Contributor Suspension Announcement

Contributor: Envy Envy
Quote:
Originally posted by VieuxCarre
I'm not in favor of having the points system taken away because, quite frankly, there are those of us out here who aren't abusing the system. Just because a group of people are abusing it shouldn't lead to us being punished in return. ... more
Well it was just an idea. I guess I'm just used to having good things taken away since at my work my coworkers constantly break the rules and ruin it for everyone else. (We really do need an eyeroll emote.)

But as I said, 'IF' it must be done.... I don't think it's fair either, but i really do think it's a last minute decision.

Or just have it for those who do reviews and such are are an actual part of the community.

OR, another idea: Your account has to be so many days/weeks/months old before you can start getting points. So if you don't really want to do reviewing, you can still get points... after a certain amount of time.
09/04/2010
Contributor: sexysweetieshan sexysweetieshan
Quote:
Originally posted by VieuxCarre
I'm not in favor of having the points system taken away because, quite frankly, there are those of us out here who aren't abusing the system. Just because a group of people are abusing it shouldn't lead to us being punished in return. ... more
Totally agree! It's not fair of us to be punished for a few (or one) abuser. Just limit the points or get rid of them completely.
09/04/2010
Contributor: Tuesday Tuesday
Quote:
Originally posted by Envy
Well it was just an idea. I guess I'm just used to having good things taken away since at my work my coworkers constantly break the rules and ruin it for everyone else. (We really do need an eyeroll emote.)

But as I said, 'IF' it ... more
These are good ideas.

I still think that reducing the number of new threads you can earn points for is the most effective solution. That will only hurt spammers, not legit users.
09/04/2010
Contributor: SexYnCute Couple SexYnCute Couple
I don't understand how people could do that, I mean this is such a wonderful community. Maybe there is a way you guys can limit a set amount of user names per IP address
09/04/2010
Contributor: Alicia Alicia
I'm really thinking that IP address might need to be put into play. There's now two new spammers on top of the two that have already been mentioned in this thread. It's just getting ridiculous..I have a feeling it's more of the same person..but maybe that's just because since she's already made three I doubt she'll be stopping at that and I think she feels she's clever...
09/04/2010
Contributor: Liz Liz
Thank you so much Kristi and EF for dealing with this. I look forward to enjoying the forum again!
09/04/2010
Contributor: Blinker Blinker
Banning a contributor for a month, espeically this spammer chick, isn't going to stop any of the same behavior. It's easy and free to make several different email accounts and Eden accounts in one day. This girl could be, and I highly suspect IS, already using a different alias to bug the hell out of everyone all over again. Seriously? Posting a thread to announce there is nothing IN the thread? I don't understand why these posts can't be DELETED. They are not adding anything valuable to the community whatsoever, and it's severely STILL clogging up the forums. Have you guys thought about taking points away for even posting in the forums? The most active people on this site were just as active on the forums BEFORE the points system was introduced, and will be just as active after receiving no points for posting. This community in the forums has gone to shit because of this girl or whatever it is, and banning one person obviously is not helping the situation at all.
09/04/2010
Contributor: Chilipepper Chilipepper
LOL 'Have any of you heard of or are using the points system?' (She actually posted this.)

Have to applaud her big brass ovaries for being a consistent a--hole.

This had gone beyond tragedy and into dark comedy.
09/04/2010
Contributor: Kayla Kayla
I find this insulting of community members to be tasteless. For one, we have no idea if it's the same person unless you can magically look at IP. (Which I'd imagine only admin can do.) For another, they may just be someone who has no idea what to do on a forum - that's what happens when you recruit by offering free things - you don't really get the people that *want* to be here.

For another, points do need to be reduced for posting forum topics. You can post about 20 discussions (if you include comparison, discussion, and poll ones together) on a daily basis. I've never seen ANY non-spamming member post that many. We're not "punishing" good members - we're reducing a silly limit to something more reasonable. Personally, I've never posted more than two in a day. I'd say I've never seen more than four from one person in a day. Why is our limit up at 20? That just seems very encouraging to a large amount of semi-useless forum posts.

For three, the best way to deal with this is from warnings from admins. Yes, they aren't use the forum system right, but we have no idea if these people have ever been on a forum before - they may not understand the logistics. After a warning (or two), they are still doing this, that's when it's time for a suspension. Anytime you throw free things in the mix, you are likely to get unlikeables. Unfortunately, it's how the internet works.

I do like the program though. I do think it's working well, but more little tweaks would most likely help more.
09/04/2010
Contributor: PassionQT PassionQT
Quote:
Originally posted by Tuesday
These are good ideas.

I still think that reducing the number of new threads you can earn points for is the most effective solution. That will only hurt spammers, not legit users.
That's what I think should be done. I don't see the need for anyone to post 5 or more discussions a day, and that's even a lot for a single poster! I'm lucky if I can come up with an original question bi-weekly!
09/04/2010
Contributor: ~LaUr3n~ ~LaUr3n~
Quote:
Originally posted by gone77
Hello, everyone:

I'm here to inform you all that contributor Charlotte7 aka SarahMarlatt aka Serafina Brightside has had her account suspended for one month as per the Expectations of Conduct.

