How to Handle the vBulletin Heat

Hey Guys,

As of late, we have been receiving tons of posts that go back-and-forth about the recent vBulletin happenings.

Here at AA, we try to keep an open policy and keep censorship to a minimum. But it has become apparent that some users are taking advantage of this and are simply going too far. Several valued members have expressed their concerns, and it is time for them to be addressed.

The issue I'm having is that I don't know what the best way to go about handling this situation is.

At this time, I'd like to request two things:

1. For you to report any and all posts that you find offensive or inappropriate, and that upset you to the point where you are no longer interested in visiting the community.
2. For you to suggest any ideas and advice as to how we should handle this frenzy. Please keep the following two things in mind:
   • We would not like to become too censored to the point of becoming unappealing.
   • We would not like to remain too lenient, to the point where posts disturb members to the point of an AA hiatus.

As I previously mentioned, several of you have voiced your concerns, and I would like to do my best to keep AA your favorite admin-forum, but I need to know what exactly you want.

 

Here would be my first suggestion. Separate out all threads pertinent to the vB presale fiasco to its own forum.

This would then return the original vB subforum to its purpose -- discussing its features, functions, advice, help, etc.

You are not going to please any camps, as censorship has too much subjectivity. I'm appreciative of you're attempt in keeping things civil, on-topic and such. Fall back on your ToS in terms of behavior and act in the best interest of open discussion and only limits where necessary. That isn't an instructin at all, but just a friendly reminder which I don't think you or your staff have mis-stepped.

Thanks for the message Nick.

 

That is one heck of a good idea...

Tossing "vB Debacle" out as the section heading.

So long as the discussion stays civil there would not be much else too do...

Well... the occasional post mocking the situation is fun too

 

Honestly I've been thinking about this since yesterday afternoon. Yes put them in their own forum. You may, or may not, want to have that be viewable for people not logged in. That might slow the tide of unhappy people joining solely to rant.


The best answer would be to for vb to straighten the situation out with some of the banned members. My guess would be things will be straightened out eventually, somewhat at least.

I believe some people quickly realize that many many vb users are upset, I am, and slow the ranting down because of that. They still rant but they tone down the posts somewhat.

 

Interesting idea there. If we do that, members can take advantage of the UserCP option that we have that allows you to hide an entire forum from view, so it's as if it doesn't even exist.

This is my proposal:

1. Close all current "vB Debacle" threads, and move them to the new "vB Debacle" sub-forum, as mentioned above.
2. Users will be free to continue their discussions (or start new ones) in the new vB Debacle forum.
3. I will make a commitment to watch all threads in this specific forum much more closely, and remove anything that may be upsetting to members.
4. Users who don't want to read or deal with the vB Debacle can put that sub-forum on "ignore" via the UserCP option (mentioned above).

Does this sound reasonable?

 

Yes please! I would love that

 

A thought occurred to me...going forward for ppl that have been intermittently on here and any newcomers....is to make an announcement of this.

I'm not suggesting a Notice or Announcement available as a function, but either a Closed Thread describing AA's action of the new forum, its purpose, and its accessibility. This will serve to inform everyone across the board.

On the note of closing to public view, you have the announcement message above only be public, and the subject forum closed, if that is what you do with it.


Edit: I don't know that I'd agree on Closing all the threads though.

 

I support these proposals, but use a more neutral title..."vB debacle" sounds like the site is taking one side...."vB situation" or something like that would be better.

 

Good point, Mark. I agree.

 

At first I didn't like the sound of a forum just for this as it would appear that AA is taking sides (even you are, you don't want EVERYONE knowing it).

But I do like the option of a hidden subforum that guests cannot view, and I'll be one of the first to hit that Ignore button.

 

I think we have the support to warrant the implementation of my proposal. I will get right on it.

 

I'm not sure I'd close all current threads that didn't need closed. All that will lead to is people posting their same problems over and over again, and possibly lead to a "extortion" of the size of the problem.

 

I think so?

You are admin, do what you think best and people will complain vehemently if they disagree! LOL...


Just to be clear. If you disallow unregistered/not logged in users to view that forum then fewer people may sign up simply to complain. I'm not suggesting either way, I'm just pointing that out.

And of course the vb management people not logged in would not see what was in there, just like the licensed customer feedback forum on vb. A taste of their own medicine so to speak.

 

Ahhhhhhh....MUCH better.

 

Done: http://www.adminaddict.net/forum/vbulletin-internet-brands-passionate-discussion/

Please feel free to continue to put forth suggestions and feedback.

 

Thanks Nick