.

- Other technical thing is to upload attachment to the forum. Maybe not for all forum, but just for math & physics subforum, so that those intelligent people would have no hard time in writing in TEX format. They can just write up on paint, save, and upload. But that is also not for me, and perhaps is asking too much for now

Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image!

- Non-technical thing would be on moderator philosophy. Basically I think the mods are doing great jobs, so I don't think I am the right person to complain here. Anyway from an observer point of view, I can see that most members would complain that the mod squad are fascist. This might come from mod action like banning, thread locking, deletion, etc. So, here would be some of my suggestion for moderators:

(a). Less intervention
I think it would be better if mods would give less intervention. Why? Because it will save everybody's time.

Here is an example on what happened in interventional scenario:

• Member A: I love porn and masturbation (this is from real dialog here in sciforums, but I simplify it)
• Member B (feel irritated): You, ***** ****** ***** (swearing & insulting)
• Moderator C: *give warning to member B*
• Member B: *Attack the moderator*
• Moderator C: *administer ban*
• Member D: *make thread why banning A* (here jumped posters with personal agenda)
• Member E: *make thread: mod is unfair, bias, etc* (jumped again posters with personal agenda)
• Moderators & Members: :argue:
  
• Admin: *lock thread, delete posts*
• Member F: *make thread: unhappy with thread locking and deletion*
• Member A: I love porn and masturbation (or saying other things that member B think as stupid or trolling. The cycle is repeated).

:shrug:

Here what would be happened in non-interventional scenario:

• Member A: I love porn and masturbation
• Member B (feel irritated): You, ***** ****** *****
  *No reaction from mod*
• Member A: *attack member B*
• Member B: *attack member A*
• Member A: *report to mod: B insult me*
• Moderator C: why did B insult you..??
• Member A: because I say.. hmm... wait..mmm.. is this something socially acceptable? is this something intelligent to say? shall I make a poll to see what other people think on the matter? mmm...(his/her intellegence is increasing

  Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image!

  )

Nobody cry mod is unfair, bias, no post needs to be deleted, and everyone will be much more intelligent or careful next time they will post. Alternatively, if A repeat the same action, B will repeat the same action, finally one of them will be tired. It is very very natural, wherever there is troll, there will be anti-troll, wherever there is pro-Islam, there will be anti-Islam, wherever there is theists, there will be atheists. In order for mod not to be in trouble, either they allow both end of the spectrum freely, or cut both spectrum equally. But the second one will likely make people leave (unhappy).


(b). Changing approach to members

I have no special tips for moderators, but you don't have to exert much effort or to be like teacher or guardian for members. Simply maybe just treat the members the way you would like to be treated, then I believe that everything will be smooth..

(c). Asking feedback from members from time to time

I don't know about others, but I know Avatar made a thread in comparative religion, asking whether members are happy with his moderation or not, what the community expected from him, and he also put a poll on that. I think this is good, because he then can take up suggestion from member to improve his performance, meanwhile member also feel respect him for welcoming their suggestion.

I think that's all. Thanks to all mods and admins for your effort. ;]

 

Log in or Sign up to hide all adverts.

1. What you like about SciForums?


Everything

2. What you dislike about SciForums?


Nothing


3. What would you like to change (technically, personally,...) on SciForums?

The ability see women that post here naked whenever I want!

Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image!

 

You ***** ***** ***** :frust:

Regards,
member B

Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image!

 

I can hope can't I?

Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image!

Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image!

 

This is a serious thread, be prepared for :jason:

Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image!

I'm out, I gotta do a lot of things, ciao for now!

 

What do you like about Sciforums?

I love the layout of the forum...don't ever change it. It's perfect. I also like the fact that I can learn a bunch of new things from a bunch of people. People like Simon Anders on the religion side of things, and Fraggle Rocker on the science side of things. It's just neat to read their stuff.

Oh, and Skinwalker. If Skinwalker had a fan club, I'd be a charter member.

Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image!

And a groupie. What? Nothing!

What do you dislike about sciforums?

