I've been a member here for about a year now. I've contributed some images, a lot of comments, even clicked on an ad here and there.

But the site changed hands, and now e621 seems to be quite heavy-handed in meting out discipline to it's users, without regard to what they've contributed or how long they've been here.

The site has rules in order to maintain civility. I understand this. But after contributing quite a bit of content here and for the most part interacting politely with the community, I was given an account demerit for my comment in either this post: http://e621.net/post/show/100562
or this one: http://e621.net/post/show/98217

Aurali didn't state which post earned me the demerit, but told me I was being way too creepy. I was trying to be amusing in both cases. In one comment, I was quoting from an episode of "Moral Orel." Funny? Maybe not. But creepy?

I then received a 15 day ban for a single comment in this thread: http://e621.net/post/show/67818
The ban was later rescinded to another demerit.
I understand that drama is unwelcome in threads. But is it necessary to ban a user for a single comment, especially when that user has no history of establishing or promoting trouble?

If one of the necessities of the site is to have folks join, interact, contribute and perhaps click on an ad or two, isn't it a bit counterproductive for authority to be wielded so severely? It has the effect of driving users away, which can't be good for the site's bottom line.

"Administrators and moderators reserve the right to ban or suspend accounts at their personal discretion." That's what the rules say. I just think it would be fair if that discretion would also take into account a user's history, which is easily reviewed, before they hand out the demerits and the bans.

I guess that's all.

So like... old people get to do all the illegal things they want because they have been on earth longer? no....

If you wanted to be treated like a noble then boo hoo, this site is primarily american and everyone is treated equal.
The End.

There have been a few instances where, in my opinion, the moderation has been a little more severe than necessary. Given the amount of crazed/creepy/drama causin' individuals around, I can understand why it would be necessary to nip a user for a minor transgression, preferably before they go off the deep end and become problematic.

From watching the axe come down on some of those less offensive souls (and certainly the heads that rolled right off the shoulders of the "WTF is wrong with you?!" type users), I figured out what I shouldn't be doing and what type of comments I shouldn't dropping on the boards. I really consider what I contribute now, before I hit that submit button.

So, in short, Aurali's tough tough lovin' ensures that I, for one, toe the line - all because I don't want any of those negatives on my completely meaningless profile. So I'd venture to guess that the heavy-handed discipline is working on some of us.

Mellis was worse.

Aurali has a job to do, frankly. Trying to keep drama under check in even the smallest of furry boards can be a pain in the ass. E621 isn't some small furry board.

Mods basically have three different approaches they can take:

1. Sit back and do nothing as drama encroaches on everything and sorts it own self out.

2. Ban fucking everybody.

3. Deal with shit as it comes up in the most moderate and reasonable manner they can figure. Occasionally they'll smack on someone who probably didn't deserve it, but more often people will get away with crap they shouldn't have.

My advice is to let it slide. In the end it's really not that big of a deal, unless you personally are THAT concerned about it.

First off, the issue of bans being handed out so quickly and numerously was addressed shortly after the 15 day ban you received in that thread. This shouldn't be nearly as much of a problem anymore as it has been in the past. I have let ALL of the moderators know what I expect of them when it comes to disciplinary actions, what type of discipline is appropriate in which scenarios, etc.

Second, I don't want ANYONE to think that they're risking any sort of disciplinary action at all for simply giving feedback about how we're doing. Of course if you say something like "fuck you guys you can't mod for shit" then that's a little different, but a post like what you've made here is absolutely fine, and I encourage you to continue to provide feedback about e621's staff in the future. We can't improve if users don't tell us what's wrong.

If I wasn't so dead-tired right now I'd probably type up a longer answer, but just know that I appreciate your input and will make sure that we incorporate it into how we do things around here.

Char said:
First off, the issue of bans being handed out so quickly and numerously was addressed shortly after the 15 day ban you received in that thread. This shouldn't be nearly as much of a problem anymore as it has been in the past. I have let ALL of the moderators know what I expect of them when it comes to disciplinary actions, what type of discipline is appropriate in which scenarios, etc.

Second, I don't want ANYONE to think that they're risking any sort of disciplinary action at all for simply giving feedback about how we're doing. Of course if you say something like "fuck you guys you can't mod for shit" then that's a little different, but a post like what you've made here is absolutely fine, and I encourage you to continue to provide feedback about e621's staff in the future. We can't improve if users don't tell us what's wrong.

If I wasn't so dead-tired right now I'd probably type up a longer answer, but just know that I appreciate your input and will make sure that we incorporate it into how we do things around here.

I wasn't expecting that. Thanks.

So... you're saying you want the mods to play favorites?

What you're apparently wanting to to make it someone who is capable of being more memorable has an advantage for misbehaving over someone who is not memorable.

This is something that is generally frowned upon, you know?

You already ARE getting 'special treatment' for contributing content and being a generally good community member. Do you think Bobfurry who's been around a week is getting his 15 day bans rescinded? No.

