Anonymous Posting. Options

[*Monochrome.*]

Well as I was looking through Mod.Preformance thread.I noticed theres alot of fighting and bickering in there.Now sometimes because of this reason Members feel that they need to make a different account just that they can get their point across without having to reveal who they are,So that it wont look likethey have a personal problem the mod they are critiqing on.

However,With power to IP track identitys become Revealed and then more problems arise.

My Idea is to have a anonymous post ability where it cannot be IP tracked unless they are member bashing, or spaming or whatever.

What do you think?

[*.fire*]

I agree, I think it was kinda slack how the mods IP checked acessed denied to find out who she was, and then posted just for the sake for saying they knew who she was, I bet they werent warned for spamming.

[*mona lisa*]

There's a reason for the fighting/bickering. People are biased.

I don't understand how what you're suggesting would be possible. I don't know the technical details but the IP being hidden for all valid posts and visible if member bashing/spamming occurs just sounds...impossible.

It's possible to create a forum where guests can post but not a single thread, I don't think.

Criss (I honestly hope that's your name; if not, I apologize), ONE mod posted that and she later regretted doing it. While yes, it was better to have not posted that at all, the spam issue is not that big a deal. None of the other members who spammed were warned.

[*I Viddy Horrorshow*]

I don't think that's technically possible...

But in any event, if you're honestly afraid to post your opinion, don't do it, I guess.

Although, I would say that I don't think it is a great idea when admins/head staff do IP checks just to find out who people are, although again, people aren't strictly supposed to have multiple accounts anyway, so maybe that is just the risk people take? I don't know...

I think a straightforward policy where by admins etc. agree not to do IP checks unless there are special circs. (bashing, spamming, etc.) is all we need.

[*Duchess of Dork*]

In reading that post, Diana, it makes me feel bad that people wouldn't feel comfortable posting in the moderator feedback for fear of backlash or bickering.

That thread is essentially for you guys, the community.

IP checking really should only be utilized for reasons already stated in this thread (spamming, bashing, etc). So that shouldn't be on-going fear (as the moderator had expressed remorse for doing that).

I'm not sure what it would take to have anonymous posting ability, other than what Mona mentioned regarding an actual Forum.

[issey miyake]

i thought they knew who she was without the ip tracking, i straight guessed it. it doesn't take genius to have known who she was. she left because i revealed it her identity? yes i did spam in that thread and yes i was given a verbal warning by james wasn't i?

just in my opinion, access denied was attacking tina. that was her bias opinion (knowing their history). to me she literally tried to go out of her way to make tina look bad.

[*Intercourse.*]

Diana, I get where your coming from about having an anonymous thread for mod performance and such. Although I don't know we could possibly make something like this. Perhaps have a little check box that we could use to post anonymously would be neat.

Although for IP things, I really think its inconsiderate to search or run a IP check on someone that wants to be anonymous and their not doing anything wrong. I always thought the IP check was to figure out who was who or make sure the person that is causing a problem. Not one that is simply posting around.

[*Libertie*]

With regards to "the moderator showed remorse" comment - if you're talking about me, and I'm the one who did the IP check, then no, I didn't. I honesly, completely, do not think I did anything wrong and I don't see why it's such a big deal that I knew who she was if I kept it a secret. I mean jeez, I'm not gonna go running back there telling everyone who it was unless it becomes a problem, which I didn't think it was going to.

And as a reference to me making the post in the topic about knowing, SERIOUSLY? Okay! Whoa, I had no idea we weren't allowed to joke around anymore, I'll remember to keep it serious and professional from now on! To the owner of the account "access denied" - you and I have spoken one on one before, you didn't strike me as the type of person to get upset over me making a playful comment in that thread. If I'm right, I still don't think that you think it's that big of a deal, but if you do, I'm sorry.

If we're gonna bring up an issue about something that's actually putting a damper on the forums, how about we talk about how things are being taken way too seriously? I mean it, I don't get to come on here quite as much anymore, although I do try to make an appearance at least once every day. It seems like when I DO come online, we seriously can't have FUN anymore because there are so many restrictions on posting (omg don't do that, it's pointless/spam/waste of post count). Are you KIDDING? Jusun has always said that he wants the forums for the most part to be unmoderated unless the need arises, and I'm just not seeing that at all. I'm seeing the same things get reprimanded over and over, when most of these things we could just let slide because does it REALLY matter? We wonder why the community has been falling apart, and I can honestly tell you that I think this is it.

I still don't think that using the power to IP check is that big of a deal if I'm being honest with you, but since it's clearly taken way too seriously when I point out that I know (I thought it'd be like "duh, of course she knows") I will be sure to be 100% serious business from now on and just keep it to myself. *insert smiley here, I'd use the Suzzette victory sign but I figure that'd be misconstrued as mocking her and we don't want any of that*

P.S. I'm begging you guys not to take this the wrong way. You all (those of you who know me) understand that I don't speak my mind unless I feel strongly about something, and this is one of those times. I'm not just being pissy for no reason, okay?

