|
Post by Ryan on May 11, 2007 22:12:17 GMT
I think above all else its because anyone of that low moral character would never be tolerated in here. I think I've been given the fortune to be blessed with the best staff team I could have assembled in one place - good moral standards and a 100% intolerance of any s***. That's one of the best things about this forum - the security is tighter than a duck's arsehole.
If it ever kicks off in here, the initial reaction will be to tackle it head-on and difuse any trouble before it escalates. The threat of punishment is usually the most effective tool as no-one who's spent enough time in the forum wants to lose their membership.
|
|
douglas
Main Line Engine
Posts: 2,256
|
Post by douglas on May 11, 2007 22:17:07 GMT
I reckon there's a few factors that make us one of the most mature (if not the most mature) Thomas forums on the net.
One, leadership. Not just Ryan, either; our mods/admins are likable personalities, and are role models for the rest of the forum. It's the staff's job to keep the forum firing on all cylinders, and we do just that.
Second, is our reputation. Yes, I know we've gained a rather bad rap in the eyes of "the others" because of d*cks like Peter Sam, camtaz2, tt65 etc. but, as we know, they are simply whining little drama queens who brought it upon themselves. Our members know better than to post something like "your movie sucks, i hate it and its the most rasist thing ive evr seen" or to go as far as to impersonate one of the mods. You could argue we are more feared/hated than respected by "everyone else," but in my expereince I really have not sen too much flaming or anti-SiF activity on other forums. From what I have seen, the accuser's arguments are pretty thin, and are just rants with little/in most cases no point.
Third, the atmosphere. This ties into the leadership thing, but it really is great to have personalities like Chris, Alaric, Aidan and Liz, people who will rest assured make you laugh (Alaric, FS, Ryan, etc.) give you a warm welcome (Aidan, Liz, etc.) volunteer to help get your mutlimedia studio off the ground (Chris, etc.), and just overall feel like you are welcome. And when a new member posts out of line/creates a pointless thread/ something like that, the mods (generally Ryan or Clay that I've noticed lately) are there to point them in the right direction without abuse (assuming no harsh words were said, of course.)
I'd like to hear everyone else's opinions on this as well.
|
|
|
Post by Aidan on May 11, 2007 22:19:45 GMT
I think SiF avoids problems similar to the aformentioned by having a mature membership. Some places are overrun with n00bs, but SiFis filled with considerate members.
|
|
|
Post by StarTodd on May 11, 2007 22:22:29 GMT
That's a good line to take for the most part. The staff is always a good factor. Our staff are a little...apathetic at times. Some would say "too liberal". Others would say "interntez."* Problem is, the kids that make the problem don't actually seem to give a damn if they were expelled from the forum. Liklihood, they circumvent the bans.
On this community I go to, apathy seems to rule a lot. I also notice that they push and push. Every opportunity, they invoke the "rights" of the users and freedoms, often down to semantics if they have to get their trivial excuses across.
*internetz: think a Something-Awful style culture. To them, the internet is an anonymous playground where they cna bully and harass other users. To them, the internet isn't a cultural thing as it is a videogame for spiteful sh**s and giggles.
|
|
|
Post by Ci on May 11, 2007 22:34:24 GMT
I've always called forums "popularity contests" because there are so many individuals who wish to win. As I've said to Ryan in the past, and this could very well be misconstrued, but everyone here wants to be the "number one" on our board. So we all make nice here, and treat others respectfully, and when others act up the mods are around to put members in their place. It's just "the internetz" as you call it...not real life. There's no need to create e-drama on an internet forum when you can have so much of it already in real life!
|
|
|
Post by StarTodd on May 11, 2007 22:40:09 GMT
You gots a point Ciremi, but the i-net is just basically an extension cord for distant "real lives" to pool together. And the "wants to win" mentality....you just got gold there matey. =)
|
|
Rheneas
Passenger Engine
Looks familiar, doesn't it?
Posts: 686
|
Post by Rheneas on May 11, 2007 22:56:50 GMT
I must agree; this forum is among the most peaceful I visit (though this is the only Thomas forum I visit, and it sounds like the other ones are terrible). Nearly everywhere else I go to, there is at least one person who: joins the forum specifically to cause trouble or to advertise something that has absolutely no relation to the forum, acts as a mini-mod and fights with the real boss[es], or the occasional 'zomg i no evrythign' person who doesn't know squat, and the reason I don't like these people is that they are too lazy to attempt to figure things out.
Thankfully, our forum is completely devoid of any people like that. In fact, I think that the basis of our forum (Thomas) is one of the main reasons why this is such a peaceful forum. Don't ask me why other Thomas forums are filled with rubbish, though.
Here's to a continued overall perfect atmosphere.
|
|
Rhodri
Goods Engine
You spin me right round
Posts: 407
|
Post by Rhodri on May 11, 2007 23:27:30 GMT
Like Aidan said, I think why SiF is a calm, friendly place to be is because the members are older and mature. Look at forum member Grandpuff; he's into his 30's right?
