Next Staff Meeting: Community Input

[Boom115]

Team CoDZ,

 

Just to reiterate, nothing posted in this thread is a staff decision. As stated in the OP, this is a place to post suggestions to be discussed at the next meeting. The staff members are welcome to their own personal opinions, but at the end of the day we as a team make the call. So every post by a staff member is not a “staff decision” unless otherwise stated. Let’s try and be constructive in this thread, and not simply break down other’s ideas if we don’t agree. We all have the same goal in mind. To have a totally kick-ass website!

 

Thank you all for your contributions so far!

[ZombieOfTheDead]

One question I have: What is the point of a "mature" section. It's basically the same as deep thought, but you can post NSFW pics. Let me ask you this: what good does that actually accomplish? Deep thought is already supposed to be a place for mature posts. We wouldn't even have thought of this if someone had not posted one picture. Why can't we just keep it without nudity? It's a waste of space.

 

Honestly, the maturity on all sides of the debate in that thread were pretty low, even by those who consider themselves "mature" so I'm not sure why we're even arguing this.

[Stop Mocking Me0]

@Stop mocking me0: No one called you "selfish" but you specifically mentioned being rewarded along with others for being a good contributor in an alternative way in which we already have several ways of awarding said type of members already. UOTM is intended to give recognition to members who've made great posts and an impression on the community in the past month, and HoF is for those who've done that an beyond constantly, as you've stated. If we created another similar group, it would make the other two seem obsolete. 

 

@Black Hand Smith: That's been mentioned before and that will just do more harm than good. If you dislike a post at all, I personally would like to know why and talk about it, have a discussion. Otherwise it ends up like Facebook with a bunch of liked/disliked thread with no posts.

-No it wouldn't, it's blatantly apparent that HOF is SUPER elite, where as UOTM is only obtainable by one person.  

- I felt I was being accused of being selfish. 

-We're in the same group as the spammers whom banned the word **** please report this topic, post ****, K-I-T&-CH-EN. Bear that in mind…. 

[GRILL]

One question I have: What is the point of a "mature" section. It's basically the same as deep thought, but you can post NSFW pics. Let me ask you this: what good does that actually accomplish? Deep thought is already supposed to be a place for mature posts. We wouldn't even have thought of this if someone had not posted one picture. Why can't we just keep it without nudity? It's a waste of space.

 

Honestly, the maturity on all sides of the debate in that thread were pretty low, even by those who consider themselves "mature" so I'm not sure why we're even arguing this.

@ZombieOfTheDead I agree with you that the Deep Thought section is essentially the "mature" section, but it's clear you have a misunderstanding of what we mean by NSFW - and for that I do not blame you because of the connotations that "NSFW" entails.

 

We are not, by ANY means, making a section for people to post NSFW pictures.  That is the LAST thing we want.

 

What was/is being proposed is very much in context to the Rape Culture thread.  In saying that, we basically want to be able to have a conversation (for example: about rape culture) in which we can post a photo of a woman making a statement that may be considered NSFW without users demonizing it as pornography, or claiming that it caused them distress or harm because they unintentionally viewed it.

 

What we are proposing is a method for the adults, and anyone mature enough, to have the conversation at hand without it being derailed by those who deem it controversial.

 

This is part of the reason why I propose we not use the "NSFW" tag and say "MATURE CONTENT" instead.  It has far less connotations with pornography and grotesque content, and will save us the confusion that I am literally dealing with in this exact post.

 

EDIT:

summing up, I think that Deep Thought should just have a "mature content" label on it.  It's already a protected forum, meaning that you cannot view it if you do not have an account.  It's a place for us all to share our deepest thoughts, beliefs, opinions, etc.  It's a place to expect the controversial, the personal, the emotional.

[Jolteon]

Does it really matter THAT much...? Nobody is going to look at a guy with nearly 4k posts and assume they are just here to sell lovely appliances to the masses. They're going to see 4k and think "Wow that guy has been here a while, he's clearly one to watch out for!". If you are so insecure about the way people see you then the internet is really not the place for you to be. You want rewards for being active and contributing? That's what medals are for. Simple.

 

-Jolteon

[Undead]

@Stop mocking me0

 

Hence why I asked that Staff full explains/discusses just what is expected and how HoF works. It's always been unclear of what made a Legend, and I talked with the staff a while back and came to the concensus that things needed to change. So "Legend" is now "Hall of Fame" but now we just need to officially decide what qualifies some members to possibly take on the group.

