Why?

[Ninkolia]

I am curious as to why people are not allowed to voice their opinions on certain opinions. For the past week, I have noticed that a small group of Soonetters are trying to say something and their threads are getting deleted. Are we not allowed to discuss things that seem to be happening? Why are some allowed to continue to bash and insult and ruin threads, etc? Where is the Freedom of Speech?

Most of the times the threads are gone with a blink of an eye, why? Why can this not be left so that people can say things?

I hope I have done nothing wrong but if I have, I guess I have!

[1337]

Freedom of speech exists only in person and in the media. A BBS is regulated by rules, from which freedom of speech doesn't exist.

[daynzy]

Freedom of speech exists only in person and in the media. A BBS is regulated by rules, from which freedom of speech doesn't exist.

http://venturebeat.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/nailed_it.jpg

[Sophie's_Mommy]

I am curious as to why people are not allowed to voice their opinions on certain opinions. For the past week, I have noticed that a small group of Soonetters are trying to say something and their threads are getting deleted. Are we not allowed to discuss things that seem to be happening? Why are some allowed to continue to bash and insult and ruin threads, etc? Where is the Freedom of Speech?

Most of the times the threads are gone with a blink of an eye, why? Why can this not be left so that people can say things?

I hope I have done nothing wrong but if I have, I guess I have!

Welcome to soonet. Only a certain few are allowed to express themselves on here, the rest get closed down or banned. :)

[someguy]

the rest get closed down or banned. :)


That's me! Who wants to join the club??

[Macs II]

threads like this should be deleted :)

[1337]

Yes they are demeaning and useless. I want to report it.

[Sophie's_Mommy]

threads like this should be deleted :)

Dont worry it will be soon ..

[someguy]

threads like this should be deleted :)

They usually do not delete threads where people are whining about the board but continue to post.

[Craig Huckerby]

My rule of thumb is, if you can't post something without using your real name, it's probably not worth posting. Let's face it, most of us wouldn't say half the things here if we had to use our real name. I wonder how BBS's like this one and the one I have would be if that was the one rule?

[Macs II]

i wonder how bbs's like this one and the one i have would be if that was the one rule?

dead!!!

[Sophie's_Mommy]

My rule of thumb is, if you can't post something without using your real name, it's probably not worth posting. Let's face it, most of us wouldn't say half the things here if we had to use our real name. I wonder how BBS's like this one and the one I have would be if that was the one rule?

That is true....

[someguy]

My rule of thumb is, if you can't post something without using your real name, it's probably not worth posting. Let's face it, most of us wouldn't say half the things here if we had to use our real name. I wonder how BBS's like this one and the one I have would be if that was the one rule?

Please do an in depth investigative report and get back to us ASAP with your findings.

[someguy]

dead!!!


LOL one has already been dead for a long time...LOL

[mboy67]

My rule of thumb is, if you can't post something without using your real name, it's probably not worth posting. Let's face it, most of us wouldn't say half the things here if we had to use our real name. I wonder how BBS's like this one and the one I have would be if that was the one rule?

I belong to one such forum and the reason they changed it to that was because of all the problems they had. Now unless they and everyone know who you are in real life your not allowed to join. I Will say this because of that the place has not had one problem since it's implementation.

Now on here people can voice there opinions the problem is how they do it. it's easy to do just remain within the rules. it's that easy. Before one post read the response to yourself 3 times waiting 5 min in between. I guaranty that this will help as most issues of post are from anger and with some time the anger will diminish.

[1337]

My rule of thumb is, if you can't post something without using your real name, it's probably not worth posting. Let's face it, most of us wouldn't say half the things here if we had to use our real name. I wonder how BBS's like this one and the one I have would be if that was the one rule?

In my case I don't believe this so much. More people know me as T-pot than my real name, and if you don't know me, then your probably not worth reading my posts :)

lol j/k

[Dragonfly]

-sigh- why do posts like this keep coming up?? It is a very valid question, but a useless one none the less. It will not change, many have questioned it, nothing was done. Its like beating a dead horse...

[Stickler]

It would be interesting to see how many members would leave if it became mandatory to use a combination of your first and last name (example; JSmith, JohnS, John_Smith). Most of you on here know my real name and I am not afraid to back up any of my comments. I would gladly change my name if it became mandatory.

[Craig Huckerby]

actually, that's not a bad idea - I've been thinking of doing something like that for a while - basically I think people are scared to use their names when they post their opinions such as yourself - It's like having a split personality. I guarantee half the crap posted here and on other boards would not be posted if you had to identify yourself
Please do an in depth investigative report and get back to us ASAP with your findings.

[italiandomino]

My rule of thumb is, if you can't post something without using your real name, it's probably not worth posting. Let's face it, most of us wouldn't say half the things here if we had to use our real name. I wonder how BBS's like this one and the one I have would be if that was the one rule?

yes I would ..most ppl on here know me anyways ..so I still say what I am going to say.

but i will agree with you on one thing, there are a bunch of cowards on here hiding behind their names

[someguy]

actually, that's not a bad idea - I've been thinking of doing something like that for a while - basically I think people are scared to use their names when they post their opinions such as yourself - It's like having a split personality. I guarantee half the crap posted here and on other boards would not be posted if you had to identify yourself


What ID said...lol cause a lot of people on here know me too.

