Help: Threads/Posts you don't like

Subject: Threads/Posts you don't like
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 27 May 01 - 10:07 PM

Is the consensus here, in unmoderated Mudcatland, that the best way to deal with things you don't like is to ignore them?

I know of other MB systems that allow one user to 'block' another... that is, make a list of names they don't ever see in threads... so one can do the mature thing and elect to never see posts from people who might offend you...

Any plans to ever add such a beast to Mudcat?

I can think of one or 2 I'd add to my list, and I'm sure they'd do the same with me...

This thread is NOT to inflame old petty bickering and name calling... rather an attempt at peaceful resolution for the sake of a healthy Mudcat MB...

Subject: RE: Help: Threads/Posts you don't like
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 27 May 01 - 10:10 PM

Clinton, I had posted this in the help forum but I'll put it here as well.

Just ignore it or at least try to. The only other thing I will say is that I once tried using the block list on Outlook Express to filter out the comments of an insane woman who used to haunt rmc but I found my self reading responses to her comments and then reinstating her so I could see exactly what she had said... It proved to be a lot less hastle just to learn to live with it. Took me some time!

Jon

Subject: RE: Help: Threads/Posts you don't like
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 27 May 01 - 10:18 PM

I'm not the one I'm worried about Jon... I've quite a thick skin and the ability to rapidly develop what I call "Bullshit Blinders" to filter out the crap...

Some here are not so lucky, and are easily offended... It's for their sake, I went looking for the "User Filter" or other solution...

"It proved to be a lot less hastle just to learn to live with it"

Thanks for the suggestion Jon

Anyone else?

Subject: RE: Help: Threads/Posts you don't like
From: Justa Picker
Date: 27 May 01 - 10:32 PM

For me it's very simple.
On any given thread that I might want to read (and I don't read them all any more) I quickly scan down the column of posters to the thread. Over time I guess we form impressions of those we deem credible or "like-minded" and those we don't. Everyone's tastes are different. When I see a thread with a list of names of posters that I've determined as not relevant to my tastes and opinions, I leave the thread without reading its contents.

If I see that the majority of people who contribute to a thread are "like-minded" individuals I'll peruse the thread.

In the beginning I did read all of them, in order to determine who's worth listening to and who's not relevant to my ongoing Mudcat experience. When new members come on board, initially I will read their posts as well and form my own opinions and decide to read or ignore further posts from them.

I also like to play a little game with myself when I see certain new threads, and ask myself in advance before opening the thread, who started it. 8 times out 10, I guess correctly.

Subject: RE: Help: Threads/Posts you don't like
From: Devilmaster
Date: 27 May 01 - 10:33 PM

Clinton's 'bullshit blinders' are from hanging around politicians and such.
I hear those politicians are real famous for their story-telling.

Especially after a couple pints of Keith's. :-)

Subject: RE: Help: Threads/Posts you don't like
From: GUEST,Cookie sprouted wings, Dancing Mom
Date: 27 May 01 - 10:39 PM

I will not acknowledge a post that attempts to inflame. NO RESPONSE seems to me to be the best way. I am uncomfortable with anything that suggests censorship. Everybody has ideas worthy of contribution, and that includes the non-music/ BS (brain storm!) threads, unless they are intended to be hurtful, inflammatory, deceitful.Sharon

Subject: RE: Help: Threads/Posts you don't like
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 27 May 01 - 10:41 PM

Give us a story, Uncle Steve!

LOL!!

Subject: RE: Help: Threads/Posts you don't like
From: Jeri
Date: 27 May 01 - 10:43 PM

Yeah, Jon, but we eventually became friends, right? Oops, maybe the wrong insane woman...

If folks can filter out BS, maybe they can add to the filter? I know they can change it, but it may just be the thread titles that are filterable. The problem is that people who respond to stuff they don't like or think is wrong might very well be interested in actively looking for it. The folks who don't want to hear complaints about what they say or the way they say things may have more use for a filter.

I never filtered anyone out in newsgroups. I don't want folks censoring what I read, and I figured it wouldn't be good for me to censor it for myself. I figured I had better learn to deal with it, and eventually did. I went through the same thing here at Mudcat. You'd think I only would have had to learn that lesson once.