[Luciadus]

I agree. Suzzette, you should mind your buisness when it has absolutely nothing to do with you. And it's very true that the fun level on this site has increasingly declined. We had the fun level on 8, then once we had it on 9 1/2, but now the fun has been turned down to 3, maybe even two. It takes time and money to learn how to read the fun-o-meter. Anyways, we need to crank this baby up. Stop taking things so seriously. If I wanted serious, I'd go to school. I'm not in school, I'm online and I want to be creative and fun, not mindless and boring.
This site has become a prison, the inmates being the poor, unfulfilled minds of the fun seeking participants who get the axe for wanting a little change in their routine. The guards being the veteran members who fail to grasp certain ideas like originality or joy. I would like to spearhead a plan of escape, a campaign of change to give this dying site some life back. Potential members come to this site and leave because they don't see what the point is, or where the enjoyment is. Lets try to revive our community, a Renaissance doth approach.

P.S. Who am I? I'd like for someone to reveal who I am, not really sure why. There will be a reward of ten banana stickers for the person who does it first.

[*Intercourse.*]

I'm backing with you Dani, this site has become a little on the down side of things. It's only been like this recently too. I remember when I could come on here and have a good laugh with some people and actually want to come here and help people and not have a care in the world pretty much. But now its like I have people on my back and its like I really don't even want to come on this site anymore because its taken way to seriously and I can't even go around without someone pointing out a post that I was vividly joking in and get yelled at for it.

[*Duchess of Dork*]

* Raises hand

Was repeating what someone else in the thread said about remorse. Although the word used was regret.

So... I'm sorry?

Yeah, done here. Still sorry people are feeling uncomfortable, but that's about all I can provide.

[Bonobo]

wonderful wonderful idea.... but how would mods find out who wa sthe person bashing if all users had the ability to go anonymous

[*Libertie*]

Rebecca, I didn't post this because of what you said about remorse, so if I was wrong about who that was directed at, I'm sorry. My point is that I don't see what's wrong with knowing who the repeat users are as long as I'm not disclosing this information until it's absolutely necessary. I like to stay one step ahead of the game, and I'm not being immature about it (I don't go broadcasting who every anonymous member is), so who cares?

[*Monochrome.*]

OK now this has cause some sort of more controversy.Something i diddnt mean to start or do.
I didnt start this thread to bring up the Dani IP check with ann thing.That was not my Inetention of this.
My intention was beacause ME PERSONALY As much as i would like to go into mod preformance and tell someone they arent doing their job to MY satisfaction [ PLEASE dont take me wrong on that one lmao ] I cant beacause if i say like
"James isnt doing his job right [he is this is just a example]"People would either automaticly assume that Josh put me up to it.Or its because of the recent "Honesty thread".Then an allout battle would begin,From what i said.When truely the whole time i only really meant that JAMES WAS NOT DOING HIS DAMN JOB IN MY EYES.

So rather then sit here making a whole new account just to nag at him i thought of the anonymous posting idea.But seeing that it may be just not be possible.

[*mona lisa*]

Honesty thread? Which thread is that?

Ignore ignorant responses. Say what's on your mind but don't let personal feelings get in the way. Giving specific examples and stating why you think __ isn't doing a great job while staying objective would help. A LOT. You don't know how many times people have spoke with bias and that doesn't help at all.

[*Monochrome.*]

http://www.createblog.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=169907
this thread.

[*mona lisa*]

How does that relate to this? Unless you mean the whole Josh/James thing? I apologize but my brain is completely fried; I'm really not seeing the connection.

[*Monochrome.*]

How does that relate to this? Unless you mean the whole Josh/James thing? I apologize but my brain is completely fried; I'm really not seeing the connection.

Yes that was the exact connection i was trying to make.lol

[*mona lisa*]

Okay. I've read the thread (albeit not thoroughly) and I haven't read a single valid comment about James' performance as a mod. The whole argument between them seemed more personal than anything, to me at least. If you or he were gearing it more towards his outlook on the community members, which is related to mod performance, than feel free to explain it well in the Mod Performance thread. That's all I can really say. =\

[*Uronacid*]

I think that anonymous posting is a horrible idea, but for some reason cB needs it.

How I feel:

I feel cB needs anonymous posting because the members on this site cannot deal with conflict. Members of this website tend to harbor bitterness against one another. They let it fester, and as a release they become bias and passive-aggressive towards one another or use "anonymous shutouts". They secretly sabotage each others reputations, and manipulate the community causing separation amongst staff and members alike. It's as if they are playing a sick and twisted game. A game where conflict is avoided, and each and every confrontation or opportunity is competition fueled by hatred, pride, or revenge.

I think that one of the largest problems on this site is that it doesn't allow for conflict to occur. Any sign of conflict in a thread tends to be a red flag for the closing of an "infected" thread. Members on this site teach "conflict avoidance" instead of "conflict management". It may seem as if staff has become too strict, but can we really blame staff?

No, I think that staff has good reason to close these threads. The members of cB (staff too) are so competitive that instead of responding to honesty with empathy they respond in a defensive, condescending, or offensive tone. Members making an attempt to level with a conflicting party are torn to shreds and in the process taught to adapt to competitive environment that cB harbors. The members are so competitive they tear each other apart at the very site of a conflict, and the staff can't allow for conflict to work itself out without history repeating itself in return removing a way for conflict to resolve naturally. It's circle of hatred that goes around and around without a way to stop, building up more and more as the cycle continues.

