Changes on Banning System

[DEH]

I'm not at liberty to name names that's not my call & I'm not the community forum police.

Alright It's okay I can guess what's going on !

 

[Stingy Perry Stingy Perry]

It happens almost everyday & it puts stress on the mods & admin.

And we’re giving them enough credit for that despite all the things they’re going through on a daily basis.
They’re doing volunteer work for chrissakes the least we can do is be grateful.
And some asshole find it fulfilling to be the best turd they can ever be.
Even though the system became more lenient it the doesn’t mean the admin and mods should be too. In fact now that punishment is laid down they should be firing in all cylinders to bring order around here.

 

[Carlnshake Carlnshake]

Spike being threatened isn't cool either, despite me being for these changes. Spike is just running a place for us all to hang out.

 

[Cheela Cheela Cheela's icon]

I'm not the US gov. or the FBI I don't have infinite resources. And since I'm in the wrong they can use that to blackmail me "so you ban me? I'm gonna tell to every law enforcement agency about you".
Banning achieves nothing, they just create a new account with different IP and I'll never know.
What it does achieve is a lot of resentment.
I understand I'm weak or whatever, think less of me all you want. But I can't risk my freedom over a stupid forum ban.

and letting the flood more open will do something? like honestly anyone can crash out of nowhere and get mad at you. But you have some control with your community, you need to use that control. I know i am not you, and i haven't face the stuff u have faced. And I am sorry that stuff happens because we know we can't fight against it.

But this place has transformed in something more than the Repo. For better or worse u have built a true community here and people will like to be safe while sharing stories, opinions and their lives while being here. Thanks for all the stuff you have done for us, but we are worried for the future of this community.

 

[diapered]

I'm not the US gov. or the FBI I don't have infinite resources. And since I'm in the wrong they can use that to blackmail me "so you ban me? I'm gonna tell to every law enforcement agency about you".
Banning achieves nothing, they just create a new account with different IP and I'll never know.
What it does achieve is a lot of resentment.
I understand I'm weak or whatever, think less of me all you want. But I can't risk my freedom over a stupid forum ban.

That's terrible you are getting treated like that! Some people are just awful... No one thinks less of you or as weak!

 

[Waffles's iconWaffles]

I appreciate the vote of confidence.

These days life seems to have a way of moving both too fast and too wrong, and so having a little online escapism becomes essential, even with all the extra tasks and hiccups that come with managing a board of this size. I somehow go to bed every night feeling both worn out and excited for the enormous developments that take place here on the daily.

But yeah, Spike has seen some of the worst humanity has to offer and worked tirelessly for keeping the place in shape, so all we ask is that you keep trusting in our ability to keep providing this space for you to the best of our abilities.

 

[Android 18]

Whatever makes the process of running the site easier - one adjustment I would personally consider is that I think having the ban powers around in reserve is a good idea for the peace of mind of staff, but it sounds like the rules on banning are an evolving document, so I have no doubt that things would change if they need to.

It is actually pretty novel to transform banning into a persistent lack of access that can be remedied with time rather than applications/ban evasions/etc. My only bit of advice to staff/Spike is to just make sure you don't pigeonhole yourselves too much with protocol and having to justify every single action: sometimes antisocial people are just going to remain that way. Look after yourselves! Online is not a battleground.

 

[DEH]

Hmm, I'm a little worried that I get up one morning and this page is gone. I hope not you have to know I was on Instagram for a long time and in the end I just hated it it got worse and more disgusting until I finally get out of there and now I have found this community there is nothing special here but it's very familiar here you are treated well and that is something special these days ! No matter what is to come, I want to say I am happy to have met you all here!

 

[dem6n dem6n]

I'm new here. I wish I'd known about the forum earlier, but I'm a little late. But from what I can tell, it doesn't really get that heated around here very often? Not really sure why someone would go out of their way to cause a scene after doing something that they know was wrong.

It's genuinely not difficult to spend time doing positive things in this world. Everyone should strive to be doing those positive things. Things that take us away from the stress of everyday life and allow us to connect with others. Share similar experiences and have conversations. That's why forums are a wonderful place, because they often have this kind of activity on them.

Not to mention, the people who are throwing out threats over being banned also came to this site over the same interest: retro games. Why threaten the same place that brought you some form of enjoyment? Because you couldn't restrain yourself from saying something stupid and you're upset about the consequences of your own actions?

I don't know. It's just baffling. This community seems like it's full of people who are chill, down to earth people. If you don't like how someone is talking or acting, keep it moving. Just keep it civil. Not every active thread needs your input inside of it.

To the leadership, but specifically Spike, you've got my support. I have sent a PM to Waffles and JustLooking123. If there's anything I can do, let me know.

 

[Tonberry]

But from what I can tell, it doesn't really get that heated around here very often?

It really doesn't. There was one pretty major happening in April when the General Discussion boards briefly locked down, but were reopened with the requirements that are present now.