Subject: RE: Help: Threads/Posts you don't like
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 27 May 01 - 10:44 PM

Dancing Mom, I do not consider Clinton's suggestion of allowing a user to filter out posts from users that he wishes to ignore to be censorship - it is a matter of personal choice but one I don't see a need for.

Jon

Subject: RE: Help: Threads/Posts you don't like
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 27 May 01 - 10:49 PM

ya... in no way am I suggesting we have "THE 'C' WORD" around here... But a moderatior removing obvious spam, I'd be all in favour of...

Unmoderated as it is, the Mudcat MB should post a warning that this place may not be suitable for children or the easily offended though...

If I were to ever have kids, I wouldn't want them here, that's for sure!

Subject: RE: Help: Threads/Posts you don't like
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 27 May 01 - 11:04 PM

Jeri, you were sane by comparison ;-)

Jon

Subject: RE: Help: Threads/Posts you don't like
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 27 May 01 - 11:05 PM

That good eh Jon...

:-)

Subject: RE: Help: Threads/Posts you don't like
From: Dicho (Frank Staplin)
Date: 27 May 01 - 11:43 PM

I guess I haven't been around long enough, but except for one personal attack, I haven't seen anything that should have been filtered out (polite word for censorship?). There are some snide remarks, but that is normal in anonymous chat (or even face to face with a good bottle of -). Where someone goes a bit off the deep end, there always seems to be someone following with a pacifying answer.

Subject: RE: Help: Threads/Posts you don't like
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 27 May 01 - 11:48 PM

Mmmmm.... a good bottel of :-)... sounds nice!

I'll come back here later and see who's had what to say!

Yer all welcome to join me at the Kildare House BTW!

;-)

Subject: RE: Help: Threads/Posts you don't like
From: Noreen
Date: 28 May 01 - 05:43 AM

What's MB please, Clinton?

Subject: RE: Help: Threads/Posts you don't like
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 28 May 01 - 05:58 AM

Message Board, Noreen.

Jon

Subject: RE: Help: Threads/Posts you don't like
From: Noreen
Date: 28 May 01 - 06:41 AM

Ah... thanks Jon.

Subject: RE: Help: Threads/Posts you don't like
From: GUEST,Armchair Reader
Date: 28 May 01 - 07:06 AM

Certainly its pleasant to be able to filter out those voices we have no desire to listen to. It makes the world comfortably cozy.

Subject: RE: Help: Threads/Posts you don't like
From: Banjer
Date: 28 May 01 - 07:09 AM

It seems to me that since this place is a cybercommunity, made up of a diverse collection of folks from all over the world it should be like any other community. I can only relate to personal experience. I think of my place of work as a community of sorts. I have been ther for fifteen years. We are an automotive machine shop/parts house. If all we talked about was automotive related things it would make for a dull existence. It is the side trips into non-automotive conversations (which could be called BS since they aren't on subject) that enhance the friendly atmosphere in our little community. There are individuals that if given a choice I would not want to associate with but even they have a right to their opinions. Granted there are only eighteen men and women working there, but the principle remains the same.

Subject: RE: Help: Threads/Posts you don't like
From: Roger in Sheffield
Date: 28 May 01 - 10:19 AM

Banjer I think you summed it up nicely

Subject: RE: Help: Threads/Posts you don't like
From: Bill D
Date: 28 May 01 - 10:37 AM

it's sure a lot easier to avoid, ignore and disregard stuff & people that you don't care for here than at a party or pub where they round on you and get in your face, or yell and throw things.

I am sure aware of a number of long time, valued members of the Mudcat that post MUCH less than they used to, but always seem to be around when there is relevant stuff to discuss...(*grin*...I see you there...yes, you too)...and I know of at least one RT friend who reads regularly and never posts.

We are all wired differently, and there are folks who simply cannot keep their typing fingers still when they read something which upsets them, and others who post LESS as the debate gets hotter, *shrug*.....

'ignore' software tricks are best left to newsgroups and 'live' chats, better here to develop the skim & decide option.

Subject: RE: Help: Threads/Posts you don't like
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 28 May 01 - 12:43 PM

I donno if it's BETTER left to newsgroups and chats... If the option was here, I have a feeling -I'd- not use the filter software... As I said, I'm more asking this in the interest of folks who have expressed their dislike of my sense of humour and sarcasm... I'm just trying to help make this a better place... or rather the best place it can be...

