US PoliEra 2020 |OT5| Guidance recommends quarantining PoliERA

Poodlestrike · Apr 19, 2020

Kemal86 said:
"fuck you TERF lover" to Adam got the poster a 1 day ban.

Slader166 said:
I believe they're referring to this post:

US PoliEra 2020 |OT4| Disaster Voltron

It's funny to me how many people on this page are suggesting, even as a joke, Klobuchar...you picked the only candidate widely accused of physical and verbal abuse lol edit: dammit, and just as I hit the next page

www.resetera.com

Ahh, yeah. There's always going to be some inconsistencies. I think the weighting on this one was the ongoing spat over Hillary avatars. Felt like there was a lot of mutual trolling going on.

Brian McDoogle said:
If I have you permission, I can post it.

I'd prefer not, frankly. It was a while ago, and while I'd like to add some context to it, I don't really think I could in a useful way, and frankly, with the unsolicited callout, I don't much trust that you'll give me a fair hearing on what I've got to say after.

Brian McDoogle · Apr 19, 2020

Poodlestrike said:
Ahh, yeah. There's always going to be some inconsistencies. I think the weighting on this one was the ongoing spat over Hillary avatars. Felt like there was a lot of mutual trolling going on.

I'd prefer not, frankly. It was a while ago, and while I'd like to add some context to it, I don't really think I could in a useful way, and frankly, with the unsolicited callout, I don't much trust that you'll give me a fair hearing on what I've got to say after.

I have given you fair hearings for months as you know, but that is all offsite which you may now ban for. I removed it as your request despite you bringing up the discord in the first place.

And the context was all there. And wasn't a while ago, but a month.

To see you treat me in private one way and now publicly another is disappointing.

Midnight Jon · Apr 19, 2020

SwordsmanofS said:
It's a shame what's happening to this place. Not the biggest fan of Discord, but I'll manage. OT is actually ok, except when it comes to political discussions.

Poor Midnight Jon. I hope he isn't the only one in charge with Discord invites.

we switched to a vetting system so there's probably going to be more of a wait than there otherwise would've been (because we are very much not here for shit-stirrers and people who just join to screenshot shit for their ongoing forum wars)

Deleted member 3896 · Apr 19, 2020

Poodlestrike said:
Ahh, yeah. There's always going to be some inconsistencies. I think the weighting on this one was the ongoing spat over Hillary avatars. Felt like there was a lot of mutual trolling going on.

"mutual trolling"?

I'm confused about what the mutuality was with "fuck you TERF lover." I know you have a lot going on but can you expand on what you mean here?

devSin · Apr 19, 2020

Poodlestrike said:
Ahh, yeah. There's always going to be some inconsistencies. I think the weighting on this one was the ongoing spat over Hillary avatars. Felt like there was a lot of mutual trolling going on.

Oh, please. You well know that Adam's avatar had nothing to do with trolling, and him getting shit over it is no different than people mocking anime avatars.

Last I checked, that behavior was frowned on here. But go ahead and "both sides" it, as you seem wont to do.

This is the whole problem. You want to claim that this is a community, but then when the "community" tries to explain things to you and speak for itself, you won't even listen. You are right, and everything is justified.

Which is fine. This is your forum, and you can run it as you choose. But don't sit here trying to tell us we're the ones doing it all wrong.

Midnight Jon said:
we switched to a vetting system so there's probably going to be more of a wait than there otherwise would've been (because we are very much not here for shit-stirrers and people who just join to screenshot shit for their ongoing forum wars), but a lot of the people asking will probably get through

Good to hear. I can't take the gaslighting anymore, so it will be good to get out of here and get some fresh air. Hopefully I can get in eventually.

Brian McDoogle · Apr 19, 2020

I guess this is goodbye.

Rhowm · Apr 19, 2020

So, any thoughts about Trump acting like a lunatic again tonight?

