SECtalk Rules and Open Discussion

[Jordan]

I posted this earlier in a closed thread in the Trash Talk forum, but am now posting it here for discussion. Yes there are "trash talk" forums here, but there's still RULES (Click Link (http://www.sectalk.com/boards/announcement.php?f=32)) here at the site. Some of the ones everyone might find beneficial are listed below:

No flaming or trolling - Be respectful of other posters and please keep discussions tasteful. If you want to yell at someone do it in private (PM) please.
No personal attacks. Admins have the right to decide what is and what isn't a personal attack.
No use of profanity or vulgarities
ZERO TOLERANCE: Any use of the "F" word. This includes all variations and spellings.
ZERO TOLERANCE: Making troll posts.

Please follow the forum rules, or we will have to start being more strict around here. The profanity is getting pretty bad lately, even though it is addressed in the forum rules. This includes variations of words, and masking using *#@ etc characters... plus, masking one character doesn't do too much for anything. That's basically like saying, "I know I'm not supposed to post words like this, but this is my loophole to do it anyway."

So please try to follow forum rules so we don't have to tighten up very much. It's okay to have fun, just do it tastefully and respectfully. Everyone here is mature enough to treat others with respect, so I don't understand why it has become such a problem lately.

----------------------------------

Now, please provide any of your thoughts/comments about life here at SECtalk, the forum rules, moderators, admins, suggestions, or whatever else you might feel like sharing with us. We really want this to be a good forum for intelligent sportstalk, and always value any input from our members.

Feel free to say whatever you want (in this thread) that you would like to share with us. Even if you are bashing myself, other admins/mods, or what have you... please let us know what your thoughts are about SECtalk.

Mods/Admins, please leave this thread open for now regardless of what members post in it.

[ScreamingTiger]

sorry, I saw this after I posted in the "Sugar Smack" forum.

I'd say try to lighten up a little. I don't see how you expect rival sports fans to pretend they are talking in church all the time. If your goal is to make this a boring board that has no personality, I'd say your well on your way. This used to be a fun place to hang...not so much any more.

What's up with the tired, old, boring, smilies here anyways ----->

[Cianne]

It's Chris' board and Chris' rules. That's what he wants.

[rebeldude]

sorry, I saw this after I posted in the "Sugar Smack" forum.

I'd say try to lighten up a little. I don't see how you expect rival sports fans to pretend they are talking in church all the time. If your goal is to make this a boring board that has no personality, I'd say your well on your way. This used to be a fun place to hang...not so much any more.

What's up with the tired, old, boring, smilies here anyways ----->

Dang ST, I think your breaking one of the rules now. (Your new sig) :D

[rebeldude]

It's Chris' board and Chris' rules. That's what he wants.

That's not too hard to understand is it?

[AUTiger94]

Honestly, I have no problem w/ the rules. I have a ******** problem. But I only ******* if I'm ********at first. I will try to get a ********* handle on it though. :D

[rebeldude]

Honestly, I have no problem w/ the rules. I have a ******** problem. But I only ******* if I'm ********at first. I will try to get a ********* handle on it though. :D

Now your thinking :D

[crimsonnation713]

I posted this earlier in a closed thread in the Trash Talk forum, but am now posting it here for discussion. Yes there are "trash talk" forums here, but there's still RULES (Click Link (http://www.sectalk.com/boards/announcement.php?f=32)) here at the site. Some of the ones everyone might find beneficial are listed below:

No flaming or trolling - Be respectful of other posters and please keep discussions tasteful. If you want to yell at someone do it in private (PM) please.
No personal attacks. Admins have the right to decide what is and what isn't a personal attack.
No use of profanity or vulgarities
ZERO TOLERANCE: Any use of the "F" word. This includes all variations and spellings.
ZERO TOLERANCE: Making troll posts.

Please follow the forum rules, or we will have to start being more strict around here. The profanity is getting pretty bad lately, even though it is addressed in the forum rules. This includes variations of words, and masking using *#@ etc characters... plus, masking one character doesn't do too much for anything. That's basically like saying, "I know I'm not supposed to post words like this, but this is my loophole to do it anyway."

So please try to follow forum rules so we don't have to tighten up very much. It's okay to have fun, just do it tastefully and respectfully. Everyone here is mature enough to treat others with respect, so I don't understand why it has become such a problem lately.

----------------------------------

Now, please provide any of your thoughts/comments about life here at SECtalk, the forum rules, moderators, admins, suggestions, or whatever else you might feel like sharing with us. We really want this to be a good forum for intelligent sportstalk, and always value any input from our members.

Feel free to say whatever you want (in this thread) that you would like to share with us. Even if you are bashing myself, other admins/mods, or what have you... please let us know what your thoughts are about SECtalk.

Mods/Admins, please leave this thread open for now regardless of what members post in it.




not be able to use !@#$ is getting a little much isnt it?

[Bulldog Bry]

New guy here. What's trolling?

[AUTiger94]

New guy here. What's trolling?
Yeah what the**************** is that? I'm new here too.

[uscrebel]

New guy here. What's trolling?

