Can we please stop with the locking of the threads?

[MadonnasManOne]

It's so frustrating that the only option given a thread that gets a little controversial is to lock it.

In my recent thread about Isaiah Washington getting fired from Grey's Anatomy, we were having a discussion that actually never really got out of hand, yet, it's been locked. Just because one or two members got a little frustrated with each other, doesn't mean the thread should have been closed. If anything, the person(s) responsible for causing the thread to be closed should be dealt with, instead of punishing all of the participants. I mean, it's a bit ridiculous to even start a discussion, anymore, if it's just going to end up being locked.

It's just a friendly suggestion to the moderating team, that, instead of just locking the thread, deal with the person(s) responsible.

Thank you.

[Anthony]

I'm in agreement with MM1. It seems silly to lock every thread when there's a little bit of disagreement. It doesn't resolve the issue, if anything it makes it worse because then the person (s) just go and stir up trouble in another thread.

What's the point in talking about anything then? Are we not allowed to disagree with other people? Papibear and I disagreed but we didn't resort to personal attacks. I'm allowed to have my opinion and she's allowed to have her's. That's it. No harm done.

This thread will probably end up being locked too.

[AwallaceUNC]

Very, very few threads at UD are locked. The thread in question absolutely got out of hand, with one personal attack coming after another. Even after a warning post, the personal attacks continued. The thread had drifted from its original topic and devolved into an argument in which multiple members were going at it with another member. After the warning post and subsequent offending posts, this thread was reported to the moderators, and after re-reading it <i>multiple</i> times and giving it some thought, I decided to close it.

Those who think that every thread that features "a little bit of disagreement" is closed are advised to do a little searching and reading in order to browse the great majority of threads with more than a little disagreement that run great lengths without being locked.

Locking is not the only option facing a controversial thread. The preferable option is for members to not continually insist on bickering. At a certain point, some threads becomes more of a headache than they are worth. Other options include deleting a thread altogether and/or banning everyone involved in the exchange of insults every time. You decide which is the least extreme.

The Isaiah Washington issue has also been discussed in the "Grey's Anatomy" Season 3 thread. My thinking was that the issue can still be discussed in that thread, away from the nonsense that had engulfed the other thread. Hopefully that can happen without moving from "discussion" or even "debate" into "argument".

In response to your suggestion, MadonnasManOne, I might also offer one: that you take a look at the many threads you have started that have not been locked. Therein you might find good reason for starting discussion.

Furthermore, I hope that you do not perceive a thread being locked as a reflection on you. We (and everyone else, I think) realize that you can start a perfectly good thread, as you did here, that can spin out of control to no fault of your own.

Also, please do not assume that individual members are not being dealt with simply because they are not addressed on the forum. The moderating team is constantly taking action when it's needed.

I personally find it more than a little irritating that after having spent way more time than I should have on resolving this problem in as amicable a manner as possible, others feel the need to publicly lambast the decision and paint it as some sort of excessively-utilized blow to free speech as if there was nothing problematic with this thread whatsoever.

All that said, you're certainly welcome to address any concerns you have, including this one. Not all locks are permanent. In the past, we have re-opened many locked threads (further demonstrating the discretion with which threads are locked) after a cooling down period, and that was my intention with this thread. Providing this doesn't continue to cause problems on the forum, I still hope to do that. And unless this thread becomes mired in accusations of racism and name-calling too, I have no intention of locking it.

-Aaron

[MadonnasManOne]

Aaron, my intention wasn't to publicly lambast your decision. I was asking a question, and making a friendly suggestion, which was, in fact friendly.

I didn't mean to step on any toes, but, it is apparent from the tone of your reply that I must have. I apologize for irritating you. Far be it from me to do that. My main frustration comes from a certain member stirring up trouble, and then causing threads to be locked. It seems that this particular member has been given far more leeway than is necessary. However, I'm not a moderator. I have no say in this matter. It appears that I'm only causing more trouble and frustration, which wasn't my intention. I'll just remove myself from the situation.