With all the hate flying around, conflict occurs more violently/often. Staff is forced to become more and more strict in order to keep peace within the community because members who harbor unresolved conflict are more irritable.

Eventually no-one is sharing opinions or giving their "honest" input because they fear what may occur when they do. Createblog.com has become a dramatic/political game. Creating more anonymous features will only allow people to avoid conflict for a longer period of time. It will only make our problems worse.

I think that the "anonymous shout-out" topic should be removed from the community.

[Bonobo]

JOSH- OMG You... you... took the words from my mouth.

[*.fire*]

Libertie: The only problem I had with you IP checking was that she stated before that it wasnt necessary to know her identity for her to give her opinion upon the mater. She also had dodged the subject a few times when people asked who she was.

Just because I have something to say doesn't mean people have to know my identity. I'm just someone. Okay? If I don't want my identity known, then I don't. I'm not going to be an a-hole about this, so I'm just going to drop it here.

But when you did find out who she was she seemed fine with it, but me personally I would be irked if someone didn't respect my clearly stated wishes.

Thats all, no harsh feelings.

And by my post I in no way implied that I was taking away the so called "fun".

[*Monochrome.*]

Okay. I've read the thread (albeit not thoroughly) and I haven't read a single valid comment about James' performance as a mod. The whole argument between them seemed more personal than anything, to me at least. If you or he were gearing it more towards his outlook on the community members, which is related to mod performance, than feel free to explain it well in the Mod Performance thread. That's all I can really say. =\

*smashes head on desk*That was the ENTIRE point i was trying to make.People always assume that if someone randomly critiques a staff member it was because their friend or they themselves had a personal issue.

The example i used was James.AND IT WAS ONLY AN EXAMPLE.AS I THINK JAMES IS DOING A GREAT JOB.

so i will reliterate that the james example used was only as example and not what i truely thought.

geeze.*Fustrated*

[*Intercourse.*]

Breathe Diana

[*Duchess of Dork*]

I think that anonymous posting is a horrible idea, but for some reason cB needs it.

How I feel:

I feel cB needs anonymous posting because the members on this site cannot deal with conflict. Members of this website tend to harbor bitterness against one another. They let it fester, and as a release they become bias and passive-aggressive towards one another or use "anonymous shutouts". They secretly sabotage each others reputations, and manipulate the community causing separation amongst staff and members alike. It's as if they are playing a sick and twisted game. A game where conflict is avoided, and each and every confrontation or opportunity is competition fueled by hatred, pride, or revenge.

I think that one of the largest problems on this site is that it doesn't allow for conflict to occur. Any sign of conflict in a thread tends to be a red flag for the closing of an "infected" thread. Members on this site teach "conflict avoidance" instead of "conflict management". It may seem as if staff has become too strict, but can we really blame staff?

No, I think that staff has good reason to close these threads. The members of cB (staff too) are so competitive that instead of responding to honesty with empathy they respond in a defensive, condescending, or offensive tone. Members making an attempt to level with a conflicting party are torn to shreds and in the process taught to adapt to competitive environment that cB harbors. The members are so competitive they tear each other apart at the very site of a conflict, and the staff can't allow for conflict to work itself out without history repeating itself in return removing a way for conflict to resolve naturally. It's circle of hatred that goes around and around without a way to stop, building up more and more as the cycle continues.

With all the hate flying around, conflict occurs more violently/often. Staff is forced to become more and more strict in order to keep peace within the community because members who harbor unresolved conflict are more irritable.

Eventually no-one is sharing opinions or giving their "honest" input because they fear what may occur when they do. Createblog.com has become a dramatic/political game. Creating more anonymous features will only allow people to avoid conflict for a longer period of time. It will only make our problems worse.

I think that the "anonymous shout-out" topic should be removed from the community.

Do you think there's a tincy wincy chance you might be taking things just a little too seriously? I mean, "hatred, pride, or revenge", "dramatic/political game"? It's an internet forum.

While I think it would be good for people to be able to communicate more effectively with one another, I don't see things as being "competitive." Truth of the matter is, some people just don't get along here. It's really quite simple. Unfortunate, but simple. Also, I don't think that everyone is dishonest and/or avoids conflict. There's a difference between someone just not wanting to talk to you and someone who is passive aggressive. That's my take, at least.

Also, the anonymous shoutout threads have been here for a long time. While some may use it as an outlet for frustrations, I see others using it for fun and throwing out silly little anonymous notes that I think are wonderful. I personally think it would be a shame to get rid of it. But that's just me.

Anyway, I think this has veered a tad from what Diana was trying to accomplish/vent/etc. She's allowed to post feedback (regardless of what people agree or disagree with). I don't think that there is much we can do about this (anonymous posting, that is) but we can all try to make a better effort at utilizing that thread for its intended purporse - Feedback. I try to think of that thread as a mini job review written/posted by the general public. Unless I am attacked (and you guys should be able to know the difference), I'll try to acknowledge and move on.

The IP check, for the record was taken a little too seriously (hmmm, taking things a little too seriously seems to be a bit of a trend lately). If it was such a problem (and in the future if it is a big issue or it means a lot to someone), why not just give the admins/heads a heads' up that you would prefer your identity to not be shared with anyone. Not that we would go around making PSA's to the Community about it, but if it means that much to you, it wouldn't hurt. Just a thought.