The fact the railway series and the shows go back some 60 years, there is an older fan base. People who are (mostly) reasonable and mature. Another forum I used to go to was dedicated to a show broadcasted on the US Cartoon Network. As a result, most of the fans were a lot younger. When the forum was more obscure and smaller, we had a fun time. We could have a joke and a serious discussion at the same time. But as time went by, people in their early teens started arriving and flooded the place. Because of some having poor attitudes, going there started becoming a chore. And following the Administrator moved from the US to the UK, she couldn’t get a regularly internet connection (sound familiar anyone?) and stood down. Sure, the Mods and the replacement admins did their best to control the situation, but many of the older, respectable members let the community. Tempers flared, people got banned, and the community sprit just died.
Despite the fact this is a forum about a young children's show, the older people keep it together. And the younger members still in their mid teens, they themselves are mature enough to added and contribute to the forum. And with the Redubs and audios productions, the meetings etc, it does bring us closer together as a community. That is what makes SiF fly in my opinion.
|
|
|
Post by StarTodd on May 11, 2007 23:52:55 GMT
It seems to be a case of maturity and staff intervention then.
|
|
Ronnie
Passenger Engine
I'm Great Western!
Posts: 727
|
Post by Ronnie on May 11, 2007 23:59:32 GMT
That pretty much sums it up, yeah. I think the biggest reason that SiF is (arguably) the most mature TTTE forum out there is because the staff team does not consist of a bunch of kids, with a 13 or 14 year old in the admin position. I've seen the results of this, and let me tell you, it is not pretty. Because of the high expectations that we have of our members, it's not suprising that our boards are not loaded down with off topic nonsense and constant fighting among members. Also, considering the fact that interest in TTTE at our ages is something so rare and special, it's almost impossible for us not to get along. But if a situation were to arise, we as a community know how to deal with it accordingly instead of turning it into one big brawl. That being said, I think you should implement some of SiF's guidelines into your own forum. It's worth a try, and who knows? Perhaps you'll see some positive results.
|
|
|
Post by StarTodd on May 12, 2007 1:02:31 GMT
Alright. How would you sum up SIF's "guidelines" in one post if I may ask, Ronnie?
|
|
Ronnie
Passenger Engine
I'm Great Western!
Posts: 727
|
Post by Ronnie on May 12, 2007 1:46:16 GMT
Alright. How would you sum up SIF's "guidelines" in one post if I may ask, Ronnie? I'll first say that anything that does not relate to the original thread description in any way should be deleted, as it would most likely cause further straying if it were ignored. Second, all evident problemss between members should be dealt with as soon as possible, and not in front of the rest of the forum. That way it doesn't create further tension, nor does it necessitate wasteful posts. Lastly, set rules regarding flaming and off topicness (if you haven't done so already), and make it very clear to the members that there will be zero-tolerance for that sort of behavior. Enforce warning levels, and if necessary, bannings. That's all I can think of. If anyone thinks they can add anything, feel free to do so.
|
|
|
Post by StarTodd on May 12, 2007 2:38:56 GMT
That's a sound start, Ronnie. Would any other Staff like to add to my research? PS: You are all aware that I pass these on to the good admin, right? I don't mention names or which forum we are.
|
|
|
Post by CabForward on May 12, 2007 7:56:17 GMT
I really must say, Ryan is one of the majorest points. When I was running my Zelda forum, I was very lenient - too lenient. Hell, I could hardly call myself admin, because I didn't like telling people off. Ryan doesn't, he keeps his power. Yes, sometimes he seems a bit harsh, but he does keep the peace, and all in all, he's a nice guy.
Most people don't have the abilities to be Ryan. I do go to one other forum that has a good nature, without a "Ryan", but... that's luck. =P
|
|
JimBobDunnie
Branch Line Engine
[Advertise Your Business Here]
Posts: 1,002
|
Post by JimBobDunnie on May 12, 2007 16:38:24 GMT
I'd say the forums 'size' has a factor in this too.
Most forums are like 1,543 members (well, the one I'm on is like that anyway). Seeing that Thomas fans are few compared to, say, a Football forum. Seeing that the forum has a smaller size in members it helps to keep the peace a bit more. The Football forum, however, with its 1,532 members might find it a struggle to keep them all in control. I mean, not all forums are bad. Its just if the admins and mods can be bothered enough to do a better job or theres a good structure within the mod team it could all work out.
|
|
|
Post by Ryan on May 12, 2007 17:47:15 GMT
Another forum I used to go to was dedicated to a show broadcasted on the US Cartoon Network. As a result, most of the fans were a lot younger. When the forum was more obscure and smaller, we had a fun time. We could have a joke and a serious discussion at the same time. But as time went by, people in their early teens started arriving and flooded the place. Because of some having poor attitudes, going there started becoming a chore. And following the Administrator moved from the US to the UK, she couldn’t get a regularly internet connection (sound familiar anyone?) and stood down. Sure, the Mods and the replacement admins did their best to control the situation, but many of the older, respectable members let the community. Tempers flared, people got banned, and the community sprit just died. That's actually one of the things that I'm pretty wary of. Fat Hatt said it himself back in his own heyday - " younger members do not make the better members". The general 13 to 14 ( sometimes those 15 to 16 too) are a pain in the backside to monitor as they are generally unconstructive and immature. The 14 age bracket shows improvement, but 13 year olds are the ones I'm generally more wary of. Usually by the age of 16 or 17, they've outgrown this behaviour and adjusted into reasonable posters with something constructive to say. That way it works out well for all of us; we're all pretty much on the same wave-length, and the atmosphere of the place doesn't change much if at all. So I'd say the right age range is an important factor as well in the smooth running of the forum. Compare and contrast with some of the smaller forums ( who often have a predominately younger membership) and you'll see what I mean.