What most of us do, most of the time.
:cool:

[AUTiger94]

What most of us do, most of the time.
:cool:
Is that posting a thread just to ******* w/ people and ******* them off?

[scunyon]

usually most of the members here are good people (98%), but there are always going to be a few that screw it up for everybody; however, I don't think that they are doing anything to intentionally undermine and belittle anyone else here. There was a thread that has been pulled because it went south in a hurry and I can understand and appreciate that because it was way off track. I can alos understand your point about the profanity because there are some younger members/visitors that stop by and we don't to appear to be on the same intellectual level of, say, Simon Cowell or Randy Jackson :p

But at the same time, you have to give people a little room. If they are really messing up that badly, they'll be banned sooner or later anyway.

So, as they say in Jamaica, "Hey mon, no worries!" :)

[Bulldog Bry]

trolling. you guys gonna answer my question or not? I seriously don't know.

Oh, and my two cents. I don't post on them, but I do read the posts that usually finish with "my daddy can beat up your daddy". Those are actually comical to me. There is no ONE dominant team in the SEC, it's what makes the conference great. So to hear the Bama an Auburn folks go at it is good fodder as long as it's not insulting. Cursing doesn't bother me, but you have to understand, not everyone cares for that. It's possible to make a point without saying a four letter word. Unless, of course, you're describing the Big Ten.
I actually appreciate having those rules posted, I couldn't find them for the longest time.

Now if someone can just tell me what trolling is.............

[fernandomike]

trolling. you guys gonna answer my question or not? I seriously don't know.

Oh, and my two cents. I don't post on them, but I do read the posts that usually finish with "my daddy can beat up your daddy". Those are actually comical to me. There is no ONE dominant team in the SEC, it's what makes the conference great. So to hear the Bama an Auburn folks go at it is good fodder as long as it's not insulting. Cursing doesn't bother me, but you have to understand, not everyone cares for that. It's possible to make a point without saying a four letter word. Unless, of course, you're describing the Big Ten.
I actually appreciate having those rules posted, I couldn't find them for the longest time.

Now if someone can just tell me what trolling is.............

I believe that trolls are people who just show up on the board solely for the purpose of aggravating rival fans, making comments just to get under people's skin. Typically the person joins, then talks a bunch of smack from forum to forum, gets everyone riled up, then leaves after a few days. That's my definition of trolling.

[GeauxTo]

Is that posting a thread just to ******* w/ people and ******* them off?
Okay, I took a course in ******* and I read it and write it fluently; so, be careful what you say, do you ******* understand!
:D

[cocky4ever]

I can understand having zero tolerance for some words, but words that you can hear in church like the the D-word and HE double hockey sticks. See...did you see what I just had to do to avoid saying a word that any 10 year old can go to church and hear? Not to mention there are far worse things said on tvs in homes all across the country. I can understand if someone is making a post that is filled with profanities and is offering nothing of substance to the conversation. That would fall under trolling though. The personal attacks usually come from the trolls too. I think if you basically keep this site free of trolls(which you guys have done a great job of doing) then most of the other stuff with take care of itself. I dont want to see the restrictions get too crazy though.

[GeauxTo]

We could sort of graduate it...

If you have 1,000+ posts, you can say D and H all you want to.
If you have 2,000+ posts, you can also include $$ in place of the obvious S.
If you have 3,000+ posts, you can also include @#% (include@#%)&* at anytime.
If you have 4,000+ posts, you can say any ***** thing you want to, any ***** time you want to, to any ***** body that you want to.
:D

[GAMECOCK_FAN]

trolling. you guys gonna answer my question or not? I seriously don't know.
Trolling? That's when you go to the lake, get in your boat, toss out your line, and motor along in your boat hoping a big 'ol fish strikes your bait. :D

Actually, fernandomike and cocky4ever hit the nail on the head as far as what trolling is.

[uscrebel]

trolling. you guys gonna answer my question or not? I seriously don't know.

Oh, and my two cents. I don't post on them, but I do read the posts that usually finish with "my daddy can beat up your daddy". Those are actually comical to me. There is no ONE dominant team in the SEC, it's what makes the conference great. So to hear the Bama an Auburn folks go at it is good fodder as long as it's not insulting. Cursing doesn't bother me, but you have to understand, not everyone cares for that. It's possible to make a point without saying a four letter word. Unless, of course, you're describing the Big Ten.
I actually appreciate having those rules posted, I couldn't find them for the longest time.

Now if someone can just tell me what trolling is.............


..........
http://www.wrrx.com/images/DarryltStevens/trollingforhate.jpg

[GeauxTo]

[/B][/COLOR]

..........


http://www.wrrx.com/images/DarryltStevens/trollingforhate.jpg

Outstanding, my man! Outstanding!
:)

[crimsonnation713]

I can understand having zero tolerance for some words, but words that you can hear in church like the the D-word and HE double hockey sticks. See...did you see what I just had to do to avoid saying a word that any 10 year old can go to church and hear? Not to mention there are far worse things said on tvs in homes all across the country. I can understand if someone is making a post that is filled with profanities and is offering nothing of substance to the conversation. That would fall under trolling though. The personal attacks usually come from the trolls too. I think if you basically keep this site free of trolls(which you guys have done a great job of doing) then most of the other stuff with take care of itself. I dont want to see the restrictions get too crazy though.



ewwwwwwwwww....you said the "D" word and he double toothpicks...Im tellinnnnnnnnnnnnn

[Jordan]

Just want to clear up a few things that I've noticed from your comments....

