Bob MacPherson 13 Apr 2006

I think Christina, Linda Jessica and Maddison are onto something. Why not be able to remove comments from your own thread. The removed person can start his own. I think it could work, and is very cosiderate of a lot of people who would like to come to the boards.

Most people have no trouble avoiding threads they don't like. What bothers them is what happens to theirs, often with intent.

Lisa Eshkenazi 13 Apr 2006

Because People in general don't have the maturity to know what to remove and what not to remove. And people who are getting their comments removed are going to get really pissed off.

And it's lame to delete comments just because you don't like what was said or how it was said.

Trust me, it would cause far more problems than its worth. Anyone brave enough to remove a comment had better get prepared for rabid flaming and name calling. Instead of people crying "Censorship!" to Artwanted, they're going to be aiming such comments at the members. I just don't think that we're all mature enough to be able to handle it.

Bob MacPherson 13 Apr 2006

Open for suggestions Lisa. Obviously the way it is only works for a few. I thought it offered a lot more than this mess.

Lisa Eshkenazi 13 Apr 2006

Bob - I definitely wasn't try to discredit anyone's suggestions but I have seen it on other boards where people *are* able to edit their own threads. I just think it would add another point where people would start flaming. Because I think we've all already seen that people are protective of their comments. If all hell breaks loose when the *administration* deletes comments, what do you think is going to happen when another site member does it?

My only real suggestion is just for everyone to lighten up. Mean people suck. But mean people are also *everywhere.* They will continue to be everywhere. If you kick them out, more will crop up. That's life and that's humanity.

I know that's probably not the ideal solution but I don't think there *is* an ideal solution. Every community has its village idiot[s]. ArtWanted is no different. I know there are a few mean spirited people here but I think that most of us are just opinionated and slightly obnoxious. I don't know.

I've never been harrassed and I've never gotten hate mail or whatever has happened to people here. I would shrug it off if I did. And probably post it in my various blogs, making fun of it. That's just me. I know not everyone is like that but it's still difficult for me to imagine letting a discussion board have a big enough impact on my life that I would demand people to be kicked off. Unless those people repeatedly break the rules (which I feel are fairly comprehensive) or cross the line into stalking and harrassment--then I feel Punishment By Exile (tm) is the appropriate response.

Until then, just smile and roll your eyes...

Cristina Marsi 13 Apr 2006

Lisa, let's assume, for discussion sake that i start a thread and you post on it. I remove your comment because i don't like you/what you said... is that such a major drama? Ok, let's assume it is for you... so you start your own thread calling me names and so(but without breaking rules ofc, otherwise it is AW right to ban you), and banning me from posting on it... you still need a great bunch of supporters to keep your thread from disappearing... do you think there are so many ppl on AW willing to support such a thing? I do hope not, at least not after having read everybody's opinions about TM ;)

And one more thing, this way at least you know who removed your post, and dont need to whine against AW.

Ofc the "you" in this post is to be understood in a general way :)

Lisa Eshkenazi 13 Apr 2006

Cristina, to answer your question--I think that if the scenario you suggested were to play out. And I started a thread that was along the lines of "YOU DELETED MY COMMENT YOU COMMENT NAZI!!! HEAR ME ROAR!!! RAWWWWRRRR!!!!!!!"

Yeah. I think I would get a lot of support. I could be wrong but given how strongly so many people feel about censorship, I really think I would have a lot of people on my side, talking about unfair it was for you to get rid of my comment. And if I was opting to be *really* mature, as soon as someone disagreed with me, I would delete *their* comment or better yet, I would play the martyr and say "See, I'm not deleting *your* comment because I'm just so openminded like that" and get even more people on my side.

I mean...I can just *see* the drama playing out. For some people that sort of thing is just really important. It may not make things worse, but I can't see that it would help either.

I could be wrong of course. The only way to find out really would be to implement it and then sit back to watch.