Seems to me everyone is suggesting my "Bullshit Filters" might be the best option... Maybe I should package them...

2 for a dollar sound good?

;-)

Subject: RE: Help: Threads/Posts you don't like
From: Big Mick
Date: 28 May 01 - 08:17 PM

I don't see the problem that needs fixin'. There is no way to make everyone be nice according to one or the others notion of it. While there are people I don't like, I do like the interaction and the sharing of ideas. I understand where you are coming from Clinton, but I think that it still boils down to some folks just aren't willing to accept this place as it is. They want to change it to suit them. The odd thing about that is this. It is what it is that makes them keep coming back. If I were Max, I would not put another filter on this, other than the one he already has. You can filter most of this stuff by applying the BS filter, and what is left you can filter on your own by simply reading the names or topics.

I know I wouldn't filter you. I have too much fun jabbing you from time to time...............as you do me. My daughter may be dancing in the Windsor Feis. I intend to show up at your local and buy you a Guinness. Then you can tell me why you think I am what's wrong with this place in person..............LOL.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Help: Threads/Posts you don't like
From: Sorcha
Date: 29 May 01 - 12:02 AM

Clinton, just give over, OK? Scroll past or skip the ones you don't want to read, or just don't open it at all. Don't give me this crap about "it's not me, I started this for a friend". I saw your post in the help forum about "there are one or two people I would prefer never to have to read again"........

There are a few people I would never prefer to read again too, but I just scroll really fast, and don't even read them.

Subject: RE: Help: Threads/Posts you don't like
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 29 May 01 - 11:50 AM

Mick... When did I ever say there was ever anything RIGHT with this place!?!?!?!

LOL!!

sorcha... -I'm- not the one who's offended by posts... I actually did bring this up with others in mind... And to sort of make a point... And you and the others here who have suggested the Bullshit Blinders solution have supported that point...

Thanks eh!

;-)

Subject: RE: Help: Threads/Posts you don't like
From: Mrrzy
Date: 29 May 01 - 12:41 PM

Maybe it's just me, but no matter how many inane/obnoxious posts one person may have, it would never occur to me to filter them out... and I scroll a lot, too. But I do the namecheck thing the other way - if it's particularly great, I look to see who it was (and I guess first), but I reply to the postING, not the postER, if that makes sense. If the postINGS are bothering me, I click Back and don't read the rest, unless I am both bothered AND INTERESTED, in which case I'll read on to see if anybody debunked it already. And I might contribute there, even if I found the original post or post-er not to my taste. But then again, I'm probably one of the insane ones who'd get filtered out if we evolved such a filter... which I'm not saying is a bad idea, I just wouldn't bother with it since I can always click Back. And I'd rather the joeclones spend their time getting more lyrics into the dt than trying to program away around having to click Back... go, mudcat!

Subject: RE: Help: Threads/Posts you don't like
From: Little Hawk
Date: 29 May 01 - 01:14 PM

One thing about stuff that upsets you...it can serve as a way of helping you understand where your own tender spots are, and that could actually provide an opportunity for personal growth....just maybe.

In other words, it's not so important deciding that the other guy is an "idiot" as it is deciding how you are going to react to it. If you're going to make yourself sick about something he said...or spend the rest of your life hating him...is that really a smart thing to do? Why give someone else that power over you?

There are some people here whom I may disagree with, but that doesn't mean I avoid reading their posts, nor does it mean that I consign them to a list of "undesirables".

The only threads I avoid are threads that simply don't interest me very much.

There are some threads I avoid posting to, because they are very contentious, and I don't feel that a comment from me would help matters any. But that doesn't necessarily stop me from reading them.

- LH

Subject: RE: Help: Threads/Posts you don't like
From: Mrrzy
Date: 29 May 01 - 01:45 PM

Rat own, Litte Hawk!

Subject: RE: Help: Threads/Posts you don't like
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 29 May 01 - 01:48 PM

Exazt-a-mundo LH!!!

Well said!!

Subject: RE: Help: Threads/Posts you don't like
From: DougR
Date: 29 May 01 - 04:41 PM

I agree with Sorcha and Mick. No one has to read another's posts. Just skip the ones you are not interested in reading. I don't do that because I DO want to read other's views, though I might not agree with them.