We've always been fairly lenient with the "light" use of profanity in a post every now and then, with the exception of the "F word" which Chris (the site owner) is pretty strict about. I personally don't have a problem with profanity, and do use it myself if I know the person I'm talking to doesn't mind. But that doesn't mean I'm going to print a sign with it on there and post it on a public wall, which is basically what happens with a web forum.

There have been comments saying that a person will even hear this word or that word in church, and I won't fail to acknowledge that. First, it obvsiously depends on what context it is used in. Also, a preacher does it generally if he's reading a quote, or if it's really needed to make a point hit home with the congregation. It's always in sparing use, and I guarantee you that you don't hear it every single week at church.

Why do I think profanity has gotten worse on here? First, it's gotten to the point that it is very very far from being sparing use. It's also often not being used to drive a point home, but rather aimed directly toward another member of the site. That is just downright disrespectful in my opinion, and it doesn't help site recruitment out at all. To a new member, if they read through the boards and 1 of every 3 or so threads turns into a bashing, do you think this new member will feel good about starting a thread of their own?

I've told some of the biggest SEC sports fans I know about the site, and had them come check it out. A few of them read through it every now and then, but don't feel like actively participating in the discussions. Others have told me that they didn't think it was a good site for real sports discussion, and that it just seems like a bunch of immature kids just hang out there arguing about everything that is posted. By the slowing membership numbers in recent months, I'd say they're likely not the only ones that feel this way.

As for my statements about the masking of cuss words, I don't mean that you're going to be banned for typing "@3***%##@". I am referring to the many posts in lots of threads lately that have a lot of profanity, masking just one or two characters. That doesn't hide anything. That's like a kid telling their mom "I just called her a 'bench', I promise mom." It doesn't fool anyone, and is no different than going ahead and posting the remaining character that was masked out.

I'm not saying that we're going to become tyrants around here, but I'm just asking that everyone try to tone it down a notch. If you look at my past here, you'll find that I've closed very few threads and deleted very few posts. You could probably count the total on your hands. There have been very few people banned from SECtalk, and those that were basically asked for it after multiple warnings and "second chances" from administrators and even Chris himself.

Anyhow.... carry on with the discussion!

[Bulldog Bry]

Ok, thanks, Jordan, Fernando, Cocky, everybody. 'preciate it.

Now let me preface this next question with this statement. I've never really been on a message board (that I didn't already know the others) before this one. So how is flaming different from trolling? Better yet, can someone point me to a "Message Board" dictionary or encyclopedia or SOMETHING where I can learn what the h-e-double hockey sticks all these expressions and acronyms mean? Then I won't keep popping up here asking questions. I can spend my time on other threads and start using REAL cuss words in my post like "Gat*r" and "V*l*nteer"

(ok, yeah, that's flaming, right?)

[autiger1126]

I don't think the lighter curse words are that big of a deal, but if you feel that it doesn't attract new members, then why don't you edit people's posts that use the words you don't like in the normal forums, and lock the trashtalk forum so only members can see it. This way outsiders won't get a chance to see the bad things.

[Cianne]

I don't think the lighter curse words are that big of a deal, but if you feel that it doesn't attract new members, then why don't you edit people's posts that use the words you don't like in the normal forums, and lock the trashtalk forum so only members can see it. This way outsiders won't get a chance to see the bad things.

That's far too much work for someone that does not get paid to do this. Not to mention some people will still get uppity about having their posts edited.

[ScreamingTiger]

My God, if you don't want cussing on your board, you can easily ban certain words and put something of your choice in it's place automatically. No need to even moderate language. Quit ***** footin around ******* and complaining everytime you see four letter word. Make a decisoin and stand by it.

[Cianne]

It's in the rules, yet you voluntarily break the rules. Is that the moderator's fault that you are unable to follow them?

Maybe Chris should put in some sort of auto-filter to take care of the incompetent people who are just unable to restrain themselves from using profanity, but that does not solve the problem of using various symbols to substitute for the various letters in words.

[ScreamingTiger]

I'm sure over half the people that view these boards don't read the rules anyways. You didn't answer the question: If it's that big of a deal, then why not moderate language automatically through the Vbulletin control panel?

[GAMECOCK_FAN]

My opinion.......the owner (Chris) and the admins have published and stated the rules that they expect members to abide by. They should not have to, nor be expected to insert, edit, delete, etc., any words that fall outside of the rules they've published. It is the responsibility of the members of this board to adhere to the rules. Follow the rules, and all is well. Disregard the rules, and whatever happens to you, is your own fault. If I remember correctly, when each of us signed up, we agreed to follow the rules for this site. If members do not want to go by the rules, then there are other boards that allow the cursing, trolling, etc., and that is where they can take their little.... :cool:

[Cianne]

When has ignorance of the rules ever been a legitimate excuse?

