Staying on topic- threads in general

Based on my experience with forums, likely no one reported it.

Mods do not read every thread, they do not need to. But when a thread goes from a few posts to almost 1000 posts in just a few days, a mod will notice. Usually a thread reaching 1000 posts will take weeks or months.

As a mod, when a thread gets that big that fast, it means the topic of discussion is highly charged and needs to be looked at. It is highly unlikely that someone reported the thread, though it was such a sensitive topic, it may very well be true.

As for thread moderation and deletions, it is all laid out in the guidelines.

"Thread deletions
We don't generally delete whole discussion threads, unless they're libellous or racist or otherwise break the law, because it's frustrating for people to write carefully considered responses that, minutes later, are removed. That said, we're here to make people's lives easier, not the reverse so if a thread derails or becomes seriously unpleasant or a bunfight, we may decide it is best to delete it.

Also, if you have a pressing reason for wanting a thread you have started to be deleted, please report it to us (by clicking on the Report link, above and to the right of the post in question) and we'll take a look.

If a thread is deleted, please resist the temptation to start a new one, repeating and rehashing everything that has been deleted: that would be very bad manners and, of course, it's highly likely that the new thread will be deleted, too. Similarly, we will delete threads about other ongoing threads, as it causes too much confusion on the forums"

I suspect that this thread will also be deleted because it about a deleted thread.

The fluffy rabbit definitely eats scones.

Were you out, out out or out out with Peter JaneJudge?

Never mind deviation what about confusion!!!!

Galaxy

Yes I wasnt blaming you doodledog. It's just from experience on MN.

Oh, I know?. It was just a comment in response to your theory.

Doodledog

JaneJudge

who is Peter?

I’m lost now.

You'll get used to me eventually

Yes I wasnt blaming you doodledog. It's just from experience on MN.

I think we on GN actually get away with a lot more, in some ways, than they do on MN.
(Shsh, don't tell anyone)

JaneJudge

who is Peter?

I’m lost now.

Does the fluffy rabbit make scones?

Is Peter out or is he out out? I went out out last night so I think missed whatever happened

I think some of you might think I am being paranoid but I'm not actually convinced it was anyone posting on the thread that led to its deletion

who is Peter?

Oh I love her scones. She seems to have mastered a look of disdain.

You mean mention of court cases and so on? I think people had posted a couple of those before I broke the rules for reasons of personal hygiene ?.

See, if that is the case, why not delete the posts and say that such links are not allowed? At least everyone would know where they stood.

Sorry for the delay in posting. I've been ever so busy running the internet. It doesn't run itself you know!

I've thought about it Callistemon and cats and fluffy bunnies are very much allowed. Here's Rosie our fluffy bunny wearing her best hat for you to apologise for my original omission.

I'm ok when threads go off topic. If people are finding that useful then that's great. If they aren't then they will bring it back to the original post or the thread will peter out.

You arent allowed to have a bath when having a debate doodle .
From my experience on MN on this issue I would say we are more likely to be able to have this discussion if we avoid using named examples, in my view that thread would have lasted approx 30 seconds on MN.

As one of the ‘seasoned posters’ on that thread, I really find this unhelpful. If I in any way contributed to the thread being deleted I would like to know how, so that I could decide whether I can try not to do whatever it was again or post on other boards where freedom of expression is interpreted in line with my own interpretation.

I went to have a bath, then watched some of the Winnie Mandela film on tv, and when I got back the thread had gone. I don’t know, therefore, what was posted in my absence, or how long it lasted after I left, which means that if the deletion was meant as a rebuke, I honestly don’t know whether it was aimed at me or not.

As far as diversion goes, for what it’s worth, IMO it is fine if it is just ‘thread drift’, which happens naturally. As has been said, people can bring it back on topic easily enough if they want to, but sometimes threads just run their course. Where I find it annoying though, is when posters deliberately sidetrack in order to avoid replying to questions, or to divert attention from the fact that they are losing the argument, perhaps because they are unable to answer the thing they have been asked.

As I said on another thread, and has been said on this one, deletion of a whole thread just causes ill-feeling, both amongst posters, as it is easy to assume that someone has asked for it to be deleted if they think (wrongly) that they are being victimised, and between posters and moderators, as sudden deletion is disrespectful to people who have taken time to post thoughtful replies on both sides of the argument. Delete individual posts, or PM a poster who is seen to be going too far, but deleting a whole thread is heavy handed and (IMO) unnecessary on a board for adults.

It could be that individual posts were reported GSM as there were as you've said the usual insults being thrown around but if that was the case, delete individual posts not an entire thread.

It is an important issue AGAA4 and what's annoyed me is that no warning was given, it was simply deleted.

I followed that thread with interest too
It is an important issue and as we are grown women I don't feel we need censoring by GNHQ or other GNs.
If people aren't happy with a thread or certain posts they don't need to keep reading.

I followed the thread which was deleted (I didn’t post as I’ve suffered the transphobic, bigot and Nazi insults on that topic in the past so I confine myself to reading and leave others to take the abuse). I saw that insults were being hurled as usual on the trans topics and assumed that GN had followed the thread and decided it was getting nasty. It didn’t occur to me that anything had been reported as the posters engaging were seasoned debaters with thicker skins than mine. No, I reported nothing.

The problem is I really do think that happens FarNorth and perhaps also if for whatever reason, because what they've posted shows them in a bad light.

Then again all you'd need to do is ask GNHQ to delete your own post(s), there's no need to delete the entire thread.

I've seen someone post they don't like the tone or direction a thread is taking and that they will be asking for it to be deleted.

I think that's fair enough if it's the OP and they have had a lot of posts missing the point and/or criticising them.
I've seen that happen.

I'd hope GNHQ wouldn't delete a thread just because someone, or even a few people, don't like what's being said.

Just delete any and all posts that are derailing. It's not as if they give anything of importance to the discussion any way.

Don't think that they can have the time to read every post on ever thread Rosie51. Plus, they do specifically say "If you have any concerns, let us know and we'll take a look". I've even known GNHQ temporarily remove a thread so that they "can take a look behind the scenes" and then they reinstate it or delete it altogether. But there was no warning last night which makes me agree with others as to why it vanished.

trisher

Rosie51

I'd hazard a guess it's people who feel they're not winning the argument that report and want threads deleted.

What a strange thing to assume. It's something which would never occur to me.
I've been on threads that have been deleted. Had posts reported and deleted (it's OK to call someone a communist but you musn't call anyone a Nazi!). Never reported anything myself .
Would anyone have to report anything for a thread to be considered deviating and unhelpful?
I feel I need a buzzer like on Just a Minute!- hesitation. deviation!

As the threads aren't moderated pre posting, is it the case then that GN read every post on every thread to make sure it's not going off track? I just assumed they let us get on with it unless someone reports a post or possibly a thread. I'm amazed they have time to monitor every thread so closely, hats off to them in that case, although I'd prefer either individual posts were removed or threads closed to further comments.

IMO there's a huge difference between a thread meandering and a thread being derailed.

Yes, I'd agree with that.