MODs, Abusing Power

[Intern_485]

I'm fully prepared to get roasted for saying this. Personally, agreeing with Sydney, I think that the forums are going sharply downhill. Some of the new MODs are being extremely overbearing and are going on power trips. This can be seen in the much larger number of sticky topics that are being posted and in the fact that it's not very hard to find a moderator scolding a forum member, anymore. I think it's taking all of the fun right out of the forums. I don't think that I should have to monitor every little thing I say on this forum and I don't think that anyone else should have to, either (although I do think that some people on this forum should out of their own free will) I realize that Alcar has tried to change this trend with his "Crack Down" announcement but this is only coming from one moderator and there are others that I would blame for problems on the forum as well. I'm not saying all of this to stir up trouble. I'm really saying this because I believe it to be true and I hope I haven't offended anyone.

[Jacob]

I agree. The fact they felt the need to censor words that were never said just shows mistrust. I remember before all this happened, nobody swore and if they did they censored it (As i do, cos im aware of little ears). But now the words are getting censored left, right and center and you can actually get warned for saying such things. Also, i too have noticed more warnings being administered and the fact we cannot condasend our lowers is just un-amusing. We also have too many forums now, like OIPT. Dont get me wrong, i dont mind it being there. But whats the point in having a forum like that all 'forumy' and not having the artwork one all 'forumy' but instead all 'Sub-forumy'. I dont actually get what OIPT is for anyway. Someone share...

[salty pretzils]

I agree with both of you. If I had truthful, good reasons from the mods why some of the new additions to the rules have been implemented I would be happier.
Every one feel free to flame me all you want, but this is just my opinion. I am also sorry if my comments have offended anybody. Thankyou.

[Al the Vykker]

In some ways I agree with you, mainly about I feel that only a couple words should be censored primarily because, in fact they are the worst of a whole list. But certain words arent extremely bad, and are rarely used anyway. For example the word "coks" in one of the FC topics I had put "coks" rifle and it censored the word. Note this is not the correct spelling.

Now to add about your statement of some mods abusing power. About what you said as more sticky topics. The reason I have posted myself that is, in Fan Corner a couple were one I have seen an excessive amount of spam in a certain topic by a certain member who I personally many times nicely asked to stop. I believe he understands that now and hopefully stops before even worse action has to take place. But the main reason to explain why I have been a little harsher in FC, is due to the fact as I have had many polluted topics over the past few weeks that really distress me. The one thing that does make me happy though is seeing many Fan Fictions that are really doing well, as well as some writers like Chris here that write really serious in depth stories, than other long time posters in FC, so for those who do post well in FC, and do contribute, I applaud you, for the others who sometimes spam and/or always spam, you know who you are and I hope that you take my warnings serious, I hate to be the one who has to really report anything worse than that.


Those are the reasons why I have been a bit harsher and hope everyone here understands that. Thank you.


-Al the Vykker

[salty pretzils]

Thankyou Al .

[Al the Vykker]

Its no problem at all, Im just as equal as the rest of you just in a position of leadership thats all, I would hate to have the members of OWF who elected me into FC, really truly hate me, and I just wanted to let everyone know that I listen to what the members are saying and that you do have a right to voice your opinion. Thats atleast what I think, because it is supposed to be a Democratic forum. So thanks again for understanding my words and decisions I have made in the past couple weeks, I am sorry if in anyways I upset you or if I came a little edgy, understand my choices please. thanks again.


-Your fellow member and Mod,


-Al the Vykker

[Kaimana]

To answer about the OIPT questions. At the time it was created, before everything happened, The OIPT remained a thread in GD that grew to much popularity. Later as it grew more and more, I formed a group, that group is the team you see now that brings you the IP's (interactive polls) The idea of the interactive poll is to further involve the members in participating in a debateable, and more interactive type of poll, or list. This bacame quite fun in GD. After so much growth, I requested a forum be made for it and the team. So we had a sub-forum. Now most of the Off-Topic members hardly noticed this. We had some attention however with all our future plans (The Oddlympics, the Ulitmate Oddworld Technology and other things) We thought we needed more room. And so it was turned into a Forum. At times like this when no Oddworld game has come out yet, the OIPT gives the members something to do that is Oddworld related, and fun. Another reason the team agreed to a Forum was to bring the OIPT out into the open, so as more people will realize it being here. We do have more attention now, and the Oddlympics are doing good. We also have many others things to participate in at the OIPT. There is no way I am giving up that forum, or resorting back to being nothing. The OIPT has climbed its way up the later, peacefully, and with good reason. If people would like to know what it is more about, go visit it. Take time to read the importants (There are so many..too many, I am working on that problem) And if you find it's not for you, then so be it. But the OIPT has it's fans and regulars. It has been a big succes that has gone unoticed, by some. I hope that answers some of your questions Jacob, and anyone else that was curious.