Not to mention, the people who are throwing out threats over being banned also came to this site over the same interest: retro games. Why threaten the same place that brought you some form of enjoyment? Because you couldn't restrain yourself from saying something stupid and you're upset about the consequences of your own actions?

This is precisely the main problem. Crazies threaten Spike because of the repo when they get banned for going out of their way posting hateful or toxic stuff. It's just like you say, baffling.

This community seems like it's full of people who are chill, down to earth people.

This is true. We have historically been able to have civil and adult discussions about all sorts of stuff. Only very occasionally have things get overly heated, and it's (at least from what I've seen and I've been very active since I joined in January) usually because of someone actually breaking rules, and getting pissy when informed of it.

 

[Fray Guillermo]

maybe at this point rgt could be turned into a private tracker or get the server hosted in russia (???)

 

[dem6n dem6n]

maybe at this point rgt could be turned into a private tracker or get the server hosted in russia (???)

Private trackers are always interesting. Could have a separate domain for the repo itself. Forums stay the same. Repo access is an Invite-only IP whitelist, has to be a non-VPN IP tied to your forum account. Host the repo in some country that won't respond to copyright claims.

 

[thecrow2313]

maybe at this point rgt could be turned into a private tracker or get the server hosted in russia (???)

I don't think Russia is a good answer regarding servers, you'll risk almost everything getting compromised. Data Sovereignty & Surveillance, Geopolitical Sanctions, Censorship & Regulation, and Operational Risks. Better off operating within the EU, Canada, Switzerland.

 

[Fray Guillermo]

Private trackers are always interesting. Could have a separate domain for the repo itself. Forums stay the same. Repo access is an Invite-only IP whitelist, has to be a non-VPN IP tied to your forum account. Host the repo in some country that won't respond to copyright claims.

I was only half serious but it does sound interesting when you put it this way

 

[Stingy Perry Stingy Perry]

Web traffic isn't rent free, but would it make you feel better if I donate? I have never been pocket watched into donating before I thought I was being considerate after seeing others telling the owner of a website what they should or shouldn't do. If you have some sort of problem with me we can resolve it by other means than Spike's thread or any other.

Nice one bro, but that ain’t nothing compared to the 3rd world internet I’m chilling in. A gigabyte of download is equivalent of at least 1 hour of waiting and that’s being fastest so don’t go bragging how slow connection is. It’s not like you don’t have the piece on the matter in fact I feel everyone has. Have you red everyone’s posts and compare it to what you just said to him. From my standpoint it felt like a like a little brash compared to the others who’s is being sympathetic of the situation. They are feeling a bit of uncertainty on the current state of this forum. So a friendly advice take or shit on it; think before you type and give it a deep thought before you post.

 

[Viviana Santos]

I understand the reason for the change but I don't think it's a good idea as a whole, I just don't want to see misogyny, homophobia, racism, transphobia and other disgusting things on this forum.

---

But at the same time, I also have a lot of admiration and respect for Spike, so I'm cool with this change.

 

[Hourai]

It's undeniably an undesirable situation to be in, yeah. Especially given that CDR only just moved, and people sure do love being so nice when their actions have consequences when they're terrible.

I will say that we're only so bothered because we like it here (I'd have immediately written this place off of I didn't), but I also acknowledge that isn't really worth too much, is it?

 

[Antilocal123]

It's undeniably an undesirable situation to be in, yeah. Especially given that CDR only just moved, and people sure do love being so nice when their actions have consequences when they're terrible.

I will say that we're only so bothered because we like it here (I'd have immediately written this place off of I didn't), but I also acknowledge that isn't really worth too much, is it?

Y’all guys are bothered, I'm Gucci, this thing falls under and I’ll just move on. /j

 

[Tonberry]

Y’all guys are bothered, I'm Gucci, this thing falls under and I’ll just move on. /j

REAL pic of anti rn (NOT FAKE)

 

[RageBurner]

Guys let's not devolve this into arguments, all right? I know the situation is shaky and things are uncertain, but let's not lose our civility.

 

[fake-kun]

REAL pic of anti rn (NOT FAKE)
View attachment 79532

This is, in fact, not me in the picture.

 

[Antilocal123]

REAL pic of anti rn (NOT FAKE)
View attachment 79532

Only thing I lose is bullying you, you may be right. /j

 

[Clippy]

I have a nagging feeling that people who are complaining about Spike going soft on rule-breakers don't fully grasp the situation. I've been around for years and I know for a fact that Spike is not big on being confrontational with people but the crux of the matter is the repo. This isn't just another forum where we could tell people who don't belong to sod off. Some banned dipshit who gets angry enough and has enough brain cells to rub together can and most likely will destroy the place. I'm 100% certain N-word, Sega or even the ESA will be more than happy to crack down on our little corner of the Internet if they get enough reports of our activities. This change isn't Spike giving in to the bullies as much as it is him maneuvering and dancing around everything to keep things steady and in balance. I somewhat understand your concerns but I'd like to reiterate that this isn't just a forum. The repo and Spike's safety/freedom take precedence. If it turns out at some point down the line that the forum has to go to preserve either or both then so be it.

