We're not talking about other forums, we're talking about this one. It seems like you keep pushing your proposals further and further into territory that is untenable for this particular forum. Sorry that you don't find that constructive but it's reality.

I personally don't wanna be like the many forums Tore is talking about.

How about you back that up with some actual arguments instead of just empty statements?

From what I understand, implementing a new variation of our infractions system would involve 3 steps:

(1) Tweak the rules, if necessary, to make them reflect what a majority of members and mods seem to want. Reading this thread, I felt that the only rule that people seemed to be especially concerned about was this one, because they appreciate the humor of a cleverly placed GIF or pithy comment and want people to be free, to a degree, to joke around with each other by using them:

"Please refrain from posting meaningless threads, one word (or short) nonsense posts, or the like."

(2) Figure out how to modify the current infractions system so that infractions of the rules would result in a certain number of infraction points (which disappear after a time delay). Janszoon appears to have referred to how to do this step here, worrying that it might be difficult, but since many forums apparently use a point system for infractions, perhaps it wouldn't be that hard:

(3) Agree on the method MB wants to use to decide if we try a new variation of the infractions sytem for a month or longer trial period to see how well it works especially once members and mods get used to it and adjust. Do we want mods to decide, or do we want the issue put to a general MB vote after some time is given to inform current members of the proposed change?

One positive outcome of a more robust infractions system might be that people will think more before posting off-topic comments, as has occurred in this thread several times, and decide to stay on topic more often to avoid accruing infraction points.

A clearer, more predictable infractions system might encourage people to police themselves better, since they would know they can't go off topic without facing limits.

How about you back up your proposals with some actual explanation of how they would realistically be implemented on this particular site?

Me either, it seems that only a (very) vocal minority wants to be that. I love MusicBanter because it's unique, I wouldn't love it if it tried to emulate a bunch of other forums without needing to

Looking good, Vegangelica :thumb:

Sure. Off the top of my head, something like this :

1. Bolster the mod team with more moderators
   • Ask ex-mods to come back
   • Consider members for modship
2. Mods revise the rules in cooperation with admins (Yac)
   • Update rules announcement
3. Mods revise the suggested system and make a finalized version
   • Penalties can be revised to fit the current infractions system OR
   • Infractions preset values can be modified to fit suggestion
4. Write up guide with examples in mods forum to help mods moderate according to new system
   
5. Inform the rest of the community in a dedicated thread
   • Set a startup date
   • Possibly give weekly updates on how the new system is working, perhaps with some stats
6. On startup date and thereafter, moderate post-startup-date-posts according to new system

Jesus tore, give me a break huh? Soulflower posted, I asked her a question, she ignored it, Roxy asked me did I want her to speak to her, I said no thank you. Then a mini-conversation broke out about her which I was involved in. Why, I wonder, am I the only one you singled out in that? Is it because I oppose your idea? No; Jansz seems not exactly enamoured with it and he was in the conversation too. Why do I get the snarky comment, and would you please infract yourself for that? ;)

Seriously, give it a rest. Just because the thread strays a little (only a little) off topic you start griping. Not the best way to convince people you're someone who should be listened to.

Nor do I. One size fits all? But what if I don't want to fit? And what size would fit Batty?

These days, it's rare Ki and I are in agreement, but here we are. I'm just so against this whole proposal. I feel it will curtail ... you know what? I won't repeat myself. Why would I? You all know how I feel. I just wanted to sound that little note of indignation at tore's disapproval. If that doesn't sound like a schoolmaster slapping down an unruly pupil I don't know what does. It's not as if I dragged the thread way off-topic.

so how bout we put it to a vote?

Why not just start with this? And just use the current rules, the ones people agreed to when they registered for MusicBanter. And go from there... intellectually, firm but patiently to move the forum in a more positive direction.

If there is change to a more stricter forum because that is how the majority wants it, then let it be gradual, and communicate the change in the process. But if this thing turns into kind of Salem witch hunt, I don't want any part in it.