Backseat modding

[Ashe]

Yes, we are going to be warning for it. Going "You are out of line, you should get a warning" is going to get you a warning. Going "Uh, lock this please?" on any thread other than your own, is going to get you a warning.

Backseat modding is something multiple boards warn for, and we are beginning really grow tired of trolls, so we are going to crack down on that.

We have a "Report post" button now. USE THAT if you feel the need to pass judgement on the validity of the thread or someone being out of line. It quietly notifies us of the "offense" and we'll either deal with it, or won't, but that's our choice to make. We may not agree with you, but it doesn't create further cases where someone's backseat modding can also be "flame baiting".

[Aqua]

So members can no longer publically voice their dislike of a thread topic?

[Alexander Trafford]

I'm sure that's okay, or atleast i hope so.

Now could what i just did be considered backseat modding, answering questions?

[Aqua]

Good point Mino. What about suggesting a course of action? Because a member is just a "member" and not staff, they can't offer a suggestion for staff within the thread it concerns? They have to either privately report a thread or post a seperate thread in the suggestions board?

[Jesper]

Backseat modding is pretty much anything that says to a staff member "You aren't doing your job right. Instead of doing that, do THIS." Suggesting a course of action would be included in that category. Telling a person that they're not doing their job never sits well, and frankly, it's annoying. Using the report button is the way to go.

Usually, making your opinion public isn't necessary. If you honestly "didn't like" the thread topic, or were offended in any way, you wouldn't have a problem reporting it quietly.

Mino, I don't mind you answering questions in this case, as long as you really know the answer. xD You've been here long enough to know the rules about Staff Only tags and all that, so I'll spare you.

[Aqua]

So:

So members can no longer publically voice their dislike of a thread topic?
Answer: No, they can not

What about suggesting a course of action? Because a member is just a "member" and not staff, they can't offer a suggestion for staff within the thread it concerns? They have to either privately report a thread or post a seperate thread in the suggestions board?
Answer: Correct, members public opinion/ suggestions are no longer allowed in the topic of discussion.

?

[Jesper]

I...pretty much just said that. All of that's right, though.

[Aqua]

I...pretty much just said that. All of that's right, though.

Wow...

I...
wow...

So, for example, let's say I think you guys are kind of overstepping your bounds here and that seems a little oppresive and excessive. Should I write that opinion in a post reply to this thread, report this thread, create a new thread in the questions board, or PM a staffer?

[Aero]

Backseat modding, as Rei is describing it, is basically trying to take matters into your own hands when frankly, you have no right to. It's like enforcing the law on your on accord, stopping drunk drivers and issuing tickets when you're not an officer.


And, for the sake of it, please don't resort to snitching, people. =(

[Alura]

This isn't up for discussion. You're always free to tell me when you think we're fucking up, Aqua, but you know what my response will be.

Whomp whomp whomp.

[Aero]

I'd love to see examples of what's the right way to word a statement and the wrong way, because there are a few flaws in this ruling. I challenged Bujin on one a little earlier. I'm sure he'll mention it.

[Alura]

It's all up for the judgement call of the staff member on call at the time. It's left open for a reason. Once again, this isn't up for discussion, so I think I'll just lock this. You guys are under the false pretense that you can challenge this.

[Waffuru]

Often people will say "damnit this thread should be locked!" and then the thread completely derails and becomes a discussion of why the thread should be locked.

If you have a problem with a thread or post, please report it. I will almost ALWAYS at least let you know the status of this or discuss it with you. Or, if I agree with your report I will take action.

[Kaden]

"This should be locked"
"That should be a warning."
"You're flaming."
"Move this thread."

That's back-set modding. Here are some things that aren't backseat modding:

"This is a dumb thread."
"This is spam."
"Staff are assholes."

None of those are backseat modding. You're free to express your opinions however you want. What we don't want to see is people trying to micromanage staff duties. If we think a thread needs to be locked, we'll lock it. If a thread's in the wrong place, we'll take care of it.

If something has not been addressed in a timely fashion, either report it or PM a staff member.

[Ashe]

Rad just stated everything I would have. Just backing him up.

Just to show that we are not just "being oppressive Nazis" Aqua, here's a link to another forums rules. These are really good guidelines of the same thing that we expect here when it comes to rules (though you are obviously free to ask about specific things from there till we get our shit together). Am I making rules from another site? No, I'm just saying that you guys want to know of things, here's a very similar list. This isn't just us, its standard board procedure.

When someone posts going "Dude, you are flaming" then the other guy feels obligated to respond with "You're a towel"... err, I mean "Fuck you, its my topic, you can't say that in my topic." Then the other guy goes "This isn't your topic. I really think this should be locked to be honest."

The guy saying "you are flaming" and "lock this" is backseat modding. The guy saying "fuck you" is flaming. Its not how you are supposed to conduct yourselves. I'll be honest: I was talking to a good friend who was a great member on this site, everyone likes him, and he flat told me he plans to not come back here because he's sick of the trolls that feel the need to insert their opinion into every single conversation, even if their opinion is completely unneeded. Just because "I'M ALLOWED TO HAVE AN OPINION!" Free speech and all, but that doesn't give me the right to barge into the Senate during a bill passing and start bitching about some lady parking in my spot. There are proper times and places for all of these actions.

http://forums.mtgsalvation.com/showthread.php?t=48564

Backseat modding and a few other guidelines are in there.