Stop locking threads

[RejZoR]

I don't understand why s there this need to pretty much randomly lock threads that are still "in motion"?

Latest example but not the last:
https://www.techpowerup.com/forums/threads/valve-to-stop-parenting-on-what-games-people-play.244958/

The discussion is still set on point and someone locked it because "reasons". I had notifications, wanted to respond to someone and I can't. Why? Because someone felt we are not suppose to talk further about it, because it's "controversial" or something? Looking at last several posts and it's not trolling or insults, it's actual discussion. And the thread is locked for some silly reason. Why? Can mods stop locking threads that are productive and have an actual discussion?

 

[MrGenius]

I'd like to say what I really think about that. But there's no gentle way to put it without getting banned.

 

[R0H1T]

Just on that (off) topic, I wonder if we can ever have a rational debate about gun control in the US of A

 

[MrGenius]

Just on that (off) topic, I wonder if we can ever have a rational debate about gun control in the US of A

 

[R-T-B]

The discussion is still set on point and someone locked it because "reasons". I had notifications, wanted to respond to someone and I can't. Why? Because someone felt we are not suppose to talk further about it, because it's "controversial" or something?

Frankly, yes.

Politics has no place on TPU. I fully support that threads closure.

Want to rant about it? Go in that wasteland known as "the lounge."

 

[RCoon]

Can mods stop locking threads that are productive and have an actual discussion?

When children stop setting fire to things, then I'll trust them with the matches.

 

[RejZoR]

Frankly, yes.

Politics has no place on TPU. I fully support that threads closure.

Want to rant about it? Go in that wasteland known as "the lounge."

It's politics about GAMES, not politics just in general. It's a big damn difference. The way Valve's decision could shift entire gaming industry few decades back in terms of openness and freedom, I think it's damn well important for people in GAMING community to talk about it. Especially given they are world's largest game delivery platform. You can't just throw everything in the same bin just because it has "politics" in it. Makes no sense.

@RCoon
There was literally NOTHING controversial or problematic with that thread. And yet someone felt the need to lock it. It's why we can't have ANY discussion anymore here on TPU. I've seen hardware threads just get locked as well for no reason at all. It's not just this time...

 

[natr0n]

Maybe whoever locked it doesn't have proper reading comprehension and a trigger finger.

 

[sneekypeet]

This thread is another great example as to why. Not everyone has bad intentions, but it only takes a few to screw things up for everyone. Maybe the hate should be directed at those causing the closure rather than those who have to make the call to close things due to posts not conforming to the guidelines.

 

[Mussels]

Using my mod powers i could see the deleted posts... lets say things got abusive and toxic before the thread was locked.

 

[Jetster]

I cant believe you have to ask this. You dont have to have the last word

 

[RejZoR]

And that's the exact problem with today's society. Everything is toxic, everything is problematic and we have to shut it all down so no one's fragile fee fees get hurt. Can't have any discussion of any sort anywhere because of it. Literally. So what if someone calls you a jerk or who gives a crap if someone dares to disagree with your views. Grow the hell up.

 

[Mussels]

From the mod point of view, its either infract/block the posters, or shut the thread. either way we get shit slung at us.

some threads are so charged, we'd lose half the forum in an hour.

 

[Jetster]

But you cant just keep repeating yourself and make it more right. State your opinion then let it go. Who need to grow up?

 

[FireFox]

I don't understand why s there this need to pretty much randomly lock threads that are still "in motion"?

I understand your frustration, don't waste your time because it's not worthy, you're longer than me here and you should know it, a few more Posts and even this thread risk to be closed.

 

[the54thvoid]

I was part of that problem in the thread but it started with a typically throwaway politicised attack on one faction. If there's one thing worse than reacting to a stated political opinion in TPU, it's letting it hang there, without a counter-point, as if that's what we are. I responded because I'm tired of the little stabs folk do, usually in the name of freedom of speech. Freedom of speech is a philosophical myth, all it means now is anyone can be a dick, myself included.

@RejZoR, the problem lies in the format. I say I'm a liberal. To some that's bad. But my meaning is not what others consider to be theirs, therefore, in a 'written' dialogue' much meaning is lost. Text becomes interpreted as angry confrontation. Then the trolls come and stir it up. I know who, on this forum don't like me, or my stance (and that's fine) but if this were a talk at a bar, we'd probably be friends. Eye contact, humility, empathy are all lost on the web. That's why it's used to stir up hatred on all sides. That's why, yeah, threads should get locked down. Even without being an echo chamber, it's still a place where there are no consequences to your action.