Teiresias · Apr 19, 2020

AnotherNils said:
I feel like Northam survived mostly on the back of his lieutenant governor being embroiled in a more pressing scandal. And being old.

Everyone in the Virginia scandals survived because of a confluence of factors. Basically, you couldn't force the one black elected official out, but if you forced everyone out having a scandal you ended up with a Republican governor . . . who wouldn't be signing any of this amazing legislation we have being signed in the state now.

SwordsmanofS · Apr 19, 2020

Midnight Jon said:
we switched to a vetting system so there's probably going to be more of a wait than there otherwise would've been (because we are very much not here for shit-stirrers and people who just join to screenshot shit for their ongoing forum wars)

Appreciate it. Discord isn't my favorite app, but I enjoy the discussions here too much to pass it up. So thanks.

Blue Skies · Apr 19, 2020

Midnight Jon said:
we switched to a vetting system so there's probably going to be more of a wait than there otherwise would've been (because we are very much not here for shit-stirrers and people who just join to screenshot shit for their ongoing forum wars)

I hope I've made a good impression on whoever's doing the vetting

Abstrusity · Apr 19, 2020

Rhowm said:
So, any thoughts about Trump acting like a lunatic again tonight?

Lunatic gonna be a lunatic, he's absolutely insane and his bullshit is fuel for the fire that will make us drag him out in January '21.

DynamicG · Apr 19, 2020

Poodlestrike said:
Ahh, yeah. There's always going to be some inconsistencies. I think the weighting on this one was the ongoing spat over Hillary avatars. Felt like there was a lot of mutual trolling going on.

I'd prefer not, frankly. It was a while ago, and while I'd like to add some context to it, I don't really think I could in a useful way, and frankly, with the unsolicited callout, I don't much trust that you'll give me a fair hearing on what I've got to say after.

If you are allowed to moderate on how things "feel" what determines if bans are fair or not?

Valdfellgar · Apr 19, 2020

SwordsmanofS said:
Appreciate it. Discord isn't my favorite app, but I enjoy the discussions here too much to give it up. So thanks.

Wanted to second this sentiment. Really appreciate you, Midnight Jon, and whoever else is vetting/inviting/etc. That's a lot of sudden work.

SwordsmanofS · Apr 19, 2020

Blue Skies said:
I hope I've made a good impression on whoever's doing the vetting

I think it's for making sure you aren't one of the folks who come by and do drive by hot take posts once every blue moon.

The Chosen One · Apr 19, 2020

I have no idea what just happened here, on a Sunday afternoon no less and unfortunately I don't have time right now to read 10+ pages to find out what happened.

The people who are going on break I respect, so I'm assuming they're doing it for good reasons.

I've been posting on these forums for a waaay too long (over 20 years if you count the original Gaming-Age Forums), so I'll never completely leave. But when toxic levels get too high or moderation becomes too stifling/confusing, I do naturally find myself posting less. I also naturally ignore and skim over posts/members that don't add anything to the discussion. My own internal ignore function which was forged from the early ruff and tumble days of message boards, newsgroups, and AOL chats.

I also don't mind debates and reading posts from people who think I'm completely wrong. As long as they make a thoughtful supported post, it helps me understand different perspectives even if I don't agree with them.

Obviously things get complicated when people are arguing in bad faith. It can be frustrating and irritating to read someone make one long argument one month, then suddenly the political winds change and they're making almost the complete opposite argument, yet they're trying to convince you they've been consistent all along. And then you end up getting banned trying to point out these inconsistencies then yeah, that's going to make you not want to participate in the community.

Again, I have no idea what's going on today. Just taking a guess based off events over the past couple of months.

Hopefully once things cool down, then regulars will feel comfortable to come back. But honestly there's nothing wrong with just disconnecting for a bit. I find myself when I'm starting to feel my blood boil by what's going on in this administration and politics in general, it helps to just disconnect for a few 24 hour news cycles. You'll realize things actually don't move as fast and you can take a few deep breaths away from our political bubble and the world won' fall apart. I honestly think Trump, the Long Primary campaign, and Twitter has just exhausted us all by making us always move at 2x or 3x generating a lot of heat. So take some time and slow your atoms for a bit, you'll feel better.