 

And UOTM's purpose works perfectly, it puts users that you're describing on a throne for a month as a thanks for contributing to CoDz, which also includes a permanent UOTM medal. If we make another group that basically is the samething, but permanent and called something else, then what's the point of having UOTM? Yet alone makes CoDz look like we pick favorites and it becomes a popularity contest hence why the original grey Dwellers were removed, we've done that before. There's no way to properly moderate what you're talking about anyways, people would be asking left and right to be put in said group.

 

And finally, no we're not. You're here, they're banned (or orange now). Clay made a good point that even just the quality and type of your posts speak for themselves as it. Not to mention the medals/groups we have stacked on top of that like Jolteon mentioned. Not good enough for you? Donate to CoDz. BAM blueness.

[Stop Mocking Me0]

-Thank you 

 

 

-Oh yeah I remember dwellers… But UOTM would obviously be a higher honor then the new group. Only one person could be UOTM.

[ZombieOfTheDead]

@GRILL I agree, just change the name, or just add the mature content warning in threads that contain that kind of thing or even the whole section.

 

However, I do want to say how utterly pointless that fight in the rape culture thread was. Adding nudity in any context is pretty pointless even in making a statement, but half of the people were getting ridiculously offended by the people who didn't want the pictures in there, and completely misinterpreting what people were saying. All I'm saying is people need to stop getting into a hullabaloo about other people's ideals. Unless it's justified. Wasn't this time.

[Hells Warrrior]

One question I have: What is the point of a "mature" section. It's basically the same as deep thought, but you can post NSFW pics. Let me ask you this: what good does that actually accomplish?

 

The point is fairly straight forward and it shouldn't be difficult to comprehend. It's not about pictures, it's not about nudity, it's not about tits.

 

Now frankly i don't see the need for a mature section, I simply see the issue is not having to pander to the "kids" of the site, where posts might be reported for whatever reason (swearing as an example), It's about being able to have a grown up discussion without fear of repurcussions. No one likes every other word to be fucking this or fucking that, it degrades the site it degrades the person posting it. However, using within the right form it shouldn't result in someone being reported for it.

 

As I said earlier, we all just need to grow a pair. Life's to short to get hung up on utter nonsense.

[MegaAfroMan]

The site Code of Conduct will need some changes then, as it explicitly forbids the use of cursing or swearing. I should know, I wrote it. If you're going to allow such things, please update the rules. Otherwise there is no point to them if the staff just get to go with whatever they want.

I didn't share my thoughts in detail earlier on the UOTM upgrades either, so i'll do that. I have notes:

On giving UOTM additional powers,

UOTM could be made more significant with added incentives, which could have the potential to increase activity in the contest, and potentially make a sligt nudge in the quality of posts as a result.

The incentives for UOTM must be tangible and impressive, yet they must not cause damage or chaos to the forum.

Full on Moderator powers for a month, would be way too chaotic.

Presence at staff meetings could potentially work, if staff meetings are indeed held once a month.

Ability to sticky posts, or perhaps attach some form of priority to posts made by the Uotm could potentially work.

Giving the Uotm the ability to see the fun little things like graveyard, mod lounge, and so on shouldn't be too harmful.

Perhaps ability to lock topics might be acceptable

All of these however would require that the UOTM be a trustworthy member, likewise a short briefing would need to be given to the winner on how to properly use their power for the time being.

EDIT: The notifications tab is very handy!

Edited August 22, 2014 by MegaAfroMan

[Slade]

The site Code of Conduct will need some changes then, as it explicitly forbids the use of cursing or swearing. I should know, I wrote it. If you're going to allow such things, please update the rules. 

The CoC is being updated and rewritten at the moment.

[ZombieOfTheDead]

 

One question I have: What is the point of a "mature" section. It's basically the same as deep thought, but you can post NSFW pics. Let me ask you this: what good does that actually accomplish?

 

The point is fairly straight forward and it shouldn't be difficult to comprehend. It's not about pictures, it's not about nudity, it's not about tits.

 

Now frankly i don't see the need for a mature section, I simply see the issue is not having to pander to the "kids" of the site, where posts might be reported for whatever reason (swearing as an example), It's about being able to have a grown up discussion without fear of repurcussions. No one likes every other word to be fucking this or fucking that, it degrades the site it degrades the person posting it. However, using within the right form it shouldn't result in someone being reported for it.

 

As I said earlier, we all just need to grow a pair. Life's to short to get hung up on utter nonsense.

 

Then by all means, get rid of the swear words thing (which you guys seem to be doing). Like you said, we shouldn't need a mature section. That's exactly what deep thought is for. So, what would be the purpose of this "mature" section? Literally all I'm noticing that that would add is the pictures thing, which is completely unneeded. 