PS - LOL@Dani, I thought you were busting out the Dani-Smash ( ) on me.

[*Libertie*]

Rebecca - LOL I try not to go postal on people like that, but you never know when it's gonna happen.

Alright, I understand that this isn't Diana's point in this topic, but anyway.

Libertie: The only problem I had with you IP checking was that she stated before that it wasnt necessary to know her identity for her to give her opinion upon the mater. She also had dodged the subject a few times when people asked who she was.

But when you did find out who she was she seemed fine with it, but me personally I would be irked if someone didn't respect my clearly stated wishes.

Thats all, no harsh feelings.

And by my post I in no way implied that I was taking away the so called "fun".

Disagreeing me is hardly taking away the "fun", you're taking what I said into an entirely different context. That's alright. Let me explain why I don't think doing the IP check is a big deal or anything to get upset over.

For one, only four people on this site (five, I guess, Jusun has been around lately) currently have the power to do the advanced IP check. The other staff members can SEE IPs in their respective forums, but unless they go around individually comparing IP addresses, it's highly unlikely that more than a couple of people will find out who's on the duplicate account.

For two, when those three or four people DO find out who that user is, the reason they've been given that responsibility is because they're mature enough to handle keeping a secret when it shouldn't be leaked to the rest of the community. I didn't go running backstage to tell everyone, I didn't go tell the people in the chat, I understood that she hadn't done anything wrong and at that point I didn't need to say anything.

Anyway, I see something out of the ordinary and I check it out. Again, I don't see what's wrong with knowing if it's handled correctly, and since I know that it irks people when I say something about it, I'll be sure not to mention it in the future.

Now I totally understand that sometimes people might be afraid to say something negative about me or Rebecca, or one of the admins, and for some reason might not want us to know it's them. First of all, I'd like to say that we are all very approachable people and we know to take criticism seriously without getting defensive. If anyone's afraid to say something negative about us or tell us what they think we should be doing differently, by all means, don't be! But if you really don't want us to know it's you, you can PM an admin to have them post it anonymously for you, and if you don't want THEM to know who you are, they both have AIM accounts or you can e-mail them. I hope nobody's scared of us, though. Again, sorry for dragging this off the original topic, I hope I was able to tie things in at least somewhat.

And with that, I'm late for work, so. *runs out the door*

[*Uronacid*]

Rebecca - LOL I try not to go postal on people like that, but you never know when it's gonna happen.

Alright, I understand that this isn't Diana's point in this topic, but anyway.

Disagreeing me is hardly taking away the "fun", you're taking what I said into an entirely different context. That's alright. Let me explain why I don't think doing the IP check is a big deal or anything to get upset over.

For one, only four people on this site (five, I guess, Jusun has been around lately) currently have the power to do the advanced IP check. The other staff members can SEE IPs in their respective forums, but unless they go around individually comparing IP addresses, it's highly unlikely that more than a couple of people will find out who's on the duplicate account.

For two, when those three or four people DO find out who that user is, the reason they've been given that responsibility is because they're mature enough to handle keeping a secret when it shouldn't be leaked to the rest of the community. I didn't go running backstage to tell everyone, I didn't go tell the people in the chat, I understood that she hadn't done anything wrong and at that point I didn't need to say anything.

Anyway, I see something out of the ordinary and I check it out. Again, I don't see what's wrong with knowing if it's handled correctly, and since I know that it irks people when I say something about it, I'll be sure not to mention it in the future.

Now I totally understand that sometimes people might be afraid to say something negative about me or Rebecca, or one of the admins, and for some reason might not want us to know it's them. First of all, I'd like to say that we are all very approachable people and we know to take criticism seriously without getting defensive. If anyone's afraid to say something negative about us or tell us what they think we should be doing differently, by all means, don't be! But if you really don't want us to know it's you, you can PM an admin to have them post it anonymously for you, and if you don't want THEM to know who you are, they both have AIM accounts or you can e-mail them. I hope nobody's scared of us, though. Again, sorry for dragging this off the original topic, I hope I was able to tie things in at least somewhat.

And with that, I'm late for work, so. *runs out the door*

Alright, although it's good to stay on topic. I think that it's rediculous for people to be "forced" to walk this ridged line to stay "on topic". There may be several issues surrounding a topic that seem so far "off topic" that we may fail to recognize their relevancy to the topic.

We need to stop being so strict if we're going to get anywhere. I guess I just don't think you should have appologized. I think that what you brought up was one of the underlying or invisible issues surrounding the topic at hand and it needed to be addressed. For people to acuse you of being "off topic" is just plain ignorant.

[HakunaMatata]

*smashes head on desk*That was the ENTIRE point i was trying to make.People always assume that if someone randomly critiques a staff member it was because their friend or they themselves had a personal issue.

The example i used was James.AND IT WAS ONLY AN EXAMPLE.AS I THINK JAMES IS DOING A GREAT JOB.

so i will reliterate that the james example used was only as example and not what i truely thought.

geeze.*Fustrated*

Diana, people will automatically assume certain ties when it comes to certian mods, it's ineveitable. If someone posted anonymously, people will still think "Oh, so and so probably egged this on."

