IMPORTANT MESSAGE - Please Read!

[ChrisCavalier]

Hello Everyone,

I wanted to take a moment to discuss some recent events on the forum as well as make a request. Recently, there have been a number of posts that were very negative in nature and contrary to the objectives of the forum. In fact, this morning we needed to lock a thread and suspend/ban two members for rule violations. One of the rules of the forum states:

It is expected that all posts are to be created with a sincere attempt to benefit the hobby. By participating in this forum, you agree to the responsibility of contributing to, and helping to maintain, a positive and constructive environment.

While we dislike having to ban anyone, we understand there is the overall benefit of the forum that needs to be considered and action needs to be taken when that benefit is affected.

This forum was truly created with the objective to help collectors and many people have benefited from the information that has been freely shared here. However, as in many public forums, there are many personalities and sometimes someone may forget the objective of the forum and their responsibilities when participating. It is unfortunate that the forum rules, which are intended to keep a positive environment, are not always followed.

That is where I will need to make a request that I should have made earlier. Recently, I have had some personal events come up that have prevented me from being able to monitor the boards on a regular basis. This presents a bit of a problem since, as the number of forum members increases, there appears to be a growing need to make sure the rules are followed, previously banned members don’t re-register under new names and IP addresses, and posts with a seemingly sole intent of disrupting the unity of the site are addressed immediately. Since I haven’t been able to act quickly in some of these instances, some situations have gone further than needed before being addressed. I understand that has caused some concerns among members and for that I sincerely apologize. I am at fault for not making this request earlier given my current circumstances.

At this point, I would like to see if there are members out there who would be interested in volunteering to help moderate the forum. The usage of the forum area is free, and the forum has truly helped change the hobby in a positive way for collectors. I believe everyone who has enjoyed the forum would really love for it to remain the asset it can be to collectors. In order to accomplish this objective, the forum needs a few good volunteers. While the forum has been moderated by excellent people in the past and their efforts have been tremendous, we now need fresh, new volunteers to keep that tradition going.

If you are interested in helping with the moderation of the forum, please send me an email at chris@gameuseduniverse.com and include your phone number and why you are interested in the email. I will review the emails and contact people directly to discuss the specifics.

Thank you in advance for your responses and I look forward to working together to continue making this forum a great asset to the hobby.

[allstarsplus]

Hello Everyone,

there appears to be a growing need to make sure the rules are followed, previously banned members don’t re-register under new names and IP addresses, and posts with a seemingly sole intent of disrupting the unity of the site are addressed immediately. Since I haven’t been able to act quickly in some of these instances, some situations have gone further than needed before being addressed.

Its hard to believe that the same people keep trying to get back on the Forum and get kicked off and then screw up so they get kicked off again. One guy has now been BANNED 4 times. Amazing.

Several have been BANNED 2 times.

Thoughts?

IP Addresses can be manipulated, so that isn't a full proof system. There has to be as Jeff Scott says, "A real name".

Kind of like the big auction houses do, give me 2 industry references and a credit card for the file. You can authorize the credit card but not charge it. That should solve the problem.

[dcgreg25]

Andrew, I agree setting the bar a little higher as to real identities could be helpful. I also think that some of the issues can be dealt with by locking/deleting problematic threads more quickly. If it is not allowed to escalate, it likely takes much of the fun out of it for these people who lurk just to make personal attacks and/or cause problems.

[kellsox]

Another suggestion is to either not allow OT threads (topics not relating to the GU hobby) or provide a section of the site for these conversations. There is a lot of junk to sift through to actually find a decent thread.
k

[WadeInBmore]

Chris/Mods...

Is it possible for you to list the names (screen names) of the individuals that have been banned so that we (the collectors) don't "look" for them? Glad the issues are being addressed and/or atleast being discussed. I love coming to this site and participating in the hobby. Thank you.

wade

[pietraynor]

I too would be in favor of doing away with "O/T" or off-topic threads..Jay.

[earlywynnfan]

I'm all for making a separate folder for OT threads.

Ken
earlywynnfan5@hotmail.com

[frikativ54]

What happened? I have been gone all day, so I don't know what transpired. Someone needs to write a soap opera about this forum. The drama on here is unbelievable. Luckily, I have better things to do with my day than keeping current on who has been thrown off for what offense. I keep thinking that things can't be any worse, but then something new comes up.

-Frik

[allstarsplus]

I'm all for making a separate folder for OT threads.

Ken
earlywynnfan5@hotmail.com

What happened? I have been gone all day, so I don't know what transpired. Someone needs to write a soap opera about this forum. The drama on here is unbelievable. Luckily, I have better things to do with my day than keeping current on who has been thrown off for what offense. I keep thinking that things can't be any worse, but then something new comes up.

-Frik

To write about what transpired would only add to the drama. Besides, Steve Mears said he emailed you yesterday so if you read his email, you will have the drama through Steve's perspective.

See, the drama kings/queens need to take that type of stuff off of the Forum.

[tbone90]

Boy, I'll second that motion Andrew!