SPOT Discussion

Let the SPOT stay. Only slight moderation is needed. The "N" word and such extremes should be illegal there too, I saw it was said in the "OMGWTFBBQ" thread there. I`m not a moderator or anything but I was surprised how it stayed there unpunished or at least undeleted.

Suggestion: Let`s make there:

A) spamming legal (as it was before)
B) hurting others illegal

 

The SPOT was originally intended as a dumping ground for posts that were too spammy for the forums.. then people started posting there. Then no-one knew what to do with it. People are putting threads that are simply offtopic and not spammy in the SPOT because I can only assume that they don't get it either, or that they want to allow the posters the freedom to spam.

This is the problem with the SPOT, seeing as everyone has different ideas about what is allowed or not allowed. People think that the ability to spam grants them the right to disregard other rules.

To be honest it may be easier to simply revert it back to it's original purpose as a spam thread dumping ground. Simply disabling the ability to make new threads in the SPOT should do the trick. Any threads put into the SPOT would still be available to post in, but no new threads could be created, thus stopping future misplaced threads and threads like the abomination that started all of this, from occurring. However I would like to enquire of all of you as of whether this is the best course of action to take.

Although if, alternatively, we do keep the SPOT as it is (i.e. With the ability to create new threads) then we will need to decide how it should be moderated so that we are all on the same page. Furthermore it may be necessary to revise the forum rules to account for this, as well as adding the duplicate accounts rule, the no mature content rule, the nsfw link rule, the no wiiware modding rule, and other long overdue additions 'cause by god that rule list is looking outdated.

 

Are we really that fucking retarded that we need to have basic rules about not being an idiot written down? Do we need to be THAT official about it or can we just agree to think before posting?

 

we could change the spot to something along the lines of "the labyrinth" (garbage heap of the forums), then set up a new forum that just has relaxed rules, save for not being a total idiot or an asshole.

I support the updating of the rule list btw

 

Now, explosive, there's no need to go around making new subforums. The SPOT can serve its original purpose just fine while we use it for discussion. Off-topic threads will be moved there, and any low-quality conversations will be moved there and locked.

I think the SPOT should stay, or else we're going to clutter up the Satellite Lounge with silly things. I'm afraid this forum just ain't what it used to be, and the necessity of the SPOT is a result of that.

 

As everyone here should know, deleting spam and/or locking threads causes a lot more unnecessary drama/frustration than the spam itself ever would have caused.

And this is my fault how exactly? All that ever happens is a bunch of people stir things up, throw in some derogatory comments and make a nice ol' mess, and then point to me and say "Look at what you did!". If it's that big of a deal, it's the regular users that need some sense kicked into them, not the other way around.

I didn't say it was your fault; I was merely stating a fact. My point is that your efforts to "kick some sense into the regular users" are sometimes a bit excessive (and futile). I'm not saying there should be no standards at all, just that they should be a bit more laxed, and well-defined (based on your previous comments in this thread, it sounds like you at least agree with me on the "well-defined" part).

If you don't like what people are doing in a thread, the solution is simple: just don't read the thread.

And this is just setting a double standard. Do I have to answer to every "valid" claim/argument/accusation that's made of me, and then turn a blind eye when things start getting overly silly? Am I supposed to be selectively ignorant when it suits certain people? Even if I wanted to do that, it wouldn't solve anything. A site balanced on that kind of platform will never really be stable.

Yes, you're right, it is setting a double standard: one for the spot, and one for the rest of the forums. I thought we all pretty much agreed this was a good thing, if the spot is going to continue to exist at all (which it sounds like it is, if I'm hearing correctly).

The SPOT was originally intended as a dumping ground for posts that were too spammy for the forums.. then people started posting there. Then no-one knew what to do with it. People are putting threads that are simply offtopic and not spammy in the SPOT because I can only assume that they don't get it either, or that they want to allow the posters the freedom to spam.

This is the problem with the SPOT, seeing as everyone has different ideas about what is allowed or not allowed. People think that the ability to spam grants them the right to disregard other rules.

To be honest it may be easier to simply revert it back to it's original purpose as a spam thread dumping ground. Simply disabling the ability to make new threads in the SPOT should do the trick. Any threads put into the SPOT would still be available to post in, but no new threads could be created, thus stopping future misplaced threads and threads like the abomination that started all of this, from occurring. However I would like to enquire of all of you as of whether this is the best course of action to take.