[The 6th Member Of AC/DC]

I concur...

[everywoman]

I've never "hidden" behind my username. People know who I am through various sources, whether it be that I have posted my picture, gone to coffee meets, and even hosted 2 coffee meets. I have bought and sold from members on here, and even said HI to people that I thought I recognized from Soonet. Way back when, when every member had a user name, I asked admin. if I could use my real name as a user name and they said nope.

[Tom Stephenson]

Back in late 1996 or sometime in 1997 the original version of the SooNet Soapbox was put up online. The original concept of the soapbox that we wanted to create was as defined in the Wiki article... "A soapbox is a raised platform on which one stands to make an impromptu speech, often about a political subject." More on the evolution of the soapbox concept can be read in the wiki article at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soapbox

The concept of a true soapbox doesn't allow for anonymity. The speaker is seen and is in plain view to the listener, although their name may not be known, their face certainly is.

For the most part this forum system has evolved, and then devolved to some extent. After a couple of evolutions of the original soapbox forum we had created over a decade ago, we put in place a certain level of "user accountability". We didn't accept registrations from anonymous e-mail addresses. We only accepted registrations from traceable e-mail addresses, usually from an ISP. Users have always been held responsible for their posts, but some still think they are anonymous and the resulting posts are just useless drivel and garbage.

Like users/speakers, moderators can also overstep boundaries, becoming too energetic on removal of posts that are in a gray area. The result is that the forum also suffers and becomes less interesting.

Some people post on these forums just to hear their own voice and boost their own ego. Those posts are generally uninteresting for most of us to read. No one really cares what you had for breakfast, or what you are doing in your daily routine life. What people come here to read are the things that are controversial. The items that require debate are the best posts. "The dirt."

Other media had devolved too. Gone are most of the investigative journalists in the media like John Campbell, who would dig for a story and dig up the dirt. They've been replaced by news services that for the most part just regurgitate and spew forth press releases from government, political leaders, and businesses. It used to be that each newspaper, radio station, tv station, and others had a team of journalists and investigative reporters that would go out and look behind the press releases for the true story. Those teams have disappeared. Most of these media outlets have either disappeared or have cut back that portion of their operation and have centralized in a location away from the local scene. We now get reports about a car accident, or a drunk driver, or whatever... we don't get too much about what is right or wrong in government. Media used to work to get stories for the public and in so doing made our government and leaders accountable for their actions. Some of that accountability is now missing.

In order to make the forums more interesting and with less drivel it may be necessary to invoke a different method of registration, one where your full name and contact information is required by the forum operators. That would raise the level of accountability and would allow much more interesting debate. At the same time though, it might decrease the number of posts and level of activity.

A few years ago I put up a forum system for Laird International Raceway. The racetrack, like many sporting events brings a certain level of emotion to fans. That emotion translates to the forums, but similar to the soapbox, the anonymity can lead to abusive behaviour. A bit more than a year ago the Laird Raceway forum system was reworked to require registration with a real name. The result is a much cleaner board, more complimentary to the sport and the business, but with less traffic.

There is definitely a balance that has to be sought.

[Oscar_Leroy]

I've never had any issues here... I don't think an alias determines the level of maturity or thought one uses while expressing themselves either. It is, after all, the individual in control of what is said, not the alias they use. I do, however, understand that some people do take this for granted and spew garbage on a consistent basis under the protection of the alias they use. Alias' are part of what a BBS kind of entertaining, because you do get to speak your mind with that anonymity.

Aside from that, I do think some people need some thicker skin, and need to learn not to take everything personally. I don't care if somebody insults me, or questions something I say. I welcome criticism, because there's always room to be criticized.

[Dragonfly]

My name is a part of my name. I just odnt feel comfortable telling people my name and what I look like when I dont know them. Its called internet safety. Would you want your kids posting their first and last name as well a picture of themselves? no? Why not? Why is it any different for a grown adult. We may be smart enough not to go run away to vegas to meet someone but obviously, most of us are from the soo. Look up my name in the phone book. Guess what. Now buddy knows where I live. Thanks but no thanks. it doesnt take much for something dumb to happen. Im sure everybody is safe but prove it.
I have kids, to great of a risk for me.

[Macs II]

Using a real name is a stupid idea.......I always remind my kids not to post their real names/picture or phone number anywhere in the internet. Too many weirdos out there and I certainly wouldn't want them all to know who I am and where I live.

Forums where people use their real names are nothing but bunch of middle age men debating if the chicken came before the egg.........yawn city.

[everywoman]

HAH!

[1337]

True. We would be hypocrits. If you were to use your first and last name in a forum, and say the same things that you would normally say. THere are always the 'easily offended', and have anger issues that would put your entire family in danger.

[mboy67]

what about where your allowed to have a nick name but for registration you must give all info to the board admin to verify your who you say you are. this info is hidden from the public.