 

The problem lies with maturity. That's already supposed to be what Deep Thought is about. It was civil until the first picture. Some people told them to take it down, then other people got pissy at them before they thought something different, then it spiraled out of control.  All that needs to be done is people need to be more respectful of each other. None of the people involved were children.

[Speedo Cola]

Ironically, she's referring to people like you.

If you want a place to show off how "cool" you are by posting offensive jokes and using the n-word, theres probably a certain skype chat waiting for you.

Do you seriously think I post things to appear as "cool?" Do you think that's why I say the n-word? No. I just want a place where people aren't so sensitive about everything. I'm not saying "let's go after every minority we can" or something. I'm just saying it'd be nice to have a place where we can have mature discussions, as Samara wishes, as well as a place where people don't report you for every curse word you type, or every phrase that may by chance be taken offensively. I was joking about the cursing like TAMB part. And I know I've said it in a PM, but again, I don't use the n-word just to say it. I use it because it's used frequently in my culture. My friends use it, many of my influences use it, it's just a way of saying "friend" where I'm from. The way people look at it is this: If it is spelled as "n***a" and is not used in a degrading type of sentence, it is taken friendly. If it ends in "-er" than it is offensive, and should not be used as it can hurt some people. That is not my intentions. It just really pisses me off to receive a warning for using the word in rap lyrics, or using it in a positive connotation. And I mean, I haven't used it on here because that's the rules, but the average person can easily tell if you're using it to be racist, or use it as meaning,"friend."

 

She wants to be able to discuss mature subjects, without having to deal with kids overreacting, making jokes and basically derailing the thread once someone posts an nsfw photo with context. 

 

He wants a place where he can post "adult" jokes, curse and quote the N-word.

Don't even tell me he's "trying to figure out what she means"

 

I wonder who overreacts everytime I post a rap lyric, everytime I use a certain word in a positive way. Why my posts in the CoDz rap battle thread apparantly aren't "in context" enough for you guys. Apparantly no rappers use the n-word, like ever. Apparantly no mature adults ever tell "adult" jokes, or curse. 

You guys don't understand what I've been saying. Yes, I joked about cursing like TAMB, but it was just a joke. I don't want a section full of going after people or something, no. I want a section where everyone is mature enough to not freak out at you for 1 joke, for cursing a few times. Yeah, if you are telling racist jokes, that's one thing. Those aren't fit here. But like, maybe jokes about sex or recent events, I don't see the problem if someone posts 1 every once in a while. Maybe I am insensitive. But I just like seeing the humour in life. I laugh at jokes that people like me are the butt of. I'll laugh at a joke making fun of rap, or even a tragedy someone I know has been in. I've even laughed at white jokes. I laugh. I may realize it is a joke about something terrible, but I'd rather laugh at a tragedy than become depressed about it and give up on life. 

Society tells us even slightly offending someone is terrible. And it is, if you are just going after someone, wave after wave. Bullying someone. But just an occasional joke that may offend here and there? I mean, life isn't perfect. People are going to get offended. I can't begin to tell you how many times I've been offended by something in the past month. I was even offended by your post. But I don't freak out and complain about it. I realize it may bring someone satisfaction or make them smile, and I deal with it. I don't let people walk all over me either, but I think flaws are only flaws if you let them be. Jokes are only offensive if you let them be. Just my opinion.

But all I post is controversial, why does this post even matter? All I'm doing is offending you guys anyways.

[GameChanger]

What if instead we just put a like and dislike bar underneath the post? All anonymous so that no one can point fingers.

LOL. I'm not trying to disrespect you or anything (I kinda like you to be honest) by laughing, but that idea is that last thing we need right now. We have a huge maturity issue on the forums on BOTH SIDES, so the like/dislike will devolve into people downvoting just because of the user or they disagree with the comment, no matter how high-effort and discussion-provoking it can be. Sorta like how Reddit is. Even if you keep it anonymous, people will take advantage of it. If you only let Modmins view it, that can be a bad idea as well considering people may not want to be "that guy" to oppose/disagree with a person in power.

 

 

 

ADULT SECTION OPINION

 

 

@ , I don't think it's a good idea. You gotta keep in mind, we're already on a website about a M-rated game series.  What will a special section do specifically to ward off "childish" posts? The only way I can see it being guaranteed adult discussions without any sort of shenanigans is by whitelisting members. If you have to go so far to have "adult" conversations, why not make a Skype/IRC chat or something? You can make all these special sections and rules all your want to ensure a "mature" discussion place, but at the end of the day, the community is responsible for its success. 

