Are the forums getting too strict? [Archive]

pablo19

01-12-2009, 03:38 PM

Hey, I'm just coming back from the closed down wallpaper thread, my favorite thread on Toucharcade and i'm sure many others share my opinion. But what I wanted to ask about what people's opinion is on the way the mods are handling these types of threads. I want to try and not complain too much, or make this a complaining about moderators thread. they are doing a great job at closing threads which might create some really intense discussion not based on games or apps. The blog they have is fantastic, their responses to pm's are very fast etc.

What I want to get at here is that more than half of the people at toucharcade complain about threads like "game X vs. game Y" most use those threads to say how stupid the person asking is, for not being able to decide. But when there is some private or stupid talk going on the posts are deleted and the sometimes even funny conversations stop.

A) how annoyed are people by stupid conversation posts?
-I personally like them there usually entertaining and give the people on touch arcade a more real feeling, that you are actually talking to a person instead of a machine.

B) How welcome do you think new members are at toucharcade?
- Most of them start out with a post like "I have X money, what should I get" and people start bashing them for that and asking for them to get banned. I'd rather those threads get closed and the member get a pm saying that some people can't stand those types of threads because there already are 234 filled with complains.

P.S: Maybe I'm just a bit pissed here, and it'll go away with time. I feel like the threads are becoming too straight forward. I want some feedback on this from moderators, from first time posters, from any member on touch arcade.

spmwinkel

01-12-2009, 04:11 PM

Personally, I'm not annoyed by the X vs Y threads. The market changes fast, so recommendations do too.

As for the wallpaper thread, I think that it was of topic way too often, nice wallpapers got buried under pages of posts.

Also Arn said that he was looking into dealing with the promo code topics, so I have no complaints. :)

pablo19

01-12-2009, 04:13 PM

Personally, I'm not annoyed by the X vs Y threads. The market changes fast, so recommendations do too.

I don't disagree, but a lot of people are annoyed and new members are getting bashed for not knowing.

dannys95

01-12-2009, 04:14 PM

i asked arn why he closed the wallpapers thread but did not reply. i think he closed it because he believes it belongs in the lounge forum not the apps forum.

rootbeersoup

01-12-2009, 04:15 PM

I think the problem is that it is a new community. Yes it is a bit on the strict side. Mostly on the confused side, IMO. I even got a warning yesterday, something I haven't gotten in forever on a message board.

Not to mention that the iPhone attracts the wrong kind of people. The immature 13 year olds (yes I know not everyone is a 13 year old here).

Go on a blackberry forum, you won't find the craziness. That is because the iPhone is THE device right now and it just attracts the wrong kind of people, which bugs me a lot. Apple makes fantastic products but they have become a trend now.

I think Arn made a decent effort with the rules and mod additions, but it's not quite there yet. Look at the iLounge forums for example. They have pretty much EVERYTHING laid out for you.

Another factor is that we are just new and there aren't enough posters who quite set an example for everyone else. Or rather, the noobs outnumber the regulars.

Hopefully everything gets better once the forums are sorted out better and the iPhone craziness dies off a bit. I blame the promo code madness since that really only attracts young kids who don't have credit cards and people will do just about anything for free stuff

pablo19

01-12-2009, 04:26 PM

@danny
He could have just moved it. But a reason for closing it would be nice to hear.

@rootbeersoup
-I agree with you, I;m actually only 15. Some younger people are in fact very annoying in forums, but there shouldn't be a stereotype created here. I also agree with there being less regulars than new members, especially now after the holidays. There are just some things that don;t seem necessary to me. But you are right the forum is still "young" and I guess well just have to give it time.

different

01-12-2009, 04:32 PM

These problems are not uncommon in many forums. I think part of the problem is that a forum system by nature allows anyone to post anything. Some of the best forums are highly structured and so you can only post in 'approved' topics - for example blog comments are related to the topic posted (yes they can deviate at times).

But then of course if you do that you remove the freedom to discuss other items that may actually be worthwhile to discuss.

wastedyuthe

01-12-2009, 04:32 PM

A) how annoyed are people by stupid conversation posts?

B) How welcome do you think new members are at toucharcade?
- Most of them start out with a post like "I have X money, what should I get" and people start bashing them for that and asking for them to get banned.

Hi Pablo.

A) I personally am not too bothered about 'stupid conversation' posts so long as we get back onto topic after a few of them. I agree that with these odd posts, it gives us all chance to get to know each other a little better. I haven't deleted any that follow the rules (ie no offensive language etc).