[*I Viddy Horrorshow*]

Just for the record, if someone gives me valid criticism in Mod Preview, I'll take it, address it, and either move on or adapt. No one needs to be afraid. I would also point out that (I'm alomst certain) every single member of staff has said at on epoint or another that they welcome criticism. So if people are afraid, or nervous, or whatever, there is precisely NO reason for this. The only time people will be short with them is if they are making unfair, ungrounded, or personal remarks.

As long as criticism is constructive, that is what the thread is there for.

[*Uronacid*]

Just for the record, if someone gives me valid criticism in Mod Preview, I'll take it, address it, and either move on or adapt. No one needs to be afraid. I would also point out that (I'm alomst certain) every single member of staff has said at on epoint or another that they welcome criticism. So if people are afraid, or nervous, or whatever, there is precisely NO reason for this. The only time people will be short with them is if they are making unfair, ungrounded, or personal remarks.

As long as criticism is constructive, that is what the thread is there for.

Alright James, well just to give you an understanding of how you treated me when I DID decide to talk about something with you:

I said:

"Thank you...

You have to understand why I'm skeptical though... it just seems to convenient for you to come out of no-where thinking it was a great idea as soon as Ju-sun came in posting his thoughts. I guess you really give me the impression that you out of your way to disagree with me in every way you possibly can. It's as if it benefits you to think it's a great idea all of the sudden because Ju-sun might see your post.

If you're just disagreeing with the things that I post because you don't like me then I would rather you keep your comments to yourself... w/e it just disappoints me that you're so supportive as soon as Ju-sun comes on back, and when he's not around it seems as if you're just a bitter jerk to me. It just makes you look fake to me."

I truely felt my comments were constructive. I felt a certain way, I expressed it without without tearing you down, and I ended it with a solution ("If you're just disagreeing with the things that I post because you don't like me then I would rather you keep your comments to yourself".)

You responded telling me to "grow up" and ended your response telling me "You're not that interesting." No offense, but the way you replied to me is exacly the reason people are afraid to speak up.

[*Duchess of Dork*]

Alright James, well just to give you an understanding of how you treated me when I DID decide to talk about something with you:

I said:

"Thank you...

You have to understand why I'm skeptical though... it just seems to convenient for you to come out of no-where thinking it was a great idea as soon as Ju-sun came in posting his thoughts. I guess you really give me the impression that you out of your way to disagree with me in every way you possibly can. It's as if it benefits you to think it's a great idea all of the sudden because Ju-sun might see your post.

If you're just disagreeing with the things that I post because you don't like me then I would rather you keep your comments to yourself... w/e it just disappoints me that you're so supportive as soon as Ju-sun comes on back, and when he's not around it seems as if you're just a bitter jerk to me. It just makes you look fake to me."

I truely felt my comments were constructive. I felt a certain way, I expressed it without without tearing you down, and I ended it with a solution ("If you're just disagreeing with the things that I post because you don't like me then I would rather you keep your comments to yourself".)

You responded telling me to "grow up" and ended your response telling me "You're not that interesting." No offense, but the way you replied to me is exacly the reason people are afraid to speak up.

See, I read that PM and it comes off as personal to me. (And no, I'm not siding with anyone here, just saying what my initial reaction is after reading that post). That's not to say how James responded was the best way of communicating either.

BUT, that type of response isn't really moderator feedback, it's James feedback. Meaning, you were put off by him agreeing with you because you felt it was in conjuction with the site creator's return. That has nothing to do with his job as a moderator here.

Just my opinion.

I understand what you are trying to relate here, Josh. I just don't think that was a good example.

[*I Viddy Horrorshow*]

I stipulated both constructive and, crucially, valid. You were repeating things I had already dealt with several times. I should perhaps have mentioned that the criticism should also be fresh and not repetitive.

I'm sorry if that mislead you.



And also, I'm not having this argument with you again, and certainly not in this thread, so do try not to fall back into the same old rut if at all avoidable.
---

Rebecca, DO stop beating me to things.

[viugiufgjhfhjfhg...]

If users are given the chance to avoid conflict by posting anonymously, how will that affect the future promotions of staff members?

[*Intercourse.*]

^Explain please?

[*I Viddy Horrorshow*]

Possibly he means that people can act up anonymously, and then still apply for staff? I don't really know, but that seems a valid enough concern.

[*Uronacid*]

I stipulated both constructive and, crucially, valid. You were repeating things I had already dealt with several times. I should perhaps have mentioned that the criticism should also be fresh and not repetitive.

I'm sorry if that mislead you.



And also, I'm not having this argument with you again, and certainly not in this thread, so do try not to fall back into the same old rut if at all avoidable.
---

Rebecca, DO stop beating me to things.

James, you tried to "tell me off" (for lack of a better word). Your post seemed insulting, looming, and arrogant.

It's as if every time I had it up you find a way to insult me. I don't know what literature your reading, but most of the conflict management book I have read don't suggest "insults". I keep repeating it because you insult me. It's consistent James, and you have never once had empathy with me. You have never once shown me that you were willing to make an attempt to understand me, and if you did I apologize for not recognizing it and I would like you to post an example so that I can understand.

