Threatening Staff

[Corleone]

What are your thoughts on staff that threaten you for almost anything?



For example: You double post and you get a message like this, Please do not double post again. If you continue to double post your account will be suspended.



That's simply one example, but there's several others out there.

 

[Cranos]

They have to police the forum and if you're not keeping to the rules, it's only normal they give you a warning. Though it obviously depends on the situation, if you get that reaction after one double post it's a bit ridiculous, but if it happens constantly it's justified.

 

[BeautifulAngel]

I personally think that it is un-needed,I mean people do make mistakes and when staff is threatning it's not fun. A website is supposed to be fun not like walking on eggshells.



However if the user is known to always double post or spam then yes I would be annoyed and say something. However I wouldn't threaten them. Threatning them doesn't change anything. It'll only either make them think that it's a joke and do it again just to get you upset or they would leave and think that the staff is too strict.



Like I said websites are supposed to be fun not stressful or like walking on egg shells.

 

[TheVisitors]

As I own and run an uncensored community... I'm not really someone who takes well to a police state. But I do understand there are rules and I try my best to follow them. There are of course those who are just power hungry and do my best to void those.

 

[Jazzy]

What are your thoughts on staff that threaten you for almost anything?



For example: You double post and you get a message like this, Please do not double post again. If you continue to double post your account will be suspended.

I don't consider your example a threat. I view your example of staff enforcing their no double post rule. Your example, IMO, is nothing more than a warning and their action that will be taken if you do not heed the warning.

 

[Bluezone777]

Staff making threats towards me just makes me lol especially if it's for something minor. Some people take it way too seriously or blow up over minor stuff and those people shouldn't be on forums if they are that sensitive. Then you got the type who make the stupidest of rules and get all up in your face over it. All it's going to do is inflame a situation and make it worse then what it is. Most people are reasonable and if you treat them as equals then they will respect and listen to you. Go around acting like you are above your members then enjoy getting trolled endlessly for it.



Then of course you got the type who don't like being made stupid especially when you can prove it. Those are very prone to using threats to silence people. Fun thing is it never works. lol

 

[Corleone]

I don't consider your example a threat. I view your example of staff enforcing their no double post rule. Your example, IMO, is nothing more than a warning and their action that will be taken if you do not heed the warning.

A friendly reminder wouldn't hurt.



Personally, I've always preferred to keep threats off the forum. I'll hide/delete their post and send them a PM letting them know of their offense(s) and possible consequences. In addition, I try to be fair and reasonable, and by putting myself in their shoes, I can see where they're coming from and try to be real with them. In my example, for instance, threatening to suspend someone over a double-post is petty and shouldn't be taken too seriously, as long as the user isn't intentionally trying to cause trouble or harm towards the forum.

 

[Nebulous's iconNebulous]

I'm not really into the whole Do This or This will happen type of rule enforcement. I usually will just remind the person of what the rules are and a lot of times, that is all it takes. Of course you have to be stern with people who have a history of not following rules though.

 

[DrLeftover]

If they are just doing their jobs, and doing it to Everybody, and not ignoring stuff 'their friends' do and going after people whom they perhaps dislike for some reason, then I have no problem with it.



The phrase: Firm, Fair and Consistent, would seem to come into play there.



However, if there is something else going on perhaps... ....

 

[Ashley]

I'm not really into the whole Do This or This will happen type of rule enforcement. I usually will just remind the person of what the rules are and a lot of times, that is all it takes. Of course you have to be stern with people who have a history of not following rules though.

Same here. I mean, if it's someone who's never broken that rule before, then I'll be lenient with them and just issue a friendly verbal warning. Of course, obviously if it's someone who's done it a hundred times before, then yeah you probably would have to be a bit harder with each offense, obviously.

 

[Raven]

When I see a double post me or my staff delete or merge it. I don't give out warnings for double posts :/ Staff should be giving out warnings for more serious things in my oppinion.

 

[lucasbytegenius]

I'm not really into the whole Do This or This will happen type of rule enforcement. I usually will just remind the person of what the rules are and a lot of times, that is all it takes. Of course you have to be stern with people who have a history of not following rules though.

Same here. I lay down the rules, then I remind them. I've had to ban a couple members who thought they owned the place though. I hate those members who think once they're on your good side they can do anything and get away with it.