I don't get people who are afraid of bad actors suddenly flooding the place. It's not like the previous rules stopped them from making another account. Nothing's really changed. The 'ignore' and 'report' buttons are still there for your perusal. If seeing someone post mean words takes you to the brink of being hospitalized then maybe the Internet as a whole isn't the place for you. This might be controversial but if anything, I'm actually not afraid of any -ists and -phobes. I laugh at them as I go about my day if anything. What I am potentially afraid of would be the alphabet soup people trying to turn this place into another Reddit or Resetera. All in the name of tolerance, of course. I saw the knee jerk reaction to Retro Doomer making a thread about men's mental health awareness month. I saw the bile and vitriol of the colorful flag people immediately painting it in a negative light because June is their month and anyone who would have the gall to mention anything else is obviously a bigot. I'm not laying this at the feet of all of our gay or trans folk because many of them were happy to see that there's another issue being tackled but there were a few bad apples who know who they are and shall remain unnamed here.

As far as mods are concerned, I see no issues. They've been doing a fine job so far and I'm sure they'll continue to do so. They still have the tools necessary to make sure things run as smooth as they can given the circumstances and I'm just as sure that they will adjust and ask for help if they feel the need to. I've seen a few people singling out @ATenderLad here and sure, he's sensitive about certain topics but you know, we're all people with different sensibilities but most of us are adults and can talk things out. If I managed to do it so can you. In that regard he's A-OK in my book. I'm sure he's watching every post of mine like a hawk to make sure I exercise proper restraint with my memes though . Jokes aside, I've said before that I wouldn't take up a mod position if asked and I stand by that statement. I see no reason to backseat mod for the people who chose to sacrifice their time for our benefit, especially since they're doing well.

I really need to let drunk Clippy handle these things more often. I'm not good with this sort of thing.

 

[Viviana Santos]

It should be any of the rules Spike has delcared not just the things we personally do not want to see. I have stood up for the community at large when people broke nsfw rule while mods were participating in it like it isn't against the rules and we all need to to keep the forums how we like it. That means even if we are not a mod being vigilant on reporting and taking a stand against any bad actor. If they are not welcomed they will not stay you can only do so much to people who won't entertain you before you get banned or bored.

Dude calm down, I just said that I don't want to see bigotry on this forum, you seem to be very stressed out right now.

 

[Antilocal123]

I have a nagging feeling that people who are complaining about Spike going soft on rule-breakers don't fully grasp the situation. I've been around for years and I know for a fact that Spike is not big on being confrontational with people but the crux of the matter is the repo. This isn't just another forum where we could tell people who don't belong to sod off. Some banned dipshit who gets angry enough and has enough brain cells to rub together can and most likely will destroy the place. I'm 100% certain N-word, Sega or even the ESA will be more than happy to crack down on our little corner of the Internet if they get enough reports of our activities. This change isn't Spike giving in to the bullies as much as it is him maneuvering and dancing around everything to keep things steady and in balance. I somewhat understand your concerns but I'd like to reiterate that this isn't just a forum. The repo and Spike's safety/freedom take precedence. If it turns out at some point down the line that the forum has to go to preserve either or both then so be it.

I don't get people who are afraid of bad actors suddenly flooding the place. It's not like the previous rules stopped them from making another account. Nothing's really changed. The 'ignore' and 'report' buttons are still there for your perusal. If seeing someone post mean words takes you to the brink of being hospitalized then maybe the Internet as a whole isn't the place for you. This might be controversial but if anything, I'm actually not afraid of any -ists and -phobes. I laugh at them as I go about my day if anything. What I am potentially afraid of would be the alphabet soup people trying to turn this place into another Reddit or Resetera. All in the name of tolerance, of course. I saw the knee jerk reaction to Retro Doomer making a thread about men's mental health awareness month. I saw the bile and vitriol of the colorful flag people immediately painting it in a negative light because June is their month and anyone who would have the gall to mention anything else is obviously a bigot. I'm not laying this at the feet of all of our gay or trans folk because many of them were happy to see that there's another issue being tackled but there were a few bad apples who know who they are and shall remain unnamed here.

As far as mods are concerned, I see no issues. They've been doing a fine job so far and I'm sure they'll continue to do so. They still have the tools necessary to make sure things run as smooth as they can given the circumstances and I'm just as sure that they will adjust and ask for help if they feel the need to. I've seen a few people singling out @ATenderLad here and sure, he's sensitive about certain topics but you know, we're all people with different sensibilities but most of us are adults and can talk things out. If I managed to do it so can you. In that regard he's A-OK in my book. I'm sure he's watching every post of mine like a hawk to make sure I exercise proper restraint with my memes though . Jokes aside, I've said before that I wouldn't take up a mod position if asked and I stand by that statement. I see no reason to backseat mod for the people who chose to sacrifice their time for our benefit, especially since they're doing well.

I really need to let drunk Clippy handle these things more often. I'm not good with this sort of thing.

That’s a lot of words I'm not reading, go back to posting memes lil bro