Note on a banned poster

[Guburnor]

Some of you night owls will have seen that a bit of a shit storm brewed up over night as I woke up this morning to numerous reported posts and messy threads, resulting in a large number of posts deleted and a poster banned.

The poster was banned for being deliberately inflammatory and aggressive trolling - i.e threads and posts that were simply intended to provoke an angry reaction rather than a debate. This same poster has been warned about this before, hence the ban.

This particular user, over a number of usernames, has generated the highest volume of post reports and angry PMs by some distance and to my great disappointment caused some valuable users to depart, because I have not taken any action on some of those reports and PMs.

I wanted to start this thread to see if there was any need for an open discussion on the subject - either on that user's posts in particular or any other posts on the site.

Get it off your chest if you feel the need! But remember - attack the post not the poster, and don't be a dick.

[isha]

I don't mind a certain amount of weird posts, I have a higher tolerance than most it seems. It largely does not have an emotional effect on me. Probably because I don't cleave to majority opinions on some topics and would be considered to have unacceptable opinions on topics close to the heart of many over the past couple of years, and so I tolerate outsiders.

And undoubtedly (in my opinion) there are rare nuggets of signal among the noise of what most deride as impossible conspiracy and drivel. That is what I have noticed over years online. There is an acceptable respectable set of views, that are allowed into normal media, and they are fairly regularly not the truth.

But spamming a small site non stop with stream of consciousness doom is just not cool. The site doesn't have the size to absorb endless shit posting. And the undercurrent of misogyny in many of the posts taints even the possibility of rehabilitation. Just my 2 cents.

[CelticRambler]

Like isha, I can (usually) filter out a fair bit of weirdness and "random noise" without feeling the need to hit either the report button or the ignore list ... but yes, on a small site such as this it's tedious to see dozens of threads started and/or contaminated by a single member reposting a stream of tweets from dubious corners of the internet without any intelligent comment about their content.

So good decision - thanks!

[marhay70]

I could make a good guess at who the poster is. I tend not to reply to them because, as OP says, it doesn't develop into a debate, rather a slanging match, riddled with unsubstantiated statements, which, should they be called on them, will send the thread off on an unrelated tangent and a separate barrage of personal abuse.
I've sat and watched other posters react, while all the time thinking "don't feed the troll" but I suppose it's a natural reaction for people to try and put the record straight.
I'm all for an open discussion but not if it leads to this Forum going down the same path as Boards, where over zealous moderation and oversensitive posters ruined any sort of robust debate. Nothing like a good row to stimulate the little grey cells.

[GrowlerG]

It's up the site ethos what it wants to allow be posted.

But people who do this kinda of posting aren't interested in a debate (the purpose of a forum) they want a platform to publish. A forum that allows this is forever associated with it. You won't put that horse back in the barn after it's bolted.

[Guburnor]

It's up the site ethos what it wants to allow be posted.

But people who do this kinda of posting aren't interested in a debate (the purpose of a forum) they want a platform to publish. A forum that allows this is forever associated with it. You won't put that horse back in the barn after it's bolted.

Please do link a post here that you believe should not be allowed to be posted, one of the reasons of starting this thread was to have a debate on site ethos and what is and is not allowed.

[GrowlerG]

My approach is to put the user on ignore and unsubscribe from the thread. Or leave the forum. Works much better for me than getting into semantic argument about threads or posts. If a thread or post exists it's because it's been allowed. If it's been allowed then I have my answer and there's no purpose (in my opinion and experience) in discussing it. Similarly if you have threads and forums that few will engage with that's also it's own answer.

[765489]

And undoubtedly (in my opinion) there are rare nuggets of signal among the noise of what most deride as impossible conspiracy and drivel. That is what I have noticed over years online. There is an acceptable respectable set of views, that are allowed into normal media, and they are fairly regularly not the truth.

As always Isha, you've hit the nail on the head again for me. If someone decides to spam a forum on topics that the poster believes need to be discussed, but backs it up with bullshit twitter links and memes, then to me you cannot give an honest view, or any view at all, on what the op has posted. If you agree with the sentiments of what the original poster is trying to say or there are grains of truth in the op's post, you will be labeled as a looney / conspiracy theorist trying to expand or post proper sources on what the op is trying to say. All posts afterwards in the thread will be made up of either outrage or laughed at. Reasoned debate is then shutdown and the subject no longer discussed in any meaningful way.

[isha]

As always Isha, you've hit the nail on the head again for me. If someone decides to spam a forum on topics that the poster believes need to be discussed, but backs it up with bullshit twitter links and memes, then to me you cannot give an honest view, or any view at all, on what the op has posted. If you agree with the sentiments of what the original poster is trying to say or there are grains of truth in the op's post, you will be labeled as a looney / conspiracy theorist trying to expand or post proper sources on what the op is trying to say. All posts afterwards in the thread will be made up of either outrage or laughed at. Reasoned debate is then shutdown and the subject no longer discussed in any meaningful way.