[1337]

It's the mod's i'm afraid of haunting me :)

[everywoman]

Yeah, but if you take the not using your real name a few more steps, then really, we shouldn't befriend anyone on here, sell anything on here, not have coffee meets etc. Just because you make friends with someone doesn't mean that they are trustworthy. What if you make friends with someone and they turn out to be mentally unstable? They know where you live, they know your phone number, likely they know that you have kids and pets! So what's to say that they wouldn't stalk you and kidnap your kids and kill your pets like in Fatal Attraction? You can't discount that argument. Sure, you are a bit safer by using a fake name, I get that, but in life....sheet happens!

[mboy67]

ya there is no secret to who I am or where I live.

[Stickler]

same here mboy except no one here knows where I live and I plan to keep it that way.

[NewCasa]

Using a real name is a stupid idea.......I always remind my kids not to post their real names/picture or phone number anywhere in the internet. Too many weirdos out there and I certainly wouldn't want them all to know who I am and where I live.

Forums where people use their real names are nothing but bunch of middle age men debating if the chicken came before the egg.........yawn city.

Chicken.

[Wrangler35]

what about where your allowed to have a nick name but for registration you must give all info to the board admin to verify your who you say you are. this info is hidden from the public.

I'm all for real name etc when it comes to registering,that way,if i or others violate the rules of this site,then i can-not register again under my real name.I share the comp with the girl-friend,and post for other people,so,that can be a bit to sort out,if a problem arises.

A lot of people have changed their username on here for one reason or the other.I had to at one point,and have done it at other times because i liked the nick!

I have been to coffee meets,and have meet other usernames or people who frequent this site.I too have been leary of the "Luker"(s),who might attend the same meet only with-out announcing it on the coffee meet and greet! That is a risk any way you look at it!

If any-thing,we need accountability on this site,at least use real name when registering,and again if you violate the rules of the site,suffer the consequences.In the past certain usernames have abused the rules time in and out,not sure if the person(s) used their real name when registering..but the username(s) in question keep re-inventing them selves.That has to STOP!

I have posted adds of one sort or the other,and,and i to am at risk as i have revealed my name number etc.

There have been debates and or times i've posted my opinion,and i'm confident have offended certain usernames not that it was my intent! Who knows if those who were offended would show up at a coffee meet un-announced and cause trouble,or answer an add,show up,again causing trouble?

I could care less if a person uses there real name or not when in a debate or state their opinion coupled with facts.What i care about is time in and out certain usernames creating trouble of one sort or the other and re-inventing them-selves,with-out penalty!

[Macs II]

what about where your allowed to have a nick name but for registration you must give all info to the board admin to verify your who you say you are. this info is hidden from the public.


How would the admin make sure that no one is using someone elses name? I mean I could register under my neigbors name...how is this verified ?
Call them all personally?

We already have to use ISP e-mail address......if there's ever a real reason someone needs to be identified it's very easy to do in most cases. Other than that I see no reason for the admin to have names

[Sophie's_Mommy]

My name is a part of my name. I just odnt feel comfortable telling people my name and what I look like when I dont know them. Its called internet safety. Would you want your kids posting their first and last name as well a picture of themselves? no? Why not? Why is it any different for a grown adult. We may be smart enough not to go run away to vegas to meet someone but obviously, most of us are from the soo. Look up my name in the phone book. Guess what. Now buddy knows where I live. Thanks but no thanks. it doesnt take much for something dumb to happen. Im sure everybody is safe but prove it.
I have kids, to great of a risk for me.

I know your full name and where you live :)
then again, I have known you since you were 5..lol..
My sister is here she said hello

[mboy67]

How would the admin make sure that no one is using someone elses name? I mean I could register under my neigbors name...how is this verified ?
Call them all personally?

We already have to use ISP e-mail address......if there's ever a real reason someone needs to be identified it's very easy to do in most cases. Other than that I see no reason for the admin to have names

Thats how SooToday now does it you can't get account from them without them calling to confirm the account.

[someguy]

Thats how SooToday now does it you can't get account from them without them calling to confirm the account.


This is not true as I just got an account there approved yesterday and no one called me.

[Macs II]

Thats how SooToday now does it you can't get account from them without them calling to confirm the account.

it's optional .......I just made an account there .......even any e-mail address works

[mboy67]

well I had a friend two months ago tell me they had to wait for a call to get there account. I thought that was funny till a week after that i herd about two others that had to do the same. maybe they now stopped that who knows.

[Macs II]

All it says is ...

"After we verify your email address SooToday.com will review your account and notify you via email when your SooToday.com account is active and ready for use."


it clearly says name is optional .....in case you win a price or something......they don't even ask for an address or phone number when registering

[Dragonfly]

I know your full name and where you live :)
then again, I have known you since you were 5..lol..
My sister is here she said hello

Haha yes hello back.

On the note that someone else said..If I were to post something about something that I am selling, then yes it is a risk, but then I KNOW who it was that came to my house. If I were to post the same info known to the said buyer for EVERYONE to see, there are how many soonetters? How many guests? Now try to decipher who is the creep? OF course giving my info to anyone is a risk but giving to EVERYONE is a giant leap from that.

[1337]

I've sold a few things on here, but I keep names, numbers, and I usually drop off the stuff.