BUT, that type of response isn't really moderator feedback, it's James feedback. Meaning, you were put off by him agreeing with you because you felt it was in conjuction with the site creator's return. That has nothing to do with his job as a moderator here.

James is a moderator... I went to him with my problem and he gave me an insulting response.

Yes, my problem was with him. He's a moderator, and it was disappointing for me to see a Moderator give my ideas negative reviews and then change his mind in what seemed conjoined with the site creators return. It lead me to believe that he has a personal problem with me. I addressed my issue with James and received an insulting response. I feel as if the problem with me is effecting his ability to make clear headed decisions and perform as a moderator. I feel that he moderates unfairly when making decisions that effect me and members that share my ideas.

There is conflict, it effects the members of this site, and it needs to be resolved. I see it as more than just personal.

I guess this leads me to ask the question... What type of problems should be brought up in feedback? What should be considered too personal?

[viugiufgjhfhjfhg...]

^Explain please?

I was wondering whether it would be a good idea or not to grant people the chance to post feedback anonymously.

At that time I typed that I was thinking of a case in which a person who has never dared to post feedback openly, and now has been promoted to a staff position. This new mod receives negative criticism by an anonymous poster, how would the person react?

I honestly don't know the answer, so I thought I would ask. >_>

Changing subjects, answering to the opening post:

I personally would aim for a solution that aimed towards putting staff members and normal users closer. A staff member isn't the "Fist of Ju-Sun" and shouldn't be seen as someone with the ability to punish, only; there are hiring sessions for volunteers for a reason x(.

I think it would be more helpful to try to approach positions first than add features that could be interpreted as distancing staff members from regular users, in the worst of cases.

[*Libertie*]

If the part you quoted is what you consider my "reason" for doing the IP check, it's not. If you'd like to read it, it was explained very clearly in the rest of my post. We could go around in circles on this (if we aren't already), but it's clear at this point that you and I are not going to see eye to eye on this issue. I'm finding my happy place and going back to your regularly scheduled doormat whom everyone seems to get along with better.

..Or maybe it's just me not being a bitch, I'm not sure at which point on the line this falls.

[*Libertie*]

No you read me right. I meant going back to being a doormat = stop being a bitch, because the two can very easily be misconstrued you see.

I may have taken things a bit too personally, but I guess that's what comes with actually caring. I do feel as if things are continuously getting more uptight, but with all of us being in such bad moods, how could it NOT be? I do miss the way we all used to get along - it seems like there are several groups here, and none of them get along with any of the others most of the time. To be fair, there are a lot of good things about CB, otherwise I'd have been long gone with all the other people who didn't want to deal with all the stress.

I can't decide between "DANI SMASH" (for no apparent reason) and waving my hands maniacally screaming "WHERE IS THE LOVE?!"

[bat19]

No, no, I like the new Dani. Keep it up. Remember, it's Dani Smash!!!, not Dani doormat. "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down that wall.." You need to let loose, make mistakes, and get MESSY!! Serious, bitch her out.

[*Libertie*]

LOL I meant DANI SMASH in the sense that it tends to lighten the mood when I do it, because I'm not your typical "OMG RULE WITH AN IRON FIST OF DOOOOOOM" mod. :P

Anyway, I'll mention how you said that you don't think I should apologize for being slightly off-topic - I agree. This is what I'm talking about when I say things get taken too seriously or that the rules get taken too far. Certain things should just get overlooked because much of what gets punished around here really isn't a big deal.

edit; Nah, LOL. I'm not mad, you mad? I'm not.

[*Uronacid*]

I was wondering whether it would be a good idea or not to grant people the chance to post feedback anonymously.

At that time I typed that I was thinking of a case in which a person who has never dared to post feedback openly, and now has been promoted to a staff position. This new mod receives negative criticism by an anonymous poster, how would the person react?

I honestly don't know the answer, so I thought I would ask. >_>

Well, I thought about this.... it wouldn't be a bad idea if it wasn't' abused. This would give people the ability to be honest about their feelings towards staff members without having to fear their wrath. They would have to react as if they didn't know who it was.

I think that this idea might be a good one. It would keep staff with a personal bias towards certain members of the community from taking things said my those members out of context by holding the post to their expectations of that member.

Changing subjects, answering to the opening post:

I personally would aim for a solution that aimed towards putting staff members and normal users closer. A staff member isn't the "Fist of Ju-Sun" and shouldn't be seen as someone with the ability to punish, only; there are hiring sessions for volunteers for a reason x(.

I think it would be more helpful to try to approach positions first than add features that could be interpreted as distancing staff members from regular users, in the worst of cases.

I completely agree with you... I feel like the staff of cB treats us like we're lower than then. I feel like they talk down to us at times. The "Fist of Ju-sun" sounds like a great movie title... XD

I don't know what you're trying to say in the second half.

[*Monochrome.*]

Breathe Diana

I CAN'T!!!
.

Well, I thought about this.... it wouldn't be a bad idea if it wasn't' abused. This would give people the ability to be honest about their feelings towards staff members without having to fear their wrath. They would have to react as if they didn't know who it was.

