[Skybo]

Why are some (but not all) threads closed if someone "strays" into a political comment? Why are some (but not all) threads closed if people start directing comments at individuals? I accept (not necessarily agree with), but accept, the zero tolerance regarding anything that might be considered political. And I understand and accept the zero tolerance on comments aimed at a specific person. But sometimes comments are deleted or admonished, while others are left to stand. And then, sometimes entire threads are closed without any deletions or admonishments.

Perhaps one of my posts in the Ebola thread should have been deleted (comment directed at one person) or I should have been admonished...but why close down the whole thread?

I understand that Admin and the Mods have a fine line to walk while trying to keep things from spiraling out of control. But to close down an entire thread concerning a very important topic of discussion throughout this country right now? It is more than a little mind boggling.

And before anyone tells me that this a free website and I don't have the right to question the owners/admin/mods decisions...yes I know that. But it just seems so random, I don't understand it.

[sunnyatlast]

I wondered about the closing of the Ebola thread, too. The posts that went into political areas could have been removed, instead of silencing a critical topic.

I think people want some substance debated here. Posters always put comments that are thought provoking and that spur me to read more from other sources and to learn more. I don't know why that thread was a problem.

[rp001]

Originally Posted by Skybo

Why are some (but not all) threads closed if someone "strays" into a political comment? Why are some (but not all) threads closed if people start directing comments at individuals? I accept (not necessarily agree with), but accept, the zero tolerance regarding anything that might be considered political. And I understand and accept the zero tolerance on comments aimed at a specific person. But sometimes comments are deleted or admonished, while others are left to stand. And then, sometimes entire threads are closed without any deletions or admonishments.

Perhaps one of my posts in the Ebola thread should have been deleted (comment directed at one person) or I should have been admonished...but why close down the whole thread?

I understand that Admin and the Mods have a fine line to walk while trying to keep things from spiraling out of control. But to close down an entire thread concerning a very important topic of discussion throughout this country right now? It is more than a little mind boggling.

And before anyone tells me that this a free website and I don't have the right to question the owners/admin/mods decisions...yes I know that. But it just seems so random, I don't understand it.

There are some here that can say just about anything. If you follow the party line a few have embraced and are that group, then all is well. It is really obvious to me and many others I have spoken to. Oh well, such is life in a bubble.

[Skybo]

Originally Posted by rp001

There are some here that can say just about anything. If you follow the party line a few have embraced and are that group, then all is well. It is really obvious to me and many others I have spoken to. Oh well, such is life in a bubble.

I'm not sure what you mean about the "party line". If you mean political parties...I've seen posts from both sides of the political aisle that resulted in posts deleted and threads closed.

My point is that it just seems so completely random.

Some threads are allowed to go on forever, including many posts with what would be "rule infractions", some with deletions and admonishments, and some without. And then there are others (such as the Ebola thread) that are just suddenly shut down, with just a few suspect posts (mine included).

I don't get it, but I'm not buying into a conspiracy theory for or against certain posters.

It's just not at all consistent and it is irritating to see an interesting thread closed down without warning.

[Sophie11]

At what time in our history did we lose the ability to speak open and freely? No two people ever saw eye to eye on politics but thats no reason to stop. It is just another way to own the media! There is more to life than golf carts and people having sex.

[Miles42]

There are also many sites to express ones political views and engage others in a debate. Lets keep it away from here.

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by Skybo

My point is that it just seems so completely random.
Some threads are allowed to go on forever, including many posts with what would be "rule infractions", some with deletions and admonishments, and some without. And then there are others (such as the Ebola thread) that are just suddenly shut down, with just a few suspect posts (mine included).

I don't get it, but I'm not buying into a conspiracy theory for or against certain posters. It's just not at all consistent and it is irritating to see an interesting thread closed down without warning.

In the past, posts were deleted and writers were sometimes publicly admonished with a note "stay on topic" or "do not talk about other posters".
But that seems to have disappeared. Sometimes posts are deleted without any explanation. Sometimes threads are closed or just disappear.

I don't blame the Mods at all because they have to read a lot of crap and make a lot of judgment calls.
I'm sure there is much going on behind the scenes that we don't know about. And TOTV stays calmer if there is no explanation given - then there nothing to argue about.

So even tho it is random, and sometimes I'm curious .. "did I screw up here", "am I going to get sent to the principal's office", I do believe the Mods are doing the best possible job they can.

[Bonanza]

Originally Posted by Skybo

I'm not sure what you mean about the "party line". If you mean political parties...I've seen posts from both sides of the political aisle that resulted in posts deleted and threads closed.

My point is that it just seems so completely random.

