Should mods make a post to justify why they locked a thread?

alani123

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Quote from: Halab on May 21, 2024, 03:03:11 AM

Quote from: Sexylizzy2813 on May 20, 2024, 06:10:20 PM

I also think it would be nice to send a DM to the user who started the thread to give a reason for locking or even moving a post, because sometimes let's say when you have a number of post and you think you have covered the post count for the week and all of a sudden you find out that some post have been deleted or moved to off-top and you have no one to give the specific reason for that action, (this only happens to sig members) which ever way it happens both moving of topics deleting of post and locking of post or thread I think mods should at least DM the members why they took that action.

So if a mod moves or deletes a topic where 50 people have posted, he'll have to send 50 PMs ? Really ?? And also send a bouquet of flowers or a box of chocolate to apologise too I presume?

I'm going to be direct, I (as usual I'm speaking for myself, but I'm sure my colleagues are on the same page) don't give a damn about the post count when I delete/move a post/topic. There are no rules, no instructions from Theymos on this subject. Before clicking on the 'Post' button, it's up to you to decide whether the topic has a chance of being moved/deleted or not.

I agree on the general sentiment. The forum mods don't have an obligation towards someone's post count and it shouldn't be considered their liability when they're simply following standard moderation practices.

But we have to agree that a notification for having one of your posts deleted would be a nice feature. By way of not having it bitcointalk lacks a feature many other social platforms would have as standard. By this point it might be wishful thinking to hope such feature gets implemented but one can only hope.

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Quote from: alani123 on May 16, 2024, 04:52:57 PM

I know sometimes mods lock threads at their own discression, especially at boards where they are a local moderator. At least when s thread gets moved there's some forum notice being posted. But for locking a topic there's nothing to signify it was a moderator action.

I just think it would be a nice courtesy if mods would just add a post before locking a topic to justify why they felt it should be locked. It's good to put this info on the record for future reference. And also ~~from what I understand, since the OP can unlock a topic locked by a mod,~~ a post by the staff member that took the action would prevent misunderstandings.

It depends actually but I guess for due process and fairness, it would be most appreciated if mods would actually message you personally the reason on why your thread got locked.

Similar to our comments when it gets deleted, we receive a personal message (although from a bot) the reason on why it was deleted either to being spam or being out-of-topic on the said discussion. If mods were to at least apply this kind of practice to some locked threads, then it would be again, most appreciated by us.

On the other hand, I would also argue against this especially if the reason for the thread being locked has a patent nullity on its face- meaning it is obvious on why it was locked in the first place. The reasons may include due to:

Topic is irrelevant to the board where it was posted;
Thread was already answered in a previously-created thread; or
The discussion was primarily created as a spam which includes nonsensical replies from the OP.

Sexylizzy2813

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Quote from: Halab on May 21, 2024, 03:03:11 AM

Quote from: Sexylizzy2813 on May 20, 2024, 06:10:20 PM

I also think it would be nice to send a DM to the user who started the thread to give a reason for locking or even moving a post, because sometimes let's say when you have a number of post and you think you have covered the post count for the week and all of a sudden you find out that some post have been deleted or moved to off-top and you have no one to give the specific reason for that action, (this only happens to sig members) which ever way it happens both moving of topics deleting of post and locking of post or thread I think mods should at least DM the members why they took that action.

So if a mod moves or deletes a topic where 50 people have posted, he'll have to send 50 PMs ? Really ?? And also send a bouquet of flowers or a box of chocolate to apologise too I presume?

I'm going to be direct, I (as usual I'm speaking for myself, but I'm sure my colleagues are on the same page) don't give a damn about the post count when I delete/move a post/topic. There are no rules, no instructions from Theymos on this subject. Before clicking on the 'Post' button, it's up to you to decide whether the topic has a chance of being moved/deleted or not.

Not saying the mods should PM everyone on the thread or apologize, no that's not what I'm saying but all I'm saying is there should be a notification that this particular action has been taken especially on deleted post. I don't know if you get me. And if you check properly we have many members who don't know where to drop their post (newbies especially), it only takes time before they get things done properly, and I'm not against the rules or neither am I saying you guys (MODs) are not trying by putting things in order but I think if the notification is not given some members won't know why their post was deleted and they may continue doing what they're doing without knowing if is wrong or not.

