This forum has no ongoing moderation, so people are likely to emerge into passive-aggressive banter, or attack or defense mode. Without intervention these behaviors are rather common, if not typical to the human being.
We do have moderation. But most intervention is prompted via reports, as the Topical Forums are not moderated as much as the HubPages Forums. In terms of the latter, I and a few other members of the team read through these threads daily. We do delete comments or close threads completely. But if we don't get reports, both of these things are less likely to happen. We ask that community members do their part—do not instigate, retaliate, or provoke. Just submit a report and a team member will be notified.
No offence, Samantha... and to be clear, I have found that pressing the "Report" button makes no difference whatsoever. None at all, regardless of how vile the comment reported.... And I have read some blatantly egregious, hateful comments... even against someone's spouse go un-noticed or seemingly ignored despite pressing the "Report" button.
However, if Matt (manager) gets involved (via direct email messaging), then the same report previously alerted via the "Report" button is then investigated, and something may be done, though not necessarily...
I find that Conservatives are less likely to report abusive behavior as they tend to be very forgiving.... thus, serial abusers are essentially rewarded for bad behavior while those who complain or alert moderators are labeled as "bickerers."
I personally believe that eliminating the the Hubpages (Political forum) if not all) HP Forums, would be in the best interest of HP. However, I do hope that the comment section on individual hubs will be reinstated as has been promised! Feedback, good or not so-good on individual hubs, which take time and care to write... if done thoughtfully, is an incentive to continue writing. Not to mention, the positive feedback creates a sense of community.
Political forums are basically a waste of time and pretty much a garbage dump.
Without seeing the comment, I wouldn't know the circumstance. But every report is looked at.
To be clear. Nobody is labeling anyone a "bickerer." And there is no bias on our end regarding who is complaining about what—regardless of their views. We should not be making any assumptions, especially on this thread.
We don't have any plans to remove the political category, as there are some Hubbers who enjoy the content and connecting with others, regardless of their differences. We recommend that those who don't want to be a part of those conversations just avoid the category.
And as for the forums entirely, many Hubbers rely on this platform for a sense of connection and inclusivity. Outside of individual articles, people come seeking advice or inspiration. Again, if some Hubbers don't like them, they don't need to participate.
Well, I guess you told me.
I have taken the advice of Matt, who has suggested we definitely email him directly regarding offensive and vile comments. I find that makes a difference. And for anyone out there who is concerned about the same thing, I am simply stating that the Report button has never produced any results at any time.
I am sorry to have offended your sensibilities, Samantha.
You did not offend my sensibilities, but I appreciate it. I just don't want any falsities out there. I'm sorry that you've experienced a lack of support on our end—I'll pass that feedback along to the team. It's good that you were able to reach out to Matt directly to resolve things.
I've seen the recent posts closed out due to instigation or dissention.
Thank You
I've been saying this same thing since the time I joined HubPages, and the only thing that ever seems to solve all problems is emailing HubPages, and asking for Matt specifically. Matt does a really great job at validating any concerns you may have, as compared to Samantha who will invalidate most of your concerns inadvertently, and sometimes overtly. I even go as far as advocating for the removal of the topical forums in favor of keeping only the HubPages specific forum, but an insignificant minority of the community basically lives there.
My best advice for you is to always send emails about your largest concerns, and do your best to let the petty remarks slide by. If you can't resist the urge to come to the cesspit that is the forums, especially the topical forums, then I'd say adopt the common behavior and work toward discouraging others from using the forums with their own medicine. Essentially: "If you can't beat them doing the right thing, beat them by any means appropriately necessary."
Of course, even if you choose to act like the common riff raff you'll still get harassed by people to no end. Take Paul Goodman here for example, he finds anyone who complains about this sort of stuff to be, "snowflakes;" he will take to private messaging to avoid showing his true colors, and resort to name-calling out of the public perview. Pick and choose your battles, but always know there are the silent ones sitting back and watching what really occurs here.
I completely agree, I've had a personal experience with this, though I tried to be as calm as I could, it was disheartening to see such a behavior. There should be active moderation in the forums which help boost morale and creates an overall positive environment for new and old writers alike.
I know some see me as a bickerer, but I care not. I see that when someone has an atypical view there's a tendency to pile on the rabbit. However, I am one mighty strong rabbit.
If anything, the forums used to be more fierce in years gone by, and the politics section was always a hell hole worth avoiding for me.
But there are some serious issues, if HP plans to continue having forums dealing with non-writing material. Ten years ago, the internet generally had a more free for all atmosphere. Nowadays, there is increasing pressure on social media companies and others to crack down on things like conspiracy theories, false medical info, etc., as well as less tolerance for online bullying etc. The environment has changed. Moderation will always attract criticism, but the "light touch" model of moderation is increasingly under strain. There may be a point reached where relying on the community to report stuff may not be enough, as happened with screening out low quality hubs.
Those are my thoughts anyway.
Please know I have not seen whatever thread or posts that brought about this conversation. I am speaking very generally based on the types of exchanges I have seen over the years on HP forums as well as on many other discussion forums across the internet.
I agree with Paul Goodman that the forums here are much sleepier and less aggressive than they used to be. I stay away from the topical forums for the most part due to the useless squabbling (these debates rarely end with any person changing their stance on whatever issue).
