Isn't it pretty simple?
If its mild abuse, press ignore
If its more serious, email a mod
If its threatening, call the police
Can I join your dim gang, coz I'm lost with this thread too
Same here; I would be curious to see the results of an anonymous poll on the subject. Not doubting that it happens or the seriousness of it when it does, just curious how isolated or widespread it is.
So mild abuse / harrassment is acceptable? Each person reacts differently to it so pressing the ignore button, although quite good for some, doesn't work for all.
I started this thread hoping that posters who have been harrassed will find the courage to step up and say stop.
Thanks for all your responses and taking the thread more or less seriously. EF is generally a great forum and I'd like to do my bit to keep it that way.
Depends what you mean by "abuse" or "acceptable" - if I think that somebody is talking crap and I point it out, is that abuse?
Nope. That's honesty and being objective. Keep it up.
It unfortunately, on many forums, not just here, the infamous "tourist to Mallorca syndrome" which means that some people sometimes feel NON-observed and so revert to rough-talking in a way they in direct touch with people would not. Add to this that what is common standard in one country is undecent in the other. And third, many people can get rather emotional at times.
My advice to whomever feels "attacked". Do neither take such things literally nor too seriously.
Yes, I've been blobbed a couple of times just for posting views contrary to those of the blobbers. Feels like a form of censorship - if you disagree with the general consensus we'll diss your rep - sort of thing. It's put me off posting a bit over the last few weeks; not that I'm overly worried about getting loads of greenies, but if I feel that a clique-opinion is the only one that will be allowed to be expressed I'm less likely to be bothered about expressing mine.
The fact that this question has been raised makes it's existence difficult to deny, I have on occasion found the cyber-bullying on EF very interesting, I have even used threads in my work to illustrate how devious people can be by hiding bullying in the guise of help..
Let's not forget one thing, this forum and it's members are great! This forum was build from people who really cared for it and really believed in it, and look how great work they did, this forum is awesome... But where are they now? Why those who worked so hard to make it what it is, left? And why?
Good point, I see a Porsche was driven away quite recently !
Although I note that one of the blobbers now seems to have disappeared from the member list, so presumably has been kicked off or deleted themselves for some reason. I haven't been paying much attention, but maybe the mods are doing a better job than I thought.
But slowly, presumably, as "Speeding Kills".
We live in a dangerous world !
My take is the forum evolved and wasn't exactly like it was 3 or some years ago, and like a bunch of Grandpapas who get grumpy when the youngsters put on a Slayer album they stormed off to their quiet little nook with more rules than the rules here that they complained about. I saw a lot of complaining in the time up to the exodus and honestly didn't see the substance of what they were complaining about. But then I don't get harassed either. But then I'm a fat ugly dude who tries to be polite online and stay out of the really heavy discussions (guns aside- I love guns ).
It has nothing to do with the mods. They only thing they can do is banning. When banned, the members remain on the list. Deletion is coming from the person itself.
Nil, quite honestly I feel you take the Forum too seriously. It is, as it is. All this analysis doesn't do you any good. In fact it makes it harder and possibly lays you open to disappointment
Your concern and complaints invite the very thing you find disturbing.
I'm similarly dim. I know people got upset about the changes to T&C and flounced. I've heard there's another forum set up somewhere but couldn't be bothered to get the details. (Seen such things happen before - it seldom works).
Doesn't work. If you have guidelines/rules, then people will simply push the limits, and then when action is taken complain that they were within the rules. Practically, moderation is entirely subjective.
Generally, yes. Or rather, tolerable. If you think EF is bad, try mumsnet...
It's an irregular noun.
I give a robust response
You have abused me
He is banned
Very good point, forum abuse can also be self inflicted. Like substance abusers forum abusers also live a life of addiction, they can't make any move or action in their private lives without first posting about it on an open forum. The old saying, " Get a life " rings so true in these cases and it's very sad.
I had someone saying they were going to beat the crap out of me after I made some sarcastic comment. Can't say I was really that bothered because I can handle myself, but knowing that the aforementioned numb nut would know where I was at a certain time (Sporting events -Flag Football) did give him the tactical advantage of surprise. All hot air in the end I guess.
Anonymity is fantastic camouflage, so people feel they can get away with insults and outrageous behavior just because they can. Fact is, there's the opportunity of winding up people, which can be a whole lot of fun, but also being truly sympathetic and understanding to those that show the need. I try and assess the mood before just going for the jugular, it doesn't always work, but then again I know enough of you in the real world to know if I've crossed the proverbial line of decency, because you'll tell me.
BTW - that's a bit rich suggesting that anyone here "get a life". Clearly we all do have a life, some just so happen to want to spend it writing and reading here. We all have our issues and reasons for being here. Look how many folk post here. Do they all need to quantify what "getting a life" dictates prior to posting?
Now let me laugh! That is your kracker jack box psychology about me? I won't say anything because I migh be accuse to take it too seriously but.... Really, read my thoughts.