AnotherNils · Apr 19, 2020

Teiresias said:
Everyone in the Virginia scandals survived because of a confluence of factors. Basically, you couldn't force the one black elected official out, but if you forced everyone out having a scandal you ended up with a Republican governor . . . who wouldn't be signing any of this amazing legislation we have being signed in the state now.

You know, this could make for a good thread topic, if someone could word it well. How do some of the more idealistic/principle minded posters feel about all three sticking around despite their missteps and what has occurred politically because of the inability to force them out.

It's a great concrete example of pragmatism over principle.

Wilsongt · Apr 19, 2020

Real pikachu meme gif stuff right here

ody · Apr 19, 2020

Poodlestrike said:
Ahh, yeah. There's always going to be some inconsistencies. I think the weighting on this one was the ongoing spat over Hillary avatars. Felt like there was a lot of mutual trolling going on.

I'd prefer not, frankly. It was a while ago, and while I'd like to add some context to it, I don't really think I could in a useful way, and frankly, with the unsolicited callout, I don't much trust that you'll give me a fair hearing on what I've got to say after.

🙄

Sirhc · Apr 19, 2020

Midnight Jon said:
we switched to a vetting system so there's probably going to be more of a wait than there otherwise would've been (because we are very much not here for shit-stirrers and people who just join to screenshot shit for their ongoing forum wars)

That sounds like a good idea tbh, take your time and do what you need to protect people who have seen enough of the vitriol thrown their way here.

Would love an invite if you are willing when time is permitting, hoping the OTs keep going as well but going to miss some of my favorite PoliEra Fundits here.

Heromanz · Apr 19, 2020

I it time we move this thread general OT

Deleted member 64609 · Apr 19, 2020

Midnight Jon said:
we switched to a vetting system so there's probably going to be more of a wait than there otherwise would've been (because we are very much not here for shit-stirrers and people who just join to screenshot shit for their ongoing forum wars)

Word

LegendofJoe · Apr 19, 2020

Mercury Fred said:
"mutual trolling"?

I'm confused about what the mutuality was with "fuck you TERF lover." I know you have a lot going on but can you expand on what you mean here?

That post was about as hostile as it gets. If I was a mod it would have been a minimum one month ban with a permanent ban being considered. A 1 day ban was a slap in the face, you don't pull shit like that with a LGBTQ poster who has contributed to this community for over a decade.

Who the fuck do some of these mods think they are? Adam and others like him aren't shit posters, they are why many of us come here everyday to discuss matters of importance and interest. They deserve respect for how much they have contributed over such a long period of time.

Elutris · Apr 19, 2020

Poodlestrike said:
Ahh, yeah. There's always going to be some inconsistencies. I think the weighting on this one was the ongoing spat over Hillary avatars. Felt like there was a lot of mutual trolling going on.

To me it wasn't even the original "fuck you" post that was so eye opening but the implied "Yeah, what are you gonna do about it" response.

US PoliEra 2020 |OT4| Disaster Voltron

If you have a problem with my post, go report it to a mod.

www.resetera.com

Blue Skies · Apr 19, 2020

AnotherNils said:
You know, this could make for a good thread topic, if someone could word it well. How do some of the more idealistic/principle minded posters feel about all three sticking around despite their missteps and what has occurred politically because of the inability to force them out.

It's a great concrete example of pragmatism over principle.

I've thought about making a Virginia thread, and how "moderates" Are tuning the show and doing progressive (by American standards) things

Just ain't worth it

Zona · Apr 19, 2020

DynamicG said:
If you are allowed to moderate on how things "feel" what determines if bans are fair or not?

