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Private forum descriptions

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    #122
    pickarooney
    Moderators, Arts Moderators Posts: 35,471 Mod ✭✭✭✭pickarooney


    Earthhorse wrote: »
    I thought your issue was with the lack of descriptions on them when you click the linky?

    So, really, that's your first word on this. :)

    It's even a whole load of words, and not even on 'this' at all. But opening a new thread seemed like all kinds of hassle and we've long since established that I'm not big on hassle.

    I've just figured out, by Desprogean deduction, that there is a Classic Rock forum but I'm not invited and that makes me a very ambivalent panda.


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    #123
    dr.bollocko
    Moderators, Music Moderators Posts: 35,943 Mod ✭✭✭✭dr.bollocko


    Where? What? Classic rock forum?
    Really?
    There must be threads dedicated to giggling at me in there :(

    I think some steps could be made about this depending on what the members / owners / hosts or whoever of the forum want.
    Say we have a private forum and it's explained to the admins what its for and maybe it should be a dissussion between admins and the potential moderators / posters of the forum as to what access criteria might exist.
    It also helps that you have 2 moderators rather than just 1. That goes for every forum IMO and not just the hosted ones. People mentioned issues with moderators meaning they wouldn't ever get an invite. If there was more than one moderator that would stamp out that kind of stuff.
    Now say a moderator gets a request from x poster and knows they are not going to be good for their private forum and its existing community. What do you do in that situation? Make a judgement call? I bounce it off co-mods and forum members cos it's not just the moderator's call. Or at least the call on who has access and who doesn't should not just be left to one moderator's whim.
    Then you could turn it on it's head and look at the new cuckoos nest sub forum.
    It's there, fair enough, I don't necessarily agree with it but that might be better served being a private hosted forum because of it's nature.
    I mean if I wanted a "Talk snooker with Dr.B" forum what criteria is that measured in? How flirty I am? Or something else behind the scenes? I can see how people get annoyed by that.
    I think it's good to use forum requests forum even for hosted forums because it allows posters an idea as to what they are / why they were created.
    This is of course unless there is a validity to them being private and they'll have a minimum number of members like Des' forum description.
    A description, as you said, might also help.


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    #124
    Earthhorse
    Registered Users Posts: 14,714 ✭✭✭✭Earthhorse


    pickarooney wrote: »
    It's even a whole load of words, and not even on 'this' at all. But opening a new thread seemed like all kinds of hassle and we've long since established that I'm not big on hassle.

    I've just figured out, by Desprogean deduction, that there is a Classic Rock forum but I'm not invited and that makes me a very ambivalent panda.

    Yes. You probably thought I was being pedantic or just a smart-ass. It's just that, a few pages ago you were insisting that your only complaint was with the forum descriptions and not the existence of private forums, now it appears to be the existence of certain private forums as against the non-existence of certain public ones.

    This was actually addressed already but I'll address it again. The criteria for the creation of a public forum can be found in the Forums forum; I won't list them all but they would include, overlap with existing forums, degree of "risk" (e.g. Legal Highs), availability of suitable moderator and so forth. It's quite clear that they're not too bothered by the consistency of applying this criteria either; that is, there are no precedents (e.g. the creation of the Mustard forum cannot be used as an argument in favour of creating a different but similarly themed forum).

    The criteria for creation of a Private forum are, necessarily different. There is no, or at least less, need to consider overlap with existing fora. No, or less, need to worry about risk. You still need a suitable mod, but as the forum will have a limited number of members and not be public, and that the proposer of the forum probably has the enthusiasm to carry out the task, you can probably loosen your criteria a little.

    I do think your suggestion regarding forum descriptions is a valid one, but as it's been explained to us that removing the link from under the Mod's name and customising the message you receive is a lot of hard work (and not necessarily technically feasible), I think the minor irritation of being met with that message is a small price to pay for the high value, which an admittedly minority number of members get from private forums, and for the filtering out from public forums of the clique like behaviour people hate so much.


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    #125
    Dudess
    Closed Accounts Posts: 37,214 ✭✭✭✭Dudess


    Fair points - I can understand the point of a private social forum now... even if a part of me still thinks it goes against the spirit of Boards. If there is no way to remove the links under the mod names, maybe it would be ok for anyone who's curious, to PM a mod and ask what it stands for/a vague idea of what the purpose of it is? E.g. if it's a social forum, the answer need only be "It's a social forum where a particular group of Boards friends gather" - that wouldn't be breaching any privacy.