She has abused the EdenPoints system, ... more
Thanks guys. I hope this alleviates everyone's annoyance and concerns. I know it does mine.
09/04/2010
Contributor: ~LaUr3n~ ~LaUr3n~
Quote:
Originally posted by Red Vinyl Kitty
Wow! I didn't know she was three people either! I am so glad you guys took care of this though.
It is just the names and avatars that she changed I believe. This caused a lot of confusing when she signed up as a student.
09/04/2010
Contributor: ~LaUr3n~ ~LaUr3n~
Quote:
Originally posted by VieuxCarre
I'm not in favor of having the points system taken away because, quite frankly, there are those of us out here who aren't abusing the system. Just because a group of people are abusing it shouldn't lead to us being punished in return. ... more
I totally agree. It is easier and more fair to pluck out the bad apples than spread the punishment for their "rottenness" so to speak.
09/04/2010
Contributor: P'Gell P'Gell
Quote:
Originally posted by PassionQT
That's what I think should be done. I don't see the need for anyone to post 5 or more discussions a day, and that's even a lot for a single poster! I'm lucky if I can come up with an original question bi-weekly!
I know I certainly respond to a lot of posts per day, but I do it because I like it, even after I'm not getting points. As for starting posts, I don't think I start more than 1 or 2 a week.

I also agree that everyone should not be punished for the actions of a few. I think the staff is trying to avoid this.

I've Moderated forums before, and it's difficult to take care of stuff like this. But the Mods are allowed to see IP addresses, so an IP ban usually works. (for most ISPs, some use a different IP every time you log on, and it wouldn't work, you can still be identified, but banning the IP for these users won't work, unless you go deeper into the system and I don't remember what that procedure was, because only the Administrator and Web Master had access to that function when I had access to Z Bulletin. It deeper and more serious than an IP ban, but effective.) Again, these actions were reserved for very serious actions, after people had been warned, temporarily banned, warned again, temp banned again or for those who threatened people or got really nasty or verbally abusive.

This was on an other site, it had no commercial connections and the rules were different also.

I think the staff is doing a good job. These things are difficult to deal with, can create bad blood and make people uncomfortable. IMO, the staff is doing what they can at the moment.
09/04/2010
Contributor: Daisy Mae Daisy Mae
Quote:
Originally posted by ~LaUr3n~
I totally agree. It is easier and more fair to pluck out the bad apples than spread the punishment for their "rottenness" so to speak.
I am so glad that EF is so quick to deal with this situation. This is reinforms me that I choose a great company to do reviews with.
09/04/2010
Contributor: SexyySarah SexyySarah
Wow, had no idea, I did notice that one person just added a ton of new forum discussions. Maybe that was her! Thanks for that!
09/04/2010
Contributor: Not here Not here
Hmm, I just noticed on my wall that SarahMarlatt is rating products. If she is banned for a month, shouldn't she not be allowed to use the site at all? Just a bit confused here..
09/04/2010
Contributor: VieuxCarre VieuxCarre
Quote:
Originally posted by SexYnCute Couple
I don't understand how people could do that, I mean this is such a wonderful community. Maybe there is a way you guys can limit a set amount of user names per IP address
The problem with that is that there are couples who review with separate accounts. It's not fair to limit reviews to one IP address because of that.

That's just my .02
09/04/2010
Contributor: Midway through Midway through
Quote:
Originally posted by Not here
Hmm, I just noticed on my wall that SarahMarlatt is rating products. If she is banned for a month, shouldn't she not be allowed to use the site at all? Just a bit confused here..
I notice she's still doing other things too. I guess the suspension doesn't include that.
09/04/2010
Contributor: Airen Wolf Airen Wolf
Quote:
Originally posted by Carrie Ann
Nope, unfortunately, we just don't delete posts other than in rare occurrence where they are excessively inflammatory or link spam.
These forums are so active they won't be in our faces for long anyhow. S'all good
09/04/2010
Contributor: Airen Wolf Airen Wolf
Quote:
Originally posted by ToyTimeTim
I am not good with baking but would you except
We ned to have an EF pot luck....
09/04/2010
Contributor: kck kck
Quote:
Originally posted by SydVicious
I'm so excited that she got suspended. I know that sounds terrible. LOL
This post made me LOL. And I guess that sounds terrible, too
09/04/2010
Contributor: Not here Not here
Quote:
Originally posted by Airen Wolf
We ned to have an EF pot luck....
Hell to the yes!! Let's make a date
09/04/2010
Contributor: ToyTimeTim ToyTimeTim
Quote:
Originally posted by Airen Wolf
We ned to have an EF pot luck....
I'm in!
09/04/2010
Contributor: Carrie Ann Carrie Ann
Quote:
Originally posted by Blinker
Banning a contributor for a month, espeically this spammer chick, isn't going to stop any of the same behavior. It's easy and free to make several different email accounts and Eden accounts in one day. This girl could be, and I highly suspect ... more
Thank you for saying the forums are shit. That's sure to make everyone feel wonderful when they come back after a WELL DESERVED holiday weekend, after having put in COUNTLESS hours last week to pacify those who were complaining and unhappy.

