Merging threads to similar ones without authorization

[Angeldude98]

You know, I really hate it when someone just takes a thread and merges it with another just because it is percieved to be on the same subject as the earlier thread. This has happenned to me twice already. I created threads on a subject just for fun and to see people's opinions, and they were suddenly merged with other threads just because apparently they were on the same subject, I presume because someone doesn't want more than one thread on the same subject.

Why can't it just be left alone? Who cares if there's more than one? Geez! Some people are awfully picky! Regardless of the "thread ettiquette" we can create threads on anything we want. It's called freedom of expression! And if so and so don't like it, then they don't have to waste time replying to it or merging it! . At least people should be required to ask the original creator of a thread for permission to merge it, after explaining why it would be a better idea. It's called showing respect.

Though I can understand the concept of thread "clutter", the creator of a thread should be notified that there is a similar one and should be asked for permission to have it merged/moved. Yes, I did read the "rules" of the forum and it says that writers are "encouraged and expected to look for similar threads". But you know, in reality, who wants to sift through pages and pages of threads to see if there is a similar one? When I have an idea for a thread I want to post it immediately before I forget it. This forum is not proving not to be user-friendly. People are quick to belittle you for any percived "faux pass" (I once got "yelled at" by a user for creating a thread about something he found unnecessary, and more than once I've been belittled by others either for threads that are percieved as similar to others or even for my own opinions on certain subjects) , and merging your thread without your authorization just shows total disrespect and disregard to you as an individual.

And let's not forget that censoring or moving/merging/deleting your threads or posts in any way is totally in clear violation of your Constitutional right to freedom of expression!!!

[Elladorine]

While your enthusiasm to post is appreciated, as Escapay already told you, rules are here for a reason. You've gone on quite a bit about being shown respect, but disregarding the rules you agreed to upon registration simply because you don't want to bother taking a moment to do a simple search is disrespectful. At the very least, choosing to ignore previous threads in favor of posting as quickly as possible is rude to those who have already taken the time to discuss the subjects in question. Searching isn't difficult, and if you're worried about forgetting what you'd like to post and feel the need to immediately write out your thoughts, you could always turn to a writing program on your PC to organize your words well before posting.

And let's not forget that censoring or moving/merging/deleting your threads or posts in any way is totally in clear violation of your Constitutional right to freedom of expression!!!

While I do agree that certain moderator actions merit a notification within any threads in question, that's really the extent of it. Arguing your "constitutional rights" is a moot point, as the first amendment only applies to state or federal government authority, not to a privately-owned website such as this one. Thus, "freedom of expression" is a common misnomer, as this forum actually operates by the "terms and conditions" you agreed to upon registration.

Moderating a forum is often a thankless job, but we moderators exist to enforce the rules so the community can stay organized, hold civil conversations, and maintain a friendly atmosphere. Any actions takes are at the discretion of the administration, and are done so to ensure things are running as smoothly as possible. There's no need to be angry at us for that, especially after acknowledging you're already well aware of the rules you're breaking.

So please do your part in supporting a civil atmosphere by following the rules, and don't take any thread merging personally.

[DancingCrab]

From the other thread…

You advise someone to "Let it Go" ….and then offer a 200 word rebuttal carrying on about it?

Wow! And you actually took the time to count them? You have too much time on your hands. I just wanted to clarify the issue, that's all.

And seriously, can we just really "Let It Go" now and let this thread get back to the actual topic of "Tangled vs. Frozen?

It's called "highlight" and select "Word Count". Took me about 5 seconds.

[Angeldude98]

While your enthusiasm to post is appreciated, as Escapay already told you, rules are here for a reason. You've gone on quite a bit about being shown respect, but disregarding the rules you agreed to upon registration simply because you don't want to bother taking a moment to do a simple search is disrespectful. At the very least, choosing to ignore previous threads in favor of posting as quickly as possible is rude to those who have already taken the time to discuss the subjects in question. Searching isn't difficult, and if you're worried about forgetting what you'd like to post and feel the need to immediately write out your thoughts, you could always turn to a writing program on your PC to organize your words well before posting.

And let's not forget that censoring or moving/merging/deleting your threads or posts in any way is totally in clear violation of your Constitutional right to freedom of expression!!!

While I do agree that certain moderator actions merit a notification within any threads in question, that's really the extent of it. Arguing your "constitutional rights" is a moot point, as the first amendment only applies to state or federal government authority, not to a privately-owned website such as this one. Thus, "freedom of expression" is a common misnomer, as this forum actually operates by the "terms and conditions" you agreed to upon registration.