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    #126
    Sharpshooter
    Registered Users Posts: 31,859 ✭✭✭✭Sharpshooter


    Dudess wrote: »
    If there is no way to remove the links under the mod names, maybe it would be ok for anyone who's curious, to PM a mod and ask what it stands for/a vague idea of what the purpose of it is? E.g. if it's a social forum, the answer need only be "It's a social forum where a particular group of Boards friends gather" - that wouldn't be breaching any privacy.

    I am open to Pms re PaC as you know Dudess.

    I received yours and gave you access so you could look in and see if you would like to join in the forum talk.

    That's not to say I would do that for everyone, but I knew you would keep what you saw and read to yourself.

    You chose not to post so the access was removed because it's not fair on the users who do post to have an onlooker looking in.

    A private forum may contain pics of the users that they do not want out in the public domain, or something about themselves that they wouldn't necessarily post in a public forum.

    That's why I remove access when someone does not post after a certain period of time.

    I suppose I look at it as one would look at a peeping tom, and no one wants someone like that hanging around especially if you are responsible for them looking in in the first place.

    There are responsibilities that come with having a private forum and looking out for the users who do post is one of them.

    Is that any help at all re Private Forums?:)


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    #127
    Dudess
    Closed Accounts Posts: 37,214 ✭✭✭✭Dudess


    Sharpshooter, I am speaking in general - I am not referring to myself specifically. I'm not interested in frequenting hangout forums - that's not a criticism, it's just me.
    Sharpshooter wrote: »
    You chose not to post so the access was removed because it's not fair on the users who do post to have an onlooker looking in.
    Oh yeah, absolutely cool - I understood that totally. I didn't have a problem with it for one second. I know that's protocol for private forums. PaC is a good example actually - the quirky name is bound to arouse curiosity, that's certainly why I was interested in having a look.


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    #128
    Sharpshooter
    Registered Users Posts: 31,859 ✭✭✭✭Sharpshooter


    Dudess wrote: »
    Sharpshooter, I am speaking in general - I am not referring to myself specifically. I'm not interested in frequenting hangout forums - that's not a criticism, it's just me.

    My reply was in referance to you saying Pm a mod and ask what it stands for.

    You were your own example as i saw it, no offence meant Dudess.
    Oh yeah, absolutely cool - I understood that totally. I didn't have a problem with it for one second. I know that's protocol for private forums. PaC is a good example actually - the quirky name is bound to arouse curiosity, that's certainly why I was interested in having a look.

    No bother, you asked and I answered giving you access because I knew I could trust you with whatever you saw not to go repeating it elsewhere.

    Cheers.:)


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    #129
    Dudess
    Closed Accounts Posts: 37,214 ✭✭✭✭Dudess


    Sharpshooter wrote: »
    My reply was in referance to you saying Pm a mod and ask what it stands for.

    You were your own example as i saw it, no offence meant Dudess.
    Oh none taken. I was referring to where it was alluded to that some moderators don't entertain PM's re private forums they moderate.


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    #130
    TheZohanS
    Closed Accounts Posts: 11,582 ✭✭✭✭TheZohanS


    Sharpshooter wrote: »
    I knew I could trust you with whatever you saw not to go repeating it elsewhere.


    On the subject of that, wouldn't it be a better idea if all of these private fora had more than one moderator?

    What would happen if one mod had a falling out with a particular user or there was a case of bullying etc?

    Obviously moderators of general fora are held in high regard but you do have personality clashes from time to time.

    Who's to say that these private fora don't bitch about other non-members behind their backs? Is there a standard set of guidelines and rules that all private fora have to adhere to? If so, who checks on these?


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    #131
    Agent Smith
    Moderators, Regional East Moderators Posts: 21,504 Mod ✭✭✭✭Agent Smith


    you should see the PM's i get looking for access to BAPS :(


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    #132
    Sharpshooter
    Registered Users Posts: 31,859 ✭✭✭✭Sharpshooter


    TheZohan wrote: »
    Who's to say that these private fora don't bitch about other non-members behind their backs? Is there a standard set of guidelines and rules that all private fora have to adhere to? If so, who checks on these?

    I for one would not allow bitching, as you put it to be posted in PaC.

    I know mine has a charter just like any public forum on boards.

    With all the proper guidelines.

    In any case, Admin can have a look in if there is a problem and I'm grateful that they can do that if a problem should arise.


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    #133
    Nick_oliveri
    Registered Users Posts: 2,497 ✭✭✭Nick_oliveri


    I'd just like to scuttle in here and say something real quick. Stop comparing this to pints with the lads, I've seen two users doing this. Its not really comparable IRL is it? Do we have an airtight soundproof booth surrounding a group of mates in a pub? No, down with that sort of comparison.