Now about the Mods abusing their power. I dont quite understand that statement, I am guessing you are refering to the MANY things that are taking place. I would agree that at some points the some Mod/Mods may have abused their power. Just let me assure you, that this forum is not going down hill. And even if it may seem that way it certainly will not come to pass. We have some very good people in the staff, and I personaly will not sit to watch bad things happen to this forum. All though alot has happened, I want to make it clear that nothing, bad will come to this forum, and we will not give up or leave this, army of changes until we get everything right. We dont want to be a secured Forum with many rules and regulations, at least I dont want to see that. Most people should be aware of the basic rights and wrongs if you read the rules and posses common sense. But I also want to add, that a Mod abusing their power, will not be tolerated. The staff knows this, Mods can be issued warnings. I hope I clear just a little up for you people. At that note just hang in there guys, everything will be fine, you'll see.

-Kai

[Jacob]

Al, i personally dont have a prob with you and i haven't seen you being harsh. I think Intern was directing his thingy at the main Mods whom tend to go OTT with the rules.

Kai, thx for asking the OIPT question (Please dont thank me for thanking you.).

However, i believe what the others meant by the forum going down hill was the increasing number of rules, regulations and limitations. I personally dont read the rules, im sure many younger ones cant either. When i signed up i never read the rules, i just got on with it and the forums were so at ease i didn't really say anything too bad. However, now that the rules are being bumped up and the limitations are getting larger, it will be increasingly difficult to get around this. As Al said, common words which also have a side meaning are being censored. Which for fic writers is very annoying. In some of my up and coming fics i write about Paedophilia, Rape, Death, Homocide and Torture. Will all these things be against the rules? I hope not. Because, basically, the MODS are saying they want it a friendlier place, a happier place...and they're doing that by getting rid of 'Bad' words. Will they also get rid of 'Bad topics' aswell. And stuff like that?

Is it not enough that they chased away the older, more mature members who contributed validly to the actual progress of some of the more maturer topics. Now all we have in Off-Topic is stuff about Games and stuff, i dont mind that but the little kids are so scared of being warned that they tip-toe around, being careful not to say anything un-toward. General Dripik got banned for being a little un-toward, which, i believe, was wrong. I have seen many members do worse. Hell, i've done worse. Soon the forum will be an empty shell filled with children...if thats not downhill, what is?

[Kaimana]

I agree with you Jacob. As far as this mass forum censorship is concerned, I have the feeling that we may be taking somethings just a little to far, and we should be more layed back. But I also understand that somethings do need to be watched upon, like the basic no spam, and other things of that sort. But above all let us not buckle down to much to the point were we become extreamely picky. I hope I am making sense here. So whatever we do let us make it, fair, not so secure, and yet follow the basic rule guidlines. To create a friendly happy forum is to give the members, what they want, that is ethical to the basic rules. I feel that all we need is a small touch up, and not a huge censorship on everything, if that will come the case.

-Kai

[Intern_485]

I feel like this forum is becoming a child's playpen of sorts. It feels so restrictive now. The banning of certain members has occured because of the most ridiculously miniscule occurances. Someone shouldn't be banned at the drop of a hat. That's a fine example of how the MODs are abusing their power. I don't care if anyone here is a MOD or not, I'm going to treat them the same way I treat everyone else and if they bother me, I'll let them know. To ban someone for that is when you become a fascist and I know that this is just a forum and not a country, but the principle is exactly the same. Why even have a forum if you can't speak your mind? Some of the MODs that were elected by members have turned against the very people that elected them by letting the "power" get to their heads. Even Alcar, who I thought was a great guy, is saying "With POWER comes responsibility." Yeah, that's a nice statement, but what real power do you guys have? You're only moderators on an internet forum, not leaders of a country. I'm already tired of this new set-up. Sure, I could leave but why can't things change? I'm not the only one who's disgusted with this forum at the present time.

