Should the RC thread be kept or deleted?

[Facey]

I thought I'd throw a poll out to find out everyone's feelings about the Random Complaints thread.
(With permission from a very sexy mod)

I know there are some who want it deleted and some who think it's a good thing
but in recent months, it has been used as a very negative tool for angry members.

'But it's a complaints thread!' I hear you cry.
To me, there is a difference between having a random complaint and being very angry and this seems to be lost in a very grey area.

It does have it's plus points though.
There are members who use it to vent after a hard day because it does help to get something out of your system.

How do you feel about the Random Complaints thread?

Answers not on a postcard please (unless you want to donate to the Aunty Facey's Holiday Fund too)
but on the very useful tool that is an anonymous poll and a reply button :biggrin:

[Buffers]

This thread has always been used to snipe at other members by people who think the rest of the members aren't clued up to it. It's become less of a random complaints thread and more of a 'specific complaint about you but because I wont name you I can get away with it' thread. If anyone really has anything they need assistance or advice on surely they can start a thread on it? I've seen this done in the past with success. We don't need the 'Random Complaints' thread but where there's a will there's a way, if people want to be catty they'll find a way to do it.

Just to add, I've seen this type of thing done using random happiness too which kind of proves my point. It's blatantly obvious what arguments/disagreements are being vented and toward what people BY what people at times and yet the mods can't do much about it. Shift it, and the bit.ching with it.

[TempusFugit]

This thread has always been used to snipe at other members by people who think the rest of the members aren't clued up to it. It's become less of a random complaints thread and more of a 'specific complaint about you but because I wont name you I can get away with it' thread. If anyone really has anything they need assistance or advice on surely they can start a thread on it? I've seen this done in the past with success. We don't need the 'Random Complaints' thread but where there's a will there's a way, if people want to be catty they'll find a way to do it.


I quite agree with the above.


Just to add, I've seen this type of thing done using random happiness too which kind of proves my point.

Oh yes. It sure does!!



I make no bones about how I view that thread (http://www.isketchforum.net/showpost.php?p=67163&postcount=2)and have often had to resort to reporting posts which I felt could be misconstrued or aimed at other players. I was very disappointed when after the 'clear out' the thread was reinstated as it was this very thread that caused a lot of the problems to begin with. I rarely use it (albeit lately, I have - but normally very light hearted RC's). I also rated that thread a big fat one star for the record.

I personally think it should be closed indefinitely.

[*AJ*]

Random complaints is good because you can moan about the most random thing(s) going on in your life. It's something that people can use just to help get stuff off their plate.
Also if someone is upset and needs advice, it gives others the opportunity to help them and offer some of their experiences, I know I have helped out one or two people on here and they appreciate it. Also, people have done the same for me and I am so grateful for it :)

(Oh btw, 2.0, I do hope you take my advice about washing your hands :twisted:)

I agree with what Lumiere says about digs being made at specific people and it's a shame that that has happened. People are taking advantage because they can't name and shame :rolleyes:

[2.0]

Bottom line: wanna complain? do it in the RC thread. Don't want to learn what people are complaining about? Don't read the RC thread.

RC STAYS.

[Facey]

I agree with what Lumiere says about digs being made at specific people and it's a shame that that has happened. People are taking advantage because they can't name and shame
Which, in my view, is why it should go. People insist on using it for those digs and while they do, others are getting hurt. If people won't stop using it for those purposes, then I think the priviledge should be taken away.

[2.0]

People insist on using it for those digs and while they do, others are getting hurt.

Again, i have to disagree. No naming is bliss. I am oblivious to the comments that were perhaps made (still are?) in the RC about me. I read them, didn't make anything of them, and accidentally don't give the person complaining about me the pleasure of my being angry or irritated.

[Nay]

I think people should be less sensitive. That doesn't mean that digs at people without really mentioning their name is a nice thing to do, but if you feel offended you can PM, mail or call the person in question and talk about it. And that is better than running to a mod to do your ♥♥♥♥♥ing and moaning through a 3rd party, 'cos that's just weak.

Plus, removing RC will just make the problems that you may have with them spread all over the forum or elsewhere. Don't keep avoiding confrontations 'cos it only makes things worse on the long run.

