Happy New Year to all you folks back there in the Plaza, and the rest of the posters here in the community, too!
So far, I think the forum works quite well. Sure, there have been some issues, and as they come up, you guys seem to be able to address them, although maybe not as quickly as some would like. For me, I’ve had almost zero problems, and I use a variety of systems to look for problems, too, especially when I see one mentioned.
One of the things I see happening, which you have no control over, is that an original poster (OP in every thread) arrives, posts a question, and then we all attack it (in a good way, really), trying to provide insight, and requesting more clues. One big problem is that the OP doesn’t come back, sometimes for days, and sometimes ever. Why? A variety of reasons, I think. The responses weren’t what they were looking for (like the engine killed with an oil light on), and there have been more than a couple where the question was so basic (or convoluted), the responses weren’t, how shall I put this, constructive?
From what I’ve noticed, almost everyone seems to be attempting to help. There are a few that merely flame everyone they have any small issue with. Most of us have been on the receiving end of that at one point or another. We can ignore the flame, or respond, inciting further flame. I think ignore is the best way to end it, and that puts the onus on us.
In my opinion, if you see a thread that’s getting into that area you wish not to see, you can try:
- telling everyone posting (via a thread post) that the flame war (insults, negative comments, etc) must stop and civility be maintained,
- closing the thread (which may be a disservice to the OP),
- moving it to another queue, and possibly send a message to the OP assisting them.
Whatever route you take is completely up to you. We’re all merely here using a resource that’s been provided, by you folks, to perform this function. Sometimes, it may be appropriate for you to attack one of us, in a private comment, letting us know we’ve gone too far. I’m sure I do, even though I try not to. It’s also true that sometimes questions are not taken as they’re meant.
Chase