In the interests of increasing administrative accountability in disciplinary actions, only administrators now have the power to directly effect bans and blocks.
This had been the intended structure to begin with, but due to technical challenges the system was relaxed.
The result will be a mandatory review of all high disciplinary actions before they can take place, which means less partiality in decision making.
Since the administrators have less day-to-day contact with users, we have less personal interest in decisions.
2. Ban announcements
All bans will be announced on this forum. The announcement will identify the offending user and action, the reason for banning and the length of the ban.
This will help to insure that all bans are just, fair and honest.
Announcements will be locked posts and there is to be no public discussion of guilt, etc. Handle that privately.
3. Semi-public trash
In the interests of transparency and accountability, the topic listing for the trash folder will be visible to registered members. The contents of each topic will remain visible only to moderators and administrators.
Please note that when individual posts are deleted, the entire thread will appear in the trash. Do not become alarmed; the thread will still be available in its proper forum.
Also, when multiple posts are deleted from a thread, that thread may appear multiple times in the trash.
4. A reminder: Quoteland is a private institution
There is often "dissent" against the Quoteland administration for its failure to be "democratic" and "uncensored." Quoteland is not a sovereign nation or a public edifice but a private bulletin board, and it is subject to the decisions of its ownership.
While we strive to create a sense of tolerance and openness in Quoteland, we reserve the right to create and enforce policy as is necessary in our eyes.
I have not, and will not, make any promises about running a democratic and uncensored discussion group. This discussion is not a free-for-all, and the administration is private.
5. A reminder: Use the appeals process
There have been a number of public complaints about the handling of administrative decisions. Specifically, a number of people feel that the moderators have allowed personal feelings to affect their administrative decisions.
If you feel that something has been mishandled, you should bring it to the attention of Adam or David. There is an appeals process specifically for that purpose.
Appeals are confidential and will not affect your standing with the community.
If you bring your grievances up in public, it is disruptive and hurts feelings. Please, don't do it.
6. Clarification: moderator selection
There have been complaints that Quoteland should select its moderators more "democratically."
Again, Quoteland is not a democracy but a private institution with a closed administration. I decide on moderators with Adam. That's the way it will continue.
New moderators are selected on a basis of seniority, maturity, qualification to the position, and commitment to the community. While outgoing moderators often recommend successors, those recommendations can (and often are) superceded by the administration.
I absolutely refuse to open such decisions up to the community as they will become nothing more than popularity contests.
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Thank you for all your feedback--and, of course, please keep it coming. Remember, though, that the power to decide is ultimately in the hands of the administration. Be respectful, and avoid demanding things of us. You'll catch more admins with honey than with vinegar.
"It is reasonable that everyone who asks justice should do justice." — Thomas Jefferson, 18th-century American Founding Father, early 19th-century U.S. president (letter to George Hammond, 1792)
Posts: 4943 | Location: my enchanted forest | Registered: 09-14-02
If you can, in case of banning procedure, please consider providing a chance to the "offenders" to defend themselves publicly. Yes, others may not be allowed to post there publicly and the post may be locked, just the administrators' post mentioning the user and offence, and a copy of the offender's email providing defence should be there.
Other than that, I thank you for the changes .
Posts: 4372 | Location: Back At Quoteland :) | Registered: 08-18-02
What's the procedure for an appeal against a ban already 'been and gone'? In my case, the ban was from the administrators. No, it's not the end of the world, but considering the offensive post was 'reinstated' after disapperaing for a few days, I am a bit ..bemused!
Posts: 1375 | Location: England | Registered: 07-14-02
I approve entirely with the first five points of your announcement; I find your rulings and reminders to be fair and clear.
However, I fail to perceive the benefit of restricting the information available to you when selecting new moderators. I have never argued that new moderators should be selected through an exclusively (or even primarily) democratic process, but rather that some sort of mechanism should be available through which the membership could submit their input. Under such a system, the decision would remain entirely in the hands of the administrators, but would be better informed. Consider - if two comparable candidates to fill a vacancy are under consideration, and one has broad public support and another does not, isn't this a relevant factor which might illuminate the popular one as the best choice? A more publicly popular (and equally qualified) moderator might have an easier time enforcing discipline than would a less popular one.
