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Comments
Huw, drdavewatford, captainrex101 are the primary forum moderators.
2. Is linking a set from Brickset as simple as putting the pound symbol before the set number?
Yes! It's quite a great feature here on the forum.
3. What is the point(no pun intended) of the points on your profile? All I know is that 1 like = 1 point.
Absolutely nothing. It's a feature of "vanilla", which is the site that hosts this forum.
4. And lastly, can someone please explain the new rule on pictures and memes to me. It's quite confusing.
I believe it is to reduce clutter and make the forum look more professional. However, only Huw can really provide the true explanation for it.
An explanation from Huw in another thread:
"We don't want to spoil anyone's fun but we just felt they were getting out of hand and once one gets posted the entire thread from then on descends into childishness and it's off-putting to those who are new to the forum.
They may have a place on Facebook but we can do without them here.
Thank you all for your understanding."
Cheers.
1. @matthew is also a mod
You can set your email notification preferences in your profile. Go to "Edit Profile" (it's a small square button with a black silhouette under the bottom left corner of your profile picture), then "Notification Preferences", then check the boxes you would like. :)
Yes, "#" is referred to as a "pound" sign. And the "*" is referred to as the 'star' sign. (Which makes less sense because it's clearly an asterisk Apparently those of us the U.S. don't like to say 'asterisk.') It really has more to do with the phone keypad than anything else.
And also remember, there really isn't much discourse with regard to the "£" in the U.S. to cause regular confusion.
"#" is also called the "number sign" as well (as in "#2 pencil"), depending on the context. Or occasionally, sometimes it's referred to as "octothorp". According to Wikipedia, it's called "pound" sign because it represents weight in pounds avoirdupois, as in "5# of LEGO bricks".
Where was this? I thought there must be a discussion on it somewhere but never found it.
Anyway just wanted to say well done @Huw for introducing it. I don't know what the general consensus was but I did think the forum was getting too much chaff not enough wheat recently.
You make a good point @SMC.
I suspect they do have some impact on people posting things just to measure/gain peer approval, and I'd be interested to hear what others think.
Incidentally, here's a list of all the possible reactions and their impact on the post and the author's score:
There was enough non-essential strife caused with the 'spam' option before that was removed. Re-introducing negative options into the Forum would be swinging the pendulum too far the other way. If someone doesn't like a post, just move on. If you have an issue with an opinion, feel free to post a response. (Just realize that not everyone shares your opinion, or may be convinced to change their mind.)
Personally, I didn't think there was any crushing need to change anything in the first instance. The point of an open Forum is for people to engage each other. Whether off-topic or not. If the topic gets far enough off-topic, then the participants may chose to go off-forum. I've had many entirely non-Lego conversations with fellow Forum members off-line.
I saw it noted elsewhere that Forum 'clutter' was one of the issues. I can say nothing bothers me more than glaring spelling errors in topic threads, repetitive threads, or just odd choices in how a thread topic is posted. I also find it aggravating when a new forum member feels the need to post five new thread topics ten minutes after joining. (When there are similar threads already posted.) Those make the Forum appear 'childish' than memes here and there.
Finally, I also saw it noted that certain Forum members gripe about a bunch of off-topic posts as some sort of misnomer that there is 'news' within a topic. I don't think anyone ought to be relying on this Forum as a news source, so such a criticism should be weighed appropriately. A bunch of new posts in a topic thread just indicates that there is a fresh discussion. I'd rather have lots of off-topic discussion than NO on-topic discussion.
@snowhitie; @Pitfall69; @Bumblepants; @Huw; @SMC; @samiam391; @Legoboy
News comes on the main site for me, the forum is to discuss opinions or banter with people who have the same interest. I saw someone saying they didn't like there weren't many comments on the new sets that got released, but then a lot of these comments get put on the main site. If I've said something there I usually won't go and say it over here too.
I think the whole 'like' thing is inherent to the internet (comments on The Guardian, Facebook,...). There's nothing wrong with being funny once in a while and the light-heartedness of the posts on this forum is for me what makes Brickset a great place to be. Yes, we all like Lego and like talking about it, but I especially love the community spirit of members helping each other out and that we make each other laugh. The world is depressing enough, we need fun and laughter.