I dislike that people are moderators here simply because of their post counts. I also dislike that simply because a moderator is not a moderator of one particular forum, they think all of the rules that normally apply to them do not in this one particular forum. And I also don't like that we are forbade from making public complaints about the moderators.

As you can see, all of my complaints are in regards the moderators, some of whom I believe not only abuse their powers, but do not represent the site well. If a moderator is out to get you, or is trolling rather than contributing, what recourse does a member have? None. I've tried.

But everything else is kosher!

Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image!

What would you change on Sciforums?

I think upping the requirements for moderation is in order. Post count does not the moderator make. You know who said that? Yoda. And I'm pretty sure Yoda was pretty smart. He was, like, a Jedi and stuff. But seriously, I think there are a couple out there that really don't deserve the role. Just because you don't delete a lot of posts doesn't make you a good MOD. You also should at least follow the rules of the site you represent.

Also, I would provide a link to someplace that would give me a billion dollars. I really think this should be a priority for the Admins here, and I won't rest until I see this project underway!

 

1. What you like about SciForums?
I like a lot of tings about sciforums. Like jdawg said the layout is great! I think we have a diverse crowd of great people here. I enjoy coming here and reading posts and learning new things all the time.

2. What you dislike about SciForums?
Before I start, I want to preface with saying that I typically try to avoid complaining about things. Especially about something like a forum that I can easily stop logging onto if I don't like it. One thing I can't stand is members whose majority of posts and threads are complaints about how bad they think it sucks here. No one is putting a gun in your mouth and making you come here. If someone has a reasonable complaint about something and they approach it rationally and maturely than that's one thing. But being a drama queen and starting a thread that's all whiny and bitchy and tries to roust up other members into a frenzy, than that is just completely unacceptable.
Having gotten that out of the way, and having been asked for my input:
I'm not totally crazy about MODS and some of their attitudes here. I used to post more often but I had a run in with a particular mod once. I tried reporting him and nothing happened. A few days later he said something along the lines of: You may note that my name is not on the list of those warned. I also received no private warning in case you were wondering..
That indicates to me that he was told that I complained about his behavior. I think complaints should be very private, even if it is about a MOD. Later when I asked one of the ADMINS about it by PM, the reply that I got was short and did not give me an answer to my concerns about the MOD I was having a problem with. If this is the norm, then is it really a wonder when members make threads that attack MODS? What else are they supposed to do if they aren't getting what they need through PM?
This is just one example that I can come up with of a MOD being rude and disrespectful to members here. For the most part, I have gotten along very well with most of the MODS and ADMINS. But there are a few who I think are just rude and disrespectful people. I think that MODS should set the standard for polite, educated discussion here. And if they cant do that and resort to being rude to members, than they should be removed from their positions.
Following my own logic, I have backed away from this site since my run in with that particular MOD. The whole ordeal made me feel like all the MODS only have each others backs and don't care about members. If this is the case, then I don't expect that people will stick around here much.

3. What would you like to change (technically, personally,...) on SciForums?
I would like it if Sciforums was a little more democratic. Not drastically, it would just be nice if members were given a little more of an option to participate in how this site is run. Periodically I do see a thread pop up from the mods (like this one) that asks for members input. As you can see, people really like it. But the problem I have seen is that I haven't seen changes implemented as a result of those threads.

I want to clarify that all in all I really like it here and enjoy coming here very much. I also appreciate the opportunity to voice my concerns like this.
Thanks Plazma!

 

3. What would you like to change (technically, personally,...) on SciForums?

demote asguard post haste

 

From every objective angle this is, not only desirable, but absolutely necessary as a pre-requisite for any progress.

That's a given, the rest deserves more thought, and I'll get back to you within the next 12 hours...

 

1) Very little this last year. It's changed a lot, and not always for the best. There are overzealous mods in control, who's made other peoples stays deliberately ackward.

What i do enjoy, is the little community is does have, and usually the freedom of speach we are allowed.

2) Again, the same old this year.

3) The moderation not only needs to become more leanient, but the moderators in question also need to be less biased. But we've all been over such subjects before.

