"In Before Lock" considered harmful
Recently, there has been an "in before lock" fad at AI. Basically, when someone starts a thread that people think will get locked, people try to add a comment saying "in before lock" or something similar before the thread gets locked by a mod. I think these comments are bad for several reasons.
1.They have no content. They add nothing to the thread. All they do is add to the poster's post count and possibly his/her ego count.
2.They are an attempt to usurp the authority of the moderators. The moderators are the ones who have been vested with the authority to lock threads. An attempt to basically lock a thread by popular consent is not appropriate. If you think threads should be locked by popular vote, then suggest it in this forum.
3.Most importantly, they can derail or almost derail a nascent discussion. Often, while the topic-starter's post is perhaps lock-worthy, other posters often modify it slightly so a respectable discussion can be had. However, the IBL posts disrupt this process. One example of a derailed thead is <a href="http://forums.appleinsider.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=002472"; target="_blank">here.</a> The mod who locked the thread commented that "this thread has moved away from being about...." This was due is part to the IBL posts. An example of an almost-derailed thread can be found <a href="http://forums.appleinsider.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=002480"; target="_blank">here.</a> While early on there were many IBL posts, a good discussion developed. The attempt of several users to second-guess the mods resulted in only a bunch of useless posts.
So what should we do about it? First, if anybody has any reasons that the IBL posts are good, I'd like to hear them. I think if a concensus is reached that IBL threads are bad, and this is advertised in the text at the top of the forums page, then the practice will stop. If this does not stop it, then perhaps the Posting Guidlines should be amended.
[ 09-20-2002: Message edited by: qazII ]</p>
1.They have no content. They add nothing to the thread. All they do is add to the poster's post count and possibly his/her ego count.
2.They are an attempt to usurp the authority of the moderators. The moderators are the ones who have been vested with the authority to lock threads. An attempt to basically lock a thread by popular consent is not appropriate. If you think threads should be locked by popular vote, then suggest it in this forum.
3.Most importantly, they can derail or almost derail a nascent discussion. Often, while the topic-starter's post is perhaps lock-worthy, other posters often modify it slightly so a respectable discussion can be had. However, the IBL posts disrupt this process. One example of a derailed thead is <a href="http://forums.appleinsider.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=002472"; target="_blank">here.</a> The mod who locked the thread commented that "this thread has moved away from being about...." This was due is part to the IBL posts. An example of an almost-derailed thread can be found <a href="http://forums.appleinsider.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=002480"; target="_blank">here.</a> While early on there were many IBL posts, a good discussion developed. The attempt of several users to second-guess the mods resulted in only a bunch of useless posts.
So what should we do about it? First, if anybody has any reasons that the IBL posts are good, I'd like to hear them. I think if a concensus is reached that IBL threads are bad, and this is advertised in the text at the top of the forums page, then the practice will stop. If this does not stop it, then perhaps the Posting Guidlines should be amended.
[ 09-20-2002: Message edited by: qazII ]</p>
Comments
I'd consider going so far as deleting said posts altogether. The offender should then receive a warning via PM and/or e-mail.
These "in before the lock" posts were kind-of funny when someone only did it every once in a while. Now, it's just ridiculous and, as you said, does undermine the authority of the moderators.
[ 09-20-2002: Message edited by: Brad ]</p>
And speaking of undermining mod authoritie, i suspect that for many members it's already an unofficial sport
<strong>
And speaking of undermining mod authoritie, i suspect that for many members it's already an unofficial sport
I think "Mod baiting" is a favourite pastime for many members, not me though.
In before lo..
Brad, I'll be checking my PM shortly.
<strong>Brad, I'll be checking my PM shortly.
<strong>Hey, as long as you aren't screwing up my forums (OSX and Software), then you're okay in my book...
You're just no fun anymore. This mod baiting malarky simply isn't working. You put out your bait and wait patiently, only to have the rug pulled from beneath your feet.
<strong>And speaking of undermining mod authoritie, i suspect that for many members it's already an unofficial sport
- T.I.
<strong>*I* have always respected you, Powerdoc, even when you were still powerdoc
- T.I.</strong><hr></blockquote>
What a great sens of observation you have TI : it's impressive
Ah i remember the good time when you where a mod
<strong>
What a great sens of observation you have TI : it's impressive
Ah i remember the good time when you where a mod
b) so do I, but things sure have changed since
c) bloody 'ell, I only just posted this, and there you are, right behind me. Scary . . . :eek:
- T.I.
This thread definitely deserves some spunk. Anything to fill cyberspace.
What purpose does it serve? None.
Who does it benefit? Nobody.
Who does it make look stupid? Everyone...
Can we also introduce some rules around the area of gay Spidermen?
Authority of the moderators? <img src="graemlins/lol.gif" border="0" alt="[Laughing]" />
It might be time to change my sig? And gay spiderman stays, that's one of the funniest things on the web.
Bah, nothing succeeds like excess, AI membership should know that!
I saw a message board disintegrate the other week because it turned into a Gay Superhero fest... ugly, very ugly...
Henceforth, 'In before lock' posters are subject to a 1-day suspension of posting access.
I'm also going to fiddle with the censor filters.
in ****** lock
in ****** *** lock
In Before Lock!
<strong>Let's see if works?
In Before Lock!</strong><hr></blockquote>
edit:
Needs a little work, iThink? For this thread at least, "In Before Lock" seems to be in context. Ooops, there I went and said it two more times, errm...
I meant to edit but I replied to myself. Come to think of it, censoring the IBL would be pretty hilarious. Censor annoying terms but leave profanity in tact! Just to be different?
What's there to think about?
[ 09-21-2002: Message edited by: Matsu ]</p>