[ScreamingTiger]

It takes all of 5 minutes to create a list of banned words for your entire site. Done. Forget about it.

[blues_cap]

not a bad idea actually. where the curse word would be, there could just be "banned" written which still provides the full effect of cursing in the first place and people who are offended do not have to read a curse word.

[Jay Bee]

It takes all of 5 minutes to create a list of banned words for your entire site. Done. Forget about it.
I have a guestbook on a site I do for my brother who owns a bar. The guestbook allows me to put in substitute words or phrases for cursing. Cracks me up when someone puts in a bad word only to have it come out making them sound even more idiotic than they intended..

WDE!
jb

[Cianne]

It takes all of 5 minutes to create a list of banned words for your entire site. Done. Forget about it.

If you can't comply, see ya.

[ScreamingTiger]

real open discussion you got going on here Cianne. Someone makes a suggestion on how to solve the problem and you tell em to leave.

[Cianne]

No problem. Your suggestion is not a fix but a way to skirt the truth on a limited basis. It does not address the issue of using symbols in place of letters which is more prevalent than the actual use of vulgarity.

Besides, it is very simple to just not do it. Why you need some computer moderated software to quell your own inability to type with reason is beyond me.

This is a free board that Chris runs out of pocket. The least you can do, outside of whining for a vBulletin mod so you can type out four letter words to your heart's content, for using it is to show him the respect he deserves by following the rules he has in place. You couldn't even do that when it is placed in boldprint on the first post.

[ScreamingTiger]

It's a better solution than you coming on here complaining about the rules that nobody reads every few months to all the new users. It's really not that complicated. It's not even an add on. You don't even know what I'm talking about so why don't you just defer and keep your mouth shut

[AUTiger94]

real open discussion you got going on here Cianne. Someone makes a suggestion on how to solve the problem and you tell em to leave.
It coulda been worse. You could have been called a waste of skin and fluids, eh Cianne? :D

[dudeman0501]

It's a better solution than you coming on here complaining about the rules that nobody reads every few months to all the new users. It's really not that complicated. It's not even an add on. You don't even know what I'm talking about so why don't you just defer and keep your mouth shut

You have absolutely no room to talk about complaining. Just look at your posts, especially in this thread.

Also, ignorance of the law is no excuse. You agreed to abide by the rules when you joined, and you will, or a banning will follow.

I agree with Cianne. If you can't control your urge to use dirty language long enough to post a message, then you probably shouldn't be here in the first place. You don't need a computer to do the thinking for you.

And lastly (and ironically), watch the language. I've already edited two of your posts.

[uscrebel]

One of the reasons that I come back to SECTALK is that it is a largely civil place. Even when the Colonel or I run amuck, it is mostly out out boredom, not because we are engaged in a profanity-laced wienie comparison contest. Those who have wandered through wishing to throw down and pester generally leave relatively quickly because of the nature of the group here.

Clearly there have been times when members and mods have gone overboard, but that is a distinct reflection of how accurately SECTALK models real life.

Do I have to "think" sometimes before I post because I might say an offensive word? He[[ yes...oops....sorry. The fact is that I often have to think about what I say. There are places that I might use the eff-word and other places where it might be inappropriate. Occasionally, it just slips out. (I have a particularly poignant story about talking with my mother on a visit just before her death. She asked why my flight was late. I was tired and frustrated and absentmindedly said, "Geeze, Momma. It's the airlines, they're always F**king up something." She very gently replied to me, "Well, they sure F**ked up your good mood now, didn't they?" The only time ever heard her cuss.)

I think we need to have this discussion every once and a while to remind ourselves that not everyone finds the same things funny or the same things sacred. I know that we gather here under the loose banner of SEC Fans, but there are larger things afoot. Our archives might serve as a reader for an class in contemporary issues or a catalog of gags and jokes.

Finally, I think it is important that the ground rules be reasserted on occasion. I am positive that we will drift away from them, but at some point we will reassert them. While I hope that some members will develop a bit thicker skin when it comes to these issues, I also hope that the others of us will remain sensitive to what makes others uncomfortable.

[ScreamingTiger]

"dudeman" you are most definitely the worst moderator here and I'm sure most would agree. Your such a tool. Get over yourself already.

[AUTiger94]

"dudeman" you are most definitely the worst moderator here and I'm sure most would agree. Your such a real tool. Get over yourself already.

