Forum

[CtahhR]

That was one of the factors. (Neither of their IPs are UAE or Ireland nor have they ever been!)

The moderators are able to see a few extra pieces of information.

Also if you search the 10 other posts by the user "Rua" you will see that at no time did any of the three "dictators" he mentioned do anything even nearly incorrect towards him. Although those same 3 "dictators" disapprove of Kiwiussr's behaviour on the forum (who doesn't?).

Both Kiwiussr and Rua now have permanent bans. Not a loss for the forum but an improvement.

[aironmeiden]

Originally Posted by charlet

hello, can I suppose the IP analysis brought you the proof?

If banned with username and email, nearly sure.
I don't think that SMAP uses browser fingerprinting techniques... isn't it?!

[CtahhR]

"You may very well say that but I could not possibly comment."

If only ebay could completely shut down his operation.

[Lapa]

Cool! I am not even a moderator, but I AM a dictator

[CtahhR]

I also some people are starting to ignore the forum rules - http://soviet-awards.com/forum/sovie...nderstand.html

The points I would like to draw attention to are as follows;

2. No self-promotion or promotion of other websites/businesses.
Self-promotion and promotion of other websites (commercial or non-commercial) is highly discouraged and will result in a friendly warning, followed by more active measures.

4. Image posting rules.
This forum requires that all members post images onto the forum rather than linking to them. It is your responsibility to understand this rule and the reason behind it.

5. Be courteous. Think before you post. ... posts which seem to be nothing more than an attempt at trolling. ... keep the thread on topic.
This forum is for collecting Soviet awards. It is not a debate forum for current events.

The moderators and I have the ultimate say on what is permissible and what is not.

Thank You for your dedication in helping make this forum the best we can!

The moderators are not here because they "bought" their way into the position, each of them have proved their merit, a browse though their posts will illuminate that fact.
The "leaders" of the forum are laid back people with a good sense of humour and a passion for the subjects covered within this forum, if a small band of trouble makers wish to keep drawing attention away from the topic of the forum (Soviet Awards) they may find that the rules will be more stringently enforced.

To date there have been the following permanent bans;
1 user for defacing all of his own posts.
1 user for creating another account to dodge a temporary ban for inappropriate behaviour.
3 users for consistent inappropriate behaviour and personal attacks.
2 users for Marketplace misconduct.
All other "users" with permanent bans have been spammers.

7 Bans in 11+ years really shows how dictatorial things are here and even out of those 7, 6 received many warnings and "strikes" before the permanent ban (the 7th was the user who defaced all of his own posts in one sitting).

If someone does have a tangible problem, such as not being able to find a thread they are looking for, need assistance with using the forum software or have doubts about if or where something should be posted you can always send a PM. I have personally received and replied to hundreds of PMs in the last year and I prefer to give an encouraging reply than a discouraging one.

This forum is a fun place to learn and share thoughts and images of on topic items. Frequently I've thought I had a rather ordinary item that I have only found after posting that is has a greater story behind it that was just waiting to burst out into view.

Now if anyone would like to complain about the amount of spam and pornography that is posted on the forum this many be the correct place to do so.

What is absolutely essential is that everyone remember this is a place to discuss, display and observe Soviet (and other nations featured) awards, their history and purpose. The list of things is it not about is too long to start on.

As for my own posts I am very encouraged that people enjoy seeing the eclectic array of items and information I can post but it is never as much as I would like to post. Time and space limitations mean that many of the items I have just quickly brushed on will receive a considerable greater depth of insight in the future. To date I have taken over 8500 photographs and 4500 scans. NONE of these are for my own benefit. I could sit here all day every day looking at and touching them but digitalising them and posting them so the entire world can see is more helpful for the entire community. I might also point out that many of the items I have purchased I have done so with the sole intent of using the purchase to bring a greater scope to the forum. I only started collecting DPRK awards to share the information I could decipher from them to the forum as a thanks for all the information I had garnished from the forum. Yes I have had to miss meals and the such to be able to pay for many of the items but looking back at it in retrospect what is better? Having all this additional information available to the masses or having a few extra meals? The folks here who know me in "real life" certainly know my dedication to the cause.