 

If you don't believe that the general community possesses the maturity to have intellectual discussions without devolving into arguements on places such as Deep Thought, making another section won't magically fix it.  

 

 

Feel free to point out any mistakes I have made or any disagreements you have about this post in a respectful manner. 

[Black Hand Smith]

speaking of language and offensiveness. If you knew me on the Skype chat or Game Nights you would know that I make a lot of Offensive jokes and we curse alot too.

Theres a certain set of words that describes this

Theres a time and place for everything

[Stop Mocking Me0]

Technically COD is a rated M game, no child should be old enough to purchase or play this game. 

[The Clay Bird]

The site Code of Conduct will need some changes then, as it explicitly forbids the use of cursing or swearing. I should know, I wrote it. If you're going to allow such things, please update the rules. Otherwise there is no point to them if the staff just get to go with whatever they want.

I didn't share my thoughts in detail earlier on the UOTM upgrades either, so i'll do that. I have notes:

On giving UOTM additional powers,

UOTM could be made more significant with added incentives, which could have the potential to increase activity in the contest, and potentially make a sligt nudge in the quality of posts as a result.

The incentives for UOTM must be tangible and impressive, yet they must not cause damage or chaos to the forum.

Full on Moderator powers for a month, would be way too chaotic.

Presence at staff meetings could potentially work, if staff meetings are indeed held once a month.

Ability to sticky posts, or perhaps attach some form of priority to posts made by the Uotm could potentially work.

Giving the Uotm the ability to see the fun little things like graveyard, mod lounge, and so on shouldn't be too harmful.

Perhaps ability to lock topics might be acceptable

All of these however would require that the UOTM be a trustworthy member, likewise a short briefing would need to be given to the winner on how to properly use their power for the time being.

EDIT: The notifications tab is very handy!

 

 

I would support removal of cursing from the Code of contact or whatever.  doesnt make sense for a forum dedicated to a game rated M that has cursing all over it to have a rule against cussing lol.

[Covert Gunman]

Alright guys, this will all end up being discussed. If you seriously have other points that need to be made, please PM me or send me a message on Skype. This has gotten a little out of hand for what the original intent of the thread was supposed to be, and I'd like to get it back on target. I understand there was a lot of explaining of sides that needed to be done, but it could have been done more constructively and in a less degrading manner. 

 

Now, if you have other suggestions that you feel need to be discussed in our meetings, please post them here.

[Rissole25]

I already wrote this on Skype but;

I feel we have too many groups again. The main reason we reduced them in the first place was because it made CoDz look like a rainbow of smarties, M&M's and skittles. I feel this is happening again. I think Veteran and HoF could be merged, and I don't think we need New Members group.

[MegaAfroMan]

I like the colors, but that was a fundamental difference that ultimately comes down purely to opinion.

Last time it was decided to cut back. This time, I don't know what will or should be done.

[Undead]

Well also keep in mind before we purged any colors, we had like 50 shades of grey, several shades of blue then just about every other color once upon a time. Now we've boiled it down to 8 or 9 groups which all work fine IMO. 

 

Besides, I like my purple!

[Tasha]

Look, I'm not asking for a whole section or forum for adults only to talk about stuff.

But should I wish to write a thread about sex -- in deep thought -- I would want to be able to have a mature discussion about it, and not have to worry that some people will be offended if I 'cross the line' by posting 'nudity', or by cursing, because that's basically what happend in the rape culture thread. I really don't care how old people are, I believe I can have a mature discussion with everyone on the site, regardless of age.

 

Deep Thought lacks an accurate description for the above mentioned in my opinion. You can all keep repeating how it's already our section for mature stuff, but nowhere on the site does it actually clearly say that, nor what is/isn't allowed. And I believe this ultimately caused the confusion in the rape thread, leading to its derail. 

 

So in the end, all I ask for is a nice, easy way for poster's to make it clear that their thread(s) (can potentially) contain mature content -- topics, images, language, links to sites, discussion -- / members can easily identify such threads, so we won't have another thread derailed because someone posted nsfw material in a nsfw thread.

 

Like this: 

 

Hope that cleared it up a bit. : )

[ZombieOfTheDead]

^ That is exactly what we should have instead. It works out perfectly.

 

Though I know it doesn't say mature normally, it should be implied given that it's called Deep Thought. Guess some people don't get the memo though.

[Boom115]

Like this: 

 

Hope that cleared it up a bit. : )

 

Hmmm Looks pretty familiar.

[Undead]

I'm holding you to a thread about sex now, @