Come on! This is a real tool
http://www.qsradio.com/Regular%20Crimp%20Tool.jpg

[uscrebel]

It coulda been worse. You could have been called a waste of skin and fluids, eh Cianne? :D

That would be "skin and VITAL fluids." Try not to shortcut my elegant prose.
;)

[GatorNation]

My opinion.......the owner (Chris) and the admins have published and stated the rules that they expect members to abide by. They should not have to, nor be expected to insert, edit, delete, etc., any words that fall outside of the rules they've published. It is the responsibility of the members of this board to adhere to the rules. Follow the rules, and all is well. Disregard the rules, and whatever happens to you, is your own fault. If I remember correctly, when each of us signed up, we agreed to follow the rules for this site. If members do not want to go by the rules, then there are other boards that allow the cursing, trolling, etc., and that is where they can take their little.... :cool:
I used to do that because I figured most people forget the rules and get carried away, but the levels of expletives have grown large enough that I simply don't have enough to time to police each thread for language issues. If you type in "s---" in the "search thread" field, quite a few threads pop up in the search. It's just a very tedious process....not to mention that you have to edit posts that have quoted other posts with expletives.

Now, I'll check a few threads when I log on--usually ones with the most recent/hot activity--and make changes as needed, but I'll mostly just edit those things as I encounter them.

[Jordan]

Thank you to those of you who are giving helpful feedback on the site.

To help answer a few of the questions I've seen popping up, I'd like to direct everyone to read a post Chris made a while back in a similar thread.
Click Here To View The Post (http://www.sectalk.com/boards/showpost.php?p=108955&postcount=205)

Chris (and myself too) have never felt the need to use a language filter, as that just promotes people to type foul language all day long and we'll see "bleeped out" text all over the screen. Chris made a good statement about foul language in point #3 of the post I linked to above, which pretty much sums it all up.

And as he said in that post, the rules are here to stay like them or not. It's not hard to have a conversation without foul language, flaming, etc.

A lot of the time none of this is even a problem anyhow, but it has gotten worse lately so I just wanted to have this open discussion about the site and the rules.... to be sure that everyone understands the level of respect that we expect to see everyone use when posting to the forums.

[ScreamingTiger]

what's the point of having a discussion if you don't care what is said and your set on not making any changes?

[cocky4ever]

I like the site, and it has the potential to grow over time. However, you gotta take things into consideration.

Look at the size of this site. Now go look at the size of other sites that allow cussing,flaming,trolling,etc. There are MANY sites that have hardly any rules and are considerably larger than this one. Perhaps there are some people(judging from the size of other sites I'd say a lot) that dont want any rules. Im not saying that there shouldnt be any rules. Im just saying that if you are trying to grow a site too many rules can be just as bad as too few rules enforced. It doesnt seem very logical to say that you are trying to grow a site, and then when offered feedback say "well if you dont like it then leave". That is gonna hurt the site. We have already lost members from this site because of that. You dont want anarchy on the threads but at the same time you dont want people to feel too restricted about what they can put. Dont get me wrong, I enjoy the site....just offering some more feedback.

[Cianne]

You're right cocky but it's not a lot to ask people to not use profanity. In fact, it's quite simple. The rules on this board are more about using common sense then actual rules. In fact, it's pretty much the Golden Rule spread out over five rules.

[Foxman]

I like the site, and it has the potential to grow over time. However, you gotta take things into consideration.

Look at the size of this site. Now go look at the size of other sites that allow cussing,flaming,trolling,etc. There are MANY sites that have hardly any rules and are considerably larger than this one. Perhaps there are some people(judging from the size of other sites I'd say a lot) that dont want any rules. Im not saying that there shouldnt be any rules. Im just saying that if you are trying to grow a site too many rules can be just as bad as too few rules enforced. It doesnt seem very logical to say that you are trying to grow a site, and then when offered feedback say "well if you dont like it then leave". That is gonna hurt the site. We have already lost members from this site because of that. You dont want anarchy on the threads but at the same time you dont want people to feel too restricted about what they can put. Dont get me wrong, I enjoy the site....just offering some more feedback.

Somebody once said "quality over quantity", and I think it holds true for almost everything. As much as I would like 5,10,50K+ members, sometimes I think, would everyone be as contributing as people like Geaux and Nando? Ya, if you got rid of rules, your member population would grow, but so would your flamer/troller population.

I guess what I'm saying is; Rules act as filters for joining members. It blocks out all the jerks and flamers, and keeps everyone who can contribute. I like Chris's philosophy: If you don't like the rules, deal with it or leave. Its his site, his money, his rules, and if you don't respect that, sucks for you. See ya.

And by the way, this is my favorite site. Keep it up, Chris.

[ScreamingTiger]

eh...i used to like posting here but it's got a little too preachy in here the past few months. I enjoy and respect the opinions of several of the members here but IMO the rules are just too restrictive and there's way too much moderating going on here to have any fun with it. I've found several other "Big Boy" SEC boards that are no where near as restrictive so you'll be seeing less and less of me here....bammers say YEAH!

If your that into kissin each others (_!_)'s ...have at it.

[Jordan]

what's the point of having a discussion if you don't care what is said and your set on not making any changes?
Good question. As I stated in my last post, the main point of this thread is to make sure everyone understands what is expected of them in terms of posting on the forums, address any questions you have about the rules, etc.

And nobody said we aren't willing to change anything, just that nothing will change regarding foul language, flaming, etc. Those are the wishes of Chris for all of his sites, so we're going to honor them here as well. But in all honesty, is it really that big of a deal to not do those few things? How do those things add any practical value to the content of a website?

