[wp-forums] About the FAQ

Wed Apr 12 16:24:38 GMT 2006

It's not an FAQ is it? It's forum moderation....anyway...

I've altered and 'sectioned' the Forum Moderation post. It's posted to 
the forum as well (which I hope isn't presumptive but it is essentially 
the same)
I've done this so it's easy to focus in on areas when we need to discuss 
it and it's also easier to use it as a reference point.
For instance, someone posts something abusive, you could delete the 
post, remove it and put [Moderated - abuse removed] or you could 
[Moderated - Check the sticky B.3] which will make people aware that the 
FAQ is there and that it is being used.
It doesn't make it a stick but I think we do need to use it somewhat 
more strictly. Mods should not feel obliged to add their names to any 
edits, closures or deletions. While adding names increases transparency 
it also increases the chances of someone directing criticism at one 
person which has happened all too much recently.

I'll add that since we started bringing possible posts / threads to this 
list for discussion we have all probably got a good idea about what is 
and is not debatable. We probably know what would get a "Yes delete it" 
from here. Delays can exacerbate the situation at times so mods should 
delete or close. If you are in some doubt, copy the post content and 
leave the post open but empty then seek to discuss it. Mods have powers 
for a reason and sometime collective decision making is not the best 
approach. This does not mean that we'll wake up to find half the forum 
deleted. It does mean that we are expressing our confidence in all the 
moderators to do what they do best - look after the forum.

And if you read this list we need people to continue leading everything 
positively. Those who come to the forums purely to criticise will get 
bored, will move on - but only if they get no response. We've worked 
hard to get and keep the forums the way they are - and they need to stay 
that way.

As usual everything is up for discussion and the post below will be 
changed to reflect agreed opinion.

P.

----------------------------------

These forums exist to support WordPress users.

Remember - WordPress is FREE software. When you make a request here for 
help, no-one is being paid to answer you. Being polite is extremely 
important to those of us who do help here. And when you get an answer 
that works, if you could come back to your thread and say so that would 
be wonderful.

A: The following posts are moderated automatically:
<ol>
<li>Those containing email addresses. The address will be munged.</li>
<li>Those containing passwords. The passwords will be removed.</li>
<li>Those that have tag faults which break or adversely affect the forum 
software.</li>
<li>Those which contain incredibly long sections of code or error 
messages.<li>
<ol>
A note may or may not be made in the thread or in the post if 
such action has been taken.

B: The following posts will be deleted on 
sight.
<ol>
<li>Topics or replies with no body.</li>
<li>If you post just to spam or or get 'google juice' then you WILL be 
blocked and the url you are using will be broken. These forums will stay 
clean of spammers and the useless junk they bring.</li>
<li>Posts which are destructive in nature. 
To put it basically, if you cannot say anything positive or helpful, or 
provide pointers that can assist the original poster and do so in a 
constructive manner - then do not post.</li>
<li>If your post contains abuse or flames then this will not merely be 
removed from a post, your whole post will be deleted.</li>
<li>If your post directs offense at another forum user, it will be 
deleted. 
Do not try to use words cleverly - if there is any doubt, it will be 
deleted.</li>
</ol>
A note may or may not be made in the thread if such action has 
been taken.

C: Reporting threads
To report a bad post, add a tag called 'modlook' to the thread. That 
feed is checked very regularly and we can zoom in on it.

D: Signatures
Signatures on all posts will be removed. Signatures create clutter and 
distract from the information and help we are trying to provide.

E: Paying for services
Requesting paid help is discouraged. We do not want to give any 
impression that WordPress help is anything but free. We also do not need 
bidding wars in the forums.
If you have posted some contact information your thread will be closed.
If you have not posted that information we will ask you to and when you 
do the thread will be closed.
Any thread that offers any service for money can be closed at any time. 
We are not against paid services but these forums are not the right 
place for them.
We have a WP-Pro mailing list which you are encouraged to use.
http://lists.automattic.com/mailman/listinfo/wp-pro

F: General
To report something you are concerned about (including bad posts) you 
can join the forum mailing list (see below)
Please don't use CAPS - it's like shouting and very rude.

G: Complaints
Before you complain, please remember that all help here is free. Also 
remember that text alone can be a very poor medium for communication - 
if you have disagreed with someone you may both be misunderstanding. You 
have bad days so does everyone else - one post that you disagree with 
does not make the other person bad and neither does it make them a 
target to be got at. And please remember that this is only software, not 
something essential to life itself. Getting the last word in is not 
being constructive either.
If after considerable thought you want to make a point about 
someone, email me: tamba2 @ gmail . com. If you want to make a 
point about something then join the forum mailing list (see below).

H: The mailing list
http://lists.automattic.com/mailman/listinfo/wp-forums
It existsé to positively discuss how we can improve the forums. It's not 
a place for complaining, it's not a place for destructive comments. It 
is where decisions are discussed and agreed by forum members who are out 
to make what we provide even better.

Please remember that this forum exists for one purpose only - to help 
people.
Constructive criticism and debate are welcome where appropriate - 
negativity is not.
If you can post positively to the forum then please do :)