Changes

[WickedEve]

Once I calmed down enough from all the negative activity we've had on the forum, I had a chance to think about some suggestions and changes. I am going to ask you all to list what you would like changed on the forum. I'd really like this to be without a lot of argument. Just a basic list and why.

As far as changes I'm ready to make? There were complaints about threads being split. Threads are not often split. But now when I split thread, I will post a link (in the first post) to the other thread. And in the title of the thread I will add that this is the new split thread. Hopefully that will clear up confusion.

If a thread is moved from the main forum to the hangout, I will PM the original poster about the move. I can also leave a temporary redirect if it's necessary.

Deleted posts and threads. Moderators do not delete posts or threads, but we can move them to a mod queue. We move spam. We are allowed to move a thread to the appropriate forum, like to GB or bdsm, for example. We can edit posts to remove personal information or remove copyrighted material. Those are just a couple of examples. It is rare for us to edit another poster's thread. We do not move to the mod queue our threads or yours because the thread is "mean." Some threads were thought to have been moved recently but they were bumped up to show that they were still part of the poetry forum. We may move a thread from the main forum to the hangout. Usually, it would be something like a chatty non-poetry thread, birthday thread, "hi, I'm new" thread, etc.

Many times I see no problem asking the moderators questions/making complaints on the forum. But use your good judgement and realize there are times when it's best to PM us first. If the PM answer you receive isn't satisfactory, then PM the owner. Of course you can always make a complaint on the forum, but sometimes things do get a bit ugly, like we've seen recently.

Again, I'd really like you tell me what changes you want and why. Let's make this a productive thread.

 

[WickedEve]

I should add that this thread is for everyone: new to the forum, been here for years, often unhappy with the forum, or never said a word.

And feel free to let us know what works for you and what you hope does not change.

 

[Angeline]

This is positive Eve and I think everything you've said is reasonable, at least to me. Sometimes we do move a thread to the mod queu at the original poster's request. That has only happened with me a handful of times, but it has. They changed their mind, they said something differently than they intended, whatever. And in those cases it has always been threads without other peoples' posts in them (just to be clear). If an original poster wants to delete a thread and there are already other people posting in it, I've always suggested they edit their posts so we don't need to move anything.

I've said it before and I will again: there is nothing nefarious or underhanded in my motives about all this. Never has been. Sometimes I do something without announcing it to the forum, but some things people don't need to know. Do people really want an announcement from a mod every time they move a spam thread? And sometimes someone asks me to move something because they're embarrassed and I'm trying to be discreet. And even in those cases if someone pm's me and asks, I'll tell them.

I'm going to unstick the suggestions thread in hopes that this one generates more positive feedback.

 

[WickedEve]

This is positive Eve and I think everything you've said is reasonable, at least to me. Sometimes we do move a thread to the mod queu at the original poster's request. That has only happened with me a handful of times, but it has. They changed their mind, they said something differently than they intended, whatever. And in those cases it has always been threads without other peoples' posts in them (just to be clear). If an original poster wants to delete a thread and there are already other people posting in it, I've always suggested they edit their posts so we don't need to move anything.

I've said it before and I will again: there is nothing nefarious or underhanded in my motives about all this. Never has been. Sometimes I do something without announcing it to the forum, but some things people don't need to know. Do people really want an announcement from a mod every time they move a spam thread? And sometimes someone asks me to move something because they're embarrassed and I'm trying to be discreet. And even in those cases if someone pm's me and asks, I'll tell them.

I'm going to unstick the suggestions thread in hopes that this one generates more positive feedback.