[*AJ*]

Which, in my view, is why it should go. People insist on using it for those digs and while they do, others are getting hurt. If people won't stop using it for those purposes, then I think the priviledge should be taken away.
People should just stick to the rules. End of.
Everyone on here should be mature enough to know what is right and what is wrong. Sadly people abuse that, but it doesn't mean that RC should go.
I think people like that should just have their posts edited/removed/whatever is necessary. But having said that, there are too many grey areas.

(why does it want me to spell 'grey' the US way? :mad:)
/slap US spell checker on the forum

[Vik]

In direct response to Nay's post I'd encourage people not to see reporting posts or going through a mod as being weak - it's part of what we are here for. If you can sort an issue out alone then that's great, but that's not always possible.

[Nay]

In direct response to Nay's post I'd encourage people not to see reporting posts or going through a mod as being weak - it's part of what we are here for. If you can sort an issue out alone then that's great, but that's not always possible.

Don't get me wrong: I think reporting generally offensive posts is a very normal thing to do. Having them removed by a mod won't solve any problems though.

It's like covering up blemishes with make up :biggrin:

[Buffers]

I've only once seen a RC aimed at you (2.0... whoah busy thread lol) and that member is now banned. I'll add that those two things are unconnected though. The random complaint in question however, was removed.

I'm guessing there are no random complaints about 2.0 because he's not an easy target and doesn't care about what he's right to deem trivialities. Kudos to you for that 2.0 :biggrin: but not everyone is as thick-skinned. Over the past few days I've seen the same RC made in different words by different members. Surely once would do? What we end up with is a member not retaliating, others repeating the random complaint or people retaliating after repeated random complaints about the same unnamed person/people! On and on it goes. Is the problem the members rather than the RC thread?

This forum in the past and currently has been censored to the nth degree to keep trouble to a minimum. As long as RC remains it will always transform into a playground at the slightest notice. Not everyone shows 2.0's maturity and is prefect material.

The argument for not reading it is a valid one, noted, I shall no longer be reading it. However, this forum is publicly viewable and the posts on the RC thread make up approx 10% of the massive amount of views. Is this really how we'd like this forum portrayed to those who might become members in the future? It's a helpful place where people can seek advice if they so wish, on reading RC some might wish to keep a distance in case they become subject to the treatment that forum loop-holes allow. Maybe I'm being harsh in stating this, next to many other online forums this is a bright and breezy one, it's just a shame to see it dragged down time and time again by this in-fighting when really, between members, solidarity and patience should be the order of the day.

[bunE]

I voted to remove it, and I have just asked a mod to remove some of my posts which could be read by others as "aimed" at them. It is easy to read a post and "see" it as others do not and believe it to be aimed at you! There is a post on there at the moment which I thought was aimed at me. Strangely 2 other people I spoke to believed it was aimed at them. So if paranoia is one of your buddies you will always read it the wrong way. It is a random COMPLAINT thread and so in an ideal world all the posts should be about random stuff and non specific. But as we all know it is not an ideal world! Or as 2.0 says you could just choose not to read it if you dont wanna see others complaining.
I apologize if people have believed anything I have ever posted in that thread was aimed at them as i dont actually like conflict or upsetting people. I think that as we seem not to all be able post a RANDOM complaint maybe it would be better kept locked. But where will I complain about cleaning my animals pens out in the rain now?

[luvducks]

I'm on the fence. Yes I do believe that some use the RC thread for snipping, and calling out others. I have never been the target of a random complaint, so I cannot fully understand the fustration. How ever I have had friends called out and it is upsetting that we can't all get along and act mature.

But for those of us who appreciate it we use it to better understand what our forum members are going through. I think that posting a simple complaint about yourself or your day and recieving a hug for it can make anyone smile. I don't know which way I'll vote yet.

[tuppence]

I for one agree totally with 2.0 the complaints are there IF you want to read them. and only read them without reading into them.
I think rc should stay cos i so wanna complain about my hubby being home all day......

