Report-a-post

**Cowher** · 26th July 11, 09:37 AM

I have a issue with the report a post system. I was recently reported for posting a picture that both I and other thought was humorous. It was posted in a non confrontational manor. Some were offended by my post. I was reported and found at fault. I was shocked to be reported and even more shocked to be reprimanded for it. I am embarrassed that I offended someone and would have removed my post immediately and apologize.

My suggestion is a intervention step to be added to the process. When a report a post button is clicked the accused poster should be allowed to retract their statement or rephrase their post. Then the mods can decide if the new revised post is acceptable. If the accused poster is honestly sorry for the offense they caused it will come across in their revised post. And the new post will be put in place of the old offending one. If the mods feel the new post is still violating the spirit of the rules then normal action could be taken.

This adds NO extra work for the mods but it cuts us a little slack. The system as it is makes the member feel afraid to post after a warning is issued. Or they run about claiming that every post they submit will be reported.

If I step on your toe I should be able to say sorry and both of us move on. It doesn't deserve a punch in the face.

What does the rabble and mods think?

**Steve Ashton** · 26th July 11, 10:21 AM

Thank you Cowher for your comments.

I will query the Moderators about this and will respond to you as soon as I have had an opportunity to to review the procedures in this matter.

**Laird_M** · 26th July 11, 10:25 AM

Having previously suffered similar myself on a different forum, due to a disgruntled person who felt that a remark I made disagreeing with something they'd said in a different post.

A more subtle, "let's give a moment for reflection and see if it needs to be removed before we put the size 12's on" is something that I personally think should be SOP for most (if not all) forums.

What most may see as humorous, risque or whatever, a minority may well take offense to. A chance to say "Whoops! Sorry! I didn't mean to cause offence" should be the right of the 'offender' to the 'offendee', seems only sensible.

**Cowher** · 26th July 11, 12:46 PM

Originally Posted by Steve Ashton

Thank you Cowher for your comments.

I will query the Moderators about this and will respond to you as soon as I have had an opportunity to to review the procedures in this matter.

Thank you for your quick response Steve. It mean alot and shows you take these suggestions seriously.

**Chas** · 26th July 11, 02:46 PM

Seeing as you asked for opinions, I will give one.

I like the present system. The arbitration is in the hands of the Mods. It is their job and they do it quite well. It is for them to weigh the complaint against the rules. To know the difference between the 'letter of the law' and the 'spirit of the law'. To work out the necessary punctuation and grammar so that writer's intent becomes clear. Then to make a decision as to whether the post was in breach of the rules.

As far as I am aware, if there is a breach, the writer is given the chance to amend the post or retract before it is removed permanently. Of course, if the breach is so gross as to be openly offensive then instant action is taken.

In your scenario, who would approach the writer of the post? If it is a Mod, then there is no 'intervention step', because Mod activity would have started. If it is to be another member, then we would have flame wars every day. The two members having diametrically opposing views - consensus is guaranteed not to be the outcome.

The system works - we should allow it to carry on working.

Regards

Chas

**Steve Ashton** · 26th July 11, 03:10 PM

I would like to thank Cowher for bringing his concerns to my attention.

I am sensitive to our member's privacy. As this issue concerns a post which required it, and the follow on posts which referenced it, to be removed from the public forum I feel that it is best to continue this discussion via the PM system.

Until I have had an opportunity to speak privately with Cowher I feel it best to close this thread temporarily.

I would like to ask our members for their understanding and patience. I hope everyone can understand that comments by anyone not directly involved would be mere speculation and not help to resolve this issue.