    I do feel that it is somewhat against the spirit of boards to have privileged forums. But I do understand the need to have things private when discussing OH and RL things etc. I just hope theres no elitist American college type initiation stuff going on. Cos' if there is, I'm in Animal House baby.

    Toga....Toga..


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    #134
    The Sweeper
    Registered Users Posts: 10,658 ✭✭✭✭The Sweeper


    I think this is taking the desire for transparency a little too far.

    There are some things that are just none of your business. It's that way in every single facet of life. If you believe a private forum is being used to coordinate a campaign of bullying or troublemaking, alert the admins. If your fears are founded, they'll be on it like a shot.

    Otherwise, are you seriously saying you want a procedure for private forums to justify not letting you join?

    Did you go up to people you didn't socialise with in school and demand to be invited to their birthday party?

    How insecure are you?


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    #135
    pickarooney
    Moderators, Arts Moderators Posts: 35,471 Mod ✭✭✭✭pickarooney


    The Sweeper wrote: »
    I think this is taking the desire for transparency a little too far.

    There are some things that are just none of your business. It's that way in every single facet of life. If you believe a private forum is being used to coordinate a campaign of bullying or troublemaking, alert the admins. If your fears are founded, they'll be on it like a shot.

    Otherwise, are you seriously saying you want a procedure for private forums to justify not letting you join?

    Did you go up to people you didn't socialise with in school and demand to be invited to their birthday party?

    How insecure are you?

    Those are all good responses to questions nobody has asked.


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    #136
    The Sweeper
    Registered Users Posts: 10,658 ✭✭✭✭The Sweeper


    Most of them are questions actually. This --> ?, that's what gives it away.


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    #137
    Dudess
    Closed Accounts Posts: 37,214 ✭✭✭✭Dudess


    I don't see anyone asking for justification for not being invited...


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    #138
    dr.bollocko
    Moderators, Music Moderators Posts: 35,943 Mod ✭✭✭✭dr.bollocko


    Sharpshooter wrote: »
    I for one would not allow bitching, as you put it to be posted in PaC.

    I know mine has a charter just like any public forum on boards.

    With all the proper guidelines.

    In any case, Admin can have a look in if there is a problem and I'm grateful that they can do that if a problem should arise.

    One moderator to a private forum is never a good plan.
    Similarly to any other forum, its good to bounce ideas off of people.


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    #139
    Kiera
    Closed Accounts Posts: 13,130 ✭✭✭✭Kiera


    dr.bollocko wrote: »
    One moderator to a private forum is never a good plan.
    Similarly to any other forum, its good to bounce ideas off of people.
    +1. The more people you have the more you need a co-mod to help you out.


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    #140
    TheZohanS
    Closed Accounts Posts: 11,582 ✭✭✭✭TheZohanS


    TheZohan wrote: »
    On the subject of that, wouldn't it be a better idea if all of these private fora had more than one moderator?

    What would happen if one mod had a falling out with a particular user or there was a case of bullying etc?

    Obviously moderators of general fora are held in high regard but you do have personality clashes from time to time.

    Who's to say that these private fora don't bitch about other non-members behind their backs? Is there a standard set of guidelines and rules that all private fora have to adhere to? If so, who checks on these?


    Maybe an admin would comment on this.


    Sharpshooter wrote: »
    I for one would not allow bitching, as you put it to be posted in PaC.

    I know mine has a charter just like any public forum on boards.

    With all the proper guidelines.

    In any case, Admin can have a look in if there is a problem and I'm grateful that they can do that if a problem should arise.

    I'm a member of private and semi-private fora that have Charters that you speak of, with only one moderator these Charters do not get adhered to.

    For example I have seen one case where a moderater in a semi-private(non-moderator) forum was talking about an incident where their moderation skills was being questioned in a main forum, they posted something like "f**k 'em" I would regard this as bitching.
    1. Would you find this acceptable?
    2. Does your charter have any rules against that?


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    #141
    pickarooney
    Moderators, Arts Moderators Posts: 35,471 Mod ✭✭✭✭pickarooney


    Agent Smith wrote: »
    you should see the PM's i get looking for access to BAPS :(

    Did it really not occur to you at the time of creating a private forum called BAPS that you might have people making assumptions?

    As if you would share your secret bread recipes with any old Joe.


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    #142
    Fajitas!
    Registered Users Posts: 16,624 ✭✭✭✭Fajitas!


    TheZohan wrote: »
    Who's to say that these private fora don't bitch about other non-members behind their backs? Is there a standard set of guidelines and rules that all private fora have to adhere to? If so, who checks on these?

