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| Interchange Modifications https://www.rypn.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=2077 |
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| Author: | Hume Kading [ Sun Sep 02, 2001 1:34 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Interchange Modifications |
Want to thank those who have responded to my request for inputs on the state of the Interchange, online and via e-mail. The majority opinion so far is to require registration to post. Like to make it clear the registration would be a simple, one time thing, and you could post immediately afterwards. You don't have to register each time you post. A couple of persons not in favor of option C make valid points about running people off, those who won't bother with the extra effort required to register, and also about limiting the scope of the inputs (censorship is the right word I guess). For the first point, I am keenly aware of the delicate chemistry of the Interchange. I am estimating we have between 300-400 regular visitors to RyPN, and I think most of them check in on the Interchange. In short, the Interchange is probably the chief draw of the RyPN site. So, I am hesitant to make changes in the format without careful consideration. (Part of the reason why I sought opinions from the participants.) As for the second issue, I wanted to bring attention to some things I was only recently made aware of myself. Certain people are apparently posting under pseudonyms pretty much with the intent of slamming other organizations. The names appear legitimate, but they aren't, and the messages appear legitimate also, and in fact may be factually correct, or at least partially so, and mostly meet the guidelines, but the real motivation in making the post is apparently to make somebody else look bad. Now, I am only aware of one specific instance of this happening, but suspect it happens more than I'd wish. Also been brought to my attention that people are posting under pseudonyms that incorporate other people's names, and allude to past disagreements at other organizations. So, I agree that many of the errant posts, and it's true they represent a small fraction of the total, are obvious and our regulars are certainly sophisticated enough to give them the lack of attention they deserve. But I am bothered by the more covert attacks that I wasn't even aware of. Guess it's sort of like cockroaches (don't have those up here in Seattle:), if you see one then are there more hiding in the walls? And, so what? Is an occasional insider's shot at another organization worth changing the format for everybody? Couldn't that just be dealt with like the more obvious errant posts, that is if it's brought to the moderator's attention then the post can be pulled and the appropriate parties dealt with as needed. OK, I'll stop rambling. Whatever changes may occur are at least a month off due to my schedule. However, we could try an interim period of option B, rigidly enforce the existing rules. If you don't leave a valid name and e-mail address then we just pull your post. Note, there are legitimate reasons for not wanting to post your e-mail address. So if you don't want your e-mail out there where the SPAM SPIDERS can get it (I personally think this risk is overestimated), or you want to use a pseudonym, or just your first name, fine, you can if you create a valid user profile which includes a valid e-mail address (the users profiles would be much more difficult, almost impossible, for the SPIDERS to access). Or, if you really have a legitmate reason to post totally anonymously, you get permission to do so from the moderator(s) via e-mail first. Otherwise, with no warning or consultation, anonymous posts (ones where the author is not known or can't be reached via e-mail) get pulled. This too has it's risks. Some people may get annoyed that they spent 30 minutes carefully crafting a post and then get nailed because they forgot to use their full name or e-mail address, and won't go to the trouble of re-posting. But, it doesn't require changing the settings on the software. Another quick note. There is an opportunity for a person(s) of good moral character to become an Interchange moderator. Erik and I both work during the day (as does Brian Hebert), so whatever moderating we do gets done at night, frequently hours after an errant post has been made. A good candidate might be a retiree who has lots of spare time, or maybe somebody who works 2nd or 3rd shift Regardless, as always, open to comments and suggestions. Railway Preservation News hkading@rypn.org |
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