Totally agree a dislike button would be bad. I don't mind one way or the other getting rid of the 'likes', I'm sure people will still make me laugh. But then I do think for some people out might be a wake-up call if none of their posts ge liked that they are not providing useful or funny posts. On the other hand, like sumo says, one can always just skip the posts from these people too.
I actually disagree. I find the regular interruption of threads with non related information and pictures of very old LEGO sets and pieces to be annoyingly off topic, like the thread you refer to. That information is sometimes interesting for sure, but perhaps these things should be posted in a separate classic sets thread instead of constantly derailing other topics about current sets or pieces
I too like the fact that we can of off topic, the example @Bumblepants gives is a good one and a lot of interesting things come from off topic posts. But maybe we could do with a bit more moderating, not telling people off but when a off topic conversation gets big enough maybe a mod should move it into its own topic. For example how are people meant to know there is a conversation going on about the use of likes. It might be good if a new topic was made and the conversation moved. I know this would be a lot more work for mods but we could have a few more and rather than kill conversations it would add to them by making more people aware they were happening (we need to remember not everyone reads the whole forum).
But saying this I have found myself posting less on the forum because I see an interesting post that I want to respond to but the conversion has already moved off in a silly direction and sometime I don't post because it seems people don't want to talk about Lego here anymore.
Another problem with likes is they can be used as dislikes, someone will respond to a comment in a very negative way and get lots of likes which is the same as disliking the original comment, in fact it can feel a lot more personal.
I think one thing to be carful of is the brickset forum turning into a out of touch golf course who ask their members if women should be allowed to join and they keep coming back with 60% saying no. Are you asking the wrong people, of course a lot of people like the forum as it is as they are the few who use it. But should we be asking those people who use the main site but not the forum what puts them off using it?
@SumoLego (I'm not sure why but he tagged me in his post so it only seemed far)*
*attempt at humor I might not make if we didn't have a like system
On the off-topic thing, I think it's an issue on other forums too, I do know that sometimes a separate thread gets started with it.
I remember one time starting a new thread with everyone's comments about 'extra' parts that came from another topic and I'm sure the mods have split of things before too, but it's difficult knowing where the cutoff point for that is...
If I want Lego "news", I look on the main site, which usually deals in released information. I keep coming here for the behind-the-scenes, rumor-mongering and general silliness that got me hooked on the site a couple of years ago.
I rarely (never?) post in the comments on the main site. Do you want to ask me why I am put off from using it? Better question - why does it matter?
I tagged you because you appear to be very interested in the management of the Forum. It surprises me that despite your efforts to 'EuroBrick' this Forum, you're now critical of the hands-off moderation. Which is monumentally ironic in that the mods banned you on EuroBricks. I can't quite reconcile how exactly you think this Forum should be managed.
Here is a simple solution. Why don't we try this? If you don't like the 'likes', then don't 'like' anything. And if someone is only here for 'likes', then the lack of 'likes' ought to turn their attention elsewhere...
+1 and this!
Maybe we can think ahead so we don't feel the need to have this same conversation in six months concerning "+1" and "this!" posts clogging up the Forum. Let's ban these posts now.
I've solved an anticipatory problem resultant from a solution to a problem that really didn't exist. Yay!
I thoroughly enjoy this Forum. I find Gary's posts interesting, I find @Pitfall69's memes amusing, I keep track of @CM4S's bits of information, I love that @CCC antagonizes anti-Lepin folk who mis-define 'counterfeit' Lego...
I don't care if 10 of the 48 posts in the UCS MF Re-Issue Thread concern Lego sausage, Red Five, White Rangefinders, a MOC Palace Cinema, cold coffee, what is new in my Bricklink Store, ridiculous Lego Ideas submissions... as I am going to get scrutinized Lego news from the main site. (And I trust @Huw's discretion to filter the rumors.)
