Closing/deleting threads

I've got doubts about the "tag" facility - probably because I do not know enough about it.

It would save everyone a lot of bother if there was a simple delete button. I did not realise until catching this thread that there was some provision for deleting a post. The delete button could disappear as soon as a subsequent post was lodged.

delete!? there is no way for a user to delete a post- imagine the havoc! even with ones own posts! The Report button is to ask the moderator to do something to the thread/post, whether that be to move it to another forum, delete, lock, or to yell "SPAM!! KILL!" It could also be to ask the mod to edit the post of objectionable content.

The tag functionality has nothing to do with it. I'm not sure why you are mentioning them. :?

I think it's just like any other application/program: there is a learning curve. You have to learn how to actually start a thread, post etc. And you have to learn how to use all the cool buttons. etc.

titanium_geek

We only delete threads in extreme circumstances - that rule has been in place since day one and it won't change. The whole idea of LQ is the community and pooling our resources. Deleting a thread allows the information it contains to be removed from general knowledge, that's why we don't delete.

As far as polling on a thread goes, you're thinking of making LQ operate along the same lines as Wikipedia? The current method is fine - if you think a thread contravenes any rules - and that includes going waaaaay off-topic - you just need to report it to a mod and we'll make a decision.

Maybe some more information in that button's tooltip would provide enough "education". Currently, "report this post" just repeats what the button label says itself.

hey, that's a good suggestion, spirit receiver!

titanium_geek

Originally Posted by XavierP As far as polling on a thread goes, you're thinking of making LQ operate along the same lines as Wikipedia? The current method is fine - if you think a thread contravenes any rules - and that includes going waaaaay off-topic - you just need to report it to a mod and we'll make a decision.

with due respect mod, if the current method was optimum this thread would not have existed.I donot use Wikipedia and therefore would not know how it operates. From what I've heard abt Wikipedia, you can edit post of even others. I am not suggesting that. What I am suggesting is to let people vote whether a thread should be closed or not (I have forgotten about move, its not so vital). Now the mods make the ultimate decision, there's no doubt abt it.

Originally Posted by jeremy Now looking at shear numbers, we do get good amount of posts reported every single day. The question is, how do we make it obvious how to report a post to bring it to a mods attention, without having people use it for replying and things of that nature (which happens already). I'm certainly open to ideas on how we can improve.

LQ is certainly open for suggestions.

prozac- in an indirect way, members do vote for thread closure- every time they "report" a thread. Multiple people can report threads. (not saying people should report many times)

titanium_geek

Absolutely TG. Also, I have seen days where there are up to 20 threads in the "Reported" queue at a time. At the moment, you report a thread, it goes to the queue and the mods for that forum read the report, check the thread and make a decision. To be perfectly honest, I can't see what added benefit a vote would give.

I think that changing the tool tip is a good idea, but the wording would need to be very tight or we'll end up with an essay. Maybe a name change on the button would be better "Contact a Mod" or something like that. I also think that a brief list of what you should and shouldn't use it for on the Report page could be useful. Assuming, of course, people will read it.

I'm open to another tooltip if someone has a succinct summation. As for members voting on mod actions and then have them automatically happen, that isn't something we plan on doing here at LQ. We have a dedicated mod team that understand the rules and knows the direction the site is currently interested in taking.

--jeremy

I fully agree that thread actions need not be democratic; it's just unnecessary if you ask me. I originally thought of a change to the tooltip, but they are soo brief and basic I thought the idea would be outright rejected; I really can't think of anything that wouldn't go against the current convention. Maybe, "Report to a mod", but even that's not much better.

Anyway, my point is that a tooltip isn't going to be a possible solution unless the conventions are made a little more lenient.

Originally Posted by jeremy if someone has a succinct summation

Maybe just a small list of possible occasions, as in
"spam, abuse, move, delete, cross-posting ..."

its already established 'EDUACATION is the KEY'. Education through tooltips is a great idea. I was just wondering, when a thread is reported does it appears as a thread (with their count) to mods or a number of threads.

After a thread is reported, the mods have a system that allows them to easily see the needed information at a quick glance.

--jeremy

At the moment, it says: "report this post" - why not "let a moderator know there is a problem" ? or something like that?

titanium_geek

Would "Report this post to a moderator" make things more clear?

--jeremy