Hopefully we view this board as a democracy and the people can be heard, as long as it is respectful.
There have been a LOT of changes around here lately. I experienced it first hand, when I was suddenly suspended for the better part of a week (JUSTIFIABLY SO.. I am not mad about it), but I therefore have had to make some changes myself.
POSITIVES:
I have really liked the crackdown of the use of language, the level of professionalism and respectfulness on the board has reached a new high, the choice of words is much better, and the chair Moderating is all but gone. Well Done!
Also, things that dont relate to raptors/basketball/sports are quickly being weeded out.. and threads based on mere opinions with little substance, the same. Again, applause!
Negatives: (just my view.. open to debate)
I think we are losing a little bit of sight about what this board is about... to talk, debate and have fun. I personally, regarding thread locks, think that there needs to be a little bit of leniency regarding the types of threads people make. If people are being respectful, and there seems to be a high quantity of posts being made, then there is no harm being done to leave the thread open... if there is disrespect, or we are offending ANYONE, it is reasonable to then shut it down. But if the board is enjoying it, as long as it is somewhat relevant to raptors/basketball/sports, why lock it?
Many times I have had the experience of reading a thread, laughing, loving it, getting ready to make my responce, and then suddenly LOCKED. I am so disappointed! Maybe it was because a poster or two took it to a disrespectful level. I dont feel however that because of the few the majority should suffer. Edit their post so know one reads it, PM them, warn them, suspend them, but dont stop a good thread because of one jerk.
I just recently feel some Mods are having a little bit too much of a quick trigger, a power trip, and are not explaing WHY threads are being locked or WHY people are being suspended. More explanation is needed. People should not feel afraid to voice their opinion, as long as it is not disrespectful. Modding should not be about opinion, but about facts of the matter.
OVERALL... I think you guys are doing a great job, and it is a tough job. And we are HEADING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION... I just think that if there are some shared opinions on the board that maybe some tweaks can be made going into the future, then they should be considered. I know I myself re read and triple guess what I am about to say before posting now, worrying I may get slapped on the wrist, I feel like I have parents on this board now. Heck, Im scared to post this thread right now.. I still for some reason feel it will get deleted and locks and I will be suspended this week.
I dont think we need to feel like this is a dictatorship and as often as possible explanations need to be given to those who do something wrong, because this is NEW to all of us and it is tough for especially the veteran posters to break old habits..
Maybe I am alone in this sentiment, but maybe this thread will pave the way for others opinions to be voiced and maybe some shared feelings will be heard.
Overall, this thread is about the improvement of the board, I dont want to see people be discouraged from posting here.