Although if, alternatively, we do keep the SPOT as it is (i.e. With the ability to create new threads) then we will need to decide how it should be moderated so that we are all on the same page. Furthermore it may be necessary to revise the forum rules to account for this, as well as adding the duplicate accounts rule, the no mature content rule, the nsfw link rule, the no wiiware modding rule, and other long overdue additions 'cause by god that rule list is looking outdated.

we could change the spot to something along the dumps of "the labyrinth" (garbage heap of the forums), then set up a new forum that just has relaxed rules, save for not being a total idiot or an asshole.

I support the updating of the rule list btw

Both of these ideas sound pretty good to me.

 

Let the SPOT stay. Only slight moderation is needed. The "N" word and such extremes should be illegal there too, I saw it was said in the "OMGWTFBBQ" thread there.l[/B]

Yeah im sorry about that. I got a little carried away there.

 

I'm pretty sure I initially said the n word. Oopsie.
None of this would have happened if I didn't say that word.

 

you should be ashamed of yourself

 

In response to Andwhy's inquiry, I think we should allow posting threads in the SPOT, but moderate it more strictly.
Let's face it, OMGWTFBBQ PIZZA got out of hand. Deleting it was not a good idea by any measure, but it should have been moderated.

And yeah, the rules should probably be completely rewritten, they're getting rather outdated.

 

allow posting threads in the SPOT, but moderate it more strictly.

OMGWTFBBQ PIZZA got out of hand. it should have been moderated.

the rules should probably be completely rewritten

I second those motions.

 

These are the original two sets of rules we have:

Spoiler

1. No spam posts allowed. (Including one-liners) Spam shall be classed as any post that does not follow or does not contribute to the "current" topic of discussion (within offtopic discussion) or the the thread's topic of discussion (within ontopic discussion).

2. No illegal material, rom requests etc.

3. Signatures must not be greater than 500 Pixel.

4. Fully coloured posts are not allowed in order to improve readability in all skins.

5. Arguments, debates are accepted depending upon their nature.

6. No trolling (directly attacking a person).

7. Offtopic can be tolerated as long as it follows the flow of conversation, if it doesn't get out of control and goes back ontopic at the request of the thread starter, moderator, or admin.

8. Location names cannot be longer than 30 characters.

9. Reviving old threads should only be allowed if you have something to contribute to the thread's original topic.

10. Use of text over size 4 is not allowed unless the enlarged text is kept under 10 words.

11. Posting in spambot threads is not allowed.

12. Posting in the incorrect section is not allowed.

13. Double posting is not allowed.

14. Do not ask to become staff here at Miraigamer forums.

* I. Personal attacks are strictly prohibited, as we do not stand for the insulting of other members. This includes the use derogative terms and is something that will not be tolerated. Take any personal arguments off the board.

* II. Be sure to mark all spoiler content with the [spoiler ]no spaces[/ spoiler] tag. No one enjoys having something spoiled for them if they do not wish to know anything to begin with.

* III. No double-posting. Use the edit button instead, it's there for a reason.

* IV. Images in signatures should only relate to videogame and must be suitable for a family audience. Signature images are restricted to 500 x 200 (width x height) pixels in size and 150KB. Any images beyond the restricted size will be removed. If you use such an image please no more than a couple of lines of standard size text; if you do not use an image in your signature then please no more text than the equivalent image. Excessively long signatures will be curtailed to sensible levels.

* V. Feel free to advertise your Videogame related site in the Advertising Forum. Advertising of non-videogame related sites is prohibited.
However we are aware that sometimes links will help make a points in posts. Provided the link suppliments the post; and is not the purpose of the post, then the link can be posted in the relevant topic.

* VI. “SPAM”, “Fluff” posts, “Me Too” posts, and off topic conversations are frowned upon here. These kinds of posts lead to pointless discussions and tend to clutter up the board.

* VII. The use of multiple smilies or images in posts is also frowned upon. Please try to keep the volume of images being used to a sensible amount.

* VIII. Threads that are designed to not promote any type of discussion whatsoever will be removed. These forums are for intelligent and in-depth discussion, thus versus style topics or polls are not welcome here.

* IX. Threads discussing the whereabouts of pirated software, music or anything illegal will be deleted.

* X. Do not ask to become staff here at Miraigamer forums. While it is very flattering to know that you would like to help out at these forums, all requests to become staff will be denied.

* XI. The “Have Fun, or Go Somewhere Else” rule. Enjoy it here, or just don't bother visiting. If you're not going to have fun, why visit? It's that simple.

Now here they are with doubles and irrelephant rules taken out, and Andy’s suggestions put in:

Spoiler

1. By making an account and posting, we will assume that you have beaten Cave Story fully, and have a maturity level above that of a 13 year old. There will be unmarked spoilers and, in some sections, swearing.

2. No spam posts allowed. Spam is any post that does not follow or does not contribute to the "current" topic of discussion.

3. No illegal material. This includes ROMs, malware, illegal downloading of music etc

4. Signatures can’t be greater than 500 pixels length and width

5. Don’t colour your posts, it makes you look like a douche.

6. Arguments and debates are allowed within reason

7. No personal attacks.

8. Offtopic posts are fine as long as they follow the flow of conversation, and the conversation returns to the original topic at the request of the thread starter, or a moderator or admin.

9. Location names shouldn’t be obscenely long

10. Don’t bump old threads unless you have something new to add to the conversation. (i.e. don’t respond to a post made a year ago)

11. Put all threads in the proper place

12. Don’t double post

13. Don’t ask if you can become a mod or admin.

14. Your signature shouldn’t be any more than 200 x 500 pixels high and wide, and like the rest of the board should be “work safe”.

15. Pornographic content is not acceptable directly on the board. Please link any porn that you wish, and provide suitable warning. If you post porn links repeatedly and ungraciously you’ll be asked to stop, and, should you not stop, you’ll be banned.

16. Have some content in your post. Simply quoting a post to show you agree with what it says is not appreciated.
17. Don’t use an overt amount of smileys in your posts.

18. The SPOT is a subforum where you can “bend” certain rules (such as spamming) within sensible reason. The moderators and admins define what exactly is allowed to go on there. All topics that don’t have any “substance” should be placed there, or will be moved and locked there if they are placed elsewhere.
19. You may not discuss “modding” the wiiware version of Cave Story.

Andy of course should probably check this to make sure everything is to his liking. I’m just trying to be helpful. <.<

 

My concern is that people are not getting the SPOT and are posting offtopic threads in there instead of in the Satellite Lounge, and others are seeing the SPOT as a place where they can do whatever they want. These days the actual threads that "belong" in the SPOT are a minority of those that are.

To be honest the original idea behind the SPOT was somewhat flawed. It was viewed as a way to deal with spam threads while the forums were recovering from spam central without locking 100+ threads at once. Unfortunately while it may have worked somewhat well as a gradual transition to a less spammy forum back then it has become more of a problem these days.

I still think the SPOT should have new threads disabled, but a good compromise might be to create a thread called "The thread of random discussion" as a sticky in the SPOT.

All forums have spam forums, no exceptions.

All forums have offtopic subforums. Few forums have spam subforums.

Also, The SPOT isn't only just trash forum where you move trash threads to

Well that was why it was made according to Skye's original post on the matter.

These are the original two sets of rules we have:

-snip-

Now here they are with doubles and irrelephant rules taken out, and Andy’s suggestions put in:

-snip-

Andy of course should probably check this to make sure everything is to his liking. I’m just trying to be helpful. <.<

Looks good. I made a few additions though. Hope you don't mind.

Spoiler

1. By making an account and posting, we will assume that you have beaten Cave Story fully, and have a maturity level above that of a 13 year old. There will be unmarked spoilers and, in some sections, swearing.

2. No spam posts allowed. Spam is any post that does not follow or does not contribute to the "current" topic of discussion.

3. No illegal material. This includes ROMs, malware, illegal downloading of music etc.

4. Signatures can’t be greater than 500 pixels in length and height.

5. Don’t colour your posts, it makes you look like a douche.

6. Arguments and debates are allowed within reason.

7. No personal attacks.

8. Offtopic posts are fine as long as they follow the flow of conversation, and the conversation returns to the original topic at the request of the thread starter, or a moderator or admin.

9. Location names shouldn’t be obscenely long.

10. Don’t bump old threads unless you have something new to add to the conversation. (i.e. don’t respond to a post made a year ago)

11. Put all threads in the proper place.

12. Don’t double post.

13. Don’t ask if you can become a mod or admin.

14. Your signature shouldn’t be any more than 200 x 500 pixels high and wide, and like the rest of the board should be “work safe”.

15. Pornographic content is not acceptable directly on the board. Please link any porn that you wish, and provide suitable warning. If you post porn links repeatedly and ungraciously you’ll be asked to stop, and, should you not stop, you’ll be banned.

16. Have some content in your post. Simply quoting a post to show you agree with what it says is not appreciated.

17. Don’t use an overt amount of smileys in your posts.

18. The SPOT is a subforum where you can “bend” certain rules (such as spamming) within sensible reason. The moderators and admins define what exactly is allowed to go on there. All topics that don’t have any “substance” should be placed there, or will be moved and locked there if they are placed elsewhere.

19. You may not discuss “modding” the wiiware version of Cave Story nor distribute or link to related content or files.

20. Use of large (size 4 and over) text should be kept to a minimum.

21. Only one user account per person. Use of multiple accounts is a bannable offense.

 

of course! you always have the final say on anything that goes on here

after re-reading that I noticed that I repeated a rule, so you could remove #4 since it's stated (with more accuracy) elsewhere.

 

Spoiler

1. By making an account and posting, we will assume that you have beaten Cave Story fully, and are at least 13 or have an equivalent maturity level. There will be unmarked spoilers and, in some sections, swearing.

2. One account per person. Multiple accounts are not allowed and will be banned.

3. No illegal material. This includes ROMs, illegal downloading of music, hacking the WiiWare Cave Story port, etc.

4. Arguments and debates are allowed within reason, but flaming and personal attacks will not be tolerated.

5. No spam posts allowed. Spam is any post that does not follow or does not contribute to the "current" topic of discussion.

6. Offtopic posts are fine as long as they follow the flow of conversation, and the conversation returns to the original topic at the request of the thread starter, or a moderator or admin.

7. Don’t bump old threads unless you have something new to add to the conversation. (i.e. don’t respond to a post made a year ago)

8. Put all threads in the proper subforum.

9. Don’t double post. There is an "Edit" button on all of your posts.

10. Have some content in your post. Simply quoting a post to show you agree with what it says is not appreciated.

11. Mature content is not acceptable directly on the board. Please link NSFW content and provide suitable warning (and don't post it too much).

12. Smileys are stupid. This was decided in the 24th meeting of the Internet Union in 2005. We've supplied some less stupid smileys for you to use.

13. The SPOT has less strict rules about posting (not quite sure what they are yet), but if you post stupid things there, people will still think you're stupid.

14. Locations shouldn't be obscenely long, signatures must not be greater than 500 pixels length and width, and please use special fonts, colors and sizes sparingly.

15. Don’t ask if you can become a mod or admin.

Fixed those for you. They are now much more organized.

EDIT: ANDWHY FFFFFFFUUUUUUUUUUUU—

 

I think there should perhaps be a clause in there that the Staff decisions are final and you shouldn't argue with them and such. Well, something to that effect. A sort of "Ultimate veto" rule, if you will.

 

That's common sense, and you should be banned if you don't show any.

 

I think there should perhaps be a clause in there that the Staff decisions are final and you shouldn't argue with them and such. Well, something to that effect. A sort of "Ultimate veto" rule, if you will.

That's sort of automatically enforced by the programming of the forums, but yeah it wouldn't hurt. Just as long as it's not overly strict like "YOU CANNOT DISAGREE WITH THE STAFF EVER" or some such shit. A sort of "don't beat a dead horse" rule would be good.

 

Spoiler

1. By making an account and posting, we will assume that you have beaten Cave Story fully, and are at least 13 or have an equivalent maturity level. There will be unmarked spoilers and, in some sections, swearing.

2. One account per person. Multiple accounts are not allowed and will be banned.

3. No illegal material. This includes ROMs, illegal downloading of music, hacking the WiiWare Cave Story port, etc.

4. Arguments and debates are allowed within reason, but flaming and personal attacks will not be tolerated.

5. No spam posts allowed. Spam is any post that does not follow or does not contribute to the "current" topic of discussion.

6. Offtopic posts are fine as long as they follow the flow of conversation, and the conversation returns to the original topic at the request of the thread starter, or a moderator or admin.