[Jacob]

I agree with Intern. Its all very well saying that your trying to have it as a happy forum but it wont work. Doing one thing will upset the balance, and thus, you will have to do another thing...which will again, upset the balance. Once these kids hit puberty it will get more unbalanced, their hormones will play up and they will swear and stuff...and then get banned and it will be like "Ugh". Not very clever if you ask me.

I treat most people the same, the lowers i treat like **** and the...the...the people who are higher than the lowers yet slightly lower than me i treat ok. I am neutral with most people though and i dont set out to cause trouble. Im not the sort of person to get IMMENSLY personal about somebody, in an insulting way, cos its;

(1) - Not nice.
(2) - A waste.

I think it boils down to trying too hard. Many of the other MODs didn't try as hard and if people left they left. Big deal. But as you can see this time people are trying hard to keep the forum 'nice' and its just failing...

*Looks at Intern and in a vain effort to see if he is still blocked says...*

Wanker?

[SeaRex]

As far as power abuse goes, I really feel that it is only a MOD (not MODs). Sometimes when MODs are "scolding members" or appearing as if they look down on certain people, it's only because that's the way they are. They would certainly do it anyway if they weren't MODs.

Intern:
Why even have a forum if you can't speak your mind?

I second this. Sometimes, it feels as if the forum really isn't "Member Oriented" at all.

Intern:
Some of the MODs that were elected by members have turned against the very people that elected them by letting the "power" get to their heads.

Now, I don't think this is true. Outside of Alcar (who, as far as I know, was not elected democratically) I haven't seen an unjust amount of power abuse...

[Intern_485]

No, Jacob, I unblocked you earlier today. Apparently, you haven't changed. In the spirit of improving the forum (which appears to be hopeless) I won't respond to your "wanker" comment (which has no merit anyway) But I agree with the rest of what you said.

[Al the Vykker]

Intern, the Mods arent doing the banning, the only people that I am aware of being able to ban other members, are Super Mods, and Admins, so please dont paint a generic picture of us mods as being terrible power hungry terrible mongers. Even if I did have the power to ban a member, (which I dont even know if I do) I wouldnt do it, thats the Admins choice, I just give out reminders, in the most friendly way that I can, contribute to discussions, write Fan Fics, get envolved as much as possible, and moderate FC, not boss every member around. Please take the time to read my post which I state why I have been a bit on Edge about keyword here a "few" other members, polluting FC, in which they have been reminded and have been doing better. I am sorry I lead you otherwise.


- Your fellow member, and mod,

Al the Vykker

[Intern_485]

I haven't seen any problems with you, Al, it's actually mostly come from MODs who haven't made any posts on this thread.

[Disgruntled Intern]

Well, if you think I've been abusing my powers...then I'll see that you're banned!

ha, kidding.

actually, if you think I've been abusing my powers, feel free to let me know...

[Kaimana]

I and perhaps some of us would like to know who exactly are you focusing this on. You say it is a Mod? Okay who? I want to know exactly who is being pointed out here. Now to get to what I wanted to say, I really honestly dont think, that we should give the members of this forum a strict restriction rule on numerous things. Lets look back at what we based the forums up to this point.

-A friendly Forum
-A member oriented Forum

Now out of these guidlines, the ethics of the rules should be followed, however, the freedom of the members ability to speak freely should remain. Now I am not saying we simple allow them to swear all they like, no. Members should know what is exceptable or not, and the staff should point it out. Alcar did follow the guidlines as to give you choices of what words you think should be censored. If you disagree about something that are being censored do not sit here and let it go, get to that thread and say what you must. To create perfect peace here is beyond our limits. We know we can't do it, but we can make this forum so as members, both young, and old, may enjoy. By keeping a certain peace and respect for eachother should secure the forums from falling apart. To look out for eachother and watch yourself, and your actions should keep you a healthy member here. All of this has to be heard by members that want to see it happen. We can't keep thinking this forum will fall apart....What we want to see is all of us enjoying our time here, but do what is ethical thats all we ask. And if you feel that a member of your staff is not doing thier job as was set, speak up. With this much people here we need leaders that think for the members and work for the members do you not agree? Personaly I will stay with you folks for as long as this forum stays up, and I hope it stays for a long time. I hope this post made sense to you. Thanks for hearing me out.

