I think what makes the Lounge so great is that there's relatively little restrictions regarding what we can post. I personally find that it's perfectly fine for a thread to stray off-topic, just as long as it's okay with the thread-maker and the derailment is happening because of flames. Forum whoring at PSU is really nice because it's casual and laid-back. There are moderators that can step in and exercise all sorts of power, but they generally don't unless they need to. That's good. The last thing I want to see are really sensitive moderators locking threads and making sure other threads stay rigidly on topic. What's the fun in that?
That said, this is what I think on the two most important topics :
1. Flaming: As usual, this is a problem with most forums. Most of the flames are are done in jest, and those shouldn't be subject to any moderator action. However, flames with malignant intent or flames that accidently offends someone should be resolved with PMs and/or moderator help. Pretty simple, I think.
2. Thread Derailing: As I said, I don't think we should worry about this too much. Sub-threads are yucky, and if we choose to split-threads, there's going to be a lot of debate as to when a thread is derailed and should be split. Plus, we will feel less freedom while posting. However, there should be two new rules:
- a) If the thread-maker doesn't mind if people derail his/her thread, then so be it. However, if the thread-maker wishes to get back on topic, then he/she should make a post saying so. After that, it's everyone's responsibility to get back to the original post. If there are members who wish to continue discussing the tangent, they can make a new thread. If members continue to derail a thread after the thread-maker says to stop, then moderator action will commence.
- b) If the thread is derailed because of flames or personal attacks, moderators will step in to stop it. If the flames continue, the moderator is entitled to lock the thread or take other necessary action.
That's all I think should change. Again, the Lounge is a great place to post, because the administrators and moderators are more like friends than figures of authority. I think having too many restrictions will make them too much like forum nazis, and we don't want that. If PSU isn't about elitist behavior, then we should keep the sense of an administrator/moderator/member hierarchy to a minimum. The worst forums are where the people with power are treated differently, either with reverence or fear. Conversely, we're all friends here, and that shouldn't change. Just make sure the flames are kept at bay, and everything should fall into place.
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