1. therighttothink

    therighttothink New Member

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    Posting

    Discussion in 'Support & Feedback' started by therighttothink, Apr 16, 2016.

    How do you start posting on this site?
     
  2. Wreybies

    Wreybies Thrice Retired Supporter Contributor

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    It depends on what you mean. the above post wherein you asked your question is itself a posted post, so.... If you mean posting items for critique in the Workshop, you'll have received a welcome PM from me that contains all the information concerning our requirements for using the Workshop.
     
  3. Earp

    Earp Contributor Contributor

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    I suddenly have 'insufficient privileges' to post in the Debate Room, despite having done so before. I don't see any rule I may have broken. Any ideas?
     
  4. Komposten

    Komposten Insanitary pile of rotten fruit Contributor

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    Some (unannounced) changes were made recently to the DR, which includes that only members with at least 90 days on the forum and 100 posts written can post there.
     
  5. Earp

    Earp Contributor Contributor

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    OK, thanks. Maybe an update to the Rules would be a good idea.
     
  6. Komposten

    Komposten Insanitary pile of rotten fruit Contributor

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    The DR rules and the New Member Guide have been updated! :agreed:
     
  7. GingerCoffee

    GingerCoffee Web Surfer Girl Contributor

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    That's odd. What led to that? I didn't notice new members were particularly trouble makers.
     
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  8. KaTrian

    KaTrian A foolish little beast. Contributor

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    Basically an attempt to nudge new members to spend more time in the forum proper, on the writing side of things -- which WF is about -- instead of wandering into a Trump thread and getting pissed off with the forum before even becoming part of the writing community.
     
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  9. GingerCoffee

    GingerCoffee Web Surfer Girl Contributor

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    That makes sense.
     
  10. VynniL

    VynniL Contributor Contributor

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    I don't bother with the Debate Room, since I'm not here to argue or debate with people and wouldn't want to pick up any negativity. It's hard enough to remain positive with your own writing.

    Someone new once mentioned to me that reading the behavior in the Debate room was horrible due to the same people behaving poorly. I don't know who these troublemakers are and I'm glad I don't know. I got the sense that it made this forum seem hostile. I was surprised, since this is a warm and friendly place to me.

    But I personally think this rule is too nanny-ish and if I was a newbie, I'd be a offended with this kind of restriction. Especially if I was very interested in the debate topics. It would feel like I've been told that I cannot think for myself.

    You're dealing with adults here. If you're going to allow people to read it, then you need to be fair and allow them to contribute, if they choose. The 90 day or 100 posts seems unreasonable to me. I would reduce it (or just get rid of it) so it doesn't feel like they are being locked out.

    I had to comment. I read the explanation and got huffy.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: May 30, 2016
  11. Mckk

    Mckk Member Supporter Contributor

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    It's simply to prevent people from coming only for the Debate Room, since this is a writing forum first and foremost. That there is a DR is just to give folks the freedom to discuss more controversial topics - that doesn't mean controversial topics are welcomed since it always ends up a complete mess.

    It's to prevent trolls from trolling, because someone whose sole motive is to troll would find DR fertile ground for that but is unlikely to stay on the forum long enough to meet the requirements.

    It's not about 'dealing with adults' and frankly, no, we are not. This is an internet forum and people of all ages and backgrounds come here, including young teens. And it being the internet, even adults often act like spoilt children. (There is a reason why DR is a place of negativity and has made the forum more hostile - qualities even you have picked up without even frequenting DR) So, yes, a stricter measure of control over DR is necessary, as we mods have seen and agreed from having had to put out a gazillion fires in DR.

    Folks do not act like adults sometimes, and since that is the case, us mods still need a way of keeping things in control. The point is, we don't even want to encourage folks to be in DR to begin with, and if someone leaves the forum cause they can't debate - well, maybe that's for the best because this is NOT a debate forum. Folks who come solely to debate have come to the wrong forum, and folks who come to discuss writing shouldn't care so much about a minor requirement.
     
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  12. VynniL

    VynniL Contributor Contributor

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    I still disagree with the change.