    Afaik, that does indeed happen in some forums.
    Sharpshooter wrote: »
    I for one would not allow bitching, as you put it to be posted in PaC.

    I know mine has a charter just like any public forum on boards.

    With all the proper guidelines.

    In any case, Admin can have a look in if there is a problem and I'm grateful that they can do that if a problem should arise.

    Absolutely - And I don't think bitching would be accepted by many people in the forum.

    \o/ for PaC tbh.


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    #143
    dr.bollocko
    Moderators, Music Moderators Posts: 35,943 Mod ✭✭✭✭dr.bollocko


    And what about access and removal of membership on these private fourms? Those decided based on community interaction? Are there specific entry criteria? Are there specific criteria for removal of access of a poster to private forum?
    Does a moderator have to consult co-mods? If they have no co-mods do they consult the community? Say, for example, if they took issue with another poster for a personal thing unrelated to the forum and removed their access. That would be completely unfair right?


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    #144
    Kiera
    Closed Accounts Posts: 13,130 ✭✭✭✭Kiera


    dr.bollocko wrote: »
    And what about access and removal of membership on these private fourms? Those decided based on community interaction? Are there specific entry criteria? Are there specific criteria for removal of access of a poster to private forum?
    Does a moderator have to consult co-mods? If they have no co-mods do they consult the community? Say, for example, if they took issue with another poster for a personal thing unrelated to the forum and removed their access. That would be completely unfair right?
    Yes of course it would be unfair. I doubt anyone would do that tho.


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    #145
    John Mason
    Hosted Moderators Posts: 10,661 ✭✭✭✭John Mason


    well, my forum has 4 mods.

    it has a charter.

    there are anti-bullying rules in the charter.

    people who do not adhere to the charter have their access removed, there are no warnings

    all admins have access to private forums whether they are members or not. they can close threads, issue warnings and ban users.


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    #146
    faceman
    Moderators, Category Moderators, Arts Moderators, Entertainment Moderators, Social & Fun Moderators Posts: 16,633 CMod ✭✭✭✭faceman


    The Sweeper wrote: »
    Did you go up to people you didn't socialise with in school and demand to be invited to their birthday party?

    No, but no doubt they will send me a retarded event invite via facebook anyway. :D

    This thread has gotten very heated unnecessarily. Wasnt the purpose of it originally to ask if a brief description be added to the forum rather than the "you dont have access" page? Its not really clear from the responses if people think its a good or bad idea. The description page, where the forum owners dont want people to know what goes on there, could simply say PM [insert mod name] for details.


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    #147
    TPD
    Registered Users Posts: 7,814 ✭✭✭TPD


    I think each private forum should be left to decide it's own rules. If a moderator goes out of line and refuses access / removes membership without good reason, it's going to be pretty obvious to everyone else in the forum, and nobody will be happy about it. Who would feel happy staying in a forum with a dictator mod at the helm?

    And to address the original post - I think a small description and mod/member list would be better than the current page when clicking on a forum you can't access.


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    #148
    Wibbs
    Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 60,159 Mod ✭✭✭✭Wibbs


    The Perfect Drug wrote: »
    I think each private forum should be left to decide it's own rules. If a moderator goes out of line and refuses access / removes membership without good reason, it's going to be pretty obvious to everyone else in the forum, and nobody will be happy about it. Who would feel happy staying in a forum with a dictator mod at the helm?
    Plus you can report a post regardless of its privacy or not, or have I got that one wrong?

    Rejoice in the awareness of feeling stupid, for that’s how you end up learning new things. If you’re not aware you’re stupid, you probably are.



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    #149
    tbh
    Closed Accounts Posts: 15,914 ✭✭✭✭tbh


    Wibbs wrote: »
    Plus you can report a post regardless of its privacy or not, or have I got that one wrong?

    it's always been a faux pas to report a post in a private forum afaik.


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    #150
    Kiera
    Closed Accounts Posts: 13,130 ✭✭✭✭Kiera


    Wibbs wrote: »
    Plus you can report a post regardless of its privacy or not, or have I got that one wrong?
    Hmods dont have access to the reported post forum. We do however get an email with all the info on it.


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    #151
    TPD
    Registered Users Posts: 7,814 ✭✭✭TPD


    Wibbs wrote: »
    Plus you can report a post regardless of its privacy or not, or have I got that one wrong?

    You can, but it can be pointless if the mod isn't a mod of a non-hosted forum. Any private forums I've been in, it's pretty well understood what is and isn't acceptable to post anyway. Due in part to only letting in people that other members have 'clicked' with.


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