If there are legitimate concerns/suggestions for anything else around the site, we'll be glad to take them into consideration. That's another thing we hope to get out of threads like this... suggestions for things we can do (other than the above-mentioned items) to make this site a better place for all of you.

...IMO the rules are just too restrictive and there's way too much moderating going on here to have any fun with it.
Other than profanity, what rules do we have that you feel are actually restrictive enough to take away from the value of the content that can be posted here?

Also, where is all of this over-moderating coming from? I personally rarely edit/delete posts or close threads, at most I generally will pop into a thread if it's getting bad and ask that it's toned down a little. There's regular (non-staff) members that even offer that suggestion in threads at times. If there's ever any of the staff you feel is actually abusing their power on the boards, please feel free to take it up privately with any of the admins. If it's one of us, then take it up privately with Chris. But if you do, please provide examples (and links if possible) to help us see what is going on.

[AUTiger94]

eh...i used to like posting here but it's got a little too preachy in here the past few months. I enjoy and respect the opinions of several of the members here but IMO the rules are just too restrictive and there's way too much moderating going on here to have any fun with it. I've found several other "Big Boy" SEC boards that are no where near as restrictive so you'll be seeing less and less of me here....bammers say YEAH!

If your that into kissin each others (_!_)'s ...have at it.


Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Come on Screamer! I've lost it on here a couple of times as have some of the Turders but now you are just being a big freakin Baby and you are making us look bad. :mad:

[Cianne]

Not cussing is a really complex thing to do and is too restrictive for most people, especially when an Einstein invented the backspace key on the keyboard, not to mention the vBulletin edit button.

[VOLjlt]

Geez, I don't know what the problem is with using a little restraint when you reply to a message. Many times I have come on here and been somewhat heated about a response to something I said or someone else said regarding something I love about my school (which a lot of you slam quite often, but I'm used to it) but good grief, I can get by without having to cuss. Requires a little thought and consideration and.....hello, following the rules. Just like everyday rules where you work or go to school...not that hard to do...duh! Try giving it some thought before you go off half-cocked and wanting to cuss....when you think about it a second, there are better ways of getting your point across without cuss words and it makes you sound much more intellectual and mature.

[uscrebel]

The difference between SECTALK and some of the larger boards is its tendency to be self-reflective. This is not the first time that a thread has emerged to discuss what we do and how we do it. Obviously, this is a result of the kinds of people who gather here. I have discussed it with my wife a couple of times and here are some of my additional observations.

Size. The fact is that the two boards that use most are this one and Rebel Faithful. The bigger boards shift and change so often that it is hard get involved. Given the choice between a huge party and a smaller one with my best friends, I always choose the smaller one. This is no different for me.

Persona. SECTALK has, in fact, developed an interesting persona. It is a bit older and a tad more tolerant of critical analysis. Even our homers (you know who you are) seem to be capable of intelligent commentary about rival teams. We seem a bit older in general, when compared to other boards, and even our youngsters (DJ, Orlando, JB, etc.) seem to think before they pop off.

Tolerance. I have been intrigued at the degree of general tolerance that exists here. There are some pretty extreme leftist and a gaggle of far out rightwingers. Most of the social and political commentary is handled with something that approximates respect and the occasional episode of pissiness tends to be resolved in humor and sports threads. (I will say that I sometimes feel sorry for the Vols on the board, because it does seem that when things get incredibly tense, the panacea is typically to blame it on Phil. At last count, Fulmer was responsible for gay marriage, WMD's, domestic wiretapping and the upsurge in gasoline prices.)

Dynamism While a bit trite, it goes without saying that SECTALK is a rather dynamic creature. Last year when Baller was on board, there was a different vibe. (Yes...I know he could be mouthy and bratty and was sometimes a bit on the "adolescent" side, but I enjoyed watching him prick people.) Similarly, interactions that start off being very negative sometimes resolve into more meaningful understandings. For instance, my initial assignment of AuTiger94 to a waste of skin, etc., has shifted to a rather respectful relationshp. Go figure.

Quality I went to two of the other boards that I visit from time to time. In one thread that attempted to discuss the SEC's recruiting classes, there were two initial posts that seemed relatively thoughtful. The next thirty or so were less than clever personal attacks, namecalling, and homerific diatribes. (There was one buried in the middle that took potshots at Houston Nutt that was hilarious, but you could have take out Houston's name and inserted any division one coach's name.) I like the fact that I can check out for a few hours and return to 50 or 60 posts as opposed to 300 or 400. The only other board that I habituate as much as this one is Rebel Faithful which has a smaller core and similarly meaningful interactions between posters.

Profanity This is one that still do not understand. I cuss quite a bit, but I cannot remember threatening to leave a party or job because they would let me say the "F" word. The only time that I got upset and threatened to leave here was when an entire post was elminated without telling me. I was upset that my POST was eliminated, not that someone told me to stop using offensive language. Ultimately, that is all I care about.