7. Don’t bump old threads unless you have something new to add to the conversation. (i.e. don’t respond to a post made a year ago)

8. Put all threads in the proper subforum.

9. Don’t double post. There is an "Edit" button on all of your posts.

10. Have some content in your post. Simply quoting a post to show you agree with what it says is not appreciated.

11. Pornographic content is not acceptable directly on the board. Please link any porn that you wish, and provide suitable warning. If you post porn links repeatedly and ungraciously you’ll be asked to stop, and, should you not stop, you’ll be banned.

12. Don't use an overt amount of smileys in your posts.

13. The SPOT is a subforum where the spamming rule is more lax, however other rules do apply. What is allowed or not allowed is determined by the moderators and admins of this forum.

14. Locations shouldn't be obscenely long, signatures must not be greater than 500 pixels in length and/or 200 pixels in height, and please use special fonts, colors and sizes sparingly.

15. Do not restart a thread that was closed by a Mod or Admin if the thread topic itself was the reason for it's closing.

16. Don’t ask if you can become a mod or admin.

Added an extra rule (#15). Probably could have worded it better though.

 

Added a couple of rules and some general tl;dr, and reordered things a bit:

Spoiler

1. By making an account and posting, we will assume that you have beaten Cave Story fully, and are at least 13 or have an equivalent maturity level. There will be unmarked spoilers regarding the game and, in some sections, swearing.

2. Arguing and debating are allowed, and even encouraged to a certain degree. However, any instances of flaming/trolling/personal attacks or anything else the staff deems inappropriate will not be tolerated and will be dealt with immediately.

3. Don’t double post in an active thread. There is an "Edit" button on all of your posts.

4. No blatant spam posts are allowed. "Spam" is classified any post that does not follow or does not contribute to the current topic of discussion within a thread, or a topic created for seemingly no other reason than to increase one's postcount. Note this doesn't mean you're going to get in trouble for making a joke.

5. Off-topic posts are fine as long as they follow the flow of conversation, and the conversation returns to the original topic at the request of the thread starter, or a moderator or admin.

6. Don’t bump old threads unless you have something new to add to the conversation, and if you do, acknowledge that you're bumping a dead thread when doing so. Random bumps or 'continuations' of two-year-old conversations will be deleted, and the thread may also be locked.

7. Likewise, do not respond to dead threads when they are bumped, even to tell the person in question not to necrobump. Any such posts will also be deleted and increase the chance of a thread being locked. Rouse at them using Visitor Messages if you must.

8. If a mod or admin deletes a post of yours, do not post in a thread asking why it was deleted. Both PMs and VMs are available for questioning moderation decisions. Any such posts or discussions arising from them will be considered off-topic and will also be deleted.

9. Try to put all threads in the proper subforum. Incorrectly placed threads will be moved, and a day-long redirect will be left to point users in the right direction.

10. Include some content in your post. Simply quoting a post to show you agree with what it says is not appreciated.

11. Do not restart a thread that was closed or deleted by a mod/admin if the thread topic itself was the reason for its closing.

12. Don't use an overt amount of smileys in your posts, and please use special fonts, colors and sizes sparingly. Fully-coloured posts are not allowed.

13. Locations shouldn't be obscenely long (they stretch out the edge of the page), and signatures must not be greater than 500 pixels in length and/or 200 pixels in height.

14. Only one account is allowed per individual. Multiple accounts be banned/deleted. This includes making a new account after being banned.

15. No illegal material, be it pertaining to Cave Story or otherwise. This includes ROMs, illegal downloading of music, hacking the WiiWare Cave Story port, etc.

16. Pornographic content is not acceptable directly on the board. Please link any porn that you wish, and provide suitable warning. If you post porn links repeatedly and ungraciously you’ll be asked to stop, and, should you not stop, you’ll be banned. Editor's note: Didn't we agree they had to be linked in spoiler tags?

17. The general banning process occurs as warnings -> infractions -> temporary ban -> permanent ban, but the site staff hold the right to skip these steps if they feel it is necessary. 12- to 24-hour bans may also be given out for bad behaviour, and do not require any history of rule-breaking in order to be imposed.

18. The SPOT subforum in the Satellite Lounge is a place where the spam-posting rule is more lax, however all other rules still apply. What is allowed or not allowed is determined by the moderators and admins of this forum.

19. Don’t ask if you can become a mod or admin here. There are currently enough, and if more are needed in future the issue will be addressed at that time.

I'm also considering renaming the SPOT to something less entitling (don't post your ideas here, just tell me if you agree with this or not).