Personally, I love the fact that there are consequences, and that if you fuck up, you'll answer to them. It prevents the mentality of "i'm too valuable to be scolded" and "they wouldn't dare, I upload stuff EVERYDAY!" ... those attitudes arn't healthy for a community.. and IMO.. if a few people fall off the wagon because they will get slapped on the wrist for misbehaving, then so be it.

Well hell. when I started typing, there was no replies :P now I feel like the bitchy bad guy ^^;

Oh well, uhm... well.. er.. yeah! and stuff.

*sheepishly scuttles away* (also, yay for cool mods who accept feedback!)

SnowWolf said:
Well hell. when I started typing, there was no replies :P now I feel like the bitchy bad guy ^^;

Oh well, uhm... well.. er.. yeah! and stuff.

*sheepishly scuttles away* (also, yay for cool mods who accept feedback!)

I rofl'd. XD

Also, agreed on the mods. I'm really liking the new mod team.

We're trying hard, guys. Moderation is hard to get right, and we do really appreciate feedback like this. as well as a chance to figure out how to get the balance right.

Please don't ever feel like you can't raise issues or concerns (as long as they're civil) with us, either in public on the forums or in private via email. Again, we're trying to do the best we can, and a lot of problems can be (and have been) solved simply by *communication*.

So thanks.

My 2 cents: Moderation seems more lax under the new administration. I still think there's value to the old approach, but the booru hasn't gone to pot under the new administration, so I think the more temperate moderation is an improvement, overall.

Contrary to other posters, I don't think there's anything wrong in showing leniency to established users who have demonstrated that they're well behaved.
It's not a case of being too valuable an asset or showing favouritism, think of it as rewarding good behavior. Chances are, if someone with no record of causing trouble suddenly screws up it's either a misunderstanding or they're just pissed off and it's a once off occurrence.

What you have to keep in mind, however, is that mods are just ordinary people and they do make mistakes. Understanding should work both ways, in that mods do a pretty shit job and do it voluntarily.
And lets not kid ourselves about what kind of community we're a part of. The fandom (and I am loathe to use that term) is known for its drama so it's not unreasonable for mods to expect that kind of drama to crop up here.

On the other hand, we're all (or should be) adults and should be allowed to poke fun at each other and the images that are posted. If it looks like there'll be trouble, step in but ask yourself before you do so if that is really what's going on.

At the end of the day it comes down to making a judgement call and you'll never please everyone. I suppose I'd be more sympathetic to the mods as I can understand how hard they must have it.
The community is still in flux and there's bound to be teething problems but it's not going to last.

hey, i didn't have time to read everything. but one thing. when you quote something you might want to say what the quote is from.
ex:

negative, it just impacted on the surface.
star wars reference

We're trying very hard to be fair and impartial when administering discipline. There are a lot of variables involved when a mod or admin decides that somebody needs to spoken to, warned, or banned. We really do value the user base; they are the reason we are still here after all. We have also taken great pains to move away from the management style of the previous administration.

It may seem more lax than before, but that is only because we're talking to most users first, rather than immediately banning them. Have we gotten it perfect yet? No. I firmly believe however, that every mod here is striving to improve. I'd be lying if I said that none of us could improve, but with appropriate feedback from the users and guidance from Varka and Char I think the mod team will continue to.

internet drama is delusional unless someone is actually trying to harm your wellbeing.

if someone saying mean things on the internet is the worst thing to happen during your day, then you have to look in the mirror and realize that you are one lucky motherfker.

also the next time someone enrages you with their comments, keep in mind that probably 20% of the registered users here are underaged... comes with the territory with sites like this. nothing you can really do.

a good community shouldn't need strong moderation. a good community is able to handle itself with a site like e621. with words like "banhammer" and shit being tossed around, it feels like we're in a CS server full of middleschool kids.

I think that 98% of drama could be avoided if simple and strict rules would be applied to image comments:

- All comments hidden by default for everyone.
- All comments are to be related to the image. Discussing matters related to the image is bad. (i.e. a drawing of a fox can be commented 'wtf, is that a hand?' but shouldn't 'there are too many fox drawings everywhere.')
- Joking in comments is done on your own responsibility. If the image is funny then you are probably safe, but if the image isn't meant as funny and the mod doesn't get your joke, you get a warning.

Basically, if all comments would be limited to "I like," and "meh," or "sauce?!" then almost all drama would stay in the forums where it belongs.

Fum said:
Basically, if all comments would be limited to "I like," and "meh," or "sauce?!" then almost all drama would stay in the forums where it belongs.

And then the community would die.

null0100 said:
And then the community would die.

null0100 said:
And then the community would die.

