Poll Survey - Gay Forum Moderating

[ChrisP]

The overall Moderating Team of ThaiVisa were wondering how the members here felt about the Moderating that takes place... and so we created the Poll. Sometimes it's done by me, sometimes it's done by other "outside" mods who happen to see something...

Please answer honestly, and we welcome your feedback..

Thanks

ChrisP

Moderator

[Steve2UK]

It wasn't possible to add a comment to ChrisP's poll post, so I've started this thread. To start the ball rolling, here's my 2bahtsworth.......

There are times when I've seen really unfunny, clueless and offensive posts on otherwise useful/interesting threads in the gay sub-forum - almost invariably from straight members...... with or without a Chang too many inside them. While not wanting this forum to be a gay ghetto and accepting that it's a fine line to walk, (IMO) these should be moderated more strictly and earlier than they generally are.

What do the rest of you sub-forum regulars think?

Edited November 20, 2005 by Steve2UK

[Guest endure]

I think clueless and non-intentionally offensive are ok. There's scope for a bit of education. Intentional flamebait is a different matter.

[Steve2UK]

I think clueless and non-intentionally offensive are ok. There's scope for a bit of education. Intentional flamebait is a different matter.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yep, I see where you're coming from about "clueless" - bad choice of word on my part. I had in mind more the knee-jerk, mouthing-off-from-a-barstool type of stuff. I'm all for enlightening anyone that genuinely wants to know more about a subject.

[ProThaiExpat]

Talk about clueless, I thought I posted an insightful comment in the poll thread and I guess it ended up in cyberspace.

Essentially, I said that due to ChrisP's excellent moderating, this forum has markedly improved since its inception. All to his credit.

As usual Steve2UK says it better than I do, so ditto his post.

There maybe a great more "awareness" raising going on due to the high number of readers of this forum, the number of posters to the contrary.

I am always pleased to see the sensible posts from straights, which point out that there is very little difference between straights and gays, including what they do in bed, it is just a difference with whom. I am hoping that the phrase "gay lifestyle" fades into oblivion where it belongs, IMHO.

[Ijustwannateach]

I think the forum moderating for this room is spot on. The worst of the offensive stuff gets deleted fairly quickly (remember that it's all volunteer work!), and the rest provides object lessons in bigoted idiocy for us to make fun of. And on the positive side, we've seen some good threads and discussion lately, including the visits from the more reasonable straights. All in all, a very satisfactory forum, IMHO.

"Steven"

[jerry921]

The poll mechanism didn't work quite right for me. I made a choice, then clicked the "null vote" button. (User error). It hung on an intermediate waiting-to-take-you-to-results screen. I hit back, and tried to vote clicking the correct button, and it said I'd already voted. I'm using firefox 1.0.7.

I'm not worried about my vote, just reporting a bug in the boardware.

[PeaceBlondie]

ChrisP does a fine job, deleting bad posts, banning bad posters, etc. ChrisP, do the other moderators also patrol this gay forum?

Wasn't sure, Chris, on the poll, whether all the forums were being polled. Were the moderators only asking about this forum?

[cdnvic]

Some of us take a look in from time to time. Should something arise when Chris isn't on just PM any mod or use the "report" button and we'll be here.

cv

[zzap]

I read in here from time to time.

My compliments to posters and mods for keeping the usual gay-bashing comments out, yet having open, lively discussions.

[ChrisP]

Hi guys..

I set the Poll Topic up.. but for some reason it doesn't allow comments.. sorry - I've no idea why! (I tried to fix it..!)

This Forum was the subject of some discussion within the Moderating Community.. and I wanted to get feedback on what the regulars here thought.

Yes, other mods can (and do) visit here.. not just me. The problem is - I'm the only Gay Mod (as far as I know) and so some of the other mods feel they might be a bit "ham-fisted' accidentally sometimes... they don't necessarily know what might be ok "terms" in the gay world, etc.

However, the other Mods WILL cut off any obviously sexual Go-Go/Bar Boy discussions.. it's not allowed in the other Forums either.

Btw, any posts "REPORTED" and other offensive posts HAVE been dealt with, and the members notified. (You may not see the result here though - we do it discreetly). The time taken is just a reflection of the fact that I have a job, and cannot moderate here 24/7.