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Quote from: Halab on May 21, 2024, 03:03:11 AM

And also send a bouquet of flowers or a box of chocolate to apologise too I presume?

I like the idea, but I don't like doxing myself to receive the flowers. I'll take Bitcoin if you want to lock my threads Tongue

Halab

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Quote from: Sexylizzy2813 on May 20, 2024, 06:10:20 PM

I also think it would be nice to send a DM to the user who started the thread to give a reason for locking or even moving a post, because sometimes let's say when you have a number of post and you think you have covered the post count for the week and all of a sudden you find out that some post have been deleted or moved to off-top and you have no one to give the specific reason for that action, (this only happens to sig members) which ever way it happens both moving of topics deleting of post and locking of post or thread I think mods should at least DM the members why they took that action.

So if a mod moves or deletes a topic where 50 people have posted, he'll have to send 50 PMs ? Really ?? And also send a bouquet of flowers or a box of chocolate to apologise too I presume?

I'm going to be direct, I (as usual I'm speaking for myself, but I'm sure my colleagues are on the same page) don't give a damn about the post count when I delete/move a post/topic. There are no rules, no instructions from Theymos on this subject. Before clicking on the 'Post' button, it's up to you to decide whether the topic has a chance of being moved/deleted or not.

alani123

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Quote from: The Sceptical Chymist on May 20, 2024, 07:28:17 PM

Quote from: PX-Z on May 16, 2024, 06:03:07 PM

I don't think it is based on their "own discreation" rather its based on forum rules.

Me neither, and if mods could or did lock threads based on factors other than forum rules, a shit storm of chaos would probably ensue. My guess is that most of the threads they lock are garbage ones that should never have been started in the first place or were ones that got reported by someone for breaking a rule.

As far as mods giving a reason why, I don't think that's ever going to happen even if I thought it was a good idea, which I don't. They've got way too much to handle as it is without having to justify their actions when said actions usually aren't controversial in the least.

When a thread is a spam megathread it often gets deleted as deliberately inviting spam could be considered against the rules.
But it also does happen that mods will lock an old thread at their own discression without it being spam or breaking any rules. Not everybody should be up at arms with this and also it wouldn't be too much work to simply add a simple response to a thread before locking it to justify the decision.

The best option would be for Bitcointalk to have a drop-down menu so this can be done automatically when mods lock a thread but I don't think it makes sense to request features for the forum based on wnsy we've seen so far.

The Sceptical Chymist

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Quote from: PX-Z on May 16, 2024, 06:03:07 PM

I don't think it is based on their "own discreation" rather its based on forum rules.

Me neither, and if mods could or did lock threads based on factors other than forum rules, a shit storm of chaos would probably ensue. My guess is that most of the threads they lock are garbage ones that should never have been started in the first place or were ones that got reported by someone for breaking a rule.

As far as mods giving a reason why, I don't think that's ever going to happen even if I thought it was a good idea, which I don't. They've got way too much to handle as it is without having to justify their actions when said actions usually aren't controversial in the least.

Sexylizzy2813

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Quote from: alani123 on May 16, 2024, 04:52:57 PM

I know sometimes mods lock threads at their own discression, especially at boards where they are a local moderator. At least when s thread gets moved there's some forum notice being posted. But for locking a topic there's nothing to signify it was a moderator action.

I just think it would be a nice courtesy if mods would just add a post before locking a topic to justify why they felt it should be locked. It's good to put this info on the record for future reference. And also ~~from what I understand, since the OP can unlock a topic locked by a mod,~~ a post by the staff member that took the action would prevent misunderstandings.

