Dude, this is seriously annoying to come across. Granted, locking a topic does seem to ultimately stop discussion on the topic for a time, but it doesn't resolve any conflict. Eventually the topic comes up again, more ugly than before, users had more time to think about why they were right. Indeed, they might be correct, but the opposite has an equally strong opposition.
ADMINS:
Please, let the discussions work their natural course. No one's going to learn to get along unless they are given a chance. The worst that can happen is members getting hurt, and new members getting a bad impression of us. In reality, I'd be embarrassed to have new members see what disunity and wars go on, and eventually members will leave due to the hidden flames. Things could get worse before they get better, but not if we don't get the chance to make them that way.
MEMBERS:
We aren't even doing our part to make this a commmunity. It feels like we're individuals all in the same place, for the same purpose, but separate. Because of this, we can freely insult, flame and perform all sorts of malevolent, malicious actions to each other with hardly any consequence to ourselves.
We're all the same community. Unique individual interests and opinions, lives and goals. Yet, all human. Work through your differences, understand each side. Being right doesn't necessarily mean being correct.
We're laying the groundwork for the future of games, who knows what lies in the future, who TDC affects. I would rather it affects people for the better. And you?
Edited by Peblo
"Isn't it always amazing how we characterize a person's intelligence by how closely their thinking matches ours?"
~Belgarath
It sounds like a pretty good idea I guess, but the admins might as well break up an arguement by giving the flamers warnings. If it continues then they're banned until they can get along. It's like a spray bottle to a cat.
As far as I'm concerned, locking topics isn't supposed to resolve conflicts. It's used to prevent topics getting nasty, which a lot of people generally don't want to see. It's not up to us to resolve any conflicts members have with other people, it's up to the members themselves.
As much as we want to help the community, locking a topic is sometimes the only way to stop a conflict from continuing on the forums. If a new topic is created which continues that conflict, then the correct action for admins would be to warn the user who continued that conflict (and obviously lock that topic also). In my opinion locking topics is a better alternative to letting nasty discussions continue. It's used on many other discussion boards, and it's simply up to the admins to use that tool correctly (whether they do or not is a matter of opinion).
Though I guess it depends on what the majority opinion is about this matter, not just what my opinion is. As always we we're willing to listen to any ideas and suggestions people have regarding this or any other matter.
This is a signature. Have this one on me.
Peblo Custom ratings must be 50 characters or less
Registered 05/07/2002
Points 185
20th January, 2009 at 20:14:04 -
All I'm saying is no matter how many times you lock a topic, it will keep coming back until it is resolved. You've seen it happen over and over, with many different topics, each as bitter as the last. I'm just suggesting a way to finally resolve things.
"Isn't it always amazing how we characterize a person's intelligence by how closely their thinking matches ours?"
~Belgarath
Though i completely understand where you are coming from, Peblo, i feel that locking topics may be the best alternative the admins have at the moment. I too am frustrated to find topics locked as they are begin to get interesting (before the flaming, that is!), however to let them continue allows the conversation to get more personal and more damaging to the site and its members as a whole.
Flava is right, it is up to the individuals to resolve issues they have with other members. Most rational-thinking people will take a step back after the topic has been locked, letting them 'cool off' somewhat. However some people just don't like each other at all and end up rubbing each other the wrong way at the drop of a hat (BrandonC and -Adam- in the latest case) and no amount of internet-talking may be able to resolve this. Most of us on this site cannot talk to each other unless it's over a keyboard and therefore it is harder to resolve personal issues. It is also easier to attack people and their views if you are not face to face. Unfortunately it's human nature.
Other people are just content to watch the world burn - there is no hope for these people!
Members falling out will always happen on this site; it's a site that encourages complete openess with ideas, opinions and feedback. In my opinion it is TDC's greatest strength and is why it is so successful and popular with so many people all around the world. These things have happened many times before and will happen again. My advice is to let these people get on with their issues and move forwards; if an interesting topic gets locked, start a new one where it left off! Rise above other people's problems and arguements!
What I think should be done to get rid of a conflict is that both opposers just forget about it and go on to something else. It won't kill someone to say they were wrong. But for some it's too hard to do.
Edited by W3R3W00F
An old and washed up once-kid
Peblo Custom ratings must be 50 characters or less
Registered 05/07/2002
Points 185
20th January, 2009 at 21:10:33 -
I'm saying it's impossible to simply forgive and forget at the level of thinking that the general TDC member has. You're talking about attitudes rarely seen on the web, let alone on TDC. The method I suggested would eventually, gradually increase members respect for each other.
"Isn't it always amazing how we characterize a person's intelligence by how closely their thinking matches ours?"
~Belgarath
I have a much simpler solution. While you guys are busy slapping one another with phallic vegetables or whatever you call this, I've been hard at work coding my next game!
@Peblo: While it does sound like a good idea, I honestly think locking topics is a pretty good idea already.
And really, if they're given a chance, It's quite probable they won't even resolve at all, and just get worse.
People nowadays won't stop until they're right. It's stupid how they fight for something so meaningless (Well... most of the time.).
And I can see where this will go, where this topic could turn into an arguement. We've had enough of those (Especially the Phizzy ones) to go about. I'll just drop it and go on your side Peblo, Just So we can have at least one less conflict and one more group hug.
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Edited by Peblo
But for some it's too hard to do.