You are right about us not announcing everything. I know that several threads on the main forum are "cleaned" on occasion because the OP requested it. Like the 30/30 or suddenly threads and even the review thread. When a group of off-topic posts begin to clutter these poetry threads, then those posts are usually moved to the "keep the review thread clean" thread. It's something that's been done over the years. I will not PM everyone who gets a post moved and I will not announce it. It's general maintenance and most of us know that these threads and some others are stay-on-topic threads. I think if we let you know every boring detail of what we usually do, you'd beg us to stop. lol

 

[Angeline]

You are right about us not announcing everything. I know that several threads on the main forum are "cleaned" on occasion because the OP requested it. Like the 30/30 or suddenly threads and even the review thread. When a group of off-topic posts begin to clutter these poetry threads, then those posts are usually moved to the "keep the review thread clean" thread. It's something that's been done over the years. I will not PM everyone who gets a post moved and I will not announce it. It's general maintenance and most of us know that these threads and some others are stay-on-topic threads. I think if we let you know every boring detail of what we usually do, you'd beg us to stop. lol

Yeah that's my sense. Cleaning the review thread, for example, is not about moving anything of any substance about poetry or anything else. And the point has never been to censor anything or supress anyone: it's to keep the thread clean for its stated purpose. People can disbelieve that if they want, but honestly I don't know how else to explain it. You're right, it's maintenance.

That is exactly what I meant when I said people should trust us to be fair and act in the forum's best interests. Anyone who moderates a forum will quickly realize that one does need to make these decisions from time to time. And if someone has a question they can ask. I wish people would have asked about a few things over the past few months because if they had, I think they would have seen that my motives are pretty innocent. Not about other stuff always lol, but the way I try to do the mod thing here, yes.

 

[Safe_Bet]

I think stating what you both just said and putting it in a sticky thread would be a good idea. The reason I say that is if a new person, who doesn't know "better,"' comments on a 30/30 poem they won't know to go look for the comments in the Companion thread. You might even want to make a linked listing for them, like:

Hey dumb-ass. If you crapped up our 30/30 thread with your comments, you can find your ramblings in the 30/30 Companion (LINK).

Do this for all of the threads that have companion threads. (rinse and repeat....)

 

[WickedEve]

I think stating what you both just said and putting it in a sticky thread would be a good idea. The reason I say that is if a new person, who doesn't know "better,"' comments on a 30/30 poem they won't know to go look for the comments in the Companion thread. You might even want to make a linked listing for them, like:

Hey dumb-ass. If you crapped up our 30/30 thread with your comments, you can find your ramblings in the 30/30 Companion (LINK).

Do this for all of the threads that have companion threads. (rinse and repeat....)

You're right. There is a lot more work we need to do.
Many times, when someone makes an off-topic comment in the review thread, for example, I may leave it for a day or two, then move it to where it goes. This gives the person time to comment again, or see if they get a response. If the post is ignored, then I move it.
We can make another sticky about what happens where and what gets moved and links, but a lot of new people really don't read the stickies when they first arrive here. I've noticed that on most forums.

 

[Safe_Bet]

You're right. There is a lot more work we need to do.
Many times, when someone makes an off-topic comment in the review thread, for example, I may leave it for a day or two, then move it to where it goes. This gives the person time to comment again, or see if they get a response. If the post is ignored, then I move it.
We can make another sticky about what happens where and what gets moved and links, but a lot of new people really don't read the stickies when they first arrive here. I've noticed that on most forums.

Then you simply need to make a sticky that says read the stickies! Duh!

(and they say blondes are dumb! Hah! )

 

[Angeline]

Then you simply need to make a sticky that says read the stickies! Duh!

(and they say blondes are dumb! Hah! )

As you know I am not blonde! Not a blonde hair on me (a few white ones that used to be black though).

Anyway I think what we can do is get rid of the old welcome thread in the main forum, move some stuff from it and update some of the old stuff. I bet some of the links in there are no longer good. We can call the new thread "Read this first" or something to try to draw peoples' attention to it. But I agree with Eve, some people won't notice it no matter what we do. That doesn't bother me. I think people who want to stick around will get to it eventually.

You made a recommendation to me in pm about linking back and forth between the companion threads. I didn't forget, just didn't get to it yet because I've been working on the interview thing. It's a great suggestion. And I know we need a Survivor support thread in the hangout, too.

As far as updating the welcome thread, if anyone has any links to good poetry resources, sites that would be helpful, please tell us here or pm them to one of us. That would be great.