Nobody should have to worry about consequences for posting their thoughts that - in the opinion of a few or one - may be 'off-topic.' Go to EuroBricks for that treatment.
The Lego 'Status' Thread is literally a topic-less thread. It's random individual thoughts on their favorite hobby. I don't understand why staying on-topic is apparently more important than whether there is engagement in the Forum.
Sermon over. I think everyone already knows my position.
+1
Ditto
;p
In what way have I been critical of the moderation? I think the moderation is great, first class. Some of the members on the other hand...
I ignored this earlier, but I find it offensive to compare the Forum to some sort paternalistic sexist outmoded golf course. This is clearly a criticism as to how the Forum is managed.
And I'm not going to belabor the point that you have little regard for the moderators anyway.
http://bricksetforum.com/discussion/21300/suggestions-for-forum-improvements/p1
As I noted in a different discussion, if there is some sort of data indicating that memes and video links are a cause of new users (or existing users) retreating or frustrating their participation in the Forum, I would have no problem eating my hat. The bottom line is that @Huw can make changes at his discretion as he sees fit. I would rather have a moderator willing to weigh the options and take the conscientious and cautious approach. Whether or not I personally agree with him.
I will leave you with the quote of a man much wiser than me. And he also happens to be a moderator.
You've taken this topic off-topic!
My comment about the golf club was aimed at the members not the staff. The brickset forum is small, it is connected to a much more used site so I think its fair to ask why more people don't make their way from the main site to the forum. Asking on the forum 'do you want change' will most likely get you the response no, but it is also worth thinking about the people that don't use the site. That was the point I was trying to make.
The forum is moderated well, I used to think it wasn't moderated at all but then I stared to notice how quickly @Huw responded when a sensible question was asked and I realised that the site is read but it is an active choice not to intervene much. I appreciate the light touch and its the main reason I use the forum. I have PMed the mods a couple of times with problems and they have always been sorted. They are a good bunch of lads and the forum is lucky to have them.
Because the main site seems to be aimed at bringing the most number of people in I always assumed that the forum would be the same and this is where I have misunderstood the forum. So maybe the forum isn't manage in the same way I would but then my goals and Huws goals for the forum would be different. I don't think there is anything wrong in making suggestions, it show engagement.
But there have been different problems on the forum outside of my personal opinion on the structure. The first problem I noticed was 'lets attack people' this included people we didn't agree with like me or just people who wanted to talk about Lego:
http://bricksetforum.com/discussion/25734/71042-pirates-of-the-caribbean-d2c/p1
The second problem was the forum has over time become more and more unreadable because of the number of silly comments. I think this has meant some people have stop posting all together and even left.
Spam/No spam.
Attacks/Jokes.
Memes/No memes.
I thought the original thread question was answered in the first two comments.
Seriously, what in the world is all of this silly behavior everyone? I think there are much more trivial problems in this world that we could be spending our time on than this tiny, insignificant (and quite frankly petty) stuff that we keep bantering over on a little LEGO forum.
Yes, said "little LEGO forum" is near and dear to all of our hearts. For me, it's the only place I have to go to, to be a LEGO nerd with my LEGO friends. It's an incredible place with an amazing amount of diversity, accurately reflected in these types of conversations where we all have differing opinions.
We talk about LEGO. We bicker. We laugh. We squabble.
To be corny, but also quite truthful... It's a family. The Brickset family. I wouldn't trade it for anything (except a white rangefinder)- the good and the bad. Just like any family I think sometimes it's best to recognize that we won't always get along about everything, and that eventually our goofy squabbles might start leading to more harm than good.
Perhaps there will be many that will disagree with me (and if so, just keep right on going), but I think we may have reached that point. I think it's high time that we move past the enjoyment/disappointment about lost memes, the disagreement/agreements about forum "likes", and other little petty fights that really aren't accomplishing anything other than trying to get under each other's skin... and go back to talking about the little plastic brick that made us a family in the first place.
Thank you. This is where I would normally post a YouTube link to Fleetwood Mac - The Chain.
Hear, hear!