[TempusFugit]

I think people should be less sensitive. That doesn't mean that digs at people without really mentioning their name is a nice thing to do, but if you feel offended you can PM, mail or call the person in question and talk about it. And that is better than running to a mod to do your ♥♥♥♥♥ing and moaning through a 3rd party, 'cos that's just weak.

Plus, removing RC will just make the problems that you may have with them spread all over the forum or elsewhere. Don't keep avoiding confrontations 'cos it only makes things worse on the long run.

Don't get me wrong: I think reporting generally offensive posts is a very normal thing to do. Having them removed by a mod won't solve any problems though.

It's like covering up blemishes with make up :biggrin:

I certainly don't consider myself weak for exercising my right as a member to report a post that could cause the forum to either suffer downtime (as what has happened recently) or its ultimate closure. I don't report posts that often - only one's that I consider are against the grain and fall into the relevant categories.

I do agree however, that by removing RC's will not solve the problem of members wishing to air their dirty laundry in public. I will expand further below.




However, this forum is publicly viewable and the posts on the RC thread make up approx 10% of the massive amount of views.


10%!!! :eek: It never fails to amaze me how society in general loves a good ♥♥♥♥♥-fight. You hit the nail on the head last night, what with all the views in another thread - and I do believe I pointed out once before how a little bit of drama makes the views go up ten-fold.


Since my initial post, I have been thinking of alternatives as a way to keep some middle ground. One of them could be the reinstatement of the RC thread, but with stricter guidelines - such as a fuller explanation in case of a post being misconstrued by someone else. Obviously, this wouldn't apply if you were silly enough to die your hands blue :razz:; but perhaps a statement such as "RC: A friend has been talking about me behind my back" could be misinterpretated by sensitive members (this has happened quite frequently) and perhaps a little bit of background would stop people jumping to conclusions.

It probably is very difficult to police, but if a member was suspected of in-house bickering/ ♥♥♥♥♥ing etc., then perhaps they should be warned?

[sketches]

I don't care either way.

[clungeface]

who cares. If you don't like it, don't look at it.

it's a FORUM.

say what you want.

[sense]

it's a FORUM.
say what you want.
Within reason and common decency, of course!

[wild cherry]

People should just stick to the rules. End of.
Everyone on here should be mature enough to know what is right and what is wrong. Sadly people abuse that, but it doesn't mean that RC should go.
I think people like that should just have their posts edited/removed/whatever is necessary. But having said that, there are too many grey areas.

(why does it want me to spell 'grey' the US way? :mad:)
/slap US spell checker on the forum
Yes aj people do use and abuse the RC thread, it goes to show that us mortals are in fact all human and all have bitterness in them, no1 is any better than the other, ive seen everyone snipe in the past and the presant.
Im not worried if RC is kept or taken away, its not a big deal to me if i feel annoyed or want to rant i have family and friends to support me in that, i do not need an internet audience to do it.
So my thought is this, IF WE CAN ALL AGREE THAT MEMBERS,, MODS, ALL OF US ALIKE ARE uNDER THE SAME RULES, then yes bring it back if not take it away.
Im not saying this in a attacking way im merely being realalistic here, we are all quilty of the RC abuse crimes here, EVERYONE.

[NoHints]

Yes aj people do use and abuse the RC thread, it goes to show that us mortals are in fact all human and all have bitterness in them, no1 is any better than the other ive seen everyone snipe in the past and the presant.
Im not worried if RC is kept or taken away, its not a big deal to me if i fell annoyed or want to rant i have family and friends to support me in that, i do not need an internet audience to do it.
So my thought is this, IF WE CAN ALL AGREE THAT MEMBERS,, MODS, ALL OF US ALIKE ARE uNDER THE SAME RULES, then yes bring it back if not take it away.
Im not saying this in a atacking way im merely being realalistic here, we are all quilty of the RC abuse crimes here, EVERYONE.

Not everyone has posted in RC actually....

Some people don't even read it...

[wild cherry]

Sorry Nohints. i meant people who have used the RC thread i dident mean every single forum member as such hun.
So ill re say, all the forum members who have USED the RC thread have at some time been bitter, sometimes on purpose other times just looks like they have been, like i said human nature im afraid.:sad:

[Vik]

But for those of us who appreciate it we use it to better understand what our forum members are going through. I think that posting a simple complaint about yourself or your day and recieving a hug for it can make anyone smile. I don't know which way I'll vote yet.

