One word posts...

[iapplelove]

Just curious why moderators pick and chose when to delete one word posts..

I see plenty on a daily basis here at MR.

Why be picky and choosy? Why not just stick to the guide lines?

 

[Darth.Titan]

Moderators can’t possibly read every post on this forum. If you see one word posts, report them and move on.

 

[Weaselboy]

If we (mods) see a one word post, we remove it. There are thousands of posts a day, and we cannot see them all, so it is not surprising there are one word posts that mods missed.

If you see a one word post, you can report it and a moderator will handle.

Also, we allow one word posts if the post is in answer to a question.

For example:

Post #1 > "Will doing XX erase my hard drive?"

Post #2 > "Yes"

We would not remove post #2 there as a one word post.

 

[tobefirst ⚽️]

If we (mods) see a one word post, we remove it. There are thousands of posts a day, and we cannot see them all, so it is not surprising there are one word posts that mods missed.

If you see a one word post, you can report it and a moderator will handle.

Also, we allow one word posts if the post is in answer to a question.

For example:

Post #1 > "Will doing XX erase my hard drive?"

Post #2 > "Yes"

We would not remove post #2 there as a one word post.

I posted in a thread that I cannot now find (it was probably deleted) about how the moderators don't moderate to the rules and that the rules should be written in a way that can be understood by users and those reporting posts. This is one of the examples. The rule is

Frivolous and one-word posts. Such posts waste everyone's time and will be deleted. Examples includes posts with only one or two words (e.g., "cool", "LOL", or a smilie), posts celebrating being the first post in a thread, posts saying "I agree", "+1", "this", "me too", or the equivalent, posting overused memes, or making posts with images or videos that contain no relevant, constructive text or commentary. If you aren't interested in a thread, skip the thread; don't post to tell us you aren't interested.

Note that the rule doesn't say, "unless you are answering a question." Why not? Would that not be simple to do, and make it easy for users to understand when one word posts are allowed? This is but one example I've come across where the rule isn't being enforced as written, and where it wouldn't even be that difficult to correctly write the rule.

 

[chown33]

I posted in a thread that I cannot now find (it was probably deleted) about how the moderators don't moderate to the rules and that the rules should be written in a way that can be understood by users and those reporting posts. This is one of the examples. The rule is



Note that the rule doesn't say, "unless you are answering a question." Why not? Would that not be simple to do, and make it easy for users to understand when one word posts are allowed? This is but one example I've come across where the rule isn't being enforced as written, and where it wouldn't even be that difficult to correctly write the rule.

The rule begins:

Frivolous and one-word posts.​

A one-word post that answers a question would not be frivolous.

 

[bunnspecial]

If we (mods) see a one word post, we remove it. There are thousands of posts a day, and we cannot see them all, so it is not surprising there are one word posts that mods missed.

If you see a one word post, you can report it and a moderator will handle.

Also, we allow one word posts if the post is in answer to a question.

For example:

Post #1 > "Will doing XX erase my hard drive?"

Post #2 > "Yes"

We would not remove post #2 there as a one word post.

Thank you for clarifying this.

There have been many times where I've answered a question that could adequately and succinctly be answered with a single word(usually "yes" or "no") but take the time to flesh out my answers better to avoid running afoul of the rule.

In the example above, my answer might be something like "Yes, doing xx will erase your hard drive." It's always seemed to be a bit silly to me to do that when, there again, a simple "yes" conveys just as much information, but have done it anyway.

 

[tobefirst ⚽️]

The rule begins:

Frivolous and one-word posts.​

A one-word post that answers a question would not be frivolous.

Yes, but, what does "Frivolous and one-word posts" mean? Does it mean that the rest of the paragraph refers to posts that are both frivolous and single word, or posts that are frivolous and posts that are single word? The examples in the paragraph seem to show the latter, as there are some single words in there and there are some with multiple words.

 

[iapplelove]

So basically there is no rhyme nor reason... ok got it thanks MR

 

[C DM]

So basically there is no rhyme nor reason... ok got it thanks MR

Seems like it was explained fairly well in a few early replies, like these:

Moderators can’t possibly read every post on this forum. If you see one word posts, report them and move on.

If we (mods) see a one word post, we remove it. There are thousands of posts a day, and we cannot see them all, so it is not surprising there are one word posts that mods missed.

If you see a one word post, you can report it and a moderator will handle.

Also, we allow one word posts if the post is in answer to a question.

For example:

Post #1 > "Will doing XX erase my hard drive?"

Post #2 > "Yes"

We would not remove post #2 there as a one word post.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Seems like it was explained fairly well in a few early replies, like these:

Well said.

And it was also clarified during this discussion that one word posts that are useful, concise and accurate answers to questions that have been asked do not fall under the heading of "one word posts that should be reported" or should otherwise lead to censure.

