Governing body = members; members vote who to censor?

[neric]

Perhaps this has been discussed before, I've just recently been interested in the backroom discussions.

Flaming, less than courteous, slang, racist comments: these are some of the 'deal breakers' of continued membership in this stellar forum.  Am I right?

The decision of who and when a member becomes the object of censorship, seriously warned, or perhaps banned, who's shoulders does this rest upon?   

Could there be a popular vote among members in good standing for if and when disciplinary action should be exercised?

I've been the object of what I consider to be moral value judgement against my perfect head shot clean kill because my velocity was below 500 fps.  My actions were called 'unethnical.'

I disagree with said judgement as well as a host of other members.

As I go about randomly reading the posts of this forum (not specifically looking for posts of this member in question) I see more of his comments which are value judging, unsolicited and off topic.  I find such remarks distasteful and irritating.

What I see happening is a low level of flaming in the thread by other members about such comments which then becomes kind of off topic.

I'm thinking that rather than post comments in the thread about value judgement remarks made, send a PM to the member directly who made the offensive remark and let the flaming happen there.   I sent a PM to the member I'm referring to in my case.

Mostly I'm wondering what are the established guidelines in these scenarios.

[Bullit]

You were unnecessarily dressed down on that post...yes your observations are correct, as I have seen this before.
You can report the activity to the Moderator.

[ezman604]

Perhaps this has been discussed before, I've just recently been interested in the backroom discussions.

Flaming, less than courteous, slang, racist comments: these are some of the 'deal breakers' of continued membership in this stellar forum.  Am I right?

See the GTA Policies page for guidelines on posting.
http://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/index.php/topic,919.0.html
See rules 1-2-3-5-6-12 for addressing the things you list here.

The decision of who and when a member becomes the object of censorship, seriously warned, or perhaps banned, who's shoulders does this rest upon?

 

The responsiblity falls on GTA staff to edit, censor and notify offenders. If they persist, it's the job of the GTA administration to ban the offender and decide the type of ban and length of time of the ban. It's the responsibility of each GTA member to report any questionable posts to the staff by simply clicking on the tab in the lower right of the post. We have several staff members and we try to stay vigilant but I'm sure there will be some posts we miss.

Could there be a popular vote among members in good standing for if and when disciplinary action should be exercised?

The staff discuss every infraction and determine the course of action. No one person makes that decision, although Bob and Gene have that right. After all, they built this forum themselves, and are afforded that right.

I've been the object of what I consider to be moral value judgement against my perfect head shot clean kill because my velocity was below 500 fps.  My actions were called 'unethnical.'

Refer to Rule 1. If it goes beyond this, we need to know.

I disagree with said judgement as well as a host of other members.

As I go about randomly reading the posts of this forum (not specifically looking for posts of this member in question) I see more of his comments which are value judging, unsolicited and off topic.  I find such remarks distasteful and irritating.

If there are offending members, we need to know about it. Be aware that whenever folks congregate, there will ALWAYS be a difference of opinions. We are all raised differently in different enviornments. We all have different values and ideas. We have to try our best to at least understand these differences. You don't have to accept them, just respect that this difference does exist.

What I see happening is a low level of flaming in the thread by other members about such comments which then becomes kind of off topic.

Again, please report any rule infractions to the staff.

I'm thinking that rather than post comments in the thread about value judgement remarks made, send a PM to the member directly who made the offensive remark and let the flaming happen there.   I sent a PM to the member I'm referring to in my case.

I agree 200% on this one. Disagreements are best settled privately. Please refrain from posting derogatory remarks on the forum. Please use pm or email to discuss controversy or disagreements. It's best to think for a little while and hopefully there will be no need for either.

Mostly I'm wondering what are the established guidelines in these scenarios.

The GTA Rules sets the guidelines. The appointed staff are responsible for enforcing the rules, when necessary. As GTA Forums grew, it became necessary for Gene and Bob to appoint staff to help maintain the forum. THEY had a spirit and overall concept of what they wanted the forum to be. They appointed members to staff positions based on their like minded attitudes. From there, we as staff discuss the need for addition or deletions to the team and decide together. And as a side note, please keep in mind the staff of GTA Forums is a non-paid position that they volunteer their time to. Most or all of us have jobs and families that require a lot of our time too. We (they) do this because it's a passion and to keep GTA the GREAT place for us to gather, share our joy of the sport, pass a little knowledge on to our family members and to just have a good time.
I hope this helps clear some points up.
Happy Shooting!!!!
Dave
 

[oldpink]

Dave couldn't have said it much better.
Just wanted to add that moderators really are hesitant to ban or edit posts.
It's usually best to calmly advise of infractions without being over the top.
That usually works, and sometimes the person who stepped over the line gets the picture and understands that the point is not to censor different points of view, but to keep it civil on here.
However, there are limits on some of the subjects, and those aren't really because of a bias against alternate ideas, but almost always an effort to discourage unscrupulous or illegal behavior.
Sometimes, unfortunately, someone (usually someone brand new who either misunderstands or ignores the rules) just stampedes on here and starts taking wild verbal swings at anyone on here who disagrees, however civil and reasonable that disagreement may be.
Some people have no ability to understand the difference between flaming and "constructive criticism."
Those people are sometimes just too stubborn to get that concept, and they are the most likely to wind up getting banned.
No one likes doing that, but the proverbial bull in the china shop can really turn a great place into a wreck in a hurry.

[ezman604]

Good points. Censorship and banning is RARELY used and is not encouraged. And again, it is discussed among the staff before any action is taken. Everyone has the right to an opinion and posting that opinion is fine. If it involves the safety of our membership, there will be NO hesitation to edit or delete those posts. It's also very recognizable when someone comes to GTA to troll. This will not be tolerated. We do have a great community and fantastic membership that takes care of it's own. Everyone is welcome unless they prove their intentions are to cause chaos or disruption.

[Earl of Squirrel]

All message boards will have flaming at one level or another.  Its part of the internet.  The moderators on this board do not tolerate too much shenanigans... so it shouldn't be necessary for a vote off.

[Rocker1]

  We discuss big issures when they arise and  really hate it when our judgment is in quiestion especially when it goes through more than one person before we make a dicision.   Be very thankful for ezman604  he talks first and shoots later , I shoot first and talk afterwards. lots of different ways to flame also, some put the fuel out and wait on someone to throw the match on it, some light the match  and wait on someone to fuel the fire, rest assured I see it both ways.This is a great forum and this administration will do what ever we need to keep it that way. Thanks David

[bwana]

Thanks David and EZ. This is a great forum and you guys do a fine job.

[stilkikin]

I think some people need to not be so sensative...it is the interwebs.