James Rownd 13 Apr 2006

blah blah blah....

this must be some kind of weird sick game for AW

Cristina Marsi 13 Apr 2006

I might be wrong, but supporting one member's war against another would not fit into the TM profile? ;)

Lisa Eshkenazi 13 Apr 2006

I think starting a war against another member to begin with would put one under the 'troublemaker profile.'

But I thought that the suggestion to allow members power to moderate their own threads was so that we could avoid having to label anyone trouble maker or otherwise?

And just because it's against the rules, doesn't mean people won't do it. I think that's definitely been proven time and time again for sure.

We're a bunch of rebels, we are. ^_^

Kathi Perry 13 Apr 2006

I see more fun going on then flaming. I can probably remember (and yes the mind is getting older) maybe one or two people that have made remarks to someone else that would be considered a "flame" but then again when someone opens themselves up for it, it will probably happen. General teasing is what I see most often and for the most part it is all in fun and generally the receiving end doesn't get upset. Downright meaness is something else entirely. Some people just can't take being teased and take it way too personally, that is when it gets out of hand. I say if you have something to say to someone that is of a real personal nature, email them or ask them to go to the chat room. Work it out personally, not publicly.

gregg dutcher 13 Apr 2006

Though I myself have not participated in the AW forums, I have had a lot of experience with forums in other places. I found the ones with open discussion, and no moderators, almost always would become chaotic until those causing the chaos had succeeded in driving away those who just wanted to have a good time. So I agree with Rita Ria's suggestion. Keep #1 choice, but with a designated moderator,...to so called keep the peace! Unless members wish to have chaos reign supreme?

Lisa Eshkenazi 13 Apr 2006

I totally think I should be the AW discussion board moderator. I believe I am perfectly qualified.

1. I have no life therefore I have plenty of time to waste.

2. There's something about being the sort of Jedi Master, Guardian of Peace and Justice on AW that appeals to me. I wonder if I could get everyone to call me Master Jedi Eshkenazi....^_^

James McPartlin 13 Apr 2006

James said:

"this must be some kind of weird sick game for AW"

I'm beginning to believe this myself, it seems all the members taking the time to comment and put forward valid arguments and suggestions on these threads are basically going round in circles to the amusement of the hierarchy owners of this site!

I'm a pretty simple kinda guy, all I want to do is create artwork that somehow touches and hopefully delights people.... I don't do porn, but saying that, I also object to being restricted from showing some of my work which shows a touch of nudity that even my children wouldn't find offensive compared to eating green vegetables!

I wanted to say this before I leave.

All the best to all you great artists who remain (you know who you are)

James

gregg dutcher 13 Apr 2006

And in keeping the peace if harsh words were to erupt, then the person, or persons, would be warned. If things continued to get worse, then censur of both parties could be taken by the moderator. But, for the mostpart, I've seen that a firm warning is usually enough.

Melissa Bond 13 Apr 2006

Number one, but enforce the rules across the boards fairly. Then if the rules are broken give a warning; the second time should result in a ban.

Right now, as it is, no rules are being enforced.

I also like the idea mentioned of a seperate forum for debates and odd humor. That way, those who might be offended, wouldn't have to see the thread and be reminded of it. And those who prefer to behave that way can have their own forum without having to feel restrained. That way anyone who goes to that forum is well aware of what they might read.

You obviously value the membership of the so-called 'troublemakers' you refer to or you would have already banned them. Why not compromise and give an outlet for them and an outlet for those who don't care for it.

James McPartlin 13 Apr 2006

My resignation from this site, I think this says it all!

"AW

I have decided to delete my account because of your unwavering and inflexible policies which restrict me from showing my artwork which at times may include some nude elements.

I object to any of my images being defaced in anyway to suit these rules, so thank you, but myself and my artwork would rather leave uncompromised!"

James

Wendy Bandurski-Miller 13 Apr 2006

grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

Patrick Miller 13 Apr 2006

If you would just paint trees and pretend you are an episode of leave it to beaver you would be happier.....

Unenforced rules...rule

James Shortridge 13 Apr 2006

Does it really matter what my opinion is? No.

Vicki Yeager 13 Apr 2006

James M..Don't you leave! You told Bob to stay..remember? please..