That is a big problem with spamming type exaggerated posters. Because there IS stuff going on that warrants discussion, but if it's always framed by daft, over the top tropes shot through with casual racism or misogyny etc then those justifiable subjects for discussion are off limits or unworkable. Which actually works better at shutting down ALL debate on controversial things than the wokest of wokesters moderating a topic into silence and cancellation. Maybe it's a tool being used that way on purpose?

[Séimhe]

It depends what you use the site for I suppose. I get online in my spare time when I’m usually headed for rest rather than taking on the worlds problems or conspiracy theories.

So when the first thing I see is several hysterical posts like this* in the recent topics, I have closed the browser tab and not expected to be back to gubu.

* viewtopic.php?f=5&t=1508&p=30078#top

Not sure I’m the target audience here anyway but my nonsense fuse for online content is very short these days.

[knownunknown]

I don’t understand replying to posts that one thinks are trollish unless to demolish the argument. That poster did frame topics as if to deliberately provoke rather than engage though. As long as rules are applied fairly I don’t see a problem.

Our recently departed friend who was very aggravated by this poster I believe left for the wrong reasons as was apparent in their final post. I’ve seen other people also aggravated by him, I just wonder why take the time and effort: better to just ignore. There were some threads that generated discussion, others have just fallen down the pages. If GUBU was more active these threads would disappear even quicker.

I noticed a new record amount of users recently, is this true?

I’m usually a night owl but missed last night… The only thing I’d wonder is how long is the ban for.

[isha]

It depends what you use the site for I suppose. I get online in my spare time when I’m usually headed for rest rather than taking on the worlds problems or conspiracy theories.

So when the first thing I see is several hysterical posts like this* in the recent topics, I have closed the browser tab and not expected to be back to gubu.

* viewtopic.php?f=5&t=1508&p=30078#top

Not sure I’m the target audience here anyway but my nonsense fuse for online content is very short these days.

Thing is though that the substance of that post is true. The AZ vaccine has been linked to serious neurological damage for some small percentage people. I know a gorgeous young woman who got temporary Guillain Barre syndrome from the vaccine.


The big issues I have would be 1) there's already a thread where that could go, and people can avoid that legitimate thread because they know what's in there and that it's likely to annoy them, and 2) the ugly gloating schadenfreude with which legitimate research findings such as that are posted raises the hackles of even people like me who have not taken the vaccine and deplore mandates and the general ignoring of people damaged by the products. A lot of the problem (for me) is the way things are done, not always the content per se.

[Séimhe]

That doesn’t mean it isn’t “safe and effective” as the poster alludes to. If your friend has (hopefully) recovered fully, I’d take that over the breathing difficulties I’ve had since catching Covid.

But it’s the pattern more so than just one post. These are tolerable when in the minority but I have logged in at times where the recents list looks like a wall of outrage. Life’s too short

[CelticRambler]

I get online in my spare time when I’m usually headed for rest rather than taking on the worlds problems or conspiracy theories.

So when the first thing I see is several hysterical posts like this* in the recent topics, I have closed the browser tab and not expected to be back to gubu.

That, there, is the worst effect of such spamming. There's little enough traffic to the more specialised forums here, so when the "new posts" list is full of rants and doom-mongering and replies to same, it drowns out the decent stuff. I too have fairly frequently logged in, seen that most of the latest posts were on these kinds of threads and logged out straight away. I'd much prefer to see more discussion about real-life problems - such as the right kind of potato to use in a gratin - than endless speculation about the motives and machinations of the Global Elite.

[Guburnor]

If someone has no interest in discussion, and just wants to dump crap, stinking the place up, of course they shouldn't be welcomed here. And also there's "Don't be a dick". If the same person adjusts their posting style to that of a stable adult, they should be welcomed.

Totally agree with this, and this is what I've been trying to adhere to whilst modding. Through various usernames that poster has been warned, about posting styles - don't link dump etc etc, and on each iteration he did heed the warning somewhat. As long as he was posting at least with the impression he was interested in discussion I was inclined to allow him to continue to do so, despite the repeated calls for him to be banned.

Last night there was little of a stable adult style on display, hence the latest ban.

[Guburnor]

That, there, is the worst effect of such spamming. There's little enough traffic to the more specialised forums here, so when the "new posts" list is full of rants and doom-mongering and replies to same, it drowns out the decent stuff. I too have fairly frequently logged in, seen that most of the latest posts were on these kinds of threads and logged out straight away. I'd much prefer to see more discussion about real-life problems - such as the right kind of potato to use in a gratin - than endless speculation about the motives and machinations of the Global Elite.