I thought about this in a way that can some how help members of the Forum to stop asking questions like "what's the reason for locking this thread", I also think it would be nice to send a DM to the user who started the thread to give a reason for locking or even moving a post, because sometimes let's say when you have a number of post and you think you have covered the post count for the week and all of a sudden you find out that some post have been deleted or moved to off-top and you have no one to give the specific reason for that action, (this only happens to sig members) which ever way it happens both moving of topics deleting of post and locking of post or thread I think mods should at least DM the members why they took that action.

robelneo

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Quote from: Dr.Bitcoin_Strange on May 18, 2024, 01:56:02 PM

Quote from: Igebotz on May 17, 2024, 05:09:35 AM

For obvious spam/low quality posts= Lock/delete without explanation.

For duplicate topics= Lock with a link to the original discussion thread.

@OP, the quote above better describes what I wanted to say.

Moderators can not just lock or delete a topic when nothing is wrong.

If a post gets deleted or lock, it is obviouse that it might have been because of the reasons that @Igebotz has given, which moderators will not really find the strength to start explaining why they want to lock a topic. It is left for the OP and other readers to figure out why the topic got locked.

I agree, If the moderator has to explain why he locked the thread, he will be put in the spotlight for his decision. He will have to defend all the reasons why he locked the topic since we already know the rules on this forum and have ideas on why the moderators locked the topic.
The moderator's job is to implement the rules on locking the topic based on his judgment, and he has the discretion to do that. It's a moderator's privilege.

dkbit98

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I had my some of my topics locked by moderators or admins several times before, but I was not really that interested in getting written explanation why it happened.
Most of the times I can guess why this happened, I probably asked some tricky questions or topic was going nowhere or off-topic.
I wouldn't waste my time on that anymore, unless it was something really important.

Maus0728

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If that was the case, they would probably not meet their quota and they're going to take a really long time to lock all the thread that needs to be locked, maybe if there's a way that mods can do an automated message for the reason for locking the thread, it might work but for now, we just have to rely on self-reflection as to why our threads have been locked.

EarnOnVictor

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Quote from: alani123 on May 16, 2024, 04:52:57 PM

I know sometimes mods lock threads at their own discression, especially at boards where they are a local moderator. At least when s thread gets moved there's some forum notice being posted. But for locking a topic there's nothing to signify it was a moderator action.

I just think it would be a nice courtesy if mods would just add a post before locking a topic to justify why they felt it should be locked. It's good to put this info on the record for future reference. And also ~~from what I understand, since the OP can unlock a topic locked by a mod,~~ a post by the staff member that took the action would prevent misunderstandings.

You raised a very good point and I hope I am not yet late for the party. I also read what so many people wrote here which now makes me confused about whether moderators have the right to lock and unlock a thread or not, which is against what I believed initially, and I know that many also believed that moderators have that power as well and not only the admin.

Regardless, just like what PowerGlove pointed out here, any action made by any moderate or any high ranking persons on the forum who can do what other ordinary members can't do should not just be but also the reason for the action.

This is not only to allege/sanction the users but also for such users to know and avoid it next time. Some actions could be confusing at times, so what use is it if the person redo it if he didn't know what was wrong with the initial one?

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Quote from: alani123 on May 16, 2024, 04:52:57 PM

I know sometimes mods lock threads at their own discression, especially at boards where they are a local moderator. At least when s thread gets moved there's some forum notice being posted. But for locking a topic there's nothing to signify it was a moderator action.

I just think it would be a nice courtesy if mods would just add a post before locking a topic to justify why they felt it should be locked. It's good to put this info on the record for future reference. And also ~~from what I understand, since the OP can unlock a topic locked by a mod,~~ a post by the staff member that took the action would prevent misunderstandings.

A note would be fine by me, cos how can you find out what you did that made mods lock your thread? But nevertheless, if you know the rules of the forum, so in the first place, you wouldn't had that thread locked. Although you can find out the reason from your PMs, which is enough info to know.

Otherwise, you would DM mod and ask the reason, cos that is more communicative.

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Quote from: Findingnemo on May 18, 2024, 09:31:06 AM

I have never seen any mod giving any sort of explanation for a locked thread until they have been asked here in meta.

It seems that you do not visit all sections of the forum.

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Quote from: alani123 on May 16, 2024, 04:52:57 PM

I know sometimes mods lock threads at their own discression, especially at boards where they are a local moderator.

