This is way down the priority list - but if you do have time

[nothingspecial]

Is it possible to prevent certain users from participating in certain threads? - even the OP of the thread.

Weird question, I know, but -

I found myself in a very interesting conversation about, mainly, breaking your system - then fixing it; installing other systems` package mangers onto the one you have - etc

The thread was closed - I`m guessing - due to inappropriate posts from the OP and one other forum member - like I said, just guessing.

I`d forgotten about it `till now. I can live my life and participate in these forums quite happily without an answer. Just thought I`d ask :)

Thread in question

http://www.uluga.ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1379471

Like I said, I`m not really bothered, but I think we were getting somewhere, on the doing something stupid bit.

It would be nice to know, that`s all.

[cariboo907]

There is no way for us to block a member from posting in a thread, and we wouldn't want to. Every one here has the same rights, and if they post following the C of C, they shouldn't have any problems.

[nothingspecial]

Fair enough.

And I wouldn`t want it any other way.

Thanks for the reply.

[ubunterooster]

@nothingspecial: I see what you are saying, "Why do we all suffer because of one or two troublemakers?" The Forum is run as a community, not as a business.
In a business. There are only a fewsolutions: 1,run it as a business (no cafe,stricter rules, etc. etc.) ; 2,Keep your head up, ignoring these instances; 3,get rid of mods, running by mob "control"; or 4, try to find a place where perfection is.

I may not *like* mods closing these threads, but I do agree with them and stand behind them.

[nothingspecial]

I may not *like* mods closing these threads, but I do agree with them and stand behind them.

Me too.

It`s just disappointing, that`s all.

[bapoumba]

On one occasion I can recall, we manually blocked one user in one sub-forum (as a whole). I do not know if we can block one user to post in one specific thread. I'll have a look, but I'm fairly certain we cannot do that easily. We would already been using it otherwise :)

A plugin may exist, same thing, I have not looked. We've had bad luck with plugins we really liked, either due to database stability or upgrade problems.

So you see, I would not want to do this manually (and forget to reverse, etc.)

In addition, as cariboo stated, I'm not sure it would be of much help. Some threads topics come back on a regular basis..

[Tamlynmac]

bapoumba
On one occasion I can recall, we manually blocked one user in one sub-forum (as a whole). I do not know if we can block one user to post in one specific thread.

Why block any user from a specific sub-forum or thread? If they're in violation of the COC or forum guidelines, logic seems to suggest that all members be treated same. Held accountable for their actions, no matter what section of the forum their in.

Guess, I struggle understanding why the forums would implement a rule or plugin to isolate a member from participating. Should the member violate forum rules and/or guidelines, the mods have the ability to assure said member remains in compliance. Perhaps, rather than worry about a thread closure we should concern ourselves with restrictive rules and plugins.

If I've learned anything from the forums, it's tolerance. Tolerance for the point of view of others and that one can't just assume. IMHO isolating a member from participating based on their inability to remain compliant with the forum rules & guidelines, is not a question of tolerance. I believe it questions the individual's right of membership. We all agreed (when joining this forum) that we will adhere to the forums rules & guidelines. Should we digress, the mods notify us in an attempt to correct the behavior. If we continue violating, the mods also have the ability to control that. What more rules or plugins are necessary? Wouldn't enforcement be the logical solution, instead of more regulations?

Just my $0.02 for what it's worth.

[ubunterooster]

My 2¢ says it was something like a user of Ubuntu SE (Satanic Edition) posting in the Ubuntu CE (Christian Edition) subforum, who was otherwise a very valuble member.

[nothingspecial]

It was my question, so I should explain.

If the thread, takes a different turn, from the original post, and the original poster, posts something inappropriate, should the thread be closed?


That`s, what I was asking.


And I can see now, why it should.

[Tamlynmac]

nothingspecial
If the thread, takes a different turn, from the original post, and the original poster, posts something inappropriate, should the thread be closed?


That`s, what I was asking.


And I can see now, why it should.

That was not your initial question. I believe this was.
Is it possible to prevent certain users from participating in certain threads? - even the OP of the thread.