B) I don't like 'bashing' new members- but if they don't follow the rules, I ask that they read them.

TheOnePb

01-12-2009, 04:39 PM

First of all: don't say all new/young members are here for free stuff & flooding!
I'm may be younger than all of you and I joined yesterday, but I think I'm not as most* of my age. *(I do not want to offend anyone)

Second: this is not the only forum that has these problems.
Solutions are simple: 2 warnings -still causing trouble? Ban!
Subforum for mods, devs and senior members to discuss the behavioir of other members.
Subforum for promo codes.
Forum-plugin that automaticly combines 2 posts of 1 member after double post.
Forum-plugin that (this is hard to explain...) shows you a list of tiltles that you want to give your thread. For example (!examples!): User007 made a thread called 'Exampletitlecheck, new game, out'.
Now another member adds a new threadand sees there's already a thread about exampletitlecheck, and now he sees a link and can post his comment there.

All problems solved? No
Most problems solved? Yea!:)

TheOnePb

brewstermax

01-12-2009, 04:42 PM

But why was the longest thread ever closed? It could have been moved or something, but arn closed it. Is it possible to reopen the thread?

dannys95

01-12-2009, 04:46 PM

But why was the longest thread ever closed? It could have been moved or something, but arn closed it. Is it possible to reopen the thread?

arn; please tell us why. it could have been moved and it is possible to reopen it.

pablo19

01-12-2009, 04:49 PM

@ Wastedyuthe

Thanks for posting, What's the comunication between moderators do you send each other pm's or do you do what your told, how does that work?

@TheOnePb

Firstly I agree with you that there shouldn't be a stereotype against younger users but you have to admit we can sometimes be a real pain in the ass for more experienced members. I agree with all your points on how to make the forums better even though I don't know how viable they are.

@ Brewstermax

The reason in my opinion was that Arn (or whoever closed it) was annoyed by the side conversations we were having. Although I would love to hear the real reasoning.

rich_952000

01-12-2009, 05:02 PM

pablo19

01-12-2009, 05:08 PM

I never posted in your thread Pablo19, I did lurk it occasionally. I saw no harm in it but then again, who am I? It actually gave you guys something constructive to do when things were slow, and me some neat wallpapers t;)o look at.

I agree, that's really a nice way of putting it, there were complains about not finding the wallpapers you wanted but people could ask and we'd either re-post them or just tell them which page it was on.

Back on topic, how do you viable do you think the things TheOnePb posted are? In my opinion they would really help. Did Arn ever coment on the promo code subforum or the avatars?

wastedyuthe

01-12-2009, 05:08 PM

@ Wastedyuthe

Thanks for posting, What's the comunication between moderators do you send each other pm's or do you do what your told, how does that work?

Your welcome. I don't want any hard feelings between members and admin/mods.

We have our own forum section where we can discuss things or receive information/instruction from Arn. But basically, we all know the rules and just try to make sure the forums are sticking to those rules.
For example, the rules do state that the topic can indeed stray, but we must strive to try and keep them on topic as much as possible.

pablo19

01-12-2009, 05:11 PM

Your welcome. I don't want any hard feelings between members and admin/mods.

On occasion we send each other messages. We also have our own forum section where we can discuss things or receive information/instruction from Arn. But basically, we all know the rules and just try to make sure the forums are sticking to those rules.
For example, the rules do state that the topic can indeed stray, but we must strive to try and keep them on topic as much as possible.

Good to know, thanks! Have the other admins ever mentioned changes in the structure of the subforums or any other topic being discussed in the feedback section?

wastedyuthe

01-12-2009, 05:13 PM

Good to know, thanks! Have the other admins ever mentioned changes in the structure of the subforums or any other topic being discussed in the feedback section?

Obviously I can't go into detail about what has been discussed. It is Arns job to make any statements he deems necessary in these matters.

pablo19

01-12-2009, 05:14 PM

Obviously I can't go into detail about what has been discussed.

Ok, thanks anyways ;)

Herp

01-12-2009, 06:14 PM

But why was the longest thread ever closed? It could have been moved or something, but arn closed it. Is it possible to reopen the thread?

Yes, if Arn wants. ;)

I don't think these forums are strict. All Arn asks is that you keep everything within a certain limit. (Staying on topic, posting in the right forum section, don't flame ETC.)

