OG thread

[Slim Jim]

I've never used it, but there is a function in the User Control Panel that seems to operate that way. It's called "friends and foes"... apparently, if you add people to the foes list, their posts will no longer be visible.

edit:
@vosnox = A badge based on length of time makes more sense to me. Having a post count threshold could incentivize excessive posting. Length of time rewards loyalty (assuming they actively use the site - could be based on last visited time).

[Pleb]

I also think that we should pretty much just remain strict in terms of what posts/users are good, and what posts/users moderators count as inappropriate or having a need for deletion/banning. The forum doesn't need to get out of hand if we don't let it!

But I do second pretty much all of these additional suggestions, and Cheeseman's idea almost could work, but it seems too elitist to have a separation in that way. Maybe if someone gains a certain amount of 'thanks', then they could have some sort of forum medal, or something along those lines..

[strop]

It depends on demographics, I say that as someone who modded on a forum with what seems to be a predominantly younger (teens) audience than this forum: certainly, having a "currency" or "hierarchy" based purely on posting was an incentive to activity but also to a degree some systematic abuse of the system (that place has indeed since switched from a currency for posts, to a "kudos for good posts" system, which is prone to cronyism, but on the plus side encourages people to get along). I don't know how apparent those "social pecking order" issues would be here. On one hand, I feel we are generally more "grown up" here, and mostly well versed in the art if getting along. On the other, I realise a) it's in some human natures to want to big up themselves and be counted, b) when released on steam, the demographics of players and forum goers MAY shift, though I kind of doubt it given the niche focus and level of attention it generally requires

Said forum I mentioned in this post did also implement a separate forum for veteran users. it was a controversial move there too as the complaint about segregation and elitism and hierarchy also came up. As far as that forum is concerned, my jury on the net benefit or deficit from that is still out.

[np1993]

I would like the option to have a filter, so that I could never see the posts from a specific person. Just click there and I would never see the person again.

That would be a interesting function, simply make the trolls 'invisible'.

[WizzyThaMan]

The only thing that makes my mind agree on this is a way when we get the LIKE button involved as Cheeseman said. I basically thought of the idea, returned here to say and saw Cheeseman already having it typed out.

This would be the only thing I agree with on getting a split:
Basically, you would need a number of likes before you get access to the other forum parts. Access as in; Able to post. They can still read everything, they just dont get access to it to post.

The other option would be indeed having more moderators to keep everyone in line.

[HighOctaneLove]

I don't like the idea of having two forums as Automation is a single community and having two forums will split it into two seperate communities with seperate identities... This dual-forum concept is a knee-jerk reaction based on a fear of change and a potential loss of privilege when there is no evidence that the community is suddenly going to turn into a pack of bastards anyway.

The solutions are simple and are already mentioned...

1. Have more moderators active; squash any bullshit before it becomes a problem and warn/ban repeat offenders
2. Implement a "like" feature to highlight better users; you need a carrot as well as a stick!
3. Be a good member of the community; the Automation forum has got to where it currently is by being open and friendly and stern on users who're clearly out to be disruptive. Take those members out of the mix and the "open" forum WILL become filled with assholes.

A little tolerance and patience will result in a better experience for everyone and after a couple of months things'll be back to normal but there'll be lots more people to share our enjoyment of Automation and car design with!

[Daffyflyer]

Yeah, this sounds like a bad idea. I think we just need to ensure that the fourms as a whole are well moderated.

We love our early supporters, but having a separate forum is just going to make everyone seem like horrible elitists I reckon.

[Killrob]

I have to agree with the notion that a separate forum would be a bad idea: neither time nor post count is a good indicator of how little asshole a person is. The upvoting feature on the other hand indeed is something that would be helpful to incentivise good behavior in general. The arrival of all the new Steam users will be interesting, most definitely we'll prepare by adding a lot of new mods and write down some clear mod guidelines too.

[supraman]

Will there be a sign up sheet for new Moderators KillRob or how will the new Mods be selected?

[WizzyThaMan]

....neither time nor post count is a good indicator of how little asshole a person is.

Yeah, we already have Jakgoe proving that! (j/k, haha, oh shizzle, by just saying that, makes me one too!)

Anyway, I agree with Killrob and Daffy here, bad idea really because of the reasons they gave, plus what HighOctaneLove posted.

[Leonardo9613]

I think you guys are right, my first answer was just fuelled by fear of losing these nice, warm, welcoming forums we have right now. Different people aren't bad, they just are different, however this shows how I perceive people in real life as well.

[Pleb]

I'm quite unpleasant in that I automatically take a dislike to new people unless I talk to them and they seem friendly, and again this is the same in real life too..

[Killrob]

All a natural thing to want to keep it the way it is and for yourselves if possible, not blaming you guys for that
But we want this to be "the same but larger, with even more awesome people around", and that doesn't come from shutting part of forums off or creating arbitrary hierarchies.

Cheers!

[Weasel]

Isn't there a discussion forum in steam for each game? I'm not sure if so many new people will join this forum.

[UltimateBMWfan]

I myself rarely use the Steam forums, I find the game forums much better, but that's just my opinion.

Just weighing in, I don't think separation is such a good idea, the forums should be free, and there should be a certain element of trust between all of us. However, I kind of like a subtle pin/logo idea, just to show that you're just a little bit special , kind of like the Gold Supporter, etc. Also works as an extension to the reputation/upvote idea.

My mentality has always been assuming people are friendly and nice until proven otherwise, and I think that's what we should do when a "boom" in new players happens.