The results of the poll should not be available to the public, as any popular candidate who was not selected would obviously feel cheated, but rather the information would be available to you in order to aid you in making the best decision possible.
I would appreciate your thoughts on the benefits and detriments of this specific sort of measure.
"The only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones who never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn, like fabulous roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars..." - Jack Kerouac, On the Road
This site isn't a democracy, (You've reminded us of that many times)it is privately owned. I've said it once and I will say it again, if offering up a donation to the site, allows my criticism to be taken and followed by some action I will do it. Just give me the name and place.
I'm happy for Quoteland and how it's changing for the better.How much would it cost to buy Quoteland? That's a serious statement. I'm not saying I would buy Quoteland, but I know a few people who have looked at the site and would love to own it.
I think you'd have to ask Awards International if you're interested in acquiring Quoteland. I'm not in a position to entertain any offers. Probably about ten times more than I sold it for. (Dammit.)
Yes, sentrawood I was and still are intent on doing my fair share on this site. As they say you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink it. I never said I wanted to buy it.And David...how much did you sell it for, if I may be inquisitive? The reason I ask, is every five minutes someone throws it in our face, this site is privately owned. I bet if this site became totalitarian people would leave.It's just like a restaurant may be privately owned, but treat the customers like shit, they don't come back. That may bejust my thoughts.I'm your idealistic smoe who happens to think alittle louder than others.If anyone underestimates me, then good for you.
Where can I get in contact with Awards International??
What's the point in buying your way through posting what you want? Its never ever going to be the same is it.
This buying offer does nothing but dilute your intial statements... at least in my books. And it does not matter that its not you who will be buying it out, but your friends.
Consumeristic corruptive behaviour is not a long shot away from Fascism. Look where you are treading.
Our land is more valuable than your money. As long as the sun shines and the waters flow, this land will be here to give life to men and animals; therefore, we cannot sell this land. It was put here for us by the Great Spirit and we cannot sell it because it does not belong to us. -- Blackfoot chief, (c. 1880).
Whoa...you're way off. I don't want to buy Quoteland and post what I want, I like the idea of a very liberal site that allows all criticism and voices to be spoken, even the people who chatise each other , because I realize it's not to be taken serious. That's the fun of the cat and mouse genre, the chase.the protagonist, antogonist is a theme I'm not against I have a vision of a website where all can come freely from too many rules and just enough to hold it steady. I'm not even into the power, it's about giving people something that is neither facist or communist, but democratic and free. I'm sorry for you feel that way, but don't assume anything unless you actually ask the person you're accusing of such an accusation.I dare you to say such untrue things. I will defend myself in every wayI do hope people understand what I am saying. I'm very hurt by your statements, and it pains me to see, that you wish to dilute all that I worked hard for and have stood for. How cruel...but many will understand my heart.
Liberty is just a concept... it cannot be given, its already there. You can't wish to be free, when you already are. Its just a little thought adjustment that you have to do in your mind.
Sometimes one just has to take that personal risk of being banned, to say things that one believes in.
quote:Originally posted by D-mly: I've said it once and I will say it again, if offering up a donation to the site, allows my criticism to be taken and followed by some action I will do it. Just give me the name and place.
.... the above statement clearly is in antithesis of your next statement.
quote:Originally posted by D-mly: I don't want to buy Quoteland and post what I want,.....
Correct me if I am wrong.
Further, the underlying quote
quote:Originally posted by D-mly: I'm very hurt by your statements, and it pains me to see, that you wish to dilute all that I worked hard for and have stood for.
is in blatant opposition of the following quote:
quote:Originally posted by D-mly:I like the idea of a very liberal site that allows all criticism and voices to be spoken, even the people who chatise each other , because I realize it's not to be taken serious.
If you are hurt by my previous comments, then you must also take responsibility for hurting David, by your own indifferent request to buy off quoteland. What one is willing to dish out, one should be willing to accept too. Don't you think?
You know you are really putting your fist up, i'm ready whenever you are. Let's begin...........
