Sean baby, given the forum's track record, not everyone is as keen as you or I to speak publicly. You and I are clearly extroverts and not shy of potential conflict but others are (very rightly so) not of the same inclinations. Thankfully every flower in a garden is different. To hear all the voices, we therefore have to provide a safe environment that suits all and their preferences.
I will summarise all the feedback (including PMs) at the weekend and share as a story to date by category.
One of my own suggestions is that we have moderators who are not committee members. The poor committee have enough to deal with and this provides a degree of impartiality / detachment. There should also be multiple moderators to not burden a single person and provide a moderators forum for discussion so that it's not just one person's judgement if it's a grey area case.
I also would like to see a flag system on moderation akin to
racing.
BLUE FLAG
Gentle reminder - for getting in the way or dominating a thread, not leaving room for others.
YELLOW FLAG
First warning from moderators that the poster is over stepping the forum rules and needs to slow down for danger ahead. E.g. Taking the thread off track and / or causing offence / bullying - however unintentional or sincere. We all have blind spots and need to be shown what we can't see for ourselves. I doubt anyone logs on and sets about to intentionally offend others. People just get passionate and forget how it is coming across.
RED FLAG
Stop! Rethink your actions/attitude to other members before posting further. Final warning, posts deleted or edited. Poster warned of upcoming ban.
BLACK FLAG (after taking the mick on a red flag)
In the same 12 months (not year):
- Banned 1st time - Not allowed to post for 2 weeks.
- Banned 2nd time - not allowed to post for 2 months
- Banned 3rd time - up to committee to decide on duration.
Depending on how serious it is then the committee can decide to ban a member until further notice on their 1st ban.
Without consequences the existing behaviours will prevail.
What we permit we promote! So I'd like to see the boundaries clearly marked and for posters to feel the rumble strips when on the edge of or overstepping forum etiquette. If they continue to ignore club etiquette then there has to be consistent and fair consequences, regardless of who the offending poster is.