 

[tobefirst ⚽️]

Well said.

And it was also clarified during this discussion that one word posts that are useful, concise and accurate answers to questions that have been asked do not fall under the heading of "one word posts that should be reported" or should otherwise lead to censure.

Then it shouldn’t be too difficult to write the rule so that it clearly says that, should it?

 

[iapplelove]

Well said.

And it was also clarified during this discussion that one word posts that are useful, concise and accurate answers to questions that have been asked do not fall under the heading of "one word posts that should be reported" or should otherwise lead to censure.

With all due respect, this is exactly picking and choosing..

As far as I’m concerned if one word posts are forbidden then they should ALL be forbidden. Not the ones that certain mods deem useful
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Seems like it was explained fairly well in a few early replies, like these:

it sure was.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

With all due respect, this is exactly picking and choosing..

As far as I’m concerned if one word posts are forbidden then they should ALL be forbidden. Not the ones that certain mods deem useful

With equal respect, I beg to differ.

If a one word post succinctly and accurately answers a question that has been asked, then, - as has already been explained - that is a perfectly legitimate response to what has been asked, and should not be excluded under the rules that - in other circumstances - would deem one word posts a time wasting irrelevance.

Then it shouldn’t be too difficult to write the rule so that it clearly says that, should it?

Feel free to make the suggestion to make this so.

 

[annk]

With all due respect, this is exactly picking and choosing..

As far as I’m concerned if one word posts are forbidden then they should ALL be forbidden. Not the ones that certain mods deem useful

It's not a matter of "certain mods", it's a simple matter of whether or not the word actually does answer the question. Some questions can be answered with a yes or no, and the user who asked the question is no doubt grateful for the answer.

To forbid all one-word-posts regardless of the level of help they give doesn't seem to make much sense to me.

 

[tobefirst ⚽️]

With equal respect, I beg to differ.

If a one word post succinctly and accurately answers a question that has been asked, then, - as has already been explained - that is a perfectly legitimate response to what has been asked, and should not be excluded under the rules that - in other circumstances - would deem one word posts a time wasting irrelevance.



Feel free to make the suggestion to make this so.

I have. The moderators/admins, ***in my experience***, aren't that interested in making things easier on themselves.

 

[annk]

I have. The moderators/admins, ***in my experience***, aren't that interested in making things easier on themselves.

You have what? Not sure I understand the first sentence of your post in relation to Scepticalscribe's post.

As for your projection about what we're interested in, I can't say I recognize myself or any of the other staff in it. Your experience has to do with you and only you, and I respect that, even if I have a different experience. Your experience does not however have anything to do with what others think or want, because at that point it's no longer your experience. A projection can't be justified by calling it someone's experience.

Neither you nor I can read minds, though I admit it would be useful for us all at times! ;-)

 

[revmacian]

Look at it this way:

If you post a thread to find help with an issue and only one person replies with the single word “yes”.. would you want the mods to delete their answer.. thereby leaving you with no assistance at all?

I can understand the mods deleting a post that contains nothing but “lol”, that post adds nothing of value to the thread. However, a post that answers a question with a single word does add value to a thread and should not be deleted.

Life is a lesson in flexibility and change, it’s not black and white.

 

[retta283]

With all due respect, this is exactly picking and choosing..

As far as I’m concerned if one word posts are forbidden then they should ALL be forbidden. Not the ones that certain mods deem useful
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it sure was.

What if the question/answer is so basic that there is absolutely no reason to say anything but yes or no? Then you're just adding words to make your post longer. Not necessary.

 

[tobefirst ⚽️]

You have what? Not sure I understand the first sentence of your post in relation to Scepticalscribe's post.

Feel free to make the suggestion to make this so.

I have.

--

As for your projection about what we're interested in, I can't say I recognize myself or any of the other staff in it. Your experience has to do with you and only you, and I respect that, even if I have a different experience. Your experience does not however have anything to do with what others think or want, because at that point it's no longer your experience. A projection can't be justified by calling it someone's experience.

It is ***my experience*** that users, including but not limited to myself, create threads suggesting simple, non-invasive, direct ways to make the moderators' job easier and are told, "Nah, thanks, we're good," create threads saying something is wrong with the way things work here, report posts for violating the rules only to be told that the actual rule isn't quite what was written, and have PM'd admins only to have zero reply (check your PMs from March of this year). So, yes, from ***my experience***, the mods/admins don't appear concerned with doing a better job. I probably could have used "appear" in the post you quoted above. I doubt it would have changed your reply, though.
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Look at it this way:

If you post a thread to find help with an issue and only one person replies with the single word “yes”.. would you want the mods to delete their answer.. thereby leaving you with no assistance at all?