That was well said, luvducks.

I voted to keep it, but if it were to stay it would be moderated a lot more than it has been so far. I can see the points for and against - right now I don't want to see it back if nothing will change.

[Facey]

But for those of us who appreciate it we use it to better understand what our forum members are going through.
Very true but I find this thread (http://www.isketchforum.net/you-doing-today-t1591.html?t=1591&highlight=today) more useful for that because it's about what people are going through not just 'random' stuff and it has been used for the purpose of many positive things mentioned in this thread. I think FTM had the right idea.

[luvducks]

I do agree with you there facey. But it would be just as easy for someone to say so and so upset me in a post on that thread. :\

[Fy_Nyte]

So my thought is this, IF WE CAN ALL AGREE THAT MEMBERS,, MODS, ALL OF US ALIKE ARE uNDER THE SAME RULES, then yes bring it back if not take it away.
Excuse my ignorance, but when has there been a case when we (members/mods) haven't been equal?

[Vik]

No, mods and members have always been subject to the same rules and regulations as each other.

As regards who has and who hasn't been bitter on the random complaints thread, I would say that only a small number of people could be accused of making personal attacks on there. However, I think the point that jumps out at me from Cherry's post is that a lot more people have had their posts misread on there. Sometimes a perfectly innocent post can have devestating effects if it is badly interpreted. I am ashamed to admit I have interpreted at least one post wrongly in the past. This can be eliminated in part by people thinking before they write, and by others not reading too much into things. This isn't true for all cases - I can think of one of mine where it was purely a misunderstanding, but so is life. It can cut down on the amount of upset at least.

[gracie]

Bottom line: wanna complain? do it in the RC thread. Don't want to learn what people are complaining about? Don't read the RC thread.

RC STAYS.

I have to completely agree with that. May sound pathetic, but the RC thread was one of the things that kept me sane when I went through some crises. It was nice to have some people who showed they actually cared through PMs and replies. It was exactly what I needed at the moment.

One thing that's sort of unrelated - I've always thought about combining ALL the Random threads (Random Funnyness, Complaints, Happiness, Confusion) into one thread, and putting a legend for the acronyms in the first post.

[luvducks]

So maybe posts are misread but it's a forum. It's going to happen no matter what. The way you word something may sound like something totally different to someone else. There's no way to get around that...

[Facey]

very true but the RC thread is used specifically for people to cross the line and abuse without naming, even to the point of bullying. I can't say any other threads bring such temptation to people (although it has happened in other threads before).

[Tigeress]

Wow...how long have i been away for???

Erm yeah anyway...My opinion is that it should stay. I don't use it that often but i know that when i do use it...it helps!
No-one can stop people making personal digs at others and if it isn't the RC thread...then it'll be another thread. I don't think closing the thread down is going to make a difference to be honest. One way or another...they'll find somewhere else to post it...and there are plenty of places!

As for reporting certain posts which indicates a dig at someone....then it is a good idea to an extent. You can't prove that it was a personal dig and that person would more likely than none..deny it.

If someone has an issue with a post..then report it to the mod. They can review it and sort it out behind closed doors.

So...who wants a cookie?! :razz:

[2.0]

Excuse my ignorance, but when has there been a case when we (members/mods) haven't been equal?

In the short time i was a mod i did not consider myself above members and i can say with much certainty that the current mods don't consider themselves that way either. I was a member with certain privileges and responsibilities,but not any better than anybody else. If anything i was worse, much worse, i'm really a horrible person :embarrassed:

[luvducks]

I have voted for RC to stay. Some posts are misread but this is a forum, it's unstopable. Other posts are cruel, that's why there are moderators. However mods can't stop everything. But back to cherry's point on human nature- we are going to butt heads, we will disagree, and we will sometimes have mean things to say about others. But if we can all show some decency and discuss certain matters private I think we can get rid of problems on the RC thread. It will then be the thread that lets us better understand eachother.. as it was meant to be..