And quite honestly the wallpaper thread was in the wrong section... Really only 25% of those posts were about wallpapers. :rolleyes:

wastedyuthe

01-12-2009, 06:16 PM

And quite honestly the wallpaper thread was in the wrong section... Really only 25% of those posts were about wallpapers. :rolleyes:

I believe the some of the wallpapers themselves stopped being based on apps too.

pablo19

01-12-2009, 06:18 PM

Yes, if Arn wants. ;)

I don't think these forums are strict. All Arn asks is that you keep everything within a certain limit. (Staying on topic, posting in the right forum section, don't flame ETC.)

And quite honestly the wallpaper thread was in the wrong section... Really only 25% of those posts were about wallpapers. :rolleyes:

Yes, but there still are a lot of complaints/problems regarding those "Certain limits" IMO.

I didn't see anybody complaining about only 25% being about wallpapers, we where just having some conversation like rich_950000 said, nothing was rally happening in the appstore so we posted on that thread and nobody seemed to complain.

Herp

01-12-2009, 06:20 PM

I believe the some of the wallpapers themselves stopped being based on apps too.

Exactly.

When the wallpapers were app based it could've been considered the right section, but that's stretching it.

Herp

01-12-2009, 06:22 PM

Yes, but there still are a lot of complaints/problems regarding those "Certain limits" IMO.

I didn't see anybody complaining about only 25% being about wallpapers, we where just having some conversation like rich_950000 said, nothing was rally happening in the appstore so we posted on that thread and nobody seemed to complain.

Whether somebody complains or not, it's still against the rules. If I say, kidnapped G.W. Bush, nobody would care -- But it's against the law. :)

PS Sorry for the double post. :\

pablo19

01-12-2009, 06:45 PM

Whether somebody complains or not, it's still against the rules. If I say, kidnapped G.W. Bush, nobody would care -- But it's against the law. :)

PS Sorry for the double post. :\

If it was against the law somebody would care. That's a real bad example you put there lol :D. Again that would be being too strict in my opinion enforcing the law when nobody has told you to do so.

{klondike}

01-12-2009, 07:10 PM

I think the forums too strict, but that might be because I got banned.

rich_952000

01-12-2009, 07:54 PM

I think the forums too strict, but that might be because I got banned.

I had almost forgotten that{klondike}, you rebel!:cool:

Herp

01-12-2009, 08:05 PM

If it was against the law somebody would care. That's a real bad example you put there lol :D. Again that would be being too strict in my opinion enforcing the law when nobody has told you to do so.

Actually, I think it was a great analogy. A lot of people would've loved it if that got G.W. Bush out of the White House. :)

Nobody is enforcing rules they weren't told to enforce... What are you getting at there? :confused:

{klondike}

01-12-2009, 08:17 PM

I had almost forgotten that{klondike}, you rebel!:cool:
Awe, shucks. Thanks....


Mr. Charley

01-12-2009, 08:22 PM

I think the forums too strict, but that might be because I got banned.

You got banned but were allowed back ;)
Some other forums would ban your IP...

IMO, Touch Arcade has always been more than fair. It's tough finding the right balance, especially as more and more users join. It's not like you have to pass a test to ensure you will be a mature and contributing member. I guess it's a growing pain of becoming a more and more popular site, and I think it's all our jobs to ensure this forum remains a friendly and informative place to discuss games. It is unfortunate but we already have more rules than we had 2 months ago and if things continue down the path we're heading, I wouldn't be surprised if we have even more rules 2 months from now, and I'm not sure it would necessarily be a bad thing.

I dunno guys and gals...I really just want this forum to continue being the best place to visit for all conversations relating to games. Is that so much to ask?? :)

{klondike}

01-12-2009, 08:43 PM

You got banned but were allowed back ;)
Some other forums would ban your IP...

IMO, Touch Arcade has always been more than fair. It's tough finding the right balance, especially as more and more users join. It's not like you have to pass a test to ensure you will be a mature and contributing member. I guess it's a growing pain of becoming a more and more popular site, and I think it's all our jobs to ensure this forum remains a friendly and informative place to discuss games. It is unfortunate but we already have more rules than we had 2 months ago and if things continue down the path we're heading, I wouldn't be surprised if we have even more rules 2 months from now, and I'm not sure it would necessarily be a bad thing.

I dunno guys and gals...I really just want this forum to continue being the best place to visit for all conversations relating to games. Is that so much to ask?? :)
They couldn't ban my IP. I was using my iPhones 3G.

