Off Topic

[Eddie]

Is there a way to block a poster so they won't appear when I read a topic? If so please PM me and tell me how.

Thanks
Eddie

 

[Gatorboy]

Nope

 

[Eddie]

That's a SHAME. I get so tired of some know it all, argumentitive(sp) posts. Almost seems like constant trolling. /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif

 

[California]

Yep.

 

[arthr31]

yea, wondered thus myself... anyone know who maintains the php scripts/binaries? i could probably write a filter for 'em... but thus would break the fabric o' the forums....

 

[Gatorboy]

<font color="blue"> anyone know who maintains the php scripts/binaries? </font>

Muhammad and Hakim

There would be alot more involved in making this feature than just writing a filter.

 

[arthr31]

yeah, you're right... Thinking about it quickly, I'd have to create a "profile" or options page which would allow for users to maintain filter settings.. Then, recompile each of the binaries which draw pages for the different forums, etc. Do you know if the posts are stored in flat file or some type of rdbms?

Okay, now quickly thinking about it again, maybe there'd be a way to write some javascript which would run in the page itself and just not draw the posts from the "restricted" users...?? But, again, you'd have to have someway to manage who you want to read from...

anyway, i guess something more to think about. hmm, maybe hoping that I can help here since so many people have offered good advice and solutions to me about tractors... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[arthr31]

OK. I just had another thought since the idea of me programming again kinda scares me (haven't done that for a few to five years...).

Maybe the thought is more of a question-- Is it appropriate to confront ppl who seem to be outta line within the forums? I mean, if someone is just being belligerent for the sake of being argumentative, is it fair to point it out? For instance there's one fellow who likes to come to yanmar forum and point out that chinese tractors are better. I think, "yeah, ok, whatever, that doesn't help me or my antique yanmars, go away!!!" /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I think if we all start pointing out aggressive behavior while it is starting, maybe it'll go away?!? but, then again, that's kinda tiring tooo...

I've been reading about this in the feedback forum too. it's all too bad...

 

[pruntyc]

From what I have read on other forum, the best way to get rid of trollers is to just pretend they aren't there and if no one answers them, they leave to find some other place to try and cause trouble. I know it takes me a while sometimes to know what they are doing. But I just quit answering them. I quit one forum because of them, but I'm not going to quit this one. My Yanmar wouldn't like it, when I need help with it. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[arthr31]

good, glad you'll still be around here! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[LMTC]

Dick,
I think you are exactly right. Sometimes such a poster will even get more outrageous for a while trying to goad someone into a response. Eventually most will troll elsewhere.

There is a particular poster that seems to follow me around (and others I'm sure--I don't feel singled out) and counter almost anything I say. I no longer respond. If my experience in this market and with these tractors doesn't carry weight with a reader, neither will my posting the same thing five times.

I know that I personally tend to be blunt, and in text/posting sometimes come off as cold and uncaring. That would be because I am cold and uncaring. /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif Seriously, it is probably because I am data driven. My other life is as a data administrator, and by nature I am blunt, to the point, and admittedly a bit acerbic at times. If I offend anyone here, all it takes is a polite PM and the odds are you'll get an apology

Anyway, I think you nailed it Dick. Leave them to die in isolation.

 

[mark777]

I do not understand the psychology or motivation that compels a troller to offer weak of factless information. Sometimes, information that is counter productive or even dangerous.

At first I thought these people were demanding some kind of unearned respect, recognition or title, but I now believe their "high in life" is to create friction between two or more members, instigate arguments and insults through innuendo.

I believe a confrontation with this individual is absolutely necessary.

A one time message that exposes his information as untrue, biased and/or reckless will do nothing to deter him from arguing, but it will alert other posters and readers that his contributions are pointless. This would seem especially true for newer members that are not aware of what's really happening while searching for answers to their particular problems.

Regards, Mark

 

[RobS]

Feel free to hit the "Notify Moderator" button at the bottom of each post if you see something you don't like. You can also PM any of the moderators (listed at the bottom of the forums) if you want to be more specific /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Golfgar4]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Is it appropriate to confront ppl who seem to be outta line within the forums? )</font>

Arthur,

I'd have to say that generally, it is NOT a good idea to confront somebody you feel is being difficult or confrontational. There's a couple of reasons for this. First, you may not have accurately interpreted the post the person made. It's a shame that we can't "read" the way the poster would sound if he were speaking the same words he put in the post. We see this all the time. Someone mistakenly thinks a post was meant as a slam or a flame, when in fact, it was supposed to read as a joke or at least a tongue-in-cheek comment. I've fallen victim to this myself. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

Second, I don't care how reasonable and level headed a person might be about how they relate to others. When they've "had words" with someone else, it's natural to automatically assume that any post that person makes is intended to cause trouble.

And third, what you might think is argumentative and belligerent might very well be just another persons' poor way of offering their view on the topic. Maybe their intention was to be helpful, but they just didn't use the right wording for that to come through.

I will second RobS in the suggestion to notify the moderators. But remember that if you do use the Notify Moderator button, there is no message that informs us what your concerns might be. It only indicates that you feel there is some kind of problem. If you want to let us know what you really think, then you should send us individually a PM explaining what your concerns are. We'll review the thread, and we'll even discuss it amongst ourselves. Then we can privately contact the individual if that is the appropriate solution.

 

[arthr31]

OK, thx, Garry. good advice, i'll only engage when appropriate, as others have mentioned here too.. Cheers! -art

 

[mark777]

After reading your reply and reading the complete thread titled "All" in the News and Feedback section, I would like to revise my above post to read " I believe that a confrontation is absolutely necessary AND I feel that the moderator should be notified".

I have come to realize that the moderators have been assigned an overwhelming responsibility, with hundreds of posts to oversee, and sometimes a thankless position but necessary.

I don't usually flip-flop on opinions and my personal observations, but in this instance I am wrong. You (moderators) are much better qualified to intervene.

Regards, Mark

 

[loaderbob]

I agree with Mark's last post. If someone is truely being nasty, ridiculous, or giving unsafe advice the moderator intervention is the way to go. TBN is however blessed. The majority of the people at least in the grey colletion of forums are great, super helpful, and respect each other even when they disagree.

Best Regards,
Bob