Thanks for the feedback.

ChrisP

Mod.

[Jai Dee]

I set the Poll Topic up.. but for some reason it doesn't allow comments.. sorry - I've no idea why!  (I tried to fix it..!)

I tried to fix it too, but to no avail.

Maybe PM huski?

[Steve2UK]

I think the forum moderating for this room is spot on.  The worst of the offensive stuff gets deleted fairly quickly (remember that it's all volunteer work!), and the rest provides object lessons in bigoted idiocy for us to make fun of.  And on the positive side, we've seen some good threads and discussion lately, including the visits from the more reasonable straights.  All in all, a very satisfactory forum, IMHO.

"Steven"

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Apologies to Chris if it looked like I was attacking his efficiency - I 100% respect the fact that his modding is voluntary and has to be fitted in around a paid job and a real life.

All credit to him; the one time that I did report some posts, we exchanged useful PM's and he ended up agreeing with me and warned the offending poster. That "report" button at the bottom of the screen does work.............

Aside from the fact that gays are an easy target for off-colour remarks (maybe uniquely so on the forum as a whole), I do think it's important to deal with that kind of stuff as early and firmly as possible - if only to encourage the many lurkers to do more than read and actually contribute without the notion that they'll be inviting ridicule. Many of us have a thick enough skin - but not all.

That said and compared with what I see elsewhere, this is still a great forum and that must owe a lot to Chris. For which, many many thanks.

[Guest endure]

Probably OT but how do people get to be moderators?

[Guest endure]

Aside from the fact that gays are an easy target for off-colour remarks (maybe uniquely so on the forum as a whole), I do think it's important to deal with that kind of stuff as early and firmly as possible - if only to encourage the many lurkers to do more than read and actually contribute without the notion that they'll be inviting ridicule. Many of us have a thick enough skin - but not all.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Couldn't agree more. Having been hospitalised twice for simply being gay I'm not too worried about a few rude words but it's to be hoped that we're moving away from that sort of world - at least on here

[Guest endure]

That said and compared with what I see elsewhere, this is still a great forum and that must owe a lot to Chris. For which, many many thanks.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Agree with that too - the 'other place' is just a massive bitchfest

[zzap]

Compared to other forums, there are very few moronic insults here, or maybe I just get to see the moderated version...

I have been rather appalled at the lack of moderating concerning entirely unprovoked "gay-bashing" on some sites.

Maybe it's because this forum is Thailand related, and one of the many things I like about Thailand is that there is a lot less prejudice and stereotyping in every day life.

[cdnvic]

Now the replies should work.

cv

[ChrisP]

Thanks for fixing it.. cdnvic..!

Any more feedback, guys..?

ChrisP

[fits and starts]

Well technically I've been banned and called a troll so I guess I shouldn't even been posting but anyhow I will have my say. I was actually going to wait until my week long ban had finished and then start a similar thread but Chrisp beat me to it. I think most of you on here are too sensitive. I don’t think I wrote anything insulting but I was banned because 9 out of 10 of my posts had sexual content. So the Mods can tell you what topics you can or cannot reply to? I actually thought the conversation was of a mature nature then the topic got closed because, ”it has been done to death”!!! Done to death, so opinions of new members count for nothing and we mustn't talk about old topics? Well that attitude is going to attract new members!!! So what if it is old, as a Forum I think you should be able to talk about anything in a constructive way even if it is old. A topic should die a natural death when the members see fit not to reply to it anymore not when a mod thinks it should. By all means delete rude and offensive posts but to close an open discussion is over the top. You will end up with a very clique forum if you don't allow different opinions and I have already said the gay forum lacks balls and is too flowery but I guess it has to be that way so the advertisers are not offended and money will always come before you the members. As a gay guy my opinion may or may not agree with others but on this Forum it appears you’re not allowed to have one because the Mods are too sensitive. After reading the posts of Warts I would like to know if anyone was offended by them or feel I was offensive in anyway to justify being banned. Are the Mods strict? Too right they are. .Are they sensitive? Absolutely. Opinionated? Answer that one yourself.

[Boo]

grow up fits & starts, if you are that bothered by the so called censorship then start your own gay forum but FYI, this forum is about Thai Visa's & living in thailand NOT a predominately gay web board.