I'm all for thread locks, even when I'm involved. As @Jetster says, it just becomes a repetition of ever decreasing civility. From now on I'll refrain from reacting. I'll just report the things that transgress normal reactions, rather than taking them head-on. I'd hope we can all maybe stop with slanted attacks on any political group.

 

[Bones]

If we could just agree to disagree that would solve a good deal of the problems.

I'm a conservative myself BUT do not blame anyone for going with their gut because that's all any of us can do. The way we perceive the world is based on many factors, undoubtedly each of us has a unique experience in life itself and differences are to be expected lest we be robots programmed the same way.
I may not agree with everyone but do respect their thoughts and right to them.

 

[Jetster]

And I'll just throw out my apology. It's not my intention to be negative or name call. I haven't been around much and its mainly because i see where thread topics go and go and go. Its just not for me.
Personally I'm conservative and believe in free speech but I'm not going to let you continually tell me something I don't believe. I know how to end a conversation. I also believe in respect above all.

 

[qubit]

I can't speak for that example thread, but I feel that threads are generally closed a little bit too enthusiastically lately. I had one a while back, where my question was answered, but there was still relevant discussion around the topic, yet it got closed - and without an alert to me either, so there's me sitting in vain waiting for further responses. At least it was reopened when I asked though and it's still open now. That doesn't always happen though.

The other thing that bugs me about thread closures is that there's often no reason given, it just stops for no apparent reason. I think mods should be obliged to state a reason even if it's only a few words such as "thread turned toxic" or whatever. That's being respectful to your members.

 

[Mussels]

As an australian, all i can say about american politics is:

Much like your penis, stop fucking waving it around in public. It makes zero difference to anyone here what your political views are, and has zero bearing on how you can treat others, nor on how they can treat you. So keep it in your pants, and stop trying to use politics as a 'get out of jail free' card when it comes to acting like an asshole on the internet.

 

[cadaveca]

I personally feel the mods have been rather lax as of late... and some members are a bit loose with their opinions. Like no off nose to anyone, but if it comes to the point you are posting a comment about how wrong someone is about anything, you probably shouldn’t be posting.

In this instance of complaint, I take full responsibility. That thread was going nowhere.

 

[xkm1948]

I personally feel the mods have been rather lax as of late... and some members are a bit loose with their opinions. Like no off nose to anyone, but if it comes to the point you are posting a comment about how wrong someone is about anything, you probably shouldn’t be posting.

In this instance of complaint, I take full responsibility. That thread was going nowhere.

Oh yeah i saw that before things were wiped and thread was locked.

I am fine with locking it. Enough discussion already. We are all opinionated adults and no one will change their view of the world based on forum debates. It always degrades to name calling and personal insults.

 

[TheMailMan78]

Some people live in philosophy land. Some live in reality. I'm exactly the same way in person as I am on the web. Its amazing to know I am pretty successful because if you ask people who live in philosophy land I should be a homeless nut job.....when they live in their parents house until they are 26. Makes you wonder who has a real grasp on how the world REALLY works.

As for that thread it was a dumpster fire from the start and should have been closed. Ive had threads closed because I posted a meme. That stupid ass thread went on for like 3 pages. Mods have been laxed trying to be nice guys. I suspect thats about to change.....and thats good. To many damn snowflakes crying about crap that doesnt matter. As for that thread being a dumpster fire.......I love to watch things burn.

 

[Ahhzz]

.....
I'm all for thread locks, even when I'm involved. As @Jetster says, it just becomes a repetition of ever decreasing civility. From now on I'll refrain from reacting. I'll just report the things that transgress normal reactions, rather than taking them head-on. I'd hope we can all maybe stop with slanted attacks on any political group.

Good answer, and good on you. Two things I don't think people do enough at all, anywhere these days, is honor the 11th commandment, and listen to Idina. "Don't be a Dick", and "Let it Go".

....
The other thing that bugs me about thread closures is that there's often no reason given, it just stops for no apparent reason. I think mods should be obliged to state a reason even if it's only a few words such as "thread turned toxic" or whatever. That's being respectful to your members.

I do wish they'd take the extra 30 seconds to say something like that as a last post. "Toxic thread", "No Politics", "Too many dicks", "Mailman posted..."

 

[jboydgolfer]

if you want a proper discussion, your best bet is to have it in PM, or elsewhere all together .