[Facey]

I'm hearing, and understanding, the point that keeps coming up about it just pulling up in other threads. I do agree, I really do but think about this.

The first thing that comes to my mind is the government baning smoking in certain areas. They're doing it to protect everyone (please don't take this thread off-topic by pointing out I'm wrong tell me on the other thread :razz:). Smokers do still smoke but in other areas. These areas have turned out to be less harmful to people though.

My point being, I think it'll be less harmful if the one temptation is taken away.

[kisskiss]

I vote to keep the RC thread cos it's a good place to vent about our real lives if we need to. If we bring specific complaints onto it rather than random ones, then I trust our mods to keep us in line.

[Nay]

The first thing that comes to my mind is the government baning smoking in certain areas. They're doing it to protect everyone (please don't take this thread off-topic by pointing out I'm wrong tell me on the other thread :razz:). Smokers do still smoke but in other areas. These areas have turned out to be less harmful to people though.

My point being, I think it'll be less harmful if the one temptation is taken away.

But the difference between smoking and complaining is that smoking will only affect the smoker and the people who aren't bothered by it in the areas where it is permitted. With complaining it's always somewhat harmful: To complain you need a person to complain to and maybe a person to complain about. Smoking can be done all alone without anyone being bothered by it.

[Fender]

Within reason and common decency, of course!

Reason and common decency? You reading the same forum as the rest of us? :razz:

Personally I quite like the RC thread because it let's us put anything that's niggling us, but I've too noticed it being usurped to aim comments at others. If it's reopened with the proviso people aren't vague about things, which leads to ambiguity and posts being misread or misinterpreted, I'm happy to see it return.

[Deadpan]

I don't see what's wrong with RC... maybe I haven't been reading it enough or deeply but I never recalled someone being sniped at (hopes I was never remarked about!). As far as I saw people just complained about things that were going on, e.g. spouses, children with pie preferences, games, etc. It's often times funny to read some of the posts, and I think it's entertaining (as well as a lot of others) to look at and share. So yes, RC should stay.

As a side note, you can always put a "Do not complain about other people" in the first post of the topic and hope people will abide by it.

**checked RC before posting**
OHHHHH I see what happened. I haven't been checking it frequently... well what happened was quite... popping out of nowhere between posts... but most people seem to know what is and isn't appropriate to post, so I think it can stay.

[jewels]

Before I start I wish to thank facey for starting this thread.
Also I would like to say whatever the outcome of the R/c thread is, there are going to be forum members unhappy either way, I'm sure this is going to be a very tough decision for the mods to make, please bear in mind whatever they decide is what they believe is for the good of the forum.

RE:MY VIEWS
After reading many of the posts on this thread, many with very good points both for and against keeping the RC thread, I am still undecided:embarrassed:

But I do partly blame the person who re-started the RC thread.

/me goes to see who it was

http://www.isketchforum.net/random-complaints-t1256.html:embarrassed:

Swifty moving on, whilst the RC thread is awaiting an outcome, should you need to post a RC to get something off your chest please feel free to pm your RC to my pm box,
(max limit 3 RC's per person per 24 hours).
small print should any person send more than 3 rc's within 24 hours they will incur a cost of £10 ($6) per RC. paypal accepted.

[gracie]

So how long is this poll going to be open? Because I think the results are pretty clear.

[Ches]

I voted no.


But only because I clicked the wrong blooming button. lol

I like the RC thread. Just keep it random is all :)

[wild cherry]

Excuse my ignorance, but when has there been a case when we (members/mods) haven't been equal?
Im not saying that recent mods have never been equal to us fy, but its been known of in the past and proved also.
I would hate that situation to come back and arse bite us.
Thats the gist of my post hun, nothing demeening to recent mods whatsoever.:razz:

[Ches]

I'm far more equal than any of you lot :P

[wild cherry]

I'm far more equal than any of you lot :P
Yes i agree with you ches, i love your style hun so much more special than us mere forum members.
Only when you put on that female kilt and strappy shoes i tent to think your a bit unequal.
Kidding aside your a great mod and i hope we have you for a lot more years to come.:razz:.
ches shhhh no one else can see this small print, can you send my money in cash form plz, thankies.:rolleyes: