I tried to search for this subject but most relevant looking threads have been locked(!)...
Would any other SF users find it useful to have a log of closed / deleted threads and their reason for lock-down listed? I have, on a few occassions, felt compelled to comment on a subject matter that is likely to be closely monitored; a recent one being the BNP meeting cancellation. I noticed the disappearance of the thread but I can't see where to find why it was removed...is this just me not looking in the right place? :help:

nope - they close or disappear without reference

sometimes disappeared ones come back pruned

locked threads only used to remain so for a period of time for people to calm down, but these days 'close thread' is the most popular function performed by the back room boys

Thanks Strix. Hehe, I'm sure I posted this in general discussions and it's been moved already!! I'm like to say I'm impressed, but alas...

I agree. Look at this thread:

http://sheffieldforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=371936

which ends with:

If anyone has any queries about the removal/whereabouts of any thread then please contact the helpdesk.

So I contact the helpdesk, as do the other dozen people who were contributing. That just wastes time and bandwidth dealing individually with everyone when it could be very easily resolved with a mod note explaining that its been removed for pruning or whatever.

it's interesting to see use being made of the redirect facility after thread moves now - much easier to find where a thread is that you were watching (if you navigate that way)

Is it right that we should have our views censored because the "moderators" dont agree with the contents.
I thought a forum was where one could debate any subject and not censored by a chosen few.

Is it right that we should have our views censored because the "moderators" dont agree with the contents.
I thought a forum was where one could debate any subject and not censored by a chosen few.

Threads are not removed because the 'moderators' don't agree with a point of view. They are removed when forum rules are continually broken. If a thread deteriorates into a slanging match, personal abuse and insults, then its normal for a warning to be given, and posts to be deleted. If people choose to ignore the warnings and carry on in the same vein, then the thread will be removed. Sometimes people get bans.

Also, its rare that a thread is removed without reports being made by forummers, as mods don't, can't and won't monitor every post.

This would require justification of the reason. And the Sweetbread will tell you right now; You can't justify the unjustifiable.

I think if a thread is closed or removed it would be a courtesy if the mods contacted the op with an explanation

Won't happen, if people want to know why a thread has been pulled or whatever, just contact the Helpdesk.

I'd love to see heated threads or those on the edge of banishment moved to a 'Cooler', perhaps even with conditions applied to gain a thread's reinstatement.

e.g. Thread Temporarily Closed: Personal criticism must stop
Thread Locked: WoodForWood must make amends with ForummerX

I believe that this would resolve issues in a way that simple disappearance of threads doesn't. After all, if it disappears, how do people know what went wrong, accept their errors, learn from them and make amends. Thread disappearances just leave people offended by smug that others have been punished. We can, no doubt, resolve things in a more mature at satisfactory way?


EDIT: When I voted 'Yes', the vote count dropped from +26 to +25 ???!!?!?

I don't think that 'finger pointing' by mods ('X' must make up with 'Y') is useful at all, and could easily cause resentment. Most threads which are locked have a reason at the end, even if they're just locked temporarily.

Threads only disappear after repeated warnings from mods in any case, or if they're duplicates/merged, etc.

A vote in favour, because it is helpful to know why and since this happens most of the time anyway it does not seem impractical.

A brief explanation even if just... temporarily closed for pruning.... or permanently closed because we are tired of pruning out the bickering is helpful.

I agree with Wildcat, a brief explanation would help, if only to stop all the 'why was my thread removed?' posts and also to act as a caution against other threads going the same way (e.g. in the case of stuff like spamming, offensive content).

timed out - re-edited below

Totally agree with the suggestion. I love the forum :love: and one of the very few things that lets it down, in my opinion, is that threads too often disappear without any explanation. It would be merely a common courtesy to write a couple of lines as to why the thread has been pulled. Even if it's to say, we are currently looking at the thread due to....etc. What makes the forum great is that people can voice their opinion, it's been proven to be one of the best ways for Sheffielders to do this so I find it a great shame when this democratic edge is threatened by stifling debates. I know that the site is privately owned and the management of the site is up to Geoff and co to do what they see fit, in the end, but it would seem a lot more courteous to users and open if explanations were offered.

Have a re-opening thread vote or summat.