    If it is trolls you are concerned about, then as someone who cares about the quality of her experience here, I'd say I'd prefer the trolls be enticed to head to the debate room and be idiots there. Head forth to the bickering room I say, and please stay there. I would be more upset to see trolls in writing threads. But according to the new rule, it means they qualify easier in areas that matter. Makes no sense.

    I prefer the approach that we treat people respectfully and that would also mean giving them the benefit of the doubt. You would think we want to make our new guests to feel welcomed and engaged in everything the forum has to offer. And not come across as a forum that nanny their members.

    I have seen 30-40+ year olds in other forums (writing and non writing) behave worst the 16 year olds. There will always be trolls. Keeping them out of DR isn't going to stop them. At least people heading to the DR, go in with the understanding that it will be controversial. If people are going to get into a sook and leave, they would have left over something else anyway. You're not changing them by 'nudging' them to remember their writing goals.

    It seems to me this rule has come about because of recent topics raised in the DR. But that takes away from when healthier topics may be brought up for future debate. It's unfair to me that someone new may be allowed to only read about a topic that they might feel strongly about, or may be personally experiencing, but then learn they are locked off. It would seem reasonable that the requirement is a little more achievable that still shows good faith.

    It keeps being made out as if debating about world issues is not relevant to writing. I disagree with that. I may not go there myself because I know I have a terrible temper, but argumentative writing is useful writing, and helps people in their critical thinking. So this forum is either going to have this available to everyone, or not. This selectiveness and the justifications sounds unfair and flaky to me. People will still leave after a massive fight regardless of how established they are in a community. I have done this many times over. All that happens is you learn from the previous experience.

    As I hinted above, new people being exposed to whatever the ugliness that happens in the DR is enough to turn people off anyway.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: May 30, 2016
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  13. Mumble Bee

    Mumble Bee Keep writing. Contributor

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    What if we honeypot the debate room?

    We could make a surface level debate room where people go to mess around, and the new people (or me, probably mostly me) think that hey, this is the place.
    Unbeknownst to us commoners, there is a secret debate room behind the debate room... and only those shrouded in the ceremonial robes, in possession of the skeleton key, and willing to sacrifice a goat may enter.

    This filter will effectively eliminate Donald Trump supporters, people who mistakenly believe Hilary Clinton has a soul, and those foolish enough to think Bernie Sanders ever stood a chance.
    He doesn't. Stop living a lie

    There are at least a thousand other reasons to honey pot the debate room, with almost no counterpoints.
    In fact, the only reason you'd ignore my idea is if...
    Wait, you've already done it, haven't you?

    Well played.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: May 30, 2016
  14. Steerpike

    Steerpike Felis amatus Contributor

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    Yes, but it's not a goat you need. Good luck stumbling across the right animal.
     
  15. Mumble Bee

    Mumble Bee Keep writing. Contributor

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    Jokes on you, i murder more animals on a daily basis than any sane person would.

    They're going to send me back to therapy again, aren't they?
     
  16. VynniL

    VynniL Contributor Contributor

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    Goat sex for poem thread and now goat sacrifice for posting thread...?

    I'm getting worried about you...hehe.

    I suspect the only 'existing member' who can get into the debate room behind the debate room would be you, if the goat fee is applied.

    And if it's only you, then it's not really a debate room. But I suppose if the secret debate room was open to newbies, then maybe somebody with a goat will come along and join you...

    But really, I'm a fan of keeping it simple. :bigtongue:
     
    Last edited by a moderator: May 30, 2016
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  17. Mumble Bee

    Mumble Bee Keep writing. Contributor

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    Now that you point it out, maybe i do have a weird thing for goats.

    My dad was right, a petting zoo was a terrible idea for a 5th birthday party...
     
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  18. Mckk

    Mckk Member Supporter Contributor

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    @LinnyV - every forum has rules - does the existence of rules mean members are being "nannied"? I don't think so. Also, what's unachieveable about membership of 90 days and 100 posts?? o_O There are several areas of the forum that have certain restrictions: collab and workshop.

