POLL: Please, make your voice heard

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I don't use them forums simply because I am not interested in 90% of there content.

 

I thought I'd wait a while before posting my thoughts on this topic, but in light of a recent decision I've taken here goes.

I don't know how the Alleys started, or whether they've always been like this. When I joined SP a few months ago, I had decided early on I would not get involved in the AoDA (that was before the AoLS was born). I kept to that for a month, and then eventually took the plunge. After several months of this, I have to agree with Takara on one thing: people there are too agressive. It's not a matter of being intimidated as far as I'm concerned, but there's simply too many words thrown without any regard for how offensive they might be. And over the months some posts were VERY offensive.

However, IMO, the "problem" will not be solved by adding, removing, or changing moderators, because the problem is with how people perceive other posts. The typing medium is tricky, because it conveys emotions far less well than talking face to face, and this can make posts look more offensive than they really are (or less mild). The issue is tied too much to personal perception to be solved by adding moderators. In fact, I'm sure many will say there is no problem to speak of. In that case, a very sensible thing (in my view anyway) to do would be stop going into the Alleys. That way I'm happy, the people who like them are happy, and it's the end of the story.

I have to say I'm quite happy with the decision to split the Alleys (thumbs up to Tal and everyone else who contributed to this). It seems to have shifted most of the nastiness to the AoLS, making the AoDA slightly more welcoming.

Just like most of you I guess, I initially joined the Boards to discuss games. I'm sure others, like me, eventually got interested into the Alleys and started posting there. I doubt I will be going there anymore (though I might give the new AoDA another chance), but I know many others will, and I don't think I have any right to decide what changes in the Alleys simply because I don't like them the way they are. Others do.

 

/me looks at Takara!

Your a legend...

 

Well, it's been a week now, so I think we can close the poll. It's fairly telling, and I doubt much more time will change the result.

However, it might not be telling in the way some might feel. The poll isnt like a presidential, or parliamenty election. It isnt about having one vote more than the next. I was expecting the vote to be heavily for one side or the other, not an almost dead heat.

To change the alley, and add another moderator, we might make half happy, but the other half unhappy. So is it worth the change? sadly no.

But the poll has shown one thing quite clearly. There are many that feel along the lines I do. There is chance for a change. Also, many of the opinions voiced have shown me something else. After having been in discussion with some I have become aware of things I didnt know before. And it has given me a new direction. People who have a problem with the attitude of the alleys, there is something that can be done. We just have to work within the system already in place.

To that end, I'm, going to go back in there. However, I'm just going to ignore the long, or aggressive posts. they may make a good point, but if it cant be done respectfully, or concisely then I wont read it. If many of those who voted yes here do the same, the tone and style of the alley will change when many start ignoring the aggressive windy posts. This we can do. I dont know if any others feel that it might help, but it's what i will be doing. If others choose to, then that will be encouraging.

 

Tal, you're the Boss. Who listen's to the boss?

Seriously, I think it's a good idea and may try it. If there is a tread that interests me.

 

Everyone listens....but this is a matter of personal preference. Either you decide to wade through the agressive/long-winded posts and add your 2 bits, or you pass. It's everybody's individual decision. You can't mass-market choice.

Glad to see you giving it another try, Takara.