I can understand the mods deleting a post that contains nothing but “lol”, that post adds nothing of value to the thread. However, a post that answers a question with a single word does add value to a thread and should not be deleted.

Life is a lesson in flexibility and change, it’s not black and white.

What if the question/answer is so basic that there is absolutely no reason to say anything but yes or no? Then you're just adding words to make your post longer. Not necessary.

Then, simply, write the rule this way. I care too much about precision in communication, I guess.

I've stopped reporting posts after being told more than once, "well, actually, this is how we interpret the rule even though the text says this." Why waste my time?

 

[revmacian]

--

It is ***my experience*** that users, including but not limited to myself, create threads suggesting simple, non-invasive, direct ways to make the moderators' job easier and are told, "Nah, thanks, we're good," create threads saying something is wrong with the way things work here, report posts for violating the rules only to be told that the actual rule isn't quite what was written, and have PM'd admins only to have zero reply (check your PMs from March of this year). So, yes, from ***my experience***, the mods/admins don't appear concerned with doing a better job. I probably could have used "appear" in the post you quoted above. I doubt it would have changed your reply, though.
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Then, simply, write the rule this way. I care too much about precision in communication, I guess.

I've stopped reporting posts after being told more than once, "well, actually, this is how we interpret the rule even though the text says this." Why waste my time?

If all of the staff operated from the same mind and heart, then all of their actions would be in full agreement all of the time. But, that is not how humanity works.. which is why we need to be flexible and avoid the temptation of assuming that we’re working with all of the information all of the time.

”My experience” works in my life and in my home. But, the moment that I begin working with someone else I cannot allow “my experience” to take the driver’s seat because I have moved from the lone participant to a member of a team. Teamwork has the benefit of bringing in experiences and information that we were previously unaware of and a variety of experiences and attitudes can help shape our responses and yield better results.

 

[annk]

--

It is ***my experience*** that users, including but not limited to myself, create threads suggesting simple, non-invasive, direct ways to make the moderators' job easier and are told, "Nah, thanks, we're good," create threads saying something is wrong with the way things work here, report posts for violating the rules only to be told that the actual rule isn't quite what was written, and have PM'd admins only to have zero reply (check your PMs from March of this year). So, yes, from ***my experience***, the mods/admins don't appear concerned with doing a better job. I probably could have used "appear" in the post you quoted above. I doubt it would have changed your reply, though.
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Then, simply, write the rule this way. I care too much about precision in communication, I guess.

I've stopped reporting posts after being told more than once, "well, actually, this is how we interpret the rule even though the text says this." Why waste my time?

Thanks for explaining what you meant.

Since you mention precision in communication, I'll point out problems in the way you communicate your reasoning: in almost all cases you use as illustrations, you're describing your opinion, not your experience.

• It's your opinion when you talk about other users' intentions with their suggestions.
• It's very definitely your opinion when you make the claim that we aren't concerned with doing a better job.
• The case where we can say something is your experience is the one in which you describe yourself and your own intentions. It's your experience that you post suggestions that in your opinion will make our lives easier.

You are of course entitled to your opinion. We might not always agree with you, however.

Finally, if a user consistently is told that rule x is interpreted in a certain way, I agree with you that it's a waste of that user's time to report that type of post. That said, we never mind a report, so if a user is in doubt I hope the user feels free to send a report.

 

[I7guy]

...That said, we never mind a report, so if a user is in doubt I hope the user feels free to send a report.

This 100%. If one believes the post runs afoul of some rule and believes the conversation would be better off without the rule breaking, then hit the report button and move on. In my own opinion, insults, direct/indirect/passive aggressive, and PRSI type comments would be the two biggest reasons.

 

[tobefirst ⚽️]

Thanks for explaining what you meant.

Since you mention precision in communication, I'll point out problems in the way you communicate your reasoning: in almost all cases you use as illustrations, you're describing your opinion, not your experience.

• It's your opinion when you talk about other users' intentions with their suggestions.
• It's very definitely your opinion when you make the claim that we aren't concerned with doing a better job.
• The case where we can say something is your experience is the one in which you describe yourself and your own intentions. It's your experience that you post suggestions that in your opinion will make our lives easier.

You are of course entitled to your opinion. We might not always agree with you, however.

Finally, if a user consistently is told that rule x is interpreted in a certain way, I agree with you that it's a waste of that user's time to report that type of post. That said, we never mind a report, so if a user is in doubt I hope the user feels free to send a report.

If only such time and critique were applied to the rules themselves... 🙄

 

[annk]

If only such time and critique were applied to the rules themselves... 🙄

They are applied both to the rules and to discussions about the rules.

 

[tobefirst ⚽️]

They are applied both to the rules and to discussions about the rules.

It is my experience 😉 that that is not the case. In multiple cases, including this thread, the wording of the rules and the enforcement of those rules are inconsistent.