    I'm sorry you disagree, but you are not responsible for the smooth running of the forum - we mods are - and we feel that this will help. When things go to pot, you're not the one who has to deal with it - we are. Time will tell if it is an effective measure - perhaps you're right that it is not. Won't know till we try. We've allowed DR to be a free for all and done so in good faith for a long time - there's a reason new rules are being implemented, and it is not always that debates are debated in a constructive or enriching manner, either (more often not).

    On some forums such controversial topics aren't even allowed. We on WF do allow it - that's actually less nannying than a lot of other forums out there!
     
  19. VynniL

    VynniL Contributor Contributor

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    @Mckk I'm not going to debate with you. I feel I've explained my points clearly and reasonably.

    I don't think anything good could come out further discussing this.
     
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  20. Mckk

    Mckk Member Supporter Contributor

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    True enough. Let's discuss Dune instead. Have you read any more chapters!? :superthink:
     
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  21. VynniL

    VynniL Contributor Contributor

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    Ahhh!!! Not Dune !!! You're just evil!!!

    That was a low blow...I feel guilty enough.

    I'm giving myself a month to finish it.

    I'm kinda busy trying to get poetic, but I'll get back there. If only so I can rub it in that both 'Romantics' finished and the 'Nerd' did not...

    @Commandante Lemming
     
  22. Mckk

    Mckk Member Supporter Contributor

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    A month, Linny? :D Tut tut tut. You're far too easy on yourself. I'm telling ya, Dune is booooooring. Prove me wrong, prove me wrong! :ghost::cheerleader:

    As for getting poetic, perhaps I can inspire you with a little Chinese rhyme I learnt as a kid - maybe you know it too? It's in Cantonese.

    Big elephant
    Holds a gun
    Goes to war.
    He loses
    Returns home for a bowl of chili sauce.
    Takes a bath
    Has no clean trousers
    The granny next door's setting off fireworks.
    She asks you if they're loud.
    If they're not, she's gonna slap you twice!
    :supergrin:
     
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  23. VynniL

    VynniL Contributor Contributor

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    @Mckk

    If you only knew how brain dead tired I am from the all nighter I just pulled, you would not be testing my poor brain cells with Chinese rhymes!

    My Cantonese must be so far gone from crappy lack of use too, because it doesn't really rhyme beyond the first three lines.

    Or maybe you're spiced up again?! :crazy: :rofl: :crazy: :rofl:

    And before I forget...

    *wacks you harder than I did last time in the other thread*

    That's for saying Dune is boooooooring. :bigmad:
     
  24. Mckk

    Mckk Member Supporter Contributor

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    *hops away* can't catch me! Can't catch me!

    Well, it was. And I can say that because I've actually read the whole book :bigtongue:

    :supertongue:

    The whole thing rhymes. Now I've never learnt Cantonese pinyin, so below is my closest estimation to how the Cantonese sounds might look spelt out:

    Big elephant
    Dai bun jorn

    Holds a gun
    Tyar tzi chorn

    Goes to war.
    Hoi dar jorn

    He loses
    Dar mm yehn

    Returns home for a bowl of chili sauce.
    Fan lay sec woon larn tywi jorn

    Takes a bath
    Chown gor lorn

    Has no clean trousers
    Mo foo ger

    The granny next door's setting off fireworks.
    Gak lay ah po siu pow ger

    She asks you if they're loud.
    Mun lay hern mm hern

    If they're not, she's gonna slap you twice!
    Mm hern dar lay lorn ba gern!

    Elephant rhymes with gun, war, and sauce
    Bath rhymes with the verb "to wear", the second word in "fireworks", loud, and the second word in "slap".

    I think so anyway... Many of the lines only have 3 words each. If I had your number I could whatsapp you an audio of it lol.
     
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  25. VynniL

    VynniL Contributor Contributor

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    @Mckk

    OMG...I got it now.

    I'm more laughing that you actually supplied all the phonetic whatevers thingies at the bottom, and that I can actually read them enough to interpret them into Cantonese. :supergrin:

    Thanks, I got my morning smirk after a 2 hour sleep. Of to work! Uuurghhh.

    * I suppose you've earnt the right to complain about Dune. Your crazy face reminds me of old times. I'll go add something there this weekend. If only so somebody gives the poor thread a bit of love.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: May 31, 2016

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