 

[WickedEve]

Anyway I think what we can do is get rid of the old welcome thread in the main forum, move some stuff from it and update some of the old stuff. I bet some of the links in there are no longer good. We can call the new thread "Read this first"

I changed the title of the thread and got rid of two sections of it that were not being updated: editor's choice poems and year-end awards. So all we need to do now is update the other sections of it.


edit: Surprisingly, out of all the resource links, only one was dead.

 

[LadynStFreknBed]

Oaky, I am blonde and I have to admit that I hardly ever read the "Read This First" threads. my bad.

As for suggested changes, anything I could suggest would create a no-win situation for the mods because people would just complain. All I can say is that I'm glad that I don't have your job.

 

[Angeline]

Oaky, I am blonde and I have to admit that I hardly ever read the "Read This First" threads. my bad.

As for suggested changes, anything I could suggest would create a no-win situation for the mods because people would just complain. All I can say is that I'm glad that I don't have your job.

I almost never read them either. Not at first for sure. There are some pretty good lnks in there though. I'm surprised only one is dead cause they haven't been changed for at least three years.

I usually like my job alot though sometimes it stresses me out. I'd have to like it because it's not like I'm getting a paycheck lol. If I weren't a moderator I'd still be here because I so value being around others who love to write poetry. For years, after college, I had no one to talk to about writing and poetry. My friends would listen to me but weren't really into it. Finding this forum was the equivalent of walking into Aladdin's cave of treasure to me. And after all these years, it's home. It's a good analogy, I think. Sometimes family members are ready to beat each other over the head, but they're still your family, so you help each other and get over it.

 

[WickedEve]

I almost never read them either. Not at first for sure. There are some pretty good lnks in there though. I'm surprised only one is dead cause they haven't been changed for at least three years.

I usually like my job alot though sometimes it stresses me out. I'd have to like it because it's not like I'm getting a paycheck lol. If I weren't a moderator I'd still be here because I so value being around others who love to write poetry. For years, after college, I had no one to talk to about writing and poetry. My friends would listen to me but weren't really into it. Finding this forum was the equivalent of walking into Aladdin's cave of treasure to me. And after all these years, it's home. It's a good analogy, I think. Sometimes family members are ready to beat each other over the head, but they're still your family, so you help each other and get over it.

I get a paycheck. You mean Laurel hasn't been paying you?




I have few people away from lit that I share my poetry with. Hugo has to read it or he'll be sorry. My mom loves all my poetry. "Oh, honey, you wrote a bdsm poem. Of course, it's none of your mother's business if you want to use a whip and wear tall boots. I just hope you don't let Hugo choke you or stick pins in you." I swear, that's what she says!

Another good thing (for me, at least) that came out of all this was several "I don't like you but you need to submit your poetry... it's good... etc." PMs. Which is what I'm working on now. I'm even working on eve's habit again, which has been offline for about 3 years now.

 

[annaswirls]

Another good thing (for me, at least) that came out of all this was several "I don't like you but you need to submit your poetry... it's good... etc." PMs. Which is what I'm working on now. I'm even working on eve's habit again, which has been offline for about 3 years now.

Congrats! I can't wait to see what you put together. Let us know where you are published, no being modest allowed.

 

[WickedEve]

Congrats! I can't wait to see what you put together. Let us know where you are published, no being modest allowed.

Don't pressure me! I'm still looking for places to submit. I can't take rejection!

Yeah, I'll be freaked out by this whole process.

 

[Safe_Bet]

My mom loves all my poetry. "Oh, honey, you wrote a bdsm poem. Of course, it's none of your mother's business if you want to use a whip and wear tall boots. I just hope you don't let Hugo choke you or stick pins in you." I swear, that's what she says!

Hey! DO NOT be "dissing" your mom! She is an intuitive, uber intellegent woman who has fantastic tastes in sexual preferences for you.