The people who own it have created sub forums as & when they were requested or a demand for one was there such as this section for gay people in thailand, the same as it has a ladies section, teaching section & house purchase section.

Yes, sponsers keep this site running & a long while ago now, it was decided that any topics relating to the sex industry wouldn't be allowed on here, partly to raise the level of topics & posters attracted to the site & also to keep the authorities & sponsers happy. So in your previous guise, 9 out of 10 of your posts were of a sexual nature & the sex industry, so they were removed & you were warned.

If you don't like it, go elsewhere but if you continue to post under multiple nicks & complain about the moderation then you will be banned permantely. Your choice.

[fits and starts]

Of course that reply had to come from a Mod and it's out of context to what I actually posted as usual. FYI I didn't post anything about the sex industry until IJWT posted something I found objectionable and said so and I'm the one who gets banned. I'm not bothered by censorship but Chrisp asked the question are the mods to strict and I gave an answer but yet again a Mod doesnt like it. What is the point to ask a question and only reply if you think it's perfect. I think this section is called Gay people in Thailand and as a Gay guy living and working in Thailand for many years and seeing as this particular forum is aimed at me I thought it time i should contribute something instead of just reading it. but as I will say again it appears you have to be PC to post on here otherwise the sensitive mods out there dont like it. I'd suggest next time BOO you read the topic properly cos it didnt say Only reply to this post if you think the mods do a fantastic job. ChrisP was asking the question and I just replied with my experience but you threw your rattle out of your pram! Grow up, Indeed!!

Edited November 22, 2005 by fits and starts

[Boo]

FYI I didn't post anything about the sex industry until IJWT posted something

Did you not type this then?

I don’t think I wrote anything insulting but I was banned because 9 out of 10 of my posts had sexual content.

This is what I posted about, no sex industry content, but ok you choose not to remember typing it.

I gave an answer but yet again a Mod doesnt like it

Did you also not type this then?

Are the Mods strict? Too right they are. .Are they sensitive? Absolutely. Opinionated?

Read the forum rules, complaining about mods will get you no where, I was pointing that out to you but again, if you choose not to listen then be warned.

I'd suggest next time BOO you read the topic properly cos it didnt say Only reply to this post if you think the mods do a fantastic job

I would suggest you read my post properly sweetheart.

I was giving you an explaination to some of your complaints as well as pointing out the breaches of the forum guildines you are guilty of (multiple nick, bitching about mod decisions etc) but you just read what you want to see right?. If I was that strict both your personas would be banned indefinately.

My point about this being a thai visa website & not a gay website (which went completly over your head btw) was to demonstrate that what you may be used to on a gay only web board can't apply here as we dont deal with only gay issues & are monitored by many high up thai officials & again, if you can't accept the rules which have been written & that mods try to enforce then you are free to go to another, less moderated one.

[fits and starts]

So why did ChrisP start a topic about mods if you can't say anything about them my dear?

[Boo]

you can make constructive comment on it in a poll like this (which started due to a post in the moderation section) but your post was specifically a whine about the moderation you had received for previous breaches of forum rules. There is nothing constructive in what you posted just a child like whinge about how mean we all are

I replied & explained the mod teams reasons for the rules & you didn't like it. Simple.

[fits and starts]

poll question and add your feedback...What do you think of the moderating in this section of the forum?

i think I replied to that but your interpretation was that I whined. Of course i don't like the rules but I have to accept them and conform otherwise your gonna kick my ass of of here aren''t you my dear!

[Boo]

yep

[britmaveric]

Well regulated and moderated in my opinion. (bit of humour time/time also works wonders)

I peek in every now and again to see if anything interests me.

[ChrisP]

Hey boys and girls... MANY thanks for all your opinions..!

...the Mods are too sensitive

This mod is not too sensitive, he has a thick skin.... but he does have to follow the rules of the Board Administrators/Owners.

I actually got the heat from other Mods for allowing the sexual posts of Warts & All to pass...

Posts of a strongly sexual nature are better dealt with on the gay board with "Sawatdee" in its name....

ChrisP

[fits and starts]

More power to you Chris.

Chris you should apply for Thailands Next Top Mod