Yeah seriously. I put it behind a link before but screw it, this is a post by a moderator in the thread on Sanders suspending his campaign.

Brazil said:
Good luck choosing between your two rapists, America. You had your best chance at becoming something better in our lifetimes and you fucked it up completely.

And good on you, Bernie. Screw forcing people to go out and vote amidst this mess.

If someone is hypothetically accusing a poster whos advocating voting for Biden of being a rape apologist, or not caring about victims, or the myriad other accusations that get thrown around, and it goes to that Mod is the report going to get a fair appraisal?

less · Apr 19, 2020

Wilsongt said:
Real pikachu meme gif stuff right here

Pro-gun groups? Far-right activists? Of course that group of people would push for these dumbass protests.

Poodlestrike · Apr 19, 2020

Brian McDoogle said:
I have given you fair hearings for months as you know, but that is all offsite which you may now ban for. I removed it as your request despite you bringing up the discord in the first place.

And the context was all there. And wasn't a while ago, but a month.

To see you treat me in private one way and now publicly another is disappointing.

Brian, I'm trying to treat everybody the same way everywhere, but when a user quotes me and says "may I use your words from a month ago* against you" it kinda produces a certain reaction.

*Jesus, was it really that recent? Feels like half a year.

Mercury Fred said:
"mutual trolling"?

I'm confused about what the mutuality was with "fuck you TERF lover." I know you have a lot going on but can you expand on what you mean here?

Nah, I'm just explaining the context that the discussion over ban duration took place.

devSin said:
Oh, please. You well know that Adam's avatar had nothing to do with trolling, and him getting shit over it is no different than people mocking anime avatars.

Last I checked, that behavior was frowned on here. But go ahead and "both sides" it, as you seem wont to do.

Again, this is just the context the discussion took place in.

Honestly, I can talk people through bans they feel are too long, but with bans that're too short, it's hard. I might be fucking this up, frankly.

Midnight Jon · Apr 19, 2020

Zona said:
If someone is hypothetically accusing a poster whos advocating voting for Biden of being a rape apologist, or not caring about victims, or the myriad other accusations that get thrown around, and it goes to that Mod is the report going to get a fair appraisal?

and frankly: if that mod's already been called out by admins 3 times for precisely the same pattern of behavior, why the fuck are they still a mod

Deleted member 3896 · Apr 19, 2020

LegendofJoe said:
That post was about as hostile as it gets. If I was a mod it would have been a minimum one month ban with a permanent ban being considered. A 1 day ban was a slap in the face, you don't pull shit like that with a LGBTQ poster who has contributed to this community for over a decade.

Who the fuck do some of these mods think they are? Adam and others like him aren't shit posters, they are why many of us come here everyday to discuss matters of importance and interest. They deserve respect for how much they have contributed over suck a long period of time.

It's baffling and there's a reason longtime members of this forum who are part of the LGBTQ community no longer feel welcome here.

Poodlestrike said:
Nah, I'm just explaining the context that the discussion over ban duration took place.

I see, but the context doesn't add up to me-- what was this "mutual trolling"?

chainlinkspiral · Apr 19, 2020

Zona said:
Yeah seriously. I put it behind a link before but screw it, this is a post by a moderator in the thread on Sanders suspending his campaign.

If someone is hypothetically accusing a poster whos advocating voting for Biden of being a rape apologist, or not caring about victims, or the myriad other accusations that get thrown around, and it goes to that Mod is the report going to get a fair appraisal?

Mistakes are made. And covered-up.

access tv · Apr 19, 2020

Midnight Jon said:
we switched to a vetting system so there's probably going to be more of a wait than there otherwise would've been (because we are very much not here for shit-stirrers and people who just join to screenshot shit for their ongoing forum wars)

Appreciate the update, Midnight Jon. I remember the limbo period between GAF and Era—thanks for helping us through all this.

Sanguine · Apr 19, 2020

Rhowm said:
So, any thoughts about Trump acting like a lunatic again tonight?