I agree. Mods, @huw @drdavewatford @captainrex101, feel free to close this thread whenever you think the right time is.
Am I to assume you posted this because nobody wants to engage in UCS MF discussion/speculation per your suggestion? Or is it a reaction to @prevere or @ccc most recent post?
If it's the former - then you need to come to grips with the fact despite your best efforts, the folks in this Forum are not going to do, act, post, or think as you would.
If it's the latter - then you need to get a thicker skin. As noted above, there will be instances of interpersonal conflict. It helps to consider the circumstances. Does it really have an effect on your day if someone posts a terse reply?
(And to answer an unasked question - it does bother me that someone's complaining about Forum tidyness prevents me from making innocuous Scorpion references. I'd rather have more discourse than less.)
It's probably time to kill this thread off.
Here's another idea - ignore the static and enjoy the posts you find interesting. Let the mods exercise their authority aa they see fit.
As I have had the last word and it's as obsolete as this (as the questions have been answered )and the Ucs Falcon thread (yes there is a rumour of a new UCS Falcon) can we go back to what we do best and argue about market street, price per piece and lack of aftermarket values these days. (While were at it is there any chance the predictions thread could be re categorized as off topic as that thread seriously needs some humour and most of it is off topic anyway).
Why? Memes have been reduced by 1000% over the past week. One gets posted and the problem hasn't been 'resolved'? A bit of an overreaction don't you think?
It's been said above and accepted by many that the memes were getting out of hand. Do I think the problem warranted a total ban? No, but if it reduces their numbers down from 1000 to 1 then it's served its purpose. I honestly think we should just leave it the f alone now and allow the mods to do their job. I suspect the forum will soon find its equilibrium with only the limited mod interaction that's made it the success it is.
Shhh! That's the Shyamalan twist. Because every topic is off-topic, it's open season for memes!
Yes, he might have had something to do with it.
I'm rather embarrassed for him actually.
I did not ban memes, I did not suggest they be banned. I did thank Huw in this topic for it because I was please to see the problem had been acknowledged. As the conversation moved onto likes I made the comment that I would have got rid of likes before memes. Huw then said "I'd be interested to hear what others think" so this conversation started.
Pros:
*You can like a post rather than saying: ^this, +1 and so on
*It encourages people to post useful content, like pictures of new sets and so on
(this is something no one has mentioned, oddly)
Cons:
*They can be use as dislikes, liking a negative post
(there is a great example in this topic)
*They promote silly behaviour and nonsense posts
This is the discussion I suspect that was wanted but it got rather lost. It is a choice likes or no likes, why cant we have that discussion?
Now the forum, its not a family. Some of you are very close, I get that and its great. Personally I have meet a few of you once and have emailed/PMed a few of you. But at its most basic this is a forum for talking about Lego or have I got that wrong?
Now the forum is moderated very lightly and I am an advocate of that approach. People come here to get away from work and stress and so on and don't need someone telling them what to talk about and where to post. And as many of you might have noticed I like an off topic conversation or two.
But and like Beyonce its a big but (its the likes that make me attempt humor) the brickset forum is horrible for talking about Lego. Someone will start a new topic about a set or line they are very excited about. Then one of you will come alone and say one of the following:
* Old News
* There is already a discussion on this (hidden away as part of a off topic discussions on a topic your never find)
* You heard from a ... it must be true
* I am looking forward to the helicopter
And the discussion is killed, side tracked or worst still the new member who posted originally goes and finds a forum where they will only be told off by the mods not the members.
This is not about what I want, its about what anyone would expect to see on a heathy Lego forum:
* A ongoing discussion about super Heroes (a massive line with lots of adult interest) and other major themes.
* Smaller sub groups talking about trains, tecnic, robots and other geeky things.
I could go on but the point is the forum is small, way smaller than it should be when its connected to such a well run and popular site. You are driving people away, your not growing and your very cleeky.
I want to talk about Lego and its been a long time since I have been able to do that here!
That is something that EB moderation actually does well. It stops people adding their wants to rumours threads, and so stops those wants becoming rumours.