briansue wrote:
Below are a couple of things from the "Forum Rules" and also from a "Sticky" about what might be deleted.
I have a suggestion. Many readers of this website - meaning all the forums on it - have signed on to see any new post. What that means is some people who have no interest whatsoever in Mexico will see a post they think may be of interest to them and click to read. They then find them selves on a forum about Mexico and their opinions about Mexico have no basis in fact yet they post those opinions. To keep the flamers and trolls off this forum about Mexico it might be a good idea to be careful about how you word your "Topic" so readers are clear what it is about. In many cases we see topics that are specific to nothing and that make no sense to many readers - so they click. Then we get some trolls and flamers. The Topic line should in some way indicate this is about Mexico so those with no interest might not be tempted to click. That might help. Topic lines that are clearly not specific or can lead anyone to click (such as Donald Trump) are going to get a lot of heat which we do not need.
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The purpose and intention of the RVing in Mexico forum is to share RVing experiences in Mexico by those that have in the past or who are currently Rving in Mexico and those that are planning to do so.
Posts that are not DIRECTLY related to RVing may be deleted without comment.
Specifically posts/threads about the drug wars, drug shootings, news reports of such etc. will be deleted also without comment unless the incident involves an RVer.
These actions are being taken to restore the content of the forum to its intended purpose.
I agree that forums need rules however there are so many holes, ill or not defined terms and just plain false claims in the rules as to make any two bit lawyer shudder. They could be re-written to make them clearer for sure.
Just a few examples that I think are interesting: Define "Flaming"
I guarantee you out of 10 moderators I would guess there will be 5 different ideas of the definitions and how they handle it.
"Strictly Enforced" This is clearly not the case as each forum seems to have it;'s own level tolerance for spirited discussion.
Just what qualifies as "Attacking" a moderator? Disagreement? Posting about Moderation Policies? I for one am definitely unsure about this one.
There are many others in that list of rules which I have read in detail. I feel that I and most others abide by the rules. And I think that rules for a site like this are important.
But I think there should also be some due process involved for members as part of the rules. I can see a situation where someone may not think a statement was "Flaming" or that they fouled the rules, but their post was read with a "different Tone" in someone elses head.
IE. I think any member that posts something that MAY violate the rules should have the option of retracting the post before a thread or post is taken down.
Second: It makes sense to me that if someone is going to be removed from the site or have a post deleted they deserve an explanation of what rule (s) they have transgressed. And have a chance to retract or a second chance.
I think the above is just civility and fairness. And while I am sure the Moderators who do a credible job are busy they have signed up for this duty and It seems it would be just part of the job.
So While the rules are good I feel they need a re-write for clarity, specificity and consistency.