Now, having said that, once we're 110% sure we have a flaming troll on the barbie, is it now OK to download the F-bomb on them? (Hey, life calls for some sort of compromise and reciprocation with all involved parties, does it not? 
)
Posted on 10/26/2009 4:32:01 PM PDT by Admin Moderator
This is a public service announcement from your friendly neighborhood Admin Moderators (Sidebar gave us some attitude so we shoved him in the closet for a while. He never recovered from the Yacht incident) For a while, we have noticed some things happening that we need your help with. The Free Republic community is strong; we are almost a family, albeit very dysfunctional at times. Like any community, we have new members joining us daily. Unfortunately, the air of suspicion and the desire to keep things “the way they are” has fostered a feeling of distrust with new members. Almost every day, we see new members join, then, because of comments of suspicion, they often don’t return. For any community to thrive, it must grow. Because of this, we are asking for your help. Here are some important things you should know:
The Internet has changed greatly since Free Republic first started. When we formed, few people had their own websites, now, everyone has their own blog. With this, there is an attitude change where someone who doesn’t understand how our community works may be more interested in self-promotion than we have been used to in the past. We don’t want to change the overall feel of this site- it is about our shared values, not about self promotion, however, we don’t want to drive people away simply because they link to their own blog. There are blog “pimps” who want nothing more than to promote their own sites, but for most people, it is simply how they start out sharing their thoughts on a matter. Encourage these members to take part in existing discussions.
Many new members may not communicate well what they believe and it gives the appearance they are not 100% kosher in their Conservative beliefs. This may have nothing to do with their Conservative credentials but simply how they are communicating their beliefs or how the media/pop culture has told them what to think. Be an example and discuss what you think is wrong. A liberal troll’s true colors will reveal themselves while a new member who is honest, but may not communicate well, may learn from the conversation.
Remember, how you respond to a topic not only reflects your thoughts, but also is a reflection of the community and Conservative values. We need to be an example of positive conservative values when responding to members, especially new ones. As mods, we make a strong attempt to screen all new members. Every new sign-up goes through a period where their posts are reviewed. This helps us eliminate most trolls, porn and commercial spammers, and those who don’t fit in with our Conservative values. This isn’t a perfect system, but it does help us make sure that by the time a new member reaches the community, there is a greater chance this person is the type we want around. Some slip through, yes, and you can always help us by hitting the abuse button. (of course, we do let some world class morons through every once in a while as “Live Chow”- after all, the kitties have to have toys.)
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With all that said, we need to grow. We need to be far more welcoming to new members and guide them into how to use our community best. With this said, we are issuing a challenge to our long time Freeper family. We would like to start up a ‘welcome wagon’ type of ping list or group whose job it is to welcome new members, show them the ropes, and guide them through our community. This could be as simply as giving new members a kind welcome, guiding them to how to post topics or replies, or just making the experience pleasant.
As this is your community, we would like your thoughts, ideas, and most importantly, for some of you to step up and help us with this.
We are passing the ball to you. What do you think?
Has anyone considered having a page that new members are taken to and on this screen are the rules of the forum and some pointers for posting etiquette. (Does this exist now? I forget.) The new member would have to click “I have read and agree” like a typical software installation. Then they would be taken directly to a home page for a collection of welcome and “Getting Started” pages.
Is this what you had in mind?
At least we’d know and they’d be on record as having been told the basic parameters before they post including why you might get zotted. I’m sure a number of us could put together some helpful-to-noob pages they could peruse. We could include links to the HTML sandbox, too, so we don’t have 15 “how do I post a pic” threads per week...
Just a thought.
I think the welcome ping is a great idea. New people need to be guided through the ropes, while they are made to feel welcome. The welcome ping list could also be a way to help get rid of trolls. At any rate, I think it's a great idea. :o)
The Mods have spoken. Let’s call the VK only when absolutely sure we have a troll.
Poor Sidebar. Poor, poor Sidebar. Alas.
I trust our beloved and trusty RM remains in good health?
Lead Moderator hasn't been seen in over a year. He didn't go RINO did he?
Welcome, Newbie.
Have seen our ritual hazin....uh...uhh...welcome wagon?
>>> New threads are also pre-screened.
Trolls must be signing up then and waiting past the burn in time to avoid the pre-screening.
maybe the privilege to start a new thread should be granted based on number of in-thread posts without complaints.
We’ll be sure to leave you plenty of toys.
1. Search engine that works.
2. Modern posting system that does not require arcane gyrations to embed pictures.
3. Did I mention a search engine that works?
We need these.
Hahaha...English fail...
Lead Mod joined the church of Scientology. She is currently going through extensive auditing.
Or, in the interest of supporting the forum we could link the posting of new threads to the commitment of at least $1.00 per month in monthy donations to FR. Non-donators could comment but not start new threads.
I'm sure most would donate more, but JimRob posted just the other day that there are so many FReepers that if each contributed $1.00 per month we'd never have to have FReepathons.
I’m talking about the OCD some people exhibit with regard to things they don’t like and the need to pound their message into the ground and ping all their like minded pals everytime the subject of their hatred comes up so they can all pig pile on the offender. It’s possible to make one’s case without being insulting or derisive, but some FR regulars don’t get that.
Now, having said that, once we're 110% sure we have a flaming troll on the barbie, is it now OK to download the F-bomb on them? (Hey, life calls for some sort of compromise and reciprocation with all involved parties, does it not? )
Thanks for the remembrances. Things were on a much smaller scale back then and I guess in all honesty we looked out for each other. I always enjoyed that phase of FreeRepublic.
Today we have a much different climate and as the admin stated the internet has changed drastically in its capabilities/usage and design. It’s a quicker, faster response and many more have input to either praise or disparge.
I now find myself limiting my posting to select topics that may interest me that given day. I still help when I can but it’s not the same in today’s environment.
Anyway thanks for the kind words and you have a nice evening.
In my early days I posted a reply on a thread and made a misstatement. Very quickly, hoardes of folks stopped by, not so much to correct me, but to belittle me. It was hard trying recognize that most Freepers were actually pretty decent folk.
I see newbies getting this treatment today and I feel sorry for them and embarrassed for FR. We ought to cut folks some slack, and by all mean, beat them up if they truly turn out to be trolls, etc.
I appreciate this thread. This should cut down considerably the FReepmail I get from angry FReepers on the Religion Forum calling the VK to ZOT this HERETIC or that APOSTATE.
What about sending a FReepmail welcome letter to any new user with FR mission statement, FReeper etiquette hints, and links to html sandbox and FR acronyms?
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