I mean look how lucky you are! How many people's moms buy them Lesbian poetry and encourage them to "forsake the pole and go with the hole"! I personally think you should listen to her more often!

 

[WickedEve]

You're on my mother's payroll, aren't you?

 

[AChild]

More poets. More games.

 

[PandoraGlitters]

Then you simply need to make a sticky that says read the stickies! Duh!

(and they say blondes are dumb! Hah! )

Title it "How Your Poems Can Get You Head" and people will read it.

 

[miss_trust]

Title it "How Your Poems Can Get You Head" and people will read it.

i'd prefer to see "How to get some good lovin' through your poetry oven"

ok, no i wouldn't - that's just a heinous crime against Lit humanity

but what about some of us who don't want head but want sex instead? any titillating titles?

 

[Maria2394]

Over the years, I think 2/14 will be 7 years here for me, I have had posts removed, or moved, just because I posted in the wrong place, and the mods saw
fit that they belonged elsewhere, it was no big deal to me. MOst of the time I never even noticed.

I am perfectly happy with the system the Mods have set up, they are intelligent, fair and quite gorgeous and not to mention their poetic ability.

Once, a while back, I was asked if I wanted to be a mod. HORRORS!!! There are a few here who would have put a spell on me or had me assassinated...joking people, ok? I Just didn't have the time and I am too easily hurt to handle the people here.

I just knew I am too emotional to handle it, and I admire the Mods we DO have for their consistent fairness and being able to befriend everyone, regardless whether the newbies like them or not.

Splitting threads won't get my panties in a wad...oh, wait, I don't wear them.

'Nuff said, I like the forum the way it is now, poetry on one part, chat on the other and I still can't figure out why it pissed so many people off. Take a chill pill, martini or doob, whatever floats your boat, and just write. Just write.

Dear MOds, thank you for calming me down when I Was in pain, thank you for helping me learn, thank you for everything. I Love you gals.

~m

 

[LadynStFreknBed]

My mom loves all my poetry. "Oh, honey, you wrote a bdsm poem. Of course, it's none of your mother's business if you want to use a whip and wear tall boots. I just hope you don't let Hugo choke you or stick pins in you." I swear, that's what she says!

omg. My mom is SO vanilla. When she had a cold sore, I told her that I had heard that you could transmit the herpes virus to someone else by oral sex if you have a cold sore. She said, "That would only happen if I kiss him down there, and I don't do that."

If she knew what I wrote, I'd get a lecture for sure.

 

[Angeline]

omg. My mom is SO vanilla. When she had a cold sore, I told her that I had heard that you could transmit the herpes virus to someone else by oral sex if you have a cold sore. She said, "That would only happen if I kiss him down there, and I don't do that."

If she knew what I wrote, I'd get a lecture for sure.

My mother is still totally freaked out that I smoked pot in college. And she didn't even know till around 15 years later when I told her. She'll still say to me occasionally "Why would you ever have done that?" And I say "Mom, there were only a few people who didn't do that in college." Lol, she doesn't get it. She has referred to me and ee as "living in sin" a few times. She loves him but thinks it's baaad that we're not officially married.

 

[WickedEve]

My mother is still totally freaked out that I smoked pot in college. And she didn't even know till around 15 years later when I told her. She'll still say to me occasionally "Why would you ever have done that?" And I say "Mom, there were only a few people who didn't do that in college." Lol, she doesn't get it. She has referred to me and ee as "living in sin" a few times. She loves him but thinks it's baaad that we're not officially married.

You are living in sin, pothead.

 

[Senna Jawa]

I'd really like you tell me what changes you want and why.

There may be a sticky thread, Morlog, where only moderators post in a telegraphic style all that boring stuff like "A post moved between threads, from nothing but poetry to nothing but bullshit, per author's request." Such a log thread would be useful to moderators and it would keep things more open. The notes can be still discrete, you'd use your judgment Such log would give participants of this board an idea of what's going on, what are proportions, etc. Most of the time most of the participants would not read Morlog but occasionally, and it would simplify things, there would be less to explain, etc.

Regards,