Post downvoting is coming back

[tom mann]

FYI - I received a number of complaints from valued members about an increase in snarky, jerky posts.  To fix this issue, I would like to reset the respect points and turn post downvoting back on. In doing so, I hope to shine a light on posts that the membership as a whole doesn't find welcome here.

 

[C855B]

Not in favor, although I do understand the motivations. If you recall, the downvote system was abused to "settle" perceived grievances way outside of the scope of its intent.

Purely IMO, my observation is the unpleasantnesses consistently originate from specific members. I've found the "ignore" feature works wonders in preventing gastric reflux and hypertension.

[tom mann]

I've found the "ignore" feature works wonders in preventing gastric reflux and hypertension.

I agree, but I hope to treat the root issue so that no one has to ignore.

[tom mann]

Ok, I just re-enabled the ability to downvote.  If a post (say a mean-spirited one) receives 5 downvotes, it is no longer visible by default.  This is a setting you can change in your profile. Some things to think about:

-If you are a frequent recipient of downvoted posts, I'll investigate and handle it.
-If you downvote posts just because you don't like them (the recipient is being decent but you have an axe to grind), I'll investigate and handle it.

Note in both cases I'm investigating and this takes time away from modeling so I won't be happy. 

Thanks guys! 

[CBQ Fan]

It would still be helpful to be able to click on your vote total and get a list of topics where you received votes. Pointless otherwise.

[MK]

Never mind...   

[ednadolski]

[tom mann]

I’m happy to report that only one downvote happened since yesterday: truly a Festivus miracle. 

[peteski]

Was it deserved, or gratuitous?  It can be subjective, isn't it Tom? Much more so than just up-votes.

I would have no problem with this system if you could see which users voted (up or down).  But after last time this system was implemented and then disabled I will not get into another discussion about its benefits/detriments.  Not worth it. 

[wm3798]

I suppose it's a good thing, but it will require monitoring.  I'm assuming you can peek behind the curtain to see who's doing what.

I don't think an individual instance merits much attention.  What you'll be looking for is trends, which can be helpful when the Membership Tree needs the occasional pruning...

Lee

[ednadolski]

I suppose it's a good thing, but it will require monitoring.

Monitoring is an ongoing time sink.  Personally, I would rather see more of Tom's modeling work.   From that POV alone, I'd be happier if the whole up/down vote respect thing went away completely.   It's a distraction with no substantive benefit that I could ever see. In all the years I've been on TRW I don't think it's helped with civility or FTM made anything better, but it has created more that its own share of discord.  Besides, there still is the 'report to moderator' button, which is self-regulating to a degree.

That being said, it's not my forum, so I'm appreciative for all the efforts that go into keeping things running.

Ed

[mu26aeh]

If a post gets the 5 downvote point, is the OP getting a notice it has reached that point ?

[johnb]

FYI - I received a number of complaints from valued members about an increase in snarky, jerky posts.  To fix this issue, I would like to reset the respect points and turn post downvoting back on. In doing so, I hope to shine a light on posts that the membership as a whole doesn't find welcome here.

 

why not have the moderators do their jobs and don't let the inmates run the asylum?  I have quit posting here due to the level of negativity here. There are incredible modelers here, and incredible jerks.

[John]

why not have the moderators do their jobs and don't let the inmates run the asylum?  I have quit posting here due to the level of negativity here. There are incredible modelers here, and incredible jerks.

Unfortunately, some of the jerks have gotten to the moderators and we are down to just a few because some have left due to the BS -- having been a mod since 2004 and an admin, -- its tedious work ..

[tom mann]

why not have the moderators do their jobs and don't let the inmates run the asylum?  I have quit posting here due to the level of negativity here. There are incredible modelers here, and incredible jerks.

For one thing, all the moderators actually have full time jobs during the day and sleep at night. So we need tools to help get the job done.