|
|
|
Post by stuart7 on May 12, 2007 19:00:13 GMT
I've said it before, but SIF is a great forum. Very sociable, friendly, and, needless to say, safe. I was glad to join here and find - for once - that I was not being bullied for liking Thomas or trains in general. I agree with Aidan - this forum has a mature membership.
Stuart
|
|
|
Post by StarTodd on May 12, 2007 20:21:03 GMT
Fatt Hatt and Ryan's point about age I generally agree, except:
There are exceptions in those brackets. Also, there tend to be inversions: those who tend to seem "mature" at 13-15 turn out sometimes to be little sh*trags once they flip 17-18. Seen it happen before. One "friend" suddenly turned the ice on me, claims that she's "surrounded by idiots" nonstop and has taken on the persona of Scar from the Lion King. Laaaaaame..., as Cartman might say.
Also, quite a few "problem posters" are older than this range. Anything on them, or just refer back to the "boot up the arse" method which a)I favour and b)Ryan and staff seem to endorse?
|
|
Rhodri
Goods Engine
You spin me right round
Posts: 407
|
Post by Rhodri on May 12, 2007 23:29:33 GMT
Fatt Hatt and Ryan's point about age I generally agree, except: There are exceptions in those brackets. Also, there tend to be inversions: those who tend to seem "mature" at 13-15 turn out sometimes to be little sh*trags once they flip 17-18. Seen it happen before. One "friend" suddenly turned the ice on me, claims that she's "surrounded by idiots" nonstop and has taken on the persona of Scar from the Lion King. Laaaaaame..., as Cartman might say. Also, quite a few "problem posters" are older than this range. Anything on them, or just refer back to the "boot up the arse" method which a)I favour and b)Ryan and staff seem to endorse? I agree with Fox. The forum I mentioned (Loey was also a member) in my pervious post also had this problem. We had older members who behaved badly and younger members who got worse as they aged. Take these several examples We had a Peruvian University student as a moderator. He was quiet arrogant and got temporally banned after he left the position over a bitter row in who became the new Administrators (think of something like Peter Sam). Now he’s even worse. We also had a 17 year old (who brought a whole gang along) it turned out to be a VERY nasty customer. He was Homophobic, aggressive, bitter, racist, a far right Christian (he once called someone who accidentally got involved in a Satanic cult: scum, even through they out to get away from it) boasted how he beat people up in fights and in the advice threads, for every situation in which people asked for help about bullies, parents, school work etc, he would tell people that violence was the only way to sort it out and that more reasonable methods were for pu**ies.. Worst of all, he accused a highly respectable forum member (a good friend of Loey) of raping his friend. Once we banned him (and most of his gang), there was a great sigh of relief all round. Another example was a 14 year old, who was a general nice guy and I really respected him. After he returned following a long hiatus (in which he attempted suicide), he was a changed person. His attitude to us and life in general became very poor. During this period, he made another suicide attempt. After that, he became far worse and recently left with a bang by insulting several members, including his closest friends and Loey. That incident really shook up the place enough to realise that the community had taken a turn for the worse. Only a year before, they were at the height of their glory. Finally, we had an 18 year old girl who had severe autism (amongst other conditions, including brain damage in which she forgot most of her school education) that made her mentally retarded (not to sound offensive). She would make posts that were not linked to the subject, come up with the most absurd of ideas and would hassle the forum’s VIPs. Until we learnt of this, she was loathed by most of the community. When she placed her confidence with Loey, she told him that she wouldn’t reveal her condition openly in fear of rejection. Thankfully, Loey took the brunt of her problems by regularly talking to her and restraining her when possible. These days, she isn’t such a problem. You have to treat each situation differently. In some cases, people act poorly because of they are generally bad people. Sometimes, an event could change the way they think, and finally, they may not have control over the way they act. You may have to take serious action on people, negotiate with them or be understanding.
|
|
douglas
Main Line Engine
Posts: 2,256
|
Post by douglas on May 12, 2007 23:51:42 GMT
You have to treat each situation differently. In some cases, people act poorly because of they are generally bad people. Sometimes, an event could change the way they think, and finally, they may not have control over the way they act. You may have to take serious action on people, negotiate with them or be understanding. Well, it seems that, in the case of trustthomas65, it was his parents. As you can see by this very articulate comment he left on Assassin's (yes, Assassin from here) YouTube channel: to which Assassin had repied: And I feel that's the best way to deal with these numbnuts.
|
|