We have an Expectations of Conduct and a procedure for discipline we follow when people become a problem. Doing so ensures no one is severely punished without just cause and fair warning. Doing so also takes time. It requires work by the entire team and approval by the owner of the company. Shall I call him on a holiday weekend for you?

Believe me, we understand that the spam and points abuse is annoying. It annoys us too. But a little bit of freaking patience would be DAMNED nice. There have been nearly as many complaining posts on the forum lately as there has been spam.

You guys have to remember that Eden Fantasys isn't just some forum someone decided to make. We're a business. Anything that happens on the forum or within the community can have effects upon the business and must be handled delicately.

I truly hope that these recent threads pointing out how things "should" be done, how they could be "better" and how awful everything is are making someone feel good - because they're making most of us staff feel like hell.

And now? I'm going to go back to attempting to enjoy my only long weekend off all summer.

Hope y'all are enjoying yours.
09/05/2010
Contributor: sexysweetieshan sexysweetieshan
Quote:
Originally posted by Carrie Ann
Thank you for saying the forums are shit. That's sure to make everyone feel wonderful when they come back after a WELL DESERVED holiday weekend, after having put in COUNTLESS hours last week to pacify those who were complaining and ... more
Very well put!

Sometimes people are just impatient, but they have to realize there are REAL people working behind this company!

Go enjoy your weekend and don't worry about the complainers. They will still be here on tuesday.
09/05/2010
Contributor: Tuesday Tuesday
Quote:
Originally posted by Carrie Ann
Thank you for saying the forums are shit. That's sure to make everyone feel wonderful when they come back after a WELL DESERVED holiday weekend, after having put in COUNTLESS hours last week to pacify those who were complaining and ... more
I'm one of the whiners. I'm really really sorry. Clueless as I often am, I had no idea I was coming off that way.

I'm a forum addict. Checking them is the first thing I do every day when I come home (after feeding the cats). I just hate to see EF's generosity taken advantage of.

I'll STFU now.
09/05/2010
Contributor: Chilipepper Chilipepper
I'm the one who used bad language. I really appreciate your work on the site (I still want to send cookies to you guys), and it just galled me how s/he disrespected the rules. My apologies for sounding rude.
09/05/2010
Contributor: Envy Envy
I am sorry if I was rude or disrespectful in any way.
09/05/2010
Contributor: Carrie Ann Carrie Ann
Quote:
Originally posted by Tuesday
I'm one of the whiners. I'm really really sorry. Clueless as I often am, I had no idea I was coming off that way.

I'm a forum addict. Checking them is the first thing I do every day when I come home (after feeding the cats). I ... more
No worries. We just feel a lot of pressure when there are continual forum posts about stuff we already know about and simply need a bit of time to deal with.

This, for example. We just suspended Charlotte Friday evening and by Saturday night the thread is 85 posts long, many of those posts sounding impatient and making assumptions that all the spammers are the same contributor or implying we need to do something Now, right Now. Meanwhile, most of the staff is completely off for the weekend (as we always are, with only minimal checking in to keep an eye on things) and it's a long weekend to boot, where folks are out of town and trying to enjoy the last bit of summer.

It's stressful. We can only do so much, only work so many hours. And I have to admit this thread, in particular, has gotten downright mean. Some of the behavior isn't any better than that of the spammers. For the life of me, I can't understand why people don't message the admins - Kristi is the main forum go to person - and point out the issues they see and tell her their speculations, rather than pronounce them publicly in such a mean way. I don't understand the gang mentality or what anyone thinks it's going to accomplish.

I mean, y'all have read the EoC, right? You know we need actual complaints and flags, for the most part, to deal with these issues, right? That we can't use forum posts made amongst yourselves as complaints/reasons to discipline someone?

Also, tech updates need time to be completed. Our tech guys have a "list" of things they are trying to accomplish that numbers in the multi hundreds. Sometimes, we just need to sit back and be a little patient.

And understanding.

If we suspend or ban someone we face the possibility of having to suffer the fall out for having done so. On one hand, we get blasted for banning too quickly or without enough reason in the opinion of contributors. On the other hand, we get blasted for not banning quickly enough. It begins to feel like a lose/lose situation.

Some of the people commenting on this thread have had warnings issued to them. I can't imagine they'd have been happy if we were ban crazy when they were getting warned, not banned.

Meh. Anyhow.

I'm sorry if I came across as harsh. I did not and never mean to stifle constructive conversation.

Just, yanno, keep in mind that it's the weekend and you have time off. We deserve some, too.

You being everyone, not you Tuesday. I know I replied to your post in particular but I'm speaking mostly in generalities here.

I do appreciate the thoughtful apologies and offer my own if I came across as a harsh. I'll be the first to admit I get harsh when I am stressed. (Hence why Kristi has the forum job! Heh!)
09/05/2010