Moderating a forum is often a thankless job, but we moderators exist to enforce the rules so the community can stay organized, hold civil conversations, and maintain a friendly atmosphere. Any actions takes are at the discretion of the administration, and are done so to ensure things are running as smoothly as possible. There's no need to be angry at us for that, especially after acknowledging you're already well aware of the rules you're breaking.

So please do your part in supporting a civil atmosphere by following the rules, and don't take any thread merging personally.

I don't mind "rules" and I've never been rude or less than cordial with anyone, and I've never posted anything controversial at all. Granted, I was irked about the post being moved and I mentioned in the other thread that I didn't know there was a search option. I really thought you had to sift page after page. But what really got me going and rubbed me the wrong way was how everyone gets so freakin' defensive about forum rules as if they are the absolute law! They're just giving waaaay too much importance to not repeating a thread. Anyway, the only reason I joined this forum was to discuss Disney films because I'm a huge fan. I can't believe people can be soooo rude and soooo defensive even here. And yes, I admit I went on a roll in my defense with the Constitutional mumbo jumbo... but I did it to show that just as that sounds ridiculous, so is being so defensive about forums when frankly, there are FAR more serious things in the world that we should be fighting for with THAT amount of passion, don't you think?

Anyway, now I would REALLY like to "Let It Go" and move on.

[Disney Duster]

I think Angeldude's new thread being about which film we thought was better was different enough from just which film we like better, if he had wanted it that way. However I respect the mod decision and his agreement with it.

[Angeldude98]

I think Angeldude's new thread being about which film we thought was better was different enough from just which film we like better, if he had wanted it that way. However I respect the mod decision and his agreement with it.

Exactly! I wasn't asking which film you like best as in the original thread, but rather I was asking for opinions on which is the better film overall, like in terms of story, music, characters, etc. I didn't think things would get so out of hand though. I just expressed my surprise and dislike for it being moved and all of a sudden it's like lit gunpowder! I got more upset at people being so defensive than at the merge itself.

[Escapay]

At the very least, choosing to ignore previous threads in favor of posting as quickly as possible is rude to those who have already taken the time to discuss the subjects in question.

There's no need to be angry at us for that, especially after acknowledging you're already well aware of the rules you're breaking.

So please do your part in supporting a civil atmosphere by following the rules, and don't take any thread merging personally.

Just a nice, friendly reminder. As opposed to a terse, authoritative one.

Albert

[Angeldude98]

Ok, so I can understand why forums have certain rules or guidelines, like rules against posting inappropiate content and such. And with that I have absolutely no problem at all.

What I don't undertstand is the how people get so uptight about percieved smaller breaches of "netiquette" like putting up threads that seem similar to others or posting a topic in the "wrong" forum...

I can understand clutter and such to a point. But people don't need to get so uptight and get on someone's case about these things like it was a damn violation of the highest law! Forums are supposed to be a place where people can exchange ideas and talk about topics freely, and a place where people can feel safe to express themselves. However, when users themselves police these forums so aggressively and browbeat and publicly belittle those that they think are breaking those "rules", that is akin to online bullying... and that definitely can be illegal. I have seen this happen too much on this particular forum and I think the Admins should do a better job at discouraging such behavior. Forum rules should only be enforced by Admin and registered moderators (who by the way I think should be required to have their signature or profile name clearly state "moderator" because right now you can't tell who is one), not by users. Users can get awfully rude and awfully touchy about forum rules.

Personally, I don't thing those type of breaches are such a big deal. I have more important things to worry about than if someone posts something off topic in my thread or on a certain forum, or if someone posts a thread similar to one I've created. Getting upset over such things to me is ludicrous and ridiculous (People claim lack of respect or consideration... seriously??? Where do we leave Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Expression then?) And mods here are too merge-happy too...

Forums are supposed to be fun! Not someplace where we have to constantly worry about the lesser "rules". Get upset about more important stuff like inappropriate content or bullying. What's next? People getting upset about misspelling or bad grammar in your posts? Oh! I forgot... they can and sometimes do get upset about that too!!!

Come on people! Learn to have more fun and chill out already!!!

[Elladorine]

Since there is an awful lot of repetition going on in these two particular threads and because much of the second feels like a direct reply to the first, I'm merging them. Please don't take it personally.

As I feel I've already stated, rule enforcement is at the discretion of the administration and moderating team. Let me add that members can't cherry-pick which rules they personally deem more important and expect to let all others slide. Please remember that you are a guest at this site, one that agreed to the terms and conditions upon registration. Once again, "freedom of speech" and "freedom of expression" are moot points so there's no need to continually bring them up as a reason to disregard the rules. Besides, I don't see one person stifling anything you have to say. Merging threads is not any form of censorship so I fail to understand why you continue to act like something is being taken away from you.