Those who feel that they must leave because they cannot say "doodoo, caca, peepee" probably should leave. If they are unable to communicate without using a limited range of expletives, I probably don't read their posts anyway.

[jneesy]

What's up with the tired, old, boring, smilies here anyways ----->


get all the smileys you want HERE (http://webpages.charter.net/connectingzone/) for free

http://webpages.charter.net/connectingzone/disagree/8.gif

[Jay Bee]

<SNIP>

Persona. SECTALK has, in fact, developed an interesting persona. It is a bit older and a tad more tolerant of critical analysis. Even our homers (you know who you are) seem to be capable of intelligent commentary about rival teams. We seem a bit older in general, when compared to other boards, and even our youngsters (DJ, Orlando, JB, etc.) seem to think before they pop off.

Thanks for the props. I must admit, I had a rocky start on here, but I've been playing "nice" for quite a while now. I've even managed to ignore some obvious bait from my bammer pals. However, I may be young in relation to my time on the board, but I'm probably as old as you. For perspective, I used to have to carry cards to the computer center to get my fortran programs run. My first perosnal computer was a TRaSh 80, followed by an Apple 2C, and I was posting to a statewide bulletin board before Al Gore invented the Internet! And I was the talk of the chatroom when I got that 1200 baud modem! :D

WDE!
jb

[GAMECOCK_FAN]

<SNIP>

Thanks for the props. I must admit, I had a rocky start on here, but I've been playing "nice" for quite a while now. I've even managed to ignore some obvious bait from my bammer pals. However, I may be young in relation to my time on the board, but I'm probably as old as you. For perspective, I used to have to carry cards to the computer center to get my fortran programs run. My first perosnal computer was a TRaSh 80, followed by an Apple 2C, and I was posting to a statewide bulletin board before Al Gore invented the Internet! And I was the talk of the chatroom when I got that 1200 baud modem! :D

WDE!
jb
I believe uscrebel was referring to JBryant12. He is around 16 or 17, and has been a member on here for over a year. :cool:

[BAMAMARINE]

<SNIP>

Thanks for the props. I must admit, I had a rocky start on here, but I've been playing "nice" for quite a while now. I've even managed to ignore some obvious bait from my bammer pals. However, I may be young in relation to my time on the board, but I'm probably as old as you. For perspective, I used to have to carry cards to the computer center to get my fortran programs run. My first perosnal computer was a TRaSh 80, followed by an Apple 2C, and I was posting to a statewide bulletin board before Al Gore invented the Internet! And I was the talk of the chatroom when I got that 1200 baud modem! :D

WDE!
jb

I think he was referring to JBryant

[Jay Bee]

I believe uscrebel was referring to JBryant12. He is around 16 or 17, and has been a member on here for over a year. :cool:
Oh..
Nevermind!
$1 Emily Latella

WDE!
jb

[Chris]

It takes all of 5 minutes to create a list of banned words for your entire site. Done. Forget about it.
I have never used the built in filters for a couple reasons.
#1. I trust members to act civilized as most of us should be adults and mature enough to follow the rules.
#2. All my other sites have too much going on to bog it down with extra database queries. This site is slower, so I may just do it.

[Chris]

You have a good point. If allowing things I don't approve of will grow the site, lets sell out and grow the site. Adding porn will attract alot of members too! If that's what it takes to grow the site, I am not interested.

There are members here that want to see the site grow in such a way, but there are members here (believe it or not) that want it to remain "troll" and PG.

Look, I cuss like a sailor, but it take ZERO effort on my part to refrain from cussing on any forums.


I like the site, and it has the potential to grow over time. However, you gotta take things into consideration.

Look at the size of this site. Now go look at the size of other sites that allow cussing,flaming,trolling,etc. There are MANY sites that have hardly any rules and are considerably larger than this one. Perhaps there are some people(judging from the size of other sites I'd say a lot) that dont want any rules. Im not saying that there shouldnt be any rules. Im just saying that if you are trying to grow a site too many rules can be just as bad as too few rules enforced. It doesnt seem very logical to say that you are trying to grow a site, and then when offered feedback say "well if you dont like it then leave". That is gonna hurt the site. We have already lost members from this site because of that. You dont want anarchy on the threads but at the same time you dont want people to feel too restricted about what they can put. Dont get me wrong, I enjoy the site....just offering some more feedback.

[cocky4ever]

You have a good point. If allowing things I don't approve of will grow the site, lets sell out and grow the site. Adding porn will attract alot of members too! If that's what it takes to grow the site, I am not interested.

There are members here that want to see the site grow in such a way, but there are members here (believe it or not) that want it to remain "troll" and PG.