Abstrusity said:
Lunatic gonna be a lunatic, he's absolutely insane and his bullshit is fuel for the fire that will make us drag him out in January '21.

^ Honestly, at this point I've just started to ignore almost everything politics related. It just doesn't mean anything to me at this point - I just want Trump and his cronies out.

chainlinkspiral · Apr 19, 2020

Poodlestrike said:
Brian, I'm trying to treat everybody the same way everywhere, but when a user quotes me and says "may I use your words from a month ago* against you" it kinda produces a certain reaction.

*Jesus, was it really that recent? Feels like half a year.

Nah, I'm just explaining the context that the discussion over ban duration took place.

Again, this is just the context the discussion took place in.

Honestly, I can talk people through bans they feel are too long, but with bans that're too short, it's hard. I might be fucking this up, frankly.

A month ago isn't ancient history, so don't pretend it was. I get it, things are moving fast, and time is crawling for some, but have some perspective, maybe take the time to go back over it, and re-evaluate.

Poodlestrike · Apr 19, 2020

DynamicG said:
If you are allowed to moderate on how things "feel" what determines if bans are fair or not?

We try to handle it as a team, get the personal sentiment out as best we can. Sometimes that's just not possible, especially since a lot of the time it'll be the same group of people, just due to schedule overlap if nothing else.

I know people don't like it when we say stuff like this, but staff's only human. Feeling's what we've got.

Crepuscular · Apr 19, 2020

I am more of a lurker than a poster, but this thread is my single favorite source of political news on the entire internet (when it's not embroiled in drama) and I would love an invite to the discord so I could read that too, if possible :3

Teiresias · Apr 19, 2020

Amazing how "routine maintenance" suddenly pops up tonight just in time to try and stem the flow of poster migrations.

Antrax · Apr 19, 2020

Poodlestrike said:
Ahh, yeah. There's always going to be some inconsistencies. I think the weighting on this one was the ongoing spat over Hillary avatars. Felt like there was a lot of mutual trolling going on.

How in the world is this an explanation? Again, that kind of behavior was a 1 day ban. You yourself just now said a week long ban is a light one.

Legitimately asking: what would my ban be in any other community for telling a member of that community "fuck you" for no reason?

refusi0n1 · Apr 19, 2020

Can I get vetted? This thread was such a great way to get updates and deep dives on so much good stuff

Volimar · Apr 19, 2020

Teiresias said:
Amazing how "routine maintenance" suddenly pops up tonight just in time to try and stem the flow of poster migrations.

I think the damage on that is done, and PoliEra is only one small section of the forum. You MIGHT be reading too much into that.

Poodlestrike · Apr 19, 2020

chainlinkspiral said:
A month ago isn't ancient history, so don't pretend it was. I get it, things are moving fast, and time is crawling for some, but have some perspective, maybe take the time to go back over it, and re-evaluate.

I'm not pretending - I genuinely had no idea. Felt like longer. Y'all know about this time dilation shit we're all on.

Teiresias said:
Amazing how "routine maintenance" suddenly pops up tonight just in time to try and stem the flow of poster migrations.

That's... not how routine site maintenance works, as far as I know.

Cat Dad · Apr 19, 2020

Antrax said:
Legitimately asking: what would my ban be in any other community for telling a member of that community "fuck you" for no reason?

Depends on which mod views that post and if they agree with you apparently 🙄

kxZyle · Apr 19, 2020

I really hate to add to you guys' workload, but I'd really appreciate a Discord invite too. I just lurk but I need y'all to distract me from my own country's politics, otherwise I'll go mad.

Pwnz · Apr 19, 2020

Midnight Jon said:
we switched to a vetting system so there's probably going to be more of a wait than there otherwise would've been (because we are very much not here for shit-stirrers and people who just join to screenshot shit for their ongoing forum wars)

How do we request and invite? Post in here or do we need to message someone?