Justapiker says he/she wants to read those with whom he is "like-minded," and I'm just the opposite.

DougR

Subject: RE: Help: Threads/Posts you don't like
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 29 May 01 - 05:45 PM

I am convinced that the best way to deal with annoying messages is to ignore them.

Keep in mind that if you discuss your decision to ignore something, you're not really ignoring it, are you?

Subject: RE: Help: Threads/Posts you don't like
From: Kim C
Date: 29 May 01 - 05:50 PM

There is only one person here who has ever really got my goat and he's not on very much. I figure he is only being ugly because he's never met me. ;-)

Subject: RE: Help: Threads/Posts you don't like
From: mousethief
Date: 29 May 01 - 06:15 PM

I had your goat once but I gave it back, I recall. Nice goat. Very silky hair.

Alex

Subject: RE: Help: Threads/Posts you don't like
From: Matt_R
Date: 29 May 01 - 06:20 PM

Most of my goat went down the drain in the bathroom sink a few hours ago.

Subject: RE: Help: Threads/Posts you don't like
From: mousethief
Date: 29 May 01 - 06:27 PM

TMI, Matt.

Subject: RE: Help: Threads/Posts you don't like
From: Little Hawk
Date: 29 May 01 - 06:36 PM

Let's not get too graphic, Matt... :-)

Doug - I like your attitude. Very open-minded.

- LH

Subject: RE: Help: Threads/Posts you don't like
From: Chicken Charlie
Date: 29 May 01 - 06:40 PM

Back to the first post, why is it the "mature" thing to ignore someone totally because you disagree with them on one point? Learning my way around the pond, I'm trying to figure out who knows a particular instrument or aspect of music best. I may not agree with an individual's position on some BS thread, but if a cellophane comb thread starts and this person is a truly great cellophane comb player, I want to real what he/she/it has to say regardless.

PS I haven't figured out whether dealing through the e-medium makes me more flippant or less defensive. Maybe a little of both.

Bottom line, we don't need any "devices" but our common sense. Odd that with every tech advance comes the urge to surround it with layers of really artificial conventions & prohibitions.

CC

Subject: RE: Help: Threads/Posts you don't like
From: InOBU
Date: 29 May 01 - 06:41 PM

Hi Kim: If you have your goat back, can we all have some feta cheese? - Larry

Subject: RE: Help: Threads/Posts you don't like
From: CarolC
Date: 29 May 01 - 07:06 PM

I think Little Hawk said it pretty well for me.

Subject: RE: Help: Threads/Posts you don't like
From:
Date: 29 May 01 - 09:56 PM

As I have said before, I absolutely do not believe that some posts that cross a certain line should be ignored. I think that there are times to stand up and be counted when it involves crimes against humanity. I do not think ignoring certain things causes them to go away. I think it causes people to get bolder and more offensive sometimes. And even if it doesn't, some protests should still be registered. Now, this is only for things of a very serious nature. If someone is just being immature or argumentative over a basically non-important issue, then I say ignore them or talk to them discretely b.c. or something. mg

Subject: RE: Help: Threads/Posts you don't like
From: mousethief
Date: 30 May 01 - 12:09 AM

Mgarvey, what does b.c. mean in your post?

Alex

Subject: RE: Help: Threads/Posts you don't like
From: GUEST,Roger the skiffler
Date: 30 May 01 - 04:28 AM

The ones I don't LIKE are ones where I've had to post 3 or 4 time in a row because:
1)My blue clicky didn't work first ( or second) time
2)I spotted a typo too late
3)I realised I'd got a name or line wrong(damn CRS)
4) I rushed in too early and found better, fuller information later.
The ones I AVOID are where two posters alternate in a "DID", DIDN'T" exchange. It seems rude to intrude on a personal squabble.
RtS (just keeps barking up that wrong tree)

Subject: RE: Help: Threads/Posts you don't like
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 30 May 01 - 01:42 PM

"when it involves crimes against humanity"

How the hell does one commit a crime against humanity by posting on a stupid internet messagge board??

LOL!!!

With that kind of power I could be the Super Villian I've always wanted to be!!

;-)

Subject: RE: Help: Threads/Posts you don't like
From: Kim C
Date: 31 May 01 - 01:21 PM

It wasn't you, Alex. :-)

And Larry, I much prefer a fine chevre.