 

1. Even though the internet is nothing new...I still am amazed that I can talk with people from all over the world with completely different backgrounds, religions, and thoughts. I love that I have ready access to experts in their field that I would never meet in real life...and love learning new things from them EVERYDAY.

2. Nothing really.

3. Change the name to "The Macgyver Forum"

Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image!

 

Seconded ! :thumbsup:

 

1. I like the people, the questions, the humour.

2. I dislike the fact that the mods are unwilling to enforce the constitution...the rules.

3. Permaban the trolls.

 

I like how there is a rich variety of members here, representing a wide array of nations worldwide. The discussions which entail here are difficult to come by in reality, and truth be told, one can learn many things, even during a short discussion. I have met wonderfully unique personalities here, along with extremely intelligent members who seem to be few and far between in real life - at least, in my daily encounters. Some of the members are so great that I've seriously considered meeting with them, which wouldn't be a problem if it weren't for the difficulties posed by distance. The topics are, for better or worse, very interesting, and they are unique in the sense that they aren’t the center of discussion at a typical workplace setting or learning institution. Not many people at work care to discuss … oh, I don’t know, the Russian government trying to nationalize Yukos; many would prefer to talk about Anderson Silva and how he cracked some chump’s neck in thirty-three different locations in eight seconds during UFC … what is it at now? 400? Whatever. Not that discussing Silva isn’t enjoyable, but it’s simply too easy of a conversation to have. Even a monkey could cheer as Silva skullfucked Irvin.

I dislike certain members, but I would hardly call upon censorship to do the work for me. It’s a cruel world, meaning people should be expected to defend their opinions here as they would were they to debate in person. In that sense, I would like to see less severe, anal, and most importantly, one-sided moderation. Speaking of moderation, I think certain elements of the moderating team are very repugnant at the time being. No offense to the moderators whose names I shall explicitly state, but here goes: James R, Tiassa, Asguard, and SkinWalker need to go. No ifs, ands or buts about it, because these moderators do not pursue their moderating duties with the fairness and neutrality one would expect from them. In essence, they love to talk, but hate to explain; they pursue a few unfortunate members around the forum with unmatched vigor, practically encasing their scapegoats’ gonads in a vice grip. One of them just so happens to spell like a drunk four year old who was on the receiving end of a stone cold stunner (before the Rattlesnake‘s knees turned to jelly). I’m not trying to be insulting; I’m merely pointing out the fact that, although some moderators are oppressive, they can at least sell a serious persona and pretend to be professional. Some are too lazy to even do that.

Essentially, I dislike Sciforums’ leadership. Sure, I dislike many regular members here as well, but I don’t have to fear being banned when I’m debating them. They call me a “sand-____”, I call them snakes, and we’re done. No hard feelings, no lasting grudges; instead, our chests are relieved of the momentary hatred, and our friendships begin anew. This system can flourish, if only it is left unhampered.

I’m a cheap McFuck myself, so I wouldn’t expect Plazma to take money from his children’s college funds in order to do this … but still: larger avatars! If I may add, a signature (even if it doesn’t allow for images). Indeed, the 60x60 avatar with no signature isn’t the worst combination on the web, but in all honesty, it’s up there (and by “up there”, I mean it in a bad way). Maybe allow for a few extra characters in our custom user titles? I don’t know, I’m just throwing some ideas out there. Personally, I hate coming up with a brilliant user title, only to realize it’s one measly character over the limit. Sure, you can take a vowel out, but then everybody thinks you’re a retard who can’t properly spell.


Kadark

 

Kadark the...Eloquent?

I didn't know you had it in you!

 

Thats alot of trouble, I would just send the insulting off topic content of the thread to the cesspool, give it a new thread name and let them continue. thread title "Bitch Niggers".

peace

 

1. What you like about SciForums? It's interesting, lots of different opinions and logic.



2. What you dislike about SciForums? too much time put in by mods to settle an issue.


3. What would you like to change (technically, personally,...) on SciForums? If people are actualy ruining a thread with bullshit just send there comments to the cesspool and be done with it.


peace.

 

The few intelligent people, lively debate, and the few impartial laissez-faire moderators.

Moderators.

Moderators.