You speak of having more important things to do than being bothered to follow the rules, but I certainly have more important things to do than repeatedly remind you of what the rules are here. Please stop being the one making a big deal out of all of this; as far as I can tell, you're the only one actively getting upset. I honestly fail to understand why you continue to find thread merging so offensive; If you can't handle the occasional thread merging or if your skin isn't thick enough to handle others reminding you of said rules, perhaps this isn't the right place for you.

I know you're here because you love Disney. That's why we're all here. Following the rules isn't difficult, especially after you've acknowledged them. Posting in the appropriate areas isn't difficult either, nor is using the search option now that you're aware of it. Please, please do your part here in following the rules so we can all keep this community organized and running smoothly.

[Angeldude98]

Since there is an awful lot of repitition going on in these two particular threads and because much of the second feels like a direct reply to the first, I'm merging them. Please don't take it personally.

As I feel I've already stated, rule enforcement is at the discretion of the administration and moderating team. Let me add that members can't cherry-pick which rules they personally deem more important and expect to let all others slide. Please remember that you are a guest at this site, one that agreed to the terms and conditions upon registration. Once again, "freedom of speech" and "freedom of expression" are moot points so there's no need to continually bring them up as a reason to disregard the rules. Besides, I don't see one person stifling anything you have to say. Merging threads is not any form of censorship so I fail to understand why you continue to act like something is being taken away from you.

You speak of having more important things to do than being bothered to follow the rules, but I certainly have more important things to do than repeatedly remind you of what the rules are here. Please stop being the one making a big deal out of all of this; as far as I can tell, you're the only one actively getting upset. I honestly fail to understand why you continue to find thread merging so offensive; If you can't handle the occasional thread merging or if your skin isn't thick enough to handle others reminding you of said rules, perhaps this isn't the right place for you.

I know you're here because you love Disney. That's why we're all here. Following the rules isn't difficult, especially after you've acknowledged them. Posting in the appropriate areas isn't difficult either, nor is using the search option now that you're aware of it. Please, please do your part here in following the rules so we can all keep this community organized and running smoothly.

You're taking out of context everything I said in that last post. And I do not find the merging so offensive. I'd just appreciate advance notice or at least a post that says: "Hey, I merged your thread because of this..." Thing is, sometimes when you do find similar threads to the one you want to post, you believe that your posting is different enough from the original one, so you go ahead and create it... only to have it merged because someone thinks it's too similiar. I didn't think they were that similar, so I didn't feel I was breaking any "rules".

In the last post that you merged here... and that's fine if you wish though I still think this was different enough because I was talking about something else... I wasn't talking about merging. I was talking about how people get so defensive and uptight about the rules like they are the highest law. I was expressing my frustration at the exaggerated defense of forum "rules of netiquette" by some members (hence the title), and I only made a small coment on merging. I was opening it up for discussion on opinions on the matter.

Yes, we are all guests here. And yes, we all "signed" the agreement. But even so, enforcement can be greatly exaggerated. People constantly pointing out "rules" and getting so upset and rude if they feel you are breaking them is what bothers me.It takes out all the fun of this because you have to constantly worry about not offending someone or being reprimanded. And I don't mind following the "rules" and I will continue posting here because I love Disney. But I reserve my right to say what I think about such "rules" and about people who take them overly seriously, and especially about when people get too rude and too uptight about them. And to clarify, I didn't speak about having more important things to do than follow your "rules". I spoke about having more important rules to worry about (like posting inappropriate content, i.e. porn, foul language, hate speech, etc.) than rules about posting similar threads or posting in the wrong area.

It's like rules of safety vs. rules of conveniece (don't stand on your seat in a stadium vs. don't bring your own snack to the stadium). I wouldn't consider it a crime to smuggle in my own snack, but I'd gladly follow the more important safety rule about not standing in my seat. Same thing here. Yes, I'll follow the "rules", but I still think people give those too much importance when there are other much more serious posting rules and issues that people should be far more concerned about. And enforment of the "rules" should be left to the Admin and the mods... not users.

[blackcauldron85]

So, I made a thread in the Polls & Games thread (Incomplete Movie Ideas!), but it's really not as game-y as I initially was thinking and it's really more of a Disney Discussion. With a name change of the thread, maybe it'd be a better fit for Disney Discussion?

[Sotiris]

Sure thing. I've renamed it to "Incomplete Disney Movie Ideas" and moved it to the Disney Discussion section.

[blackcauldron85]

Thank you very, very much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!