Anyway, all that being said I think it's time to post some more awards and get the focus where it belongs.

Have fun everyone!

[Lapa]

Originally Posted by CtahhR

...To date there have been the following permanent bans;
1 user for defacing all of his own posts.
1 user for creating another account to dodge a temporary ban for inappropriate behaviour.
3 users for consistent inappropriate behaviour and personal attacks.
2 users for Marketplace misconduct.
All other "users" with permanent bans have been spammers.

7 Bans in 11+ years really shows how dictatorial things are here and even out of those 7, 6 received many warnings and "strikes" before the permanent ban (the 7th was the user who defaced all of his own posts in one sitting)...

And what about the submerged part of the iceberg? Here are a but few recent reminders - since they seem to be needed - of how deep it is: example 1, example 2, example 3, to start with (and not airing my private exchanges with Art).

One of the main things that surprises/annoys me is to see how many long-time, dedicated members have left this Forum over a fairly recent past. I find this all the most disturbing when one finds out that these former members did not quit because they were giving up collecting, but decided to "emigrate" to other locales. Apparently, it would seem that I am the only one worrying about it while the band plays on, so...

Anyway, IMHO, of course (as a long-time contributor to this Forum that I used to tremendously enjoy and would like to fully enjoy again, and as an experienced business and change-management practitioner), I doubt that the above boy-scout-like pep-talk will be sufficient to rally the silently disgruntled troops.

Marc

[GabrielMk3]

Originally Posted by Lapa

And what about the submerged part of the iceberg? Here are a but few recent reminders - since they seem to be needed - of how deep it is: example 1, example 2, example 3, to start with (and not airing my private exchanges with Art).

One of the main things that surprises/annoys me is to see how many long-time, dedicated members have left this Forum over a fairly recent past. I find this all the most disturbing when one finds out that these former members did not quit because they were giving up collecting, but decided to "emigrate" to other locales. Apparently, it would seem that I am the only one worrying about it while the band plays on, so...

Anyway, IMHO, of course (as a long-time contributor to this Forum that I used to tremendously enjoy and would like to fully enjoy again, and as an experienced business and change-management practitioner), I doubt that the above boy-scout-like pep-talk will be sufficient to rally the silently disgruntled troops.

Marc

Frankly, this whole episode is getting depressing. We must plan the future instead of speaking of the past - this is too childishly executed, by all of us, including me.

Maybe we should try to produce solutions instead of exposing problem?
A thread where we can reflect on how the future must be, and if our wishes are reasonable enough with the forum rules?

[Lapa]

Gabriel,

I agree that solutions are needed, but in order to come up with some, the problem(s) need(s) to be recognized, identified and addressed...

And, IMHO, the rules are not to blame. They have been set a long time ago, and were working fine.

Marc

[CtahhR]

If the rules work.... Stick to them.

[RedMaestro2]

Originally Posted by CtahhR

7 Bans in 11+ years really shows how dictatorial things are here and even out of those 7, 6 received many warnings and "strikes" before the permanent ban (the 7th was the user who defaced all of his own posts in one sitting).

Could you provide figures please as to how many of those bans occurred in the past 2 years?

Originally Posted by GabrielMk3

Frankly, this whole episode is getting depressing. We must plan the future instead of speaking of the past - this is too childishly executed, by all of us, including me.

Maybe we should try to produce solutions instead of exposing problem?
A thread where we can reflect on how the future must be, and if our wishes are reasonable enough with the forum rules?

Agreed. With apologies for a belligerent tone sometimes, I'd still very much like to find solutions.

So I'd like to start by suggesting that posts and threads NOT be arbitrarily edited by moderators without providing reasonable warning to posters and requesting consent. Speaking here as one of many users who has been endlessly frustrated by such moderating activities, but would have been very happy to cooperate to arrange a reorganization...

I back Marc's comment - it's not the rules...

Could we be provided a complete list of our "leadership" please somewhere easily accessible? (Perhaps this is posted somewhere already and I'm not aware of it?) I just think this is a basic thing to have.

Could we also brainstorm ways to encourage more substantial discussion? I suspect many of us have a lot more to offer than we currently do. It would be excellent if we could make everyone comfortable enough to share.