That was EXACTLY the whole point for my whole topic.For pussys LIKE ME to post what they thought about a mod without hearing them get all defensive about how they are doing their job.or how they have a life or whatever valid excuse ive seen in that thread.And so that their "homies" dont come swarming at the orignal poster about how they are so great and its their problem.The mod preformance thread reminds me of 26th street in chicago.You say something YOU GET JUMPED MO FUCKA.

That was my reasoning as to WHY this site should consider it.

Buuuut,this has now become a thread about privacy invasion and some other crap. and i feel like its my fault for starting this when all I meant was to give some "ideas" in feedback.

this thread is going to give me a heart attack.I swear to god.

[*Uronacid*]

I CAN'T!!!
.
That was EXACTLY the whole point for my whole topic.For pussys LIKE ME to post what they thought about a mod without hearing them get all defensive about how they are doing their job.or how they have a life or whatever valid excuse ive seen in that thread.And so that their "homies" dont come swarming at the orignal poster about how they are so great and its their problem.The mod preformance thread reminds me of 26th street in chicago.You say something YOU GET JUMPED MO FUCKA.

That was my reasoning as to WHY this site should consider it.

Buuuut,this has now become a thread about privacy invasion and some other crap. and i feel like its my fault for starting this when all I meant was to give some "ideas" in feedback.

this thread is going to give me a heart attack.I swear to god.

I don't know if you're a pussy. I just think that you know how cB works. I see it all the time. You say something about someone, and you get the shaft for saying it. It's as if they hold a grudge against you, or they have their buddies tear you apart.

There are a lot of underlying issues here though. I mean, what's causing people to do this and how can we prevent situations like this from happening? I think that some of the cB staff is too immature to handle negative feedback, and need a lesson in conflict management.

LOL I meant DANI SMASH in the sense that it tends to lighten the mood when I do it, because I'm not your typical "OMG RULE WITH AN IRON FIST OF DOOOOOOM" mod. :P

Anyway, I'll mention how you said that you don't think I should apologize for being slightly off-topic - I agree. This is what I'm talking about when I say things get taken too seriously or that the rules get taken too far. Certain things should just get overlooked because much of what gets punished around here really isn't a big deal.

edit; Nah, LOL. I'm not mad, you mad? I'm not.

Lol, I'm still confused. But I read my post over again and it did sound a little harsh. I apologize for that. But yeah, I guess we should just stop talking about it..it's not even what the topic is about.

No hard feelings?

The things that you guys are talking about are "underlying issues". They maybe completely relevant to the topic, I encourage you both to keep talking if you aren't finished. I think that part of the reason Dianna is suggesting anonymous posts in the feedback section is partly due to the fact that people DO take this website far to seriously and in the process hold grudges towards the people that felt like they were wronged enough to post about it.

[*Monochrome.*]

Yeah I read through the thread a secondtime and saw that

[micron]

i havent really been active for the past year or so, and dont have a thorough understanding of whats going on. so i think ill just say this right nwo, from an outsider's perspective who deeply cares about this community.

as josh mentioned, empathy. i think we lack this as a community, and is the cause behind most of the bickerings, personal attacks, the accusing and defending. and all for nothing too, as more harm than good comes out of it, all because no one's willing to listen and empathize.

if only more people were willing to listen first, and talk later, issues would be resolved a lot quicker. lets not forget that the staff members have done a tremendous job keeping this site going. but lets also remember that this site, being a community driven site, is made entirely possible by its members.

and if you feel youre not going anywhere with someone, please, instead of duking it out with one another across the forums, try having an uninvolved third party help resolve the dispute. im available, and im sure many others are as well.

it takes courage to admit a mistake. and it takes understanding to accept one. please, be more courageous! be more understanding!

---

as for the topic starter, unfortunately its not possible to have an individual thread where staff members cant see the ips.

[*Uronacid*]

i havent really been active for the past year or so, and dont have a thorough understanding of whats going on. so i think ill just say this right nwo, from an outsider's perspective who deeply cares about this community.

as josh mentioned, empathy. i think we lack this as a community, and is the cause behind most of the bickerings, personal attacks, the accusing and defending. and all for nothing too, as more harm than good comes out of it, all because no one's willing to listen and empathize.

if only more people were willing to listen first, and talk later, issues would be resolved a lot quicker. lets not forget that the staff members have done a tremendous job keeping this site going. but lets also remember that this site, being a community driven site, is made entirely possible by its members.

and if you feel youre not going anywhere with someone, please, instead of duking it out with one another across the forums, try having an uninvolved third party help resolve the dispute. im available, and im sure many others are as well.

it takes courage to admit a mistake. and it takes understanding to accept one. please, be more courageous! be more understanding!

---

as for the topic starter, unfortunately its not possible to have an individual thread where staff members cant see the ips.

Omg, exactly... I couldn't have said it better myself.

[*Monochrome.*]

and if you feel youre not going anywhere with someone, please, instead of duking it out with one another across the forums, try having an uninvolved third party help resolve the dispute. im available, and im sure many others are as well.

Maybe we should consider a group on cb who have no moderation power but are here just to deal with members who dont get along.

As i recall in my middle school and high school we called them "peer mediators".
I think personaly that that would be the first step to peace.As Duking it out on the forum isnt alowed but even PM more than 70 percent of the time dont reslove any problems.

I dont know.Just a thought.