On the one hand, people of course should interact respectfully with those they don't agree with, but on the other hand, forums are just words typed on the internet. If you run across someone typing unkind words, remember those are just words; you are in no danger from them. Just respond with something like "We will never agree" and log off. Report the post if you think it is truly out of hand, but remember that these forums are just random people spouting off their opinions. Some people troll and inflame for their own amusement, and if you let their words get to you, then they have won and they are encouraged to repeat the process again and again. But if you reply curtly and politely then end the conversation, your words are evidence of your level-headed approach and their words are evidence of their true colors to be seen by anyone who reads the thread -- which for any given thread is probably only a handful of people. So why not let their words stay up for fellow hubbers to see what kind of a person they truly are? That's not such a bad thing, IMHO.
Staff moderation is nice, but HP shouldn't have to pay people to moderate the forums 24/7, looking out for word fights that have gotten out of hand, in other words, adults typing rude words to other adults. Personally, I'd rather HP put that salary money toward editors, SEO experts and site improvements that will improve our revenue. Adults using a forum always have the option to log off. It takes willpower to resist the urge to attempt to win over a troll with a "gotcha," but resisting is almost always the best option as trolls are not there for true debate or sincere back-and-forth discussion. Even many non-trolls are not on the forums for true debate, they are just there to argue their side of issues or blow off steam, their views firmly cemented in place.
Just my two cents, as they say.
I agree. I am in fact retired from the forums, but Kyler and random, I agree with you both and wanted to say that. It's nice to see some logic and sense expressed. There's a whole world of differing views as we all know. But to pull everyone in on one's side in attack mode due to a commonality of thinking, what does it prove? Yet so many do it here.
It's called performative cruelty, and it is the only way to, "win," on a public forum. Just look at politics for a real-life example, whoever gets the most cruelty directed at their opponent, true or not, tends to be the winner. Most humans are banal, and thus drawn to cruelty as a way of, "connecting with others," as Samantha so callously and dismissively puts it.
Stay strong and true, no matter whether I agree with you or not I support the appropriate presentation of all views.
GwennyOh
The world is full of people having different views. If it's something public, we have the right to talk and share our views and opinions.
And the public should give respect to others opinion as one should understand that the other person explored the world differently than you.
So if you are talking in public and wants the response to, u should make your self ready for criticism too.
In my case I would say i am a kind of person who avoid arguments and maybe if i feel something bad, I won't answer. I consider this point as my weakest point.
If the topic of a public forum is "Faith",so one should know that everyone who is a believer of any faith, can talk on it, can relate and can give some examples and similarities between the two different religions.
But no one is willing to know what is there on the other side of the coin. For them true is what they want to see and what they wat to believe. If you are not ready to listen to anyone what is the reason for questioning then?
People should understand that the other person thinking can be different than theirs.
And if you don't want to listen just don't ask anyone yo ask.
That's what i think
some can have objections
But everyone have the right to say
So why to play attack and defense mode
If you like it , keep it....
If you don't, just ignore....
That's it...
Peace and blessings
People always have the right to express their views, religious or other. People are out of line if they use their views to badger others--religious ones included. That is my whole point of saying this--to urge people to stop religion raping. It's sickening.
You hate on someone in the name of your God and it's still hate.
Now you suggest that I was proselytizing and not others. Look back though. I don't do that shit.
One more thing, Misbah, I didn't ask anyone about religion, because beyond my own spiritual experience and beliefs, I don't care about anyone's. I simply don't care what people believe of their own free will, so long as I am not aggravated by having it constantly shoved in my face. I could turn away entirely, yes. But then who teaches these people that they are out of line? The lesson is a necessary one, for sure. How can there ever be peace with this bickering going on?
Yes GwennyOh
You are right, I agree with you
And I really like and appreciate your strong Behaviour
The kind of mindset these people portray is very disheartening, and the worst part is, more and more people are becoming like that, irrespective of their age and let's not talk about logic. I moment I joined this site, I thought that people here would be a bit more rational and intellectually on a higher standards as compared to the ones you can find on some random chat forum, but unfortunately it was not the case
Wherever they go, there they are. People are just people, everywhere.
YourRandomBrother
It's okay if someone opposes but if someone is disrespectful towards you just because their point of view is different than yours. This is unfair
If you talk about new and old writers philosophy in that case i would say as I am also a new Writer so we need to learn a lot here. There are some kind people too here, who are not active on your article comments but guides you every time you need guidance
So if any old writer asks you not to talk what you just have noticed in few days here maybe that person is not opposing us but maybe they are guiding us something.
The taste of words can be bitter, i agree but maybe for the betterment.
Note: I am also considering myself as a new writer here
If I am not wrong you are talking about a forum discussion, I guess it was probably my forum post (for sure everyone is welcome on my forum posts and it's good to participate on forums as we are new members and need to learn a lot, I agree)
A lady on that forum answered you rudely, saying something about new and old writers... as far as I can imagine, her words were hard but her intention was not to hurt you.
There are people, their words are hard to digest but the intentions are not to hurt but to guide.
I completely agree with you, I know her intentions were not wrong but I believe the choices of words were wrong. I don't have any problem if someone tries to correct me if I'm wrong, and she's more than welcome to do so as well, but I don't think her words were correctly placed. I know she didn't have any bad intentions and wanted to correct me , but I guess we started on a wrong foot. I tried keeping calm but the more I read her comment on the forum post it felt more and more to a negative taste. I believe that's where we went wrong and misunderstood each other. But on the other hand I believe this situation could have been dealt in a more respectful way as well.
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