Why is "modify" turned off?

[C855B]

I suddenly cannot edit my posts.

[tom mann]

We had a couple of issues where a user would get mad and delete/modify their posts and turn their original response to a '.' or '?', or go back and change the content into a passive aggressive tone.  Until I can figure out a better solution, I've temporary disabled this feature.

[C855B]

Understood.

[jagged ben]

Tom, I'm not clear if you are trying to decide what the policy should be, or trying to figure out how to program it, but here are a couple suggestions for the former.   Both of them are things I've seen in other forums:

1) A time limit (e.g 15 min) after which editing is disabled.
2) Editing is allowed until someone else replies to the thread.

[GaryHinshaw]

The forum software supports a time-out feature on the Modify button, so that is the likely path forward.  In the meantime, the policy should be clear: if you get fed up with the forum, just walk away for a while (or for good if you must), but don't rewrite history or nuke all of your posts in the process.  That just leaves behind a bewildering mess for the rest of us.

Thanks,
-gfh

[peteski]

That just leaves behind a bewildering mess for the rest of us.

Thanks,
-gfh

...unless someone already quoted your original (unmodified) post in their reply to you.    That used to happen with certain users on the A-forum. 

[Ian MacMillan]

It just makes us have to go back to the restore points. If you go all nuke we can just restore the posts, but we have to do them one by one.

[tom mann]

I'll get the timer in place later on today.

[gary60s]

Interesting. Ian suggests that I keep my Sss index up to date (by modifying periodically I assume), and Tom says that a modifying time limit will be put in place. I will go with the flow, but which direction will that be?

[Ian MacMillan]

Interesting. Ian suggests that I keep my Sss index up to date (by modifying periodically I assume), and Tom says that a modifying time limit will be put in place. I will go with the flow, but which direction will that be?

We'll have a solve for this. The software allows you to have exemptions based on forum or thread.

[peteski]

To me this seems like a knee-jerk reaction to one or few specific threads or members, but which negatively affects all the members.  While I'm a fairly recent member of the TRW, I haven't seen many examples of people getting pissed off, then later totally rewriting or emptying their rant posts.  Why all members will now have to suffer for actions of a few members?

Also, I noticed that the ability to delete posts was removed (a while ago, not just recently). While not used often, to me that capability was useful for correcting silly mistakes (like duplicate posts).  Oh well...

[DKS]

To me this seems like a knee-jerk reaction to one or few specific threads or members, but which negatively affects all the members.  While I'm a fairly recent member of the TRW, I haven't seen many examples of people getting pissed off, then later totally rewriting or emptying their rant posts.  Why all members will now have to suffer for actions of a few members?

Suffer how? We just need a bit of time to adjust the software settings so that posts aren't editable forever. Shortly, all will be back to normal, relatively speaking. Also, it's not just one or two members or threads, although it may appear that way to you, and if we don't take action, members will suffer in other ways. Bear in mind that most other forums are set up with time limits on post editing. It is kind of a shame that we've had to institute the same measures, but it's a fact of life that comes with growth.

As for the ability to delete posts, I see very little value in that; duplicate posts are obvious, and are usually taken care of routinely by the mods. (It's why we get paid the big bucks.)

[peteski]

Suffer how? We just need a bit of time to adjust the software settings so that posts aren't editable forever.

Even thought I think that I'm careful, I often see a spelling typo (that the spell checker missed ot a word that was correctly spelled but not grammatically correct).  I do read my post before posting, but somehow when I read the message after it is posted, I see the error. So I often edit my posts within about a minute of posting. That doesn't even get tagged as being edited.

English is not my primary language, and the other example is me going back to a message after a day or two (or even longer, when I sometimes revisit an older thread) and I see that what I wrote can be stated much clearer by re-wording or by adding a sentence.  With the new limitations, I will not be able to edit a message in one or both of the examples.

[GaryHinshaw]

Peteski, you may wish to consider an upgrade.  Our Gold Club members will continue to enjoy unlimited post-editing and deletion privileges, plus they receive two Un-ban Me™ coupons that can be redeemed at any time.  Silver Club members enjoy extended post-editing privileges and receive one Un-ban Me™ coupon.  Bronze Club members are automatically enrolled in our Think Twice, Post Once™ program.  See your nearest Admin for rates and terms.  Here at the Railwire, we work tirelessly to bring you the finest model railroading experience in the industry.

[peteski]

Wow, a Gold Member?!  That would be such a privilege! Like we say here in New England: Wicked awesome!   Do any of these memberships include an a$$hat I can wear?



DKS: I'm not rewriting history - just making it easier to understand. The meaning is unchanged - only the way it is presented.  Anyways, that is a moot point.