[*Intercourse.*]

That sounds like a really neat idea Diana, in my opinion. I do agree that even though everyone says to go to PM's for problems or to clear things out with certain people it just doesn't ever work. And to have a third party in it as well I think that the whole peer mediators sounds like a neat idea. Although if it were in a forum how exactly would it work if some people don't want their problems with others open to everyone in cB?

[viugiufgjhfhjfhg...]

I completely agree with you... I feel like the staff of cB treats us like we're lower than then. I feel like they talk down to us at times. The "Fist of Ju-sun" sounds like a great movie title... XD

I don't know what you're trying to say in the second half.

I have had a reply in mind for a couple days, however I haven't been able to summarize it into a three or four paragraph post. Still, I would like to clarify my position about this subject even though Micron has covered part of what I intended to say.

First of all, I could see how the anonymous posting feature could be useful in some cases, but I wouldn’t go as far as calling that an improvement. There are some problems in online communities that do not have a virtual solution, but instead seem to demand the involvement of the users.

Trust problems or personal disputes (I don’t have an exact nomenclature for the issue Diana brought up) between users and staff members should be talked out. Even if the intervention of a 3rd or 4th figure is needed; being open to solve any problems seems a better option to me than to sweep things under the rug.

We do have the Moderator performance thread and the Feedback forum, as well as a wide range of staff members that can be contacted in case the subject that needs to be brought up for discussion is too delicate to be debated in an open environment. I would say that we already have the tools, what I feel we need to work on now is on our disposition to use them properly.

I am well aware that as people with a limited time to dedicate to CreateBlog and also with a limited experience in Internet community building efforts at first we will only be able to do so much in favor of a better communication between staff and regular users (and amongst each group, too).

Also, we can’t expect everyone to be willing to talk things out since everybody has a different degree of involvement with CreateBlog as well as a different way to deal with stuff. I consider the core of my post to be more of a personal decision rather than a general policy. Ultimately, it’s your own decision to make CB lean one way or another with the way you choose to act.

Even after having considered these facts, I am still in favor of direct user involvement over anonymous posting. A higher level of communication could eliminate some of the obstacles between staff members and users. It would help older members to get along together, and it would also set a good example for newer members of the site.

In a way, not only we’d be doing it for ourselves and the present CB members, but also we would be investing in the future “promotions” of Cbers at the same time.

[*Monochrome.*]

That sounds like a really neat idea Diana, in my opinion. I do agree that even though everyone says to go to PM's for problems or to clear things out with certain people it just doesn't ever work. And to have a third party in it as well I think that the whole peer mediators sounds like a neat idea. Although if it were in a forum how exactly would it work if some people don't want their problems with others open to everyone in cB?

Maybe just open up a AIM chat since most people have AIM.
Or if one of the partys dosnt have AIM i know a couple of sites that offer a private chat room.

it would be just person A person B and the mediator.And the rule would be that any disputes that involve a mediators friend would have to be taken to someone else.
if that makes sense an example would be
If person A gets into a dispute with person B but person A knows the mediator handling their issue as a friend.The mediator couldent work out that dispute for the risk of side taking.

But im sure if we did go through with this that the mediators would use their jugdement wisely.

[*Duchess of Dork*]

My tired mind is reading this (your post Diana) and it just sounds like a title (or titles) for someone who is just willing to listen and help people out.

While that is really a nice thought, it takes away from really getting things out, especially if there are "rules."

What folks need to do to is be direct. As Kurd Jam said, having direct involvment is always the best, preferred way of communicating.

Having said all that, if you guys would like to start something up, by all means go for it. I just don't see it being in any officiated capacity. Just something friendly that people know exist, if that makes any sense. :)

[viugiufgjhfhjfhg...]

Having said all that, if you guys would like to start something up, by all means go for it. I just don't see it being in any officiated capacity. Just something friendly that people know exist, if that makes any sense. :)

I didn't have a mediator group in mind when I posted, but rather I was trying to raise the point that each individual has the key to solve any personal problems with other CB members (in case there are any, as it seems there are).

That being said, I don't particularly mind having a middle ground where people can discuss openly about solutions for whatever issue is worrying them at the time. Both systems of "problem-solving" should be compatible.

[viugiufgjhfhjfhg...]

i havent really been active for the past year or so, and dont have a thorough understanding of whats going on. so i think ill just say this right nwo, from an outsider's perspective who deeply cares about this community.

as josh mentioned, empathy. i think we lack this as a community, and is the cause behind most of the bickerings, personal attacks, the accusing and defending. and all for nothing too, as more harm than good comes out of it, all because no one's willing to listen and empathize.

if only more people were willing to listen first, and talk later, issues would be resolved a lot quicker. lets not forget that the staff members have done a tremendous job keeping this site going. but lets also remember that this site, being a community driven site, is made entirely possible by its members.

and if you feel youre not going anywhere with someone, please, instead of duking it out with one another across the forums, try having an uninvolved third party help resolve the dispute. im available, and im sure many others are as well.

it takes courage to admit a mistake. and it takes understanding to accept one. please, be more courageous! be more understanding!

---

as for the topic starter, unfortunately its not possible to have an individual thread where staff members cant see the ips.

I guess now we know 13 days is not enough time for things like this to happen.