Not to mention, that I was not responding to just your question. I was also concerned by the statements made by bapoumba. Which is what I quoted.

ubunterooster
My 2¢ says it was something like a user of Ubuntu SE (Satanic Edition) posting in the Ubuntu CE (Christian Edition) subforum, who was otherwise a very valuble member.

I would still debate that the COC or specific section guidelines should encompass all users. Determination of value is based in perspective and tends to be subjective. If said member was in violation of forum/sectional rules or guidelines, the staff response should IMHO always remain consistent. Regardless of members theoretical value.

The very first rule of the COC is: "Be respectful of all users at all times. This means please use etiquette and politeness. Treat people with kindness and gentleness."

Hopefully, I didn't offended anyone. It certainly was not my intent. I was simply expressing my concerns with respect to policy.

[bapoumba]

@ Tamlynmac: That one occasion was a deal with the user. They could not help themselves posting stuff that got them into trouble in a now closed section of the forums. They accepted to be out of the category (for a month or two iirc) rather than banned. It worked.
It was an one-time setup.

I understand people can get frustrated to see a discussion shut down because some members cannot behave themselves. I'm not sure having people out of specific threads would help policing the forums, regardless of the technical issues.

My best offer on the question is cleaning the thread and reopen. If the cleaning is too extensive, or if the threads goes down again, then it's a good call for a definitive closing.

[Tamlynmac]

bapoumba
@ Tamlynmac: That one occasion was a deal with the user. They could not help themselves posting stuff that got them into trouble in a now closed section of the forums. They accepted to be out of the category (for a month or two iirc) rather than banned. It worked.
It was an one-time setup.

Understand, and thank you for explaining. It's been my experience while reading the RC that (for the most part) the staff remains consistent when negotiating or dealing with issues.

The concept of selectively isolating members from participating would IMHO be a determent to the forums. I think the individuals who commit violations often do so inadvertently (including myself). With just a simple notification from the staff this can be corrected. However, I'm also aware that occasionally it may require more aggressive tactics.

Thanks Again for responding and as stated earlier, I hope no one was offended by my comments...
Mac

[bapoumba]

Understand, and thank you for explaining. It's been my experience while reading the RC that (for the most part) the staff remains consistent when negotiating or dealing with issues.

The concept of selectively isolating members from participating would IMHO be a determent to the forums. I think the individuals who commit violations often do so inadvertently (including myself). With just a simple notification from the staff this can be corrected. However, I'm also aware that occasionally it may require more aggressive tactics.

Thanks Again for responding and as stated earlier, I hope no one was offended by my comments...
Mac
You are welcome. I certainly was not offended.. Sometimes we do things that look obvious to us but obscure to members. It is always better to ask rather than remain in the dark :)

[Psumi]

If we had a feature that could disallow a certain user from posting, everyone would disallow me, and I'd sue for discrimination.

Not really, I'd just move onto Debian Forums where I would get no support. *sniff*

[ubunterooster]

If we had a feature that could disallow a certain user from posting, everyone would disallow me, and I'd sue for discrimination.

Not really, I'd just move onto Debian Forums where I would get no support. *sniff*
NOT TRUE!!! I and nightwish fan for two like you. He even says so on his sig.

[Psumi]

NOT TRUE!!! I and nightwish fan for two like you. He even says so on his sig.

Nightwish Fan removed me from the sig and put down Of course! instead.

[ubunterooster]

Oops! Sorry. Well I like you and Nightwishfan said you were polite and respectful to those around you

[Psumi]

Oops! Sorry. Well I like you and Nightwishfan said you were polite and respectful to those around you

*laughs hysterically*

[chappajar]

There is no way for us to block a member from posting in a thread, and we wouldn't want to. Every one here has the same rights, and if they post following the C of C, they shouldn't have any problems.

On one occasion I can recall, we manually blocked one user in one sub-forum (as a whole). I do not know if we can block one user to post in one specific thread. I'll have a look, but I'm fairly certain we cannot do that easily. We would already been using it otherwise :)
...

Which one is correct?

[cariboo907]

Always go with the admin. :)

[bapoumba]

Eheh :)

I should have said: we would have already tried it.