We understand that many of you are frustrated with the trolls that frequent this forum without punishment, and we have had some long discussions as staff in order to rectify this. Our previous trolling rule was problematic in two respects:
1) It contained highly subjective language, meaning we had to judge whether someone was deliberately trolling, or if they were actually some asshole holding legitimate views.
2) The definition of trolling was too strict, meaning it rarely ever applied exactly.
To rectify this situation, we are updating the trolling rule (and our definition of trolling), to the following:
Internally, we have come up with a better way of handling trolls, meaning we should be able to deal with new trolls much quicker than before. Hopefully these changes will reduce the number of trolls on the forums, and make discussions here better for everyone involved.
1) It contained highly subjective language, meaning we had to judge whether someone was deliberately trolling, or if they were actually some asshole holding legitimate views.
2) The definition of trolling was too strict, meaning it rarely ever applied exactly.
To rectify this situation, we are updating the trolling rule (and our definition of trolling), to the following:
Quote:Trolling
Trolling is not allowed. We consider trolling to be repeatedly doing any of the following:
As discussions that involve controversial or taboo subjects often tend to get heated for those involved, not all provocative posts will get classed as trolling. However, if a member is found to be making such posts more often than not within their most recent posts, they will be in violation of this rule.
- Making provocative posts.
- Making posts that are unrelated / irrelevant to the thread or conversation subject.
- Disrupting normal discussion.
Internally, we have come up with a better way of handling trolls, meaning we should be able to deal with new trolls much quicker than before. Hopefully these changes will reduce the number of trolls on the forums, and make discussions here better for everyone involved.