-Kai

[MojoMan220]

Yes, there seems to be quite a bit of mods using their powers for evil instead of good. A couple of my threads/posts lately have been deleted for no reason and the amount of stickies keeps piling up. I don't think it is such a big problem though.

[Kaimana]

The OIPT has 7 important threads up. We have alot to say in the OIPT and alot to store info in so we do have alot. Mind you I am working on getting help on this to lessen all those importants as it crowds up the forum. I hope I never gave the you the thought as if I was abusing my power because we have alot of importants in OIPT. Those are not all rules threads those are to store info and to explain events and how we work. Now back to my first question. When you say Mods who exactly are you talking about. Point the staff member out, then we can have a discussion about the subject and see what we can do.

[Jacob]

K, firstly put all the sticky's in one topic with a title that clearly states whats in there.

Secondly dont close topics that have valid points like Pilot did when this all kicked off. He closed them all and gave nobody a chance to speak.

Thirdly explain the actions and put all the posts questioning the stuff that happened here in one important sticky which can be added to.

[Al the Vykker]

I have no other comments on sticky threads, because I allready explained that before, as well as most of the other Stickies are reminders not warnings. I also second the motion for the whole thing on what happened, it is an important part of this forums history and also explains a lot to members who dont even know what happened, and also gives both sides a way to talk about the facts and find out most of the truth.

-Al the Vykker

[Intern_485]

Then put everything you want to say into one sticky topic, not several sticky topics. That is just plain annoying. I'm not going to name MOD names as that would be pointless and it would just alienate people. I'd just like to see all of the MODs conduct themselves in a more earthly manner.

[Majic]

As far as I know, I haven't abused my powers, nor acted any differently than if I wasn't a mod

Anyways, I liked te older forums better. This new censored style, where we are all super happy and giddy is fine (or not), but this is a completely different place then when I joined. The lack of interesting topics is greatly disturbing. I hope there will be a way to actualy bring back the more interesting discussions.

I despise stickies unless they are truly necessary. I truly do.

I feel like quoting some stuff about what Kai said:

We had some attention however with all our future plans (The Oddlympics, the Ulitmate Oddworld Technology and other things) We thought we needed more room. And so it was turned into a Forum.

I don't remember ever seeing any screaming fans and such. And look at our publicity now. Theres to much stuff. And I don't really like the Oddlympics. Its not exactly... User friendly.

Another reason the team agreed to a Forum was to bring the OIPT out into the open, so as more people will realize it being here. We do have more attention now, and the Oddlympics are doing good.

I thought i didn't want it to go to a full forum yet. Plus, I still don't like the Oddlympics. It seems more like something for a Fan Fic.

Take time to read the importants (There are so many..too many, I am working on that problem)

In my opinion, the stuff was made to sound overly complicated and put into many topics in the first place. For it to be all real and user freindly, rewrite it.



EDIT: I also notice people like placing there positions at the end. No offense, but that seems kind of stuck up.

[Kaimana]

Majic, for a OIPT Manager you sure have given me a hard time about how I run it, you really helped me at the same time. if the importants are whats bothering you guys I apologize. Like I said I am working on it. But all the threads there are iconed so as you know whats what. Yes it is very crowded but it will get fixed. Just hang with me on that one guys. But to the point here, I need the Mods to work together with the members to resolve this. We can not have this go on anymore.

-Kai

[Majic]

In a situation like this, mods are no better than the regualr forumers. Face it, we may be mods, but we are this super freindly happy go lucky forum now, aren't we?

[Kaimana]

Let me clear something then.. We all have to do something about this in the best way we can, that is peaceful yet assertive.

[Majic]

I don't think your being very assertive.

[Kaimana]

I have been honest, wich in most cases are better, But what have you done? Listen I dont want to bicker with you one this please Majic.

[Majic]

Then be it, no ones forcing you to, but if you'll be bickering with a difference of opinion, I'm going to be there to bicker back.

[Kaimana]

I know that, and I respect that. Just know that my points are in the forums best interest, may not seem like it to you, but that was my motive to do it.