Herp

01-12-2009, 08:49 PM

They couldn't ban my IP. I was using my iPhones 3G.

LMAO, pwn'd.

iPhone 3G: The next thing in spamming.

{klondike}

01-12-2009, 08:53 PM

LMAO, pwn'd.

iPhone 3G: The next thing in spamming.
That's how I roll. I think outside the triangle.

istopmotion

01-12-2009, 08:54 PM

I think the forums are handled fairly. At least 90% of the time, I agree with what has been done about something in the forums. I know lots of other forums that are much more strict than TA is.

The good thing about TA is that it is still relatively small and there is not a whole lot of trouble and rule breaking going on. You guys just haven't seen what strict is like because hardly anything bad ever happens here! :) To be honest, I think TA is one of the cleanest forums I've ever been on, and most of the users are more polite and respectful than people I've met from forums other than TA.

Herp

01-12-2009, 09:04 PM

The Game Reaper

01-26-2009, 04:13 PM

I couldn't agree more.

There are some really ****ed up forum communities out there.
Qft.

Fazzy

01-26-2009, 09:39 PM

Qft.

You didn't quote anything.
PHAIL.

{klondike}

01-26-2009, 10:39 PM

You didn't quote anything.
PHAIL.
You spelled "fail" wrong.
FAIL.

tunawrap

01-27-2009, 12:53 AM

The X v.s. Y are usually totally unrelated app's, like 'Should I get Super Monkey Ball or Blue Attack?'

b_o_h_i_c_a

03-21-2009, 07:52 AM

B) How welcome do you think new members are at toucharcade?

P.S: Maybe I'm just a bit pissed here, and it'll go away with time. I feel like the threads are becoming too straight forward. I want some feedback on this from moderators, from first time posters, from any member on touch arcade.

I get the feeling new members aren't welcome at all. I constantly see new members being attacked and called "noob" "troll" etc. by senior members with a holier-than-thou aura about them. Not very welcoming.

alza

03-21-2009, 08:24 AM

You spelled "fail" wrong.
FAIL.

Hilarious :D

spmwinkel

03-21-2009, 10:43 AM

I get the feeling new members aren't welcome at all. I constantly see new members being attacked and called "noob" "troll" etc. by senior members with a holier-than-thou aura about them. Not very welcoming.True. That's why trolls need to be banned, and offensive posts need to be reported. I can understand that a small group of frequent visitors gets annoyed by a lot of similar topics, but that doesn't mean they should immediately yell at people. It's not something they'd do in real life either. At least, that's what I hope. The forum is not just their (our) place, it's also for new members. The best we can do is ask them politely to take a look at how things are going here and not just post a few messages in the Pocket God thread and immediately ask "how many posts do I need to make to become a senior member?" - not the best way to introduce yourself.

Coldar

03-21-2009, 10:51 AM

I get the feeling new members aren't welcome at all. I constantly see new members being attacked and called "noob" "troll" etc. by senior members with a holier-than-thou aura about them. Not very welcoming.
I'd was just addressing this issue when a newbie's first sentence was "Please don't hate me" in regards to posting in the games forum. So thought to cut/paste my thoughts here as well.

First off let me address the "don't hate me" sentence in your beginning post. This is directed more to my fellow TA members.
To me these words are reflective of how some people think when wanting to post nowadays. I believe some newcomers are very wary/afraid to even post now because of some of the receptions that have been witnessed in regards to posting. I agree some are repetitive but how we treat those people initially makes people with valid questions not want to post or very wary of doing so. It is so common now to get a quick, curt, rude, obnoxious, or totally unrelated response/comment within the first couple posts (if not the 1st one) especially when its from a newbie. Now we're seeing/reading outright threats and verbal attacks taking place. Hope it doesn't become the norm. Arn will be busy closing/locking alot of threads if so. Just think we need to be a little more friendlier in directing/suggesting the alternatives and above all........be patient. Sorry....but had to speak up on this. (present company (so far) excluded from within this thread)

b_o_h_i_c_a

03-21-2009, 02:07 PM

I'd was just addressing this issue when a newbie's first sentence was "Please don't hate me" in regards to posting in the games forum.

Nobody should have to start their posts off with that kind of a qualifier.

I believe some newcomers are very wary/afraid to even post now because of some of the receptions that have been witnessed in regards to posting.

Hence my low post count.