Not at their own discretion though.... that's like saying they're responsible for adjudicating what should,and what shouldn't be posted. We've got rules already; so basically, the moderators are only there to blur out/control incessant posting.

Quote

I just think it would be a nice courtesy if mods would just add a post before locking a topic to justify why they felt it should be locked

Is this really necessary?? Ofcourse, when a post is deleted, a user gets notified through PMS for the possible reasons that happened. The same case would imply when it's locked by the MODs.

Look, you have no idea how much time and energy it takes to manually run the forum. Why not avoid tryna make their job more strenuous?

alani123

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Quote from: LoyceV on May 18, 2024, 02:50:46 AM

I don't remember any of my topics ever being locked by a Mod, but I do think you have a point: if a spam megathread is locked because it's a spam megathread, it might be good for users to see. Then again, most of them were deleted, and there's no notification for anyone other than the OP.

Maybe you didn't notice because there's absolutely no way the user gets notified. Cheesy

Bitcointalk is lacking many quality of life features that any social site should have these days. But some things could be done as moderation courtesy too.

At least deleted threads send the OP a personal message automatically.

SmartGold01

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Already if a post is being locked then op should know that is only mod or admin that can lock a post and this implies either the post doesn't meet the quality or that post has been subsequently discussed over time so when a member create a post that looks same the next is for them to get it locked without prior noticed to the op or even without making any comment to attached to their reason of locking the thread or topic. Moving a post is common especially when that post is created in the field where it's not needed, and if you are using bitcointalk telegram bot then you would get notified for the moved only if you enable notification for that particular board its being moved to.

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Quote from: alani123 on May 16, 2024, 04:52:57 PM

I know sometimes mods lock threads at their own discression, especially at boards where they are a local moderator. At least when s thread gets moved there's some forum notice being posted. But for locking a topic there's nothing to signify it was a moderator action.

I just think it would be a nice courtesy if mods would just add a post before locking a topic to justify why they felt it should be locked. It's good to put this info on the record for future reference. And also ~~from what I understand, since the OP can unlock a topic locked by a mod,~~ a post by the staff member that took the action would prevent misunderstandings.

If a mod locks a topic and the OP is not comfortable with it, it is the duty of the Op to create another post asking why their post was locked.
Moderator writing the last post before locking a thread is a nice suggestion. But moderation is best when you don't know who moderated you. A moderator making such a post before locking will expose him to everyone that he's the who locked the thread.
Since you corrected yourself, a user cannot unlock a post locked by a mod.

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Quote from: Igebotz on May 17, 2024, 05:09:35 AM

For obvious spam/low quality posts= Lock/delete without explanation.

For duplicate topics= Lock with a link to the original discussion thread.

@OP, the quote above better describes what I wanted to say.

Moderators can not just lock or delete a topic when nothing is wrong.

If a post gets deleted or lock, it is obviouse that it might have been because of the reasons that @Igebotz has given, which moderators will not really find the strength to start explaining why they want to lock a topic. It is left for the OP and other readers to figure out why the topic got locked.

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Quote from: philipma1957 on May 18, 2024, 11:17:20 AM

Yeah I would think a mod could lock and pick from a list of why the lock

1. super spam
2. threats of violence
3. other

obvious the list could be longer but the effort to pick one of 3 or 4 or 5 on the list is pretty much zero. the effort to lock is much more as the mod has to read a few or more than a few posts to decide if thread should be lock. so adding a reason from a predetermined list is not much to ask for.

Exactly what I was trying to say in my previous reply.
Instead of saying mods should start threads or topics with respect to their actions on a particular post like ( Nuking, moving or locking.) there should be a feed back message the mods should select during the process of taking their actions. Probably something like this post was nuked because of spam or this post was nuked by this mod because of suspected scam. So on and so forth.

So any one who is not satisfied with the action of the mod can be free to step up and create a reputation thread asking why his post was nuked or moved as the case may be. However from my experience on the forum, posts that are usually nuked are just too obviously off topic or scam.

Topic: Should mods make a post to justify why they locked a thread? (Read 478 times)