Some threads are allowed to go on forever, including many posts with what would be "rule infractions", some with deletions and admonishments, and some without. And then there are others (such as the Ebola thread) that are just suddenly shut down, with just a few suspect posts (mine included).

I don't get it, but I'm not buying into a conspiracy theory for or against certain posters.

It's just not at all consistent and it is irritating to see an interesting thread closed down without warning.

Originally Posted by Barefoot

In the past, posts were deleted and writers were sometimes publicly admonished with a note "stay on topic" or "do not talk about other posters".
But that seems to have disappeared. Sometimes posts are deleted without any explanation. Sometimes threads are closed or just disappear.

I don't blame the Mods at all because they have to read a lot of crap and make a lot of judgment calls.
I'm sure there is much going on behind the scenes that we don't know about. And TOTV stays calmer if there is no explanation given - then there nothing to argue about.

So even tho it is random, and sometimes I'm curious .. "did I screw up here", "am I going to get sent to the principal's office", I do believe the Mods are doing the best possible job they can.

I think threads which are suddenly closed, juvenile. I say, "let the chips fall where they may."

I have had a number of posts deleted, and yet the post to which I am replying stays right there. It makes one assume they aren't seeing the whole picture and makes no sense at all.

If the mods have to read a lot of crap, they do it because they have to, since they are the ones who make the rules. However, I am not a believer thay read everything. And yes -- I do believe there are favorites whose threads and posts go on forever blabbing nothingness and whose posts are directed at someone in particular. How do I know? I have been the victim a number of times.

[kittygilchrist]

I am mostly relieved when threads are closed.
Maybe 1% disagreement.
Sometimes I get the last word. That's cool.

[blueash]

Originally Posted by kittygilchrist

i am mostly relieved when threads are closed.
Maybe 1% disagreement.
Sometimes i get the last word. That's cool.

thread closed

[TOTV Team]

Skybo - this is a fair question to ask but no one on the site can answer it for you. If there is a question regarding moderation/administration anyone is welcome to send us a PM or Email and we are happy to discuss.

Where to start in response.....

First there are hundreds of posts every day that a number of moderators/administrators attempt to review. We try to stay as close to the published site guidelines as possible but sometimes there are grey areas. Sometimes a thread has been responded to so many times with guideline violations that it would not be practical to 'prune' the thread so the entire thread is closed. We don't typically offer explanation because we have found that no matter how we explain the moderation someone wants to argue the point and there isn't enough time in the day for that. Do we always get it right - no way, we are human and make mistakes. We apologize in advance for when we do and our goal is an attempt to keep the site a positive civil place for discussions.

In almost 99% of the time moderation is done due to a comment being directed at another user, an inflammatory post, or a political post. We outline in detail in the site guidelines what is being moderated.

We don't moderate opinions, or manners, or the content of the post. We don't always agree with someone's post or comments but if it doesn't violate the site guidelines then we let it stand.

It is all a manual human process and we appreciate everyone's patience, understanding, and support of the process.

[karostay]

censorship is alive and well on TOV

[Polar Bear]

Originally Posted by Admin

...Where to start in response.....

First there are hundreds of posts every day that a number of moderators/administrators attempt to review. We try to stay as close to the published site guidelines as possible but sometimes there are grey areas. Sometimes a thread has been responded to so many times with guideline violations that it would not be practical to 'prune' the thread so the entire thread is closed. We don't typically offer explanation because we have found that no matter how we explain the moderation someone wants to argue the point and there isn't enough time in the day for that. Do we always get it right - no way, we are human and make mistakes. We apologize in advance for when we do and our goal is an attempt to keep the site a positive civil place for discussions.

In almost 99% of the time moderation is done due to a comment being directed at another user, an inflammatory post, or a political post. We outline in detail in the site guidelines what is being moderated.

We don't moderate opinions, or manners, or the content of the post. We don't always agree with someone's post or comments but if it doesn't violate the site guidelines then we let it stand.

It is all a manual human process and we appreciate everyone's patience, understanding, and support of the process.

Very well explained IMHO. I think the mods handle this almost impossible task very well.

And if you consider the task 'pleasing everybody', then it IS impossible.

[The Buckeyes]

Originally Posted by Miles42

There are also many sites to express ones political views and engage others in a debate. Lets keep it away from here.

Is there a political site specific to the villages as is this one?

[eweissenbach]

There used to be an "opt in" political forum on TOTV. During the last election cycle the mods were kept so busy monitoring it in an effort to keep it somewhat civil that a decision was made to close the forum. I participated in the opt in, and found it interesting and always entertaining, but it did get very contentious and no minds were ever changed IMO.