Fum said:
I think that 98% of drama could be avoided if simple and strict rules would be applied to image comments:

- All comments hidden by default for everyone.
- All comments are to be related to the image. Discussing matters related to the image is bad. (i.e. a drawing of a fox can be commented 'wtf, is that a hand?' but shouldn't 'there are too many fox drawings everywhere.')
- Joking in comments is done on your own responsibility. If the image is funny then you are probably safe, but if the image isn't meant as funny and the mod doesn't get your joke, you get a warning.

Basically, if all comments would be limited to "I like," and "meh," or "sauce?!" then almost all drama would stay in the forums where it belongs.

Does this mean I should give you a warning?

null0100 said:
And then the community would die.

What community?

drama would stay in the forums where it belongs.

I specifically stated that the rules would apply to image comments. If you browse e621 posts for comments then I think you have forgotten this is a porn site.
Discussions and other type of social behaviour can still happen in the forum.

deadjackal said:
Does this mean I should give you a warning?

Yes. Although I believe "lex retro non agit" should apply, as everyone would get banned if this was to work retroactively.

Anyway, hiding all comments by default would somewhat limit the amount of off-topic stupid comments for images as some people would stick to fapping rather than replying to trolls.

null0100 said:
And then the community would die.

Fum said:
Anyway, hiding all comments by default would somewhat limit the amount of off-topic stupid comments for images as some people would stick to fapping rather than replying to trolls.

In that case, then they should stick to fapping and not reply to the trolls. Simple.

Why would I ban you for speaking your opinion so civilly? Though honestly, I can't remember people to save my life, and reading back, your first warning doesn't seem to pop to mind and more, so I'm gonna remove it. :)

Anyhow, char and varka are right, moderating correctly takes time and practice, especially when you have multiple sites with multiple ways to moderate.

However I do not like giving people with an established account more leeway then new accounts, for the simple reason of You Know Better. It's as simple as that. New accounts won't know the rules, and will get smacked on the hands. However established accounts DO know the rules, so I should be more lenient because of that? No. What's wrong with you?

I go through a lot of comments for my own enjoyment. And honestly I don't like marking people off, but you gotta.

...and I like the word banhammer. :( It's just a silly thing.

Aurali said:
Why would I ban you for speaking your opinion so civilly? Though honestly, I can't remember people to save my life, and reading back, your first warning doesn't seem to pop to mind and more, so I'm gonna remove it. :)

Anyhow, char and varka are right, moderating correctly takes time and practice, especially when you have multiple sites with multiple ways to moderate.

However I do not like giving people with an established account more leeway then new accounts, for the simple reason of You Know Better. It's as simple as that. New accounts won't know the rules, and will get smacked on the hands. However established accounts DO know the rules, so I should be more lenient because of that? No. What's wrong with you?

I go through a lot of comments for my own enjoyment. And honestly I don't like marking people off, but you gotta.

...and I like the word banhammer. :( It's just a silly thing.

Well, there's the thing. I do indeed know the rules.

That's why I've never made a really "creepy" comment on what I'd like to do with that herm, my aunt Sylvia and a jar of boysenberry jam.

And I've never engaged in a back-and-forth ragefest that goes on and on in a thread.

The stuff that I got slapped for was pretty much the same that I've been doing since I signed up. I didn't think that any of the comments I made were in violation of the rules.

I appreciate the upgrade on my account. Thank you!

I don't know where everyone is getting the idea that OP wants older accounts to be treated differently. He was just mentioning he had been here for a while by way of introducing himself and his post.

null0100 said:
I don't know where everyone is getting the idea that OP wants older accounts to be treated differently. He was just mentioning he had been here for a while by way of introducing himself and his post.

... now e621 seems to be quite heavy-handed in meting out discipline to it's users, without regard to what they've contributed or how long they've been here.

...I just think it would be fair if that discretion would also take into account a user's history...

There, roughly. Give or take a few words.

I think he meant "a user's history of good behavior," which I don't have a problem with.

He may have, he may not have... I think it's relatively moot at this moment, bt for the sake of arguing, it doesn't matter so much what he may have meant, as opposed to what he said.

Also, how does one acquire a history of good behavior without being around and contributing? I think if anything what potentially he and you are both saying is 'without a history of bad behavior'...

but, it's all a moot point, yes?

That is what I meant: 'without a history of bad behavior'

as long as you e621 mod guys never let EXL employees into your ranks I have no problems with you

null0010 said:
And then the community would die.

Personally, I've never been particularly enraged by a comment section here. I sometimes look for funny pics just to unwind if Youtube has me too spooled up.

It's very refreshing, frankly, to see a random debate form about gun manufacturer identification and classical inspirations of BUMRAEPEDFOX0023, and end with a round of tasteful jokes.

I personally think the mods are doing a great job, and I applaud the liberal use of temporary bans and demerits over even sparing application of permabans.

holy necro, batman

I think OP deserves somekind of reward for virtual necromancy.

This isn't thread necromancy, at this point it's thread necrophilia.

do y’all like go and find 7 year old threads and deliberately necro them

this thread is older than like half the userbase. good job.