There's a lot of people like me that mostly read. Is that going to pass the vetting process or are you keeping it with a small known list of people?

devSin · Apr 19, 2020

Poodlestrike said:
Again, this is just the context the discussion took place in.

Honestly, I can talk people through bans they feel are too long, but with bans that're too short, it's hard. I might be fucking this up, frankly.

I was there. I'm part of this "community" you claim exists.

And I can tell you exactly the context of that exchange. I remember it clearly. A user who is not a regular came into this thread and started shit out of nowhere about Adam having a Hillary avatar. And the people who are regulars of this "community" (that actually isn't a community, despite you wanting people to believe it when it suits your agenda) said "really?" because we know Adam and we know why he has that avatar and we respected and valued his participation here. And then other people who aren't regulars in this thread tried to keep it going to score points or start an argument that could get regulars banned.

It was bait. It was an attempt to stir up shit. It was baseless and useless nonsense. The entire thing was a trap. It was as bad-faith as bad-faith gets.

That's the context of the exchange. And somebody got a soft ban only because they decided to use a targeted slur to a member and the moderators likely felt it would just be too obvious where their sympathies lie to take no action at all. (And I know that's not an entirely fair assessment, but I think it is a fair sentiment that I'm not alone in sharing, and I don't think your attempts to dress up specific actions and failures by the staff are any more fair, even though I'm sure you believe it or at least mean well. I know it's not an easy position, but this "community" no longer exists, and it's not because the regular members started doing anything differently—they started getting treated differently and targeted more effectively, and the mods are complicit in that whether you know it or choose to acknowledge it.)

Sandstar · Apr 19, 2020

Teiresias said:
Amazing how "routine maintenance" suddenly pops up tonight just in time to try and stem the flow of poster migrations.

Yeah, how routine can it be if you announce it 1 hour before it's going to start?

SJurgenson · Apr 19, 2020

As a lurker since the Old Days, can I get a Discord invite?

Android Sophia · Apr 19, 2020

chainlinkspiral said:
A month ago isn't ancient history, so don't pretend it was. I get it, things are moving fast, and time is crawling for some, but have some perspective, maybe take the time to go back over it, and re-evaluate.

I agree, actually. After talking with Poodle, we're going to be looking into sphagnum's ban for reevaluation.

Teiresias said:
Amazing how "routine maintenance" suddenly pops up tonight just in time to try and stem the flow of poster migrations.

It's a coincidence. The tech team works separately from the moderation team.

DanGo · Apr 19, 2020

I'll take a Discord invite as a fallback, but ugh.

Sanguine said:
A little off topic, but it seems like things have been derailed for the moment anyway..., but why do people love Discord so much? I used it once awhile ago and didn't care for it at all - I much prefer the forum style (maybe it's because I tend to lurk anyway and like to take my time?).

I'm certainly going to keep lurking PoliEra until the very end - I will probably just get more use out of my ignore list and probably only lurk when I logged in so I can use my ignored list.

Discord is a great as a fancy group chat app that can run all kinds of tools, but it's pretty shit for any substantial conversation. Everything's ephemeral. I can only imagine it amplifies the 'community' aspects while everything else falls away.

Rez said:
my experience with discord is that it's fucking terrible for following posts after the fact -- like, i don't want an instant messenger, I want a forum. i'm an old man i guess.

Preach.

Sagroth · Apr 19, 2020

In all of this, I forgot to request an invite (and vetting) as well. No rush of course - there's clearly a flood of requests. Admittedly it'll be more me reading than posting, but I would hope that when I do post it's not as a drive-by shitstirring douche - I sure as hell try not to be, flaws aside.

Joeytj · Apr 19, 2020

I don't know why everybody is asking for a Discord invite, but I want one too! DM me please :S I've been here since the old site, and suffered with plenty of you through 2016, so don't leave me :(

US PoliEra 2020 |OT5| Guidance recommends quarantining PoliERA

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