A forum takes all sorts, and needs to welcome all sorts.

As long as nobody is being a dick, I don't want this forum to take a view on whether or not it is better to question the type of potato to use in a gratin or to question the machinations of the Global Elite. You should be able to question both.

But the stats don't lie - some of the most active threads both in terms of posts contributed, and page views from lurkers have been started by the banned poster!

[isha]

Yes, along with being a good baker, I confess to liking interrogation of globalist elites.

[GrowlerG]

It depends what you use the site for I suppose. I get online in my spare time when I’m usually headed for rest rather than taking on the worlds problems or conspiracy theories.

So when the first thing I see is several hysterical posts like this* in the recent topics, I have closed the browser tab and not expected to be back to gubu.

* viewtopic.php?f=5&t=1508&p=30078#top

Not sure I’m the target audience here anyway but my nonsense fuse for online content is very short these days.

I'm the same.

Also there seems to be the same people posting the same topic on every thread they are in. If I posted Abba in every thread that gets old real fast. It leaves anyone not interested in Abba nowhere to go except leave. So I only dip in now and then out of curiosity and if something gets my interest.

Still its nice to use a forum where the software works.

[Del.Monte]

Typical, the one time that I've not had time to keep an eye on the forum and all hell breaks loose! My opinion, for what it's worth, is that the banned poster was like a primary school kid that always likes to boast that he knows something that you don't know - perhaps he is a primary school kid?

[GrowlerG]

A forum takes all sorts, and needs to welcome all sorts.

As long as nobody is being a dick, I don't want this forum to take a view on whether or not it is better to question the type of potato to use in a gratin or to question the machinations of the Global Elite. You should be able to question both.

But the stats don't lie - some of the most active threads both in terms of posts contributed, and page views from lurkers have been started by the banned poster!

In terms of activity. Isn't that a consequence of spam like behavior though. It's a bit like someone posting drivel on WhatsApp or Facebook groups.

[kadman]

Maybe if the lurkers took the trouble to post a bit more across the board, and start new threads, then maybe the numpties would not get the traction of interest in their crazy threads.
I met loads of crazies here there and everywhere, and i've learnt to listen to their views and either engage, or walk away. Interesting other content needs to increase in order for the crazy stuff to fizzle out.

Thats not to say that some crazies post a nugget of truth now and again.
The modding of this is a tricky one which has been dealt with in tip top fashion.
Just sorry I missed it , it sounded like an interesting episode

Go Guburnor,Go Guburnor

[Séimhe]

Totally agree with this, and this is what I've been trying to adhere to whilst modding. Through various usernames that poster has been warned, about posting styles - don't link dump etc etc, and on each iteration he did heed the warning somewhat. As long as he was posting at least with the impression he was interested in discussion I was inclined to allow him to continue to do so, despite the repeated calls for him to be banned.

Last night there was little of a stable adult style on display, hence the latest ban.

That’s a lot of work on you though. I used to moderate a group on another social media site and just a few childish pests really became a time sink. It’s hard to argue the nuance via this medium (at least, I find it that way). Seems like a big ask of anyone.

[Séimhe]

Now I see a post title “Russians are the good guys”. After reading about victims who may have to give birth to their rapists baby, because the hospitals are bombed or out of reach - that completely turns my stomach.

I think I need an internet break.

[marhay70]

But the stats don't lie - some of the most active threads both in terms of posts contributed, and page views from lurkers have been started by the banned poster!

Isn't that understandable though, people react to controversial views and outrageous commentary. When a poster gets a reputation for that sort of thing, their posts are inclined to act as magnets. Half the people who would have contributed to his threads would want to poke the bear and the other half would be wondering how they were still getting away with it.
I don't tend to start threads, not because I have nothing to say but rather because my experiences are of a different generation to most of the posters here. I have little to contribute on topics that might be to the fore in the minds of the younger generation.

[Guburnor]

That’s a lot of work on you though. I used to moderate a group on another social media site and just a few childish pests really became a time sink. It’s hard to argue the nuance via this medium (at least, I find it that way). Seems like a big ask of anyone.

The only silver lining of having a small number of regular posters is that the modding is quite straightforward, as the vast majority are totally reasonable even when they're disagreeing with each other. Yes there are a few barbed comments back and forth but nothing too serious.

One poster has caused most of the issues, and I've deleted stuff I thought crossed a line, and given him the benefit of the doubt on other posts.

It is very disappointing that some posters have chosen to abandon the site because of this poster, but if I'd banned him permanently simply because I wanted to keep posters who were unwilling to either ignore or debate opposing opinions, that would have gone against the very reasons this site was started in the first place!