So now that Beer Trading threadshitting is back in full-effect ...

Eh, I don't really think it's that important they be an ex-trader or a non-trader. I mean, pretty much everyone is going to have people who they like/dislike, and if the idea is that a mod will be unfair to those people (in either direction) then you don't really gain anything from having them be a non/ex trader.

I mean, is the idea that because I've traded with Cam a few times that I'm more likely to be lenient on him? I've never traded with jesskidden, but because he's such a font of knowledge I'd probably also be inclined to be lenient on him. And tasting groups? Who doesn't have those?

So I think saying "no traders" comes from an understandable spot, but is largely misguided.

 

would it be possible for the mods to instead of deleting the post, leaving it blank and allowing the poster to restate what they meant? I think this could help clear up the perceived threadshitting, which I think is the majority of the problems. Of course this could be more work than it is worth.

Also, when a post is deleted would they automatically be entered into a warning phase, or is that only done with obvious offenses?

 

one by one:

1) i nominate shogokawada. he is almost without fail very friendly to newbies, and he seems to be well-liked. also, he generates 90% of the forum post count himself. other suggestions: kzoobrew, unclejimbo, Rempo
2) i disagree, but it's cool that you thought it over and changed your mind.
3) i agree with the suggestion above that the limit should not be publicly advertised. if possible, make it somewhat random or shifting (tie it to some other factor) so that people can't guess it and post what it is.
5) i don't think threadshitting can be defined any better than the supreme court could define pornography. but it's worth taking a stab at it.

and while threadshitting has come back, the forum is a lot less ugly than it was before you banned all replies.

 

I think the idea is that you do not want a trader to be a mod that will allow certain conversations go on that will boost their regions beer verse deleting threads that boost other areas beer value.

 

Well that would clearly just be abusing their power, and, again, isn't really something limited to a trader.

First, it would be pretty easy to pick someone who wouldn't do that. Levitation named Shogo, does anyone here think Shogo would actually do that?

Second, you could put systems in place to make sure it doesn't happen. For instance, say that moderators can only process reports. If a moderator sees something that they think should be deleted (or whatever), they can report it and let another moderator deal with it. If it's something that really needs to be taken care of NOW then it'll be very obvious that it's not some kind of bias thing.

Finally, I think it's way more likely that mods would use their power to punish people they don't like. And, again, that's something you can pretty easily select around. To use shogo as an example again, does anything think he'd do that?


EDIT: To clarify, I'm NOT saying that I think mods SHOULD be traders. I'm saying I don't think it matters if they are. The best thing would probably to have a mix, so you have some experience with it combined with some naivete and relatively lack of trading interest/bias. I think going all one way or all the other is probably suboptimal.

 

I think any reported post should automatically dump into a new forum/thread with an open poll asking if the post should or should not be deleted. The poll would be open for 1 hour. At the end of the hour, the post would remain or be deleted automatically depending on the results of the poll and the poll thread would be archived.

 

overall I agree with you, I was just saying why I could see them not wanting to have a trader as a mod. If nothing else it protects the Bros and the mods from having to deal with accusations.

 

Fair enough. But based on my experience, they'll be dealing with plenty of those no matter what they do. I wouldn't be surprised if they got accused of tampering with the trading market even if they went with non-traders. It's basically inevitable that people will whine when they get modded. One nice thing about BA is the Bros don't seem to give a shit.

 

what's trolling? If I just read this entire forum but didn't post anything would that make me a troll?

 

that is very true, I almost added "to an extent" at the end of the sentence. But just like when appointing someone in any position of power, they will always catch flack, but you want someone who can be less questioned.

I wonder if the mods' identities will be kept secret?

 

I don't think threadshitting has been all that bad. Apart from people trying to force their 'trading values' on the community as a whole, things have been pretty tame.

The big problem for me has already been mentioned. People playing by the rules get their threads pushed down the page while those who add a beer to their offer and get their friends to post in the thread get a free bump (or two).

Trader bias would be an issue with choosing mods from active traders.
Not knowing the subtleties of the forum would be an issue with choosing from outside the group.

Hopefully something can be found that works. Way too many people bumping their threads in addition to the threadshitting.

 

no, trolling is when you are posting with the intent of starting an argument. Especially when you know you are wrong or have no valid reasons, you are just trying to stir the pot.

 

I think that with the Bros' "our way or the highway" attitude that won't really matter too much. The big thing for them (at least as far as I can tell, I don't want to put words in their mouths) is making sure they trust the people.

That seems like it would be possible, but I don't really think it's necessary or even beneficial.

 

If shutting people down is working then so be it. I would add that maybe a explanation on why would be great. At least so they can't come back and say that they didn't know they weren't suppose to do that.
I think a definition would clear up a lot of speculation also. Maybe put that as a sticky so you don't have to repeat it every 6 months or so due to the new users that come on.
We could also just police ourselves buy writing a "let's keep it civil" post in a thread when it starts to go sideways.

 

I agree. There are many people on this site that literally come here to do just that, especially in the trading forums.
I believe that when a troll or a "threadshitter" is reported they should be warned and if they keeping causing a problem...well we all know what happens then.

I believe there should be a few mods that have a good history on BA. Have never trolled or caused to many problems. I also believe though these mods should be set a defined roll and have rules that they cannot break or use the power they are given the wrong way.

 

It's vital that the limit of 3 ISO/FT posts per week goes back in effect.

 

What about having different ISO:FT categories? For example one for off the shelf locals, one for limited release/brewery only beers, and one for whales. With a brief explanation and examples of each category. What is considered a whale might be somewhat subjective though.

 

thanks, but i am not sure i have the time for it.