Wendy Bandurski-Miller 12 Apr 2006

huh?

Gayla Drummond 12 Apr 2006

Hoo, boy! What a call to have to make! =)

Speaking as one who was 'personally' attacked a short while back (something about needing to take my medication and let more mature people talk, I think, lol),despite that, I personally think banning should be a last resort, for the really bad situations, like the 'fake' Thea deal.

Personality conflicts are going to happen. We have too diverse of a group for them to not occur, yes, even on an extremely regular basis. Labelling this or that person as a troublemaker over such is kind of a large step to take, most especially if both seem to enjoy enticing the other into arguments.

If someone is consistantly launching personal attacks to harass another member, well, yeah...a warning should definitely be given.

Another site I used to post on regularly has a '3 strikes, you're out' policy. You have to petition the mods to be re-admitted to the board if you get banned. Not only that, if you get a warning, it is placed where it is clearly viewable right under your username on each and every post you make, so everyone sees it.

As far as disagreeing with AW policies, well, that's a staff call. It is clearly stated in the TOS that you are not to post negative statements about AW on the message boards. I guess the kicker on that is whether they are really negative, or attempts at pointing out what they think should be changed in order to make AW better.

One problem I see with discussing this on the message board is that there are members who never bother to read the boards, and those who read, but never participate on them. Shouldn't their opinion be solicited, as well? =)

Gayla Drummond 12 Apr 2006

No offense meant...I think AW has it set so you DO have to be a member to post on the boards, thinking that would cut down on spamming and 'anonymous' postings. =)

Can a staff member clarify that?

Not that it really has anything to do with the discussion, I just thought I'd mention I thought that was how it was, so if I'm wrong, please advise. =)

Jessica Morgan 12 Apr 2006

I think you do have to register as a member yes to post. I was just saying everyone can have an opinion is all:) Oh no offense taken:)

Terry Bassett 12 Apr 2006

"as long as the rules are not broken"

I don't recall ever seeing a set of rules.. Can someone point me towards them?

rebecca phillips 12 Apr 2006

as my father was fond of saying "it all comes out in the wash" i believe too, that a person will eventually turn their hand and truly be known for who they really are. "give 'em enough rope..." So, I too, vote for Number 1 thanks for asking AW

Peter Rutilquarz 12 Apr 2006

OUT with 'trouble-makers' #2

rosemary gioielli 12 Apr 2006

"trouble maker" is a really vague term, and a very judgemental label. In an general discussion arena there are bound to be opposing views, sometimes things get out of hand. I haven't been on the boards for awhile now, but I do know that if you choose to state an opinion, there's always someone who will disagree. Name calling? Some of you may remember a horrible thread that someone posted about me, which was violent and slanderous, an attempt to publicly humilate. Action was immediatly taken . Is this the sort of trouble you are refering to? I don't think so...Anyway, isn't there an option to ban members from your portfolio? Point is, you don't have to get into a heated argument- you can choose to pass -or state your opinion and get out, you really don't have to engage . I realize that aw is posting this to show they are attempting to address an issue. Agree with Pete and RQ , 1 please.

Tree Pruitt 12 Apr 2006

OK, the post on 04/12/06 4:58AM from Patrick Miller says it all, I think! (hope that it WAS intended as sharp humor) Personally I'd be interested in stopping spammers from filling my comment section with miles of poker crap -- am I in line for MY tattoo?

James Rownd 12 Apr 2006

why is this post even here? because according to you AW,

AW quote:

As for those that get offended by our policies and leave the site, this happens on all websites. It's usually those that want to bend/break our rules and then get offended that we upheld our policies. It's simply impossible to keep every single member that ever joins our site. For every member that leaves each month, we have over a hundred new artists that join.

Dan Perez 12 Apr 2006

It's the nature of message boards. there are always people who like to create trouble. there are always going to be people who complain. The most obvious solution is to ignore them.

Is there a block feature on this site that allows you to filter out any posts from people you don't want to know even exist? Not that those work because human nature is to end up reading the posts by the offender anyway.

It seems realatively simple to rectify. If someone is just whinning and complaining or making personal attacks on the board, ignore them. Nothing works better than not responding in any manner. the bully gets bored and moves on.

If somone makes attacks via email, AW shoudl issue a warning for the first offense then a temporary suspension for a pre determined number of further offenses after which you are eprmenntly suspended.

Certain things should fall under a zero tolerance policy, including promoting hatred, violence, bigotry, perpetuating money making scams or slander against a persona character that has no connection to anything they have posted. These offense should warrant an immediate, permenent suspension.

bert cortes 12 Apr 2006

No.2

José Fortunato 12 Apr 2006

Just close your eyes and hears to trouble makers ! ONE

Judy Olson 12 Apr 2006

I tend to like the so-called troublemakers and tend to be irritated by the whiners... odd but true. (Real bullies who personally attack other members are a real problem of course).

NUMBER ONE!

Bob MacPherson 12 Apr 2006

Keeping ones head in the sand helps too, until they see that your butt is vulnerable. Everyone wanted the boards cleaned up, Now we are given the chance.

The TM's will be pleased to know that pending a sudden display of courage by those who oppose rudeness and intimidation, I will be pulling my portfolio at the end of the day.

Heidi Olson 12 Apr 2006

I say get rid of the troublemakers. (as in choice number 2 I quit coming to the message boards basically because of the troublemakers. I don't find it to be AW's fault, but if AW staff can fix it somewhat, then that's cool.

This is an artist's site, not a "social" lounge. While we do gather here this is an art site and for the most part I believe that most members stick to that idea. I see the point of free speech and all, but in a community, the trouble makers either have to compromise and quit being the problem, or they have to leave the board. Its for everyone and everyone should be able to come here in comfort and feel respected. I usually feel pretty good about this site, but the message boards have been a mess. The bullying has to stop. This is not being a bully by sticking up for a majority opinion. I think its great that you have the hutzpah to stand up and enforce your rules. A lot of boards just let it go and eventually would close the board because of lack of interest. Facing the problem doesn't make anyone a whiner or complainer.

Thanks for dealing with this in an adult way AW!

Heidi Olson

Wendy Bandurski-Miller 12 Apr 2006

Whats up Bob?

Renate Dartois 12 Apr 2006

I go with # one because you cannot please every one and the complainers should come forward here they have their chance to speak up so far I see very few if you only want to discuss art I believe there is the Art dicussion board-the name general dicussion speaks for itself-there is nothing wrong to dicuss politics and religion etc. as long as the wording is appropiate and there is room for improvement. And finally yes some people just read the boards to complain and those are the real troublemakers in my oppinion you have the oppertunity to speak your mind or just hit the skip button-I do that a lot but do not take the rights away from other people to express themselves.

Mi MItchell 12 Apr 2006

I'd say #1, but within limits. If you own a retail store in a mall you're allowed only so many complaints a month or year before you get your lease terminated. So I say if the complaints are coming to AW on a regular basis about a certain person, by all means give them the left foot of fellowship. Post the amount of complaints next to the persons avitar for all to see. ALso if someone cries and quits, pulling all their work then becomes a troll still commenting bann them. All they are diong is being neg and nothing positive to say. Why should anything on here be of interest to them anyway, get a life and move on. Or MAKE them move on.

Betty Schwartz 12 Apr 2006

I stand with Armondo choosing #1. Because who, indeed, is to name the "troublemaker" deserving deletion?? As long as AW's RULES are followed, each of us can criticize to our heart's content. The best way to handle hecklers is to simply IGNORE them! That may be difficult for some, but it is the only CIVILIZED way to go. AND, it will show you to be the better man/woman!