State of the Forums

Well, since I joined the forums this past October, I have witnessed, along with some other veteran board members what has been, in my opinion, a steady decline in the quality of the discussion that goes on here in these forums. I have been tolerating to a point, but after having seen the huge radiohead debate, the whole issue with KE9, the continual ELP mudslinging, this "metalman" user with wanting to add slipknot to the archives is just too much for me to handle (even if it is just a joke, which I don't think it is). The constant repetition of polls, numerous members leaving the forum, others simply bashing the forum in any way possible, and a long list of other problems that have been reoccuring makes it clear to me that something is now fundamentally wrong with the way in which this forum is being operated. Don't get me wrong... I am not attacking Maani or Max or any other administrators/moderators, I think they have built a beautiful page here, but I am appealing to them to take some stronger action against what has been going on in the forums. I see this situation as a parallel to the market crash and following great depression of the 1930s; the old system worked, and once the flaws in the system became blatantly apparent, the system has to be changed in some fundamental ways. This site attracts a large number of people to learn about and explore progressive rock, and they come to look at this forum all the time. If you don't believe me, just scroll down and click on "active users", I'll guarantee that "guests" are almost always equal or greater in number to actives members using the forums at any particular time. If these people are impressed upon in a poor way, it hurts the site. I propose putting together a small committee to discuss and formulate a plan to significantly restructure the forums so they are enjoyable to its members once again. Thats my view of it, anyway. Any input is greatly appreciated!

Reed Lover wrote: The Radiohead debate was fine. it was about as good as one could hope for.The ELP thing was abit of fun with a serious objective which would have worked if people weren't so gullible. I guess I could be perceived as "part of the problem"-but Sweetnighter,you are a decent bloke,but very,very over-sensitive.This forum is a community populated with people from the real world.Real people argue,fall out even,then if they are reasonable they either make up or get on with it.Life is like that-you have to accept that not everyone argues according to Oxford Debating Rules. Ok people like me need to get the balance right but so do my "opposites",people like yourself whose over-eagerness to see crisis and offence does just as much harm. I favour a full registration for the whole forum.I think you should have to be a probationary member for at least week or 20 posts before you can start topics and polls.Only full members should be allowed to post reviews.

I hear what you're saying, and yes, of course people have differences of opinion, and I'm not suggesting that we argue by some set of rules... but unnecessary mudslinging and personal attacks, in my opinion, just aren't acceptable. If you want to mudsling, mudsling via PM.

I'm not suggesting we instate some kind of nazi style control over the forums, just some more moderation and some restructuring that would facilitate better conversation.

I think your full registration idea is terrific! I'm all for it

I know you love to play the devil's advocate, Reed, but you can't deny that the forum has been experiencing some problems that hadn't been here before, can you?


Edited by Sweetnighter

Cygnus X-2 wrote: Sweetnighter wrote: I propose putting together a small committee to discuss and formulate a plan to significantly restructure the forums so they are enjoyable to its members once again. Why not start a presidential election? We'll have a cabinet and everything. M@X, Maani, and ProgLucky can be the supreme court. We could have a president of the forums (and then the president will choose who he/she wants to be vice president, etc...) , then everyone else could be a congressman or senator. Sound good?

Knowing the characters who frequent this site, probably not . perhaps the measures Maani has already been taking lately (see Stupid Forums? thread) will be enough to pull us back in. I have faith in what he said, and to be honest now that KE9 has given up and done the metalhead thing (its obviously him, it even plays KE9's games) i think the forum members can breathe a collective sigh.

Cygnus X-2 wrote:  We could have a president of the forums

We already voted and chose Peter as president, but he refused. He wanted to be called Prog Emperor Supreme Das Hassenfeffer de Linguisto du St. Peter.  That was just too much and we had him impeached, exsanguinated, Lewinski'd and skewered with garden pinwheels before finally having him drawn and gdubbed. He liked it so much that he asked for a re-count of votes and dipped his hanging chad in peanut butter and spam.

After all that, the idea of electing a president de forum is less then appealing.