[Princess Stitch]

Threads only get locked when a mod feels it is necessary due to forum rules being violated or inappropriate conversations. I encourage you to read over that thread again. People were telling each other to shut up and generally bickering with each other, and yes there were personal attacks. Those comments had nothing to do with the topic of the thread and sounded more like a fight on the playground. I have never seen a thread locked for members having a courteous debate, even over a controversial topic. You're allowed to disagree with people, but when rude comments or attacks are posted on a public message board for all to see, then it is the responsibility of the mods to deal with it in a way they deem appropriate. YOU may not have been offended, but that doesn't mean that nobody was.

In a perfect world we would all act like mature people and be respectful of each other, or at the very least keep personal fights off of the message boards and stick to the topic.

[lord-of-sith]

The ultimate irony would be if this thread gets locked (I would about die).

[Siren]

Let's also remember...moderators do this as a volunteer basis. They don't likely do it because they love it, but they understand there is a need for it. Mods have to be unbiased and understanding. They have to be good desicion makers and devil's advocate. The moderators volunteer their free time to make this board fun to be on.

As members its up to use to not give the mods more work than they need. If someone is getting under your skin, the better thing to do is ignore them. Some people LIVE for confrontation. They find ANY excuse for it. When you feed their need, you are no better than them. Its learning when to hold your ground and when to walk away and have fun. How is having an argument online having fun? Why frustrate yourself, the other members, and mods with it? Most of the time an argument will never prove to the other person you are right anyways. Don't bother. Pick your arguments wisely. Know when someone will stick to their guns, and when they do, move on, ignore any banter, and have fun. Otherwise you end up contributing to the locking of a thread.

[Anthony]

I apoligize to MM1 and Aaron if I, in any way, contributed to the locking of the Isaiah Washington thread. I'm trying my best to ignore those that bother me, but sometimes it's difficult. I'm confident that I will prevail though.

[Lazario]

It's still a little early to give a diagnosis but... I don't think this is an issue of attacks. I think it's more an issue of tension.

Because most of what AWU has been considering attacks aren't attacks at all. There is just some bad feelings over some perceived insensitivity. And a recurring issue no one really wants to be confronted with anymore (race).

[PapiBear]

And a recurring issue no one really wants to be confronted with anymore (race).

Speak for yourself, Laz. God forbid topics of substance like race in society, politics, or other mature subjects are discussed here amongst those open to discussing such things. Much better that mindless drivel like celebrity gossip or whether this TV show or that TV show was "the best ever" be discussed endlessly, as if such things are actually important.

Not everyone is content with light and breezy subjects, okay? Some of us like our discussions to be a bit meatier from time to time. And nobody should be made to feel that topics of discussion have to be kept dumb and mediocre just because that's how you and others happen to like it. Unless there's been a new policy instated, membership on this board is still open to all and the readership consists of people of all ages and experiences.

In other words, whatever topics are discussed here, they don't have to pass muster with you. You simply don't hold that kind of power.

[Lazario]

God forbid topics of substance like race in society, politics, or other mature subjects are discussed here amongst those open to discussing such things. Much better that mindless drivel like celebrity gossip (...) as if such things are actually important.

Agreed. I have no problem discussing these things. And I'm not telling you to be quiet either. I am more than ready to hear everything you have to say.

So if you want, you can scratch that line you quoted from me. And replace it with: nobody really wants to be Put On Trial for the crimes of others. So remember who you're talking to. We all have the capacity for understanding. Treat us as equals. No need to accuse everyone of racism. Because as long as there are people out there who do, we're going to have to keep believing the Avenue Q motto - "Everyone's a Little Bit Racist." Which also leads people to believe there is no solution and even leads people to say- why discuss it at all? Which leads right back to where we started - bad feelings and aggressive side-trackings of other discussions.

Some of us like our discussions to be a bit meatier from time to time.

I hope this also covers the way we discuss them. You seem to have this idea that everyone must be afraid of discussing these things. I think you'll find I'm not afraid of very much. And in fact, you never posted a response to any of the replies in your Hip Hop Speaks Key Issues thread. I was really hoping that would go on. But I usually make a rule of not replying back-to-back to threads I didn't start. Not always, but in cases like this- I will uphold it. Someone else has to make the next move.

that's how you and others happen to like it.

No need to be crude - I agree with you. And I would really tread lightly with the "others." Most people won't take as much guff as I (because I'm usually the hardest person to get along with here - until You came along, that is: thank you for that ).