Site Feedback Changes

Due to the enormous amount of Site Feedback threads being created recently, the staff has realized some inefficiency with the Site Feedback forum.

Effective immediately, are the following policies that exist within the Site Feedback Forum:

• All Off-Topic posts will be deleted – We know sometimes off-topic posts lighten the mood between debating parties, but due to the amount of threads being created the off-topic posts have made it very difficult to find valuable posts that may exist within a thread. From now on, any off-topic posts will be deleted by a moderator. If a member is found continually making off-topic posts after being warned by staff, other consequences will ensue.
• Threads questioning why another Thread was Closed/Deleted will be DELETED - All threads created due to another thread being closed or deleted within the Feedback Forums – WILL BE CLOSED with an official notification that any other similar threads will be DELETED. A thread in the Feedback forum will not be closed until an official response from the staff is given. If the thread is closed and you feel that it shouldn’t, please PM a one of our Admins, and we will evaluate the thread’s closure. This rule applies globally through out vB.org.
• More “TOWNHALL” Threads - The implementation of “Town Hall” type threads will increase, as certain issues arise. These threads will be created by staff when the time comes, and they will be stated specifically that they are "Town Hall" type threads. If you don’t know what a “Town Hall” thread is, please take a look at the Commercial Hack Thread created by Wayne here:

https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showthread.php?t=102471
Town Hall method:

Originally Posted by Wayne Luke

1. You may post one reply to address the proposal. If I update the proposal or post within the thread, then the count starts over.
2. You may not address other community members at this time. Keep it on topic and directed to the proposal.
3. Any multiple posts will be deleted.
4. You are to remain civil at all times.
5. There will be no deviation from these rules.

These policies will help the staff answer feedback quickly, and also allow the members to post feedback without their threads going completely off-topic.

More updates to follow when the time comes.

[tehste]

So effective immediately the more "townhall" threads policy exists in the site feedback forum. I see great things from the new administration.
That thread you link is from last year and what action has been taken as a result?

Yes, I see great things...

[Brad]

Originally Posted by tehste

So effective immediately the more "townhall" threads policy exists in the site feedback forum. I see great things from the new administration.
That thread you link is from last year and what action has been taken as a result?

Yes, I see great things...

The coding team is already working on the commercial directory. It should be one of the first projects they finish.

[akanevsky]

Good policy change, I esspecially appreciate the no-offtopic part.

[Dean C]

I'm all behind every rule except the town-hall topics. That's utter nonsense when feedback is given, people need to argue their case, and possibly for or against others.

[tgreer]

Dean... I think the "Town Hall" style threads are for when the site administration wants to propose a change or new policy. Everyone gets a crack at making one good, well thought-out response to that policy, without having to worry about getting flamed or the thread degenerating into a bash-fest. I think that's a very good thing!

However, I see nothing in this policy that says a member cannot start a Site Feedback thread, wherein they and other members can debate an issue to their hearts' content. The policy just says the STAFF won't do that - THEIR threads will be "Town Hall" style.

I know I've griped about the way the staff handles things here, as have others. If this is their response, then critics (such as myself) have to at least give it a chance to succeed before casting judgment. We can't gripe about the old way, and then gripe about the new way...

[Zachariah]

Stay on subject and keep the chit chat at your personal site.
What a concept.

Originally Posted by tgreer

Dean... I think the "Town Hall" style threads are for when the site administration wants to propose a change or new policy. Everyone gets a crack at making one good, well thought-out response to that policy, without having to worry about getting flamed or the thread degenerating into a bash-fest. I think that's a very good thing!

However, I see nothing in this policy that says a member cannot start a Site Feedback thread, wherein they and other members can debate an issue to their hearts' content. The policy just says the STAFF won't do that - THEIR threads will be "Town Hall" style.

I know I've griped about the way the staff handles things here, as have others. If this is their response, then critics (such as myself) have to at least give it a chance to succeed before casting judgment. We can't gripe about the old way, and then gripe about the new way...

Yes, you are correct on the "Town Hall" type threads.

I'm not quite sure what you mean in your 2nd paragraph, can you clarify that further?

[tgreer]

Well, at the risk of speaking for Dean, his objection was that, sometimes an issue needs a complete airing-out, with the ability for members to respond to each other's posts, clarify misunderstandings, and so forth. A "Town Hall" thread doesn't allow that.

So, an "all Site Feedback threads will be Town Hall threads" policy would stifle things a bit too much. It's fine for the Staff to run their threads that way, as such threads would no doubt be one of the last steps in a thorough decision-making process, to give everyone a final say-so/vote on a policy change.

But many times the START of such a decision-making process is a thread where the members are free to debate an issue in full. Such threads cannot productively be managed in "Town Hall" style.

[Paul M]

There is nothing in the policy that says ALL site feedback threads will be townhall threads.