Originally posted by Ananya "Liberty is just a concept... it cannot be given, it's already there. You can't wish to be free, when you already are. It's just a little thought adjustment that you have to do in your mind."
Maybe to you liberty is a concept, but to me it's something you can see, taste and touch and feel, desire. I've bet you never had your freedom taken away, so don't dare tell me liberty is just a concept. Walk in my goddamn shoes and say that.The only thing I need to adjust in my mind is, that I have my beliefs and you have yours. Hey you're putting on a nice show, I can't wait for your encore.....
Now..Originally posted by D-mly: I've said it once and I will say it again, if offering up a donation to the site, allows my criticism to be taken and followed by some action I will do it. Just give me the name and place.
This quote was meaning that when I spoke out before, I was "put on moderation" for a minute because I felt and said the site was facist, and I offered a donation to the site, since a few people every five seconds keep telling us, it's privately owned. Donation is free choice, it really has nothing to do with buying quoteland.
Secondly, d-mly-"I don't want to buy Quoteland and post what I want",..... I'm sorry to say it, but I don't want to buy quoteland for my own personal use, I've already stated why. I'd bring a more democratic stlye of play aboard.I have big ideas.
d-mly- "I'm not even into the power, it's about giving people something that is neither facist or communist, but democratic and free."
d-mly-"I'm very hurt by your statements, and it pains me to see, that you wish to dilute all that I worked hard for and have stood for."
Yea, so I was hurt. I didn't say people feelings don't get hurt. I was surprised at your verbal attack on everything I've quoted, even jumping to every conclusion. You're way off the mark of things. But you know, in life somethings hurt and other things don't. I was more shokced than hurt. But it was all mixed feelings. I love the verbal sparring!!! It's just like life.
Ananya- "If you are hurt by my previous comments, then you must also take responsibility for hurting David, by your own indifferent request to buy off quoteland. What one is willing to dish out, one should be willing to accept too. Don't you think? "
thirdly, Who says I'm not taking what you're dishing out? I keep replying. =(This is fun to me.)Really each person is different. It seems David didn't find my request hurtful at all,
David-"think you'd have to ask Awards International if you're interested in acquiring Quoteland. I'm not in a position to entertain any offers. Probably about ten times more than I sold it for." (Dammit.)
Sounds kind of smart assy to me.
Listen Ananya I am going to say this for all to read. I have every interest in buying quoteland, bringing the themes of free speech and the cat and mouse game,etc. I have a vision. E-mail me sometime and I'll share more. You never know, I might get banned for this....you know how these happen these days.
If you have big ideas, for a free democratic, unfacsist place... why don't you just start another website, that is on the lines of Quoteland, but is more to your line of thinking as far as the rules go and invite all the people from here over there. That way Quoteland stays as it is, and you get your dream to come true too.
Or is it that, its better and much more easier to get into somebody else's furnished and decorated house, and just rearrange the furniture to suit your own tastes, a bit. All you gotta do is pay rental........ Hey!! how Neat! But, the only thing that you are forgetting in the process, is that you D-mly, are not the only one to occupy the house on a rental basis... you've got many more room partners, who might find your furniture arrangement to be a hindrance to their well being.
Now, what we will then have, is CHAOS... everybody wanting to buy off the house, so that they can arrange the furniture the way they please to... and we will soon have everybody tripping over each other's arrangements. Instead why not buy a house of your own, and do what you want in it?
....btw, what kind of liberty are we talking about, when the story comes to exchanging of the shoes? I'd love to exchange few e-mails on this topic... or u could PT me till then!
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much love, light and laughter, ananya.
*~Come play with my children feel the peace and Scatter some joy.~* ~*Blowing out someone else's candle doesn't make your's burn any brighter.*~
Posts: 5819 | Location: India | Registered: 07-03-01
Perhaps my "reminder" didn't quite clear up the issue: Quoteland is not a thing to be "governed," and it is not subject to government. It's just a discussion group. There's not enough depth to the nature of its interactions to merit deep reflection into the dynamic of its politics. Post your thoughts and live your life.
All this is just entertainment people, I'm not at home sitting on the couch wondering how Quoteland is doing. Don't take everything to heart. Just go with the flow. God Bless all...
"Do all things with love."