Look, I cuss like a sailor, but it take ZERO effort on my part to refrain from cussing on any forums.
I agree. I dont want the site to get out of control just to attract members. I personally like the site as it is with the number of members it has. I like to be able to keep up with all the posts. I dont wanna come on here,sign in, and see 1,247 new posts to have to try and browse through. I appreciate basically all the members on here and want to be able to read through what they say. We all seem pretty good at self-moderating and keeping things respectful on here. I may disagree with someone but my disagreements stay in that particular thread and in the new thread its a fresh start. That seems to be the way many people on here are. I hope it stays that way. Im not concerned in growing the site if its gonna take away from that aspect. My previous post was from the position that if you wanna grow the site then too many rules can be harmful. I dont think a restriction on some cuss words and personal attacks is too much to ask. I dont think all cuss words should be banned completely, but its your site. I dont see a problem with d-a blank blank or h-e blank blank, but if you dont want that I can work around it with no problem. However, some new people may see those limitation as something being too restrictive and quickly move on to another site. Anyway...what Im getting at is that it seems this topic keeps coming up when I dont really see a problem with the way things are going. Some admins talk as if all "chaos" os gonna break loose but it seems to me that things havent been bad at all. I just get tired of hearing that we're getting out of control when this site seems so much better about many things than other sites. That is why many of us come here so I dont wanna hear about how things are supposedly becoming chaotic.

[GatorNation]

I just get tired of hearing that we're getting out of control when this site seems so much better about many things than other sites. That is why many of us come here so I dont wanna hear about how things are supposedly becoming chaotic.
I typed the s-word into the search field, and almost 50 threads popped up that weren't in the graveyard.

Now, I'm not sure you'd consider that "out of control," but I'd call it a situation that needs addressing. I don't know about you, but I don't have enough time to police 50 threads and make the required edits.

Bottom line: I don't think it's difficult for posters--nor is it excessive to ask them--to control the language in their posts, and I'm not sure why the ban on cursing would be such a dealbreaker for prospective members.

That doesn't make much sense to me.

But now I see that your username is being flagged by the new software, lol. Sorry, 4ever. That kinda stinks (I'm being serious).....

:D

[cocky4ever]

I never said anything about the S-word. However, just look at what has happened to my name and many other SC fans names because of the filter....not to mention only 4 threads posted on in this year come up when you search for the S-word.

[GatorNation]

I never said anything about the S-word. However, just look at what has happened to my name and many other SC fans names because of the filter....
I know. I was just giving a concrete example of the language issue.

Maybe Chris can "white list" your username?????

Just an idea.

[cocky4ever]

I know. I was just giving a concrete example of the language issue.

Maybe Chris can "white list" your username?????

Just an idea.
Yeah, I dont have a problem with a filter as long as SC fans can still keep our screen names. As long as we're all working towards the same goal(keeping this a site free of trolling,personal attacks, and excessive use of vulgar language) then Im all for it. Just pointing out that in the first step a big problem came up right away......

[Jordan]

Yeah, I dont have a problem with a filter as long as SC fans can still keep our screen names. As long as we're all working towards the same goal(keeping this a site free of trolling,personal attacks, and excessive use of vulgar language) then Im all for it. Just pointing out that in the first step a big problem came up right away......
Going in the direction of a dictionary list, there are words that would need to be whitelisted as has been pointed out. Game*cussword**cussword**cussword**cussword*s is a word that will get used a lot around here, and a filter would definitely filter out part of it.

[fernandomike]

Once again, I agree with Cocky completely. I am here every day and greatly enjoy the site and it isn't because I like to wallow in filth. This hypothesis that cleaning up the site and making everyone play nice will bring in throngs of new folks seems farfetched to me. For one, I don't think that things are that bad. Still, I don't cuss much and generally consider the excessive use of it to be lazy. Therefore, I don't really mind the filter. Its worth a try.
What I do mind is the neverending suggestion that the members of this site are to blame for its lack of growth. Perhaps, it isn't growing because admins/owners offer little to encourage members to push SECTalk. Neo was the only active participant among any of you. I know, I know, its because we are all so awful. This gulf between admins and members isn't helping. We interacted with Neo. We know him. The rest of you seem so haughty and above us since the only time we hear from you is to say stop cussing, no insults, thread moved, etc...
You guys need to step up to the plate and start cultivating some relationships with members. The kind of relationships that would make us not just want to post here, but to also seek out new members. I know that I felt that kind of good will for the site when I first arrived. I hope to again.

[supergenius]

Once again, I agree with Cocky completely. I am here every day and greatly enjoy the site and it isn't because I like to wallow in filth. This hypothesis that cleaning up the site and making everyone play nice will bring in throngs of new folks seems farfetched to me. For one, I don't think that things are that bad. Still, I don't cuss much and generally consider the excessive use of it to be lazy. Therefore, I don't really mind the filter. Its worth a try.
What I do mind is the neverending suggestion that the members of this site are to blame for its lack of growth. Perhaps, it isn't growing because admins/owners offer little to encourage members to push SECTalk. Neo was the only active participant among any of you. I know, I know, its because we are all so awful. This gulf between admins and members isn't helping. We interacted with Neo. We know him. The rest of you seem so haughty and above us since the only time we hear from you is to say stop cussing, no insults, thread moved, etc...
You guys need to step up to the plate and start cultivating some relationships with members. The kind of relationships that would make us not just want to post here, but to also seek out new members. I know that I felt that kind of good will for the site when I first arrived. I hope to again.
Post of the month!! Bravo Nando, you are my hero.

RTR