Hey BuBBy, :)
Once again brother, it's word play and communication. We're all guilty of assuming at times, and I know your just doing what your here to do as a moderator, and doing a great job I might add. I've had my own msg boards at one time and know the hassle you go through as a moderator. Aren't you glad your not the Admin right now?! ...LOL!
Anyway, sometimes it's better to let the fire burn down a bit before stirring the coals so-to-speak. My point is that I along with others were quite upset with the apparent pattern related to posting comments on the main page. Although I and some others tend to be outspoken at times, I think it's fair to say that most of us are wise enough to expect some portions of our comments to possibly be 'snipped' at times, as a term you and Lee have chosen to portray/communicate the act of editing a comment/thread (good choice of word description I think btw). That's what moderation is all about and why it's necessary. Not to ban, ignore, or single out certain individuals for giving the very feedback that is requested and necessary for improvement of the product offering and denying them a voice. As I said, if they can't stand the heat, then get out of the kitchen! Developers/vendors are offering their wares here as a test bed and promotional event to understand why their product isn't moving so well, or to simply get recognition. Wouldn't you as a developer/vendor want to know the bad with the good, be it your product, or the way it's presented? Yesterday was a perfect example of what people will not except. And if 'Morpheus Software' has any smarts, they'll take the hint and dump the extras. I don't think it's their product in question here, it's their greedy deceptive marketing attitude that's unacceptable, and the community at large made that point loud and clear.
And as I stated previously, I don't expect to get front page all the time day after day, and I don't honestly think most others do either. But when my comments are no better or worse than the others posted and there becomes an apparent consistent pattern of them being ignored or deleted, one gets to feeling singled out when in comparison to other comments that are of a similar nature to your own or worse getting posted. A hit and mis is to be expected, but a consistent pattern becomes personal. I don't make a habit of cursing in my comments, but I don't sugar coat them either.
The problem seems to be GOTD not installing/testing and reviewing offerings before they are posted here to insure they meet the quality and standards set by the GOTD team/PTB themselves.
If I didn't care about others and what this site is all about, I'd just go on my merry way and not look back. I like others could go and spread the good and the bad as some do about this site and what's offered, but I'd like to see it grow and the bugs worked out. Rather than blast them to the world, I'd rather place them where they might do some good all the way around, and that's here at the source.
You said...
Just guessing here - maybe comments are not being displayed because the comments should be in the forums.
"Please comment only the software here. If you have technical problems or suggestions on our project, please leave us a note in our forums."
Many comments probably come under the category of "suggestions on our project" or "technical problems".
...and how right you are.
To be reminded of what we already know about policy via your second statement got under my skin a bit under the circumstances and the nature of the complaint. The software and/or developer of said software is what I comment about on the front page (as do I think the majority of other commenters in this thread do, although I'm guilty of following the crowd a time or two with off topic comments), and therefor to be reminded of stated policy was a mute point IMHO. Can't speak for others in that regard. Hindsight..., maybe others did need reminded, but I just didn't see it within yesterdays conversation. I think all participants in this thread are aware of what's exceptable there and what isn't, yet I question weather the front page moderators understand what is and isn't acceptable there. Your other two comments were right on target and food for thought. At that, I'm sure yesterday is one you'd soon like to forget in your position as moderator here in the forum.
You went on to say...
At any rate I cannot find any mention that guarantees any comment submitted will actually appear on the website. I believe this "guarantee" is only an assumption or desire in the mind of the poster. If you want free speech on the internet - post it on your own website.
I take that to mean "We don't care what you have to say, go somewhere else and say it", when in truth feedback about the subject mater is requested. Provided what we have to say is within the scope of the subject matter, it should be posted as per the sites own request for such feedback. When one sees mindless, pointless, off topic, irrelevant comments being posted, then one becomes incensed about the meaning and purpose of the feedback comment section and it appears nothing more than a hangout for any and all, with no regard or structure about it's stated purpose and intent which is to critique or praise the offering at hand, not throw tit for tat at others or allow clowns to take over the site. If the PTB want this site to be a serious business, then manage and control it like one. Not like the selective 'free for all' it seems to be becoming at the will of the comment moderators for the GOTD main page. It's a learning process to be sure, and the moderation of such should be more professional and scrutinized more toward the intent of the business and it's goals, including moderation of developer/vendors and what they offer GOTD for posting, as it reflects the reputation of the site and management as well. If they want a beta testing site, allow vendors to post crap such as yesterdays offering with no regard for their own (GOTD's) reputation, then by all means continue in the direction it seems to be going and that's exactly what it will become! I personally think properly managed in this regard, this idea/site is and will be the greatest marketing tool for software and vendors to ever come along, bar-none. This is one of the greatest marketing ideas I've ever seen to showcase unknowns etc., but it's current philosophy/practice isn't getting down to business and opening the doors of potential that I think exist here, and IMHO, is being stymied by the very thing we are complaining about. Poor commentation selection about the product offering, and the apparent biased attitude of the comment moderators portrayed through that very act.
And finally...
If you have got something to say about GOTD or if you have a question or a problem - ask in the forums. That is what they are here for. Unless you are way out-of-line you won't be censored or whatever. Lee and I (the moderators) are users just like everyone else.
These complaints have been stated numerous times throughout the forum, and prior to them being deleted/ignored, they were also noted on the main comment page in the early stages a few times. And very little if anything has changed with few exceptions about the moderating practice or the comments that are being allowed for posting on the main page. More of the same old 'he said - she said' garbage, rather than constructive comments about the matter at hand weather they are complimentary or critical. I don't have the answer at the moment, but I could certainly give some ideas about how to better manage it if the PTB have any interest in my opinion and would like to email me to discuss my ideas. Most of which have been stated at one time or another by others here already.
I believe we are completely independent and impartial, and not biased at all.
As volunteers to moderation of these forums I would agree that your both 'independent, impartial, and unbiased'. Why would you not be? It would serve no other purpose than self righteousnesses to be otherwise.
However if you are being an idiot or just saying something completely stupid - don't worry, I'll let you know. :) (And I know Lee will share his feelings on any dumb comments).
Looking back on this thread, I'm not sure what prompted that comment. That seems to go without saying as it is your responsibility to keep flow and order here in the forums. Considering I was the main participant/commenter at the time directly prior to this comment of yours, I couldn't help but feel it was somewhat stated in a defensive posture of authority, and again I can't see what prompted this response.
I can't guarantee answers - but at least I will be as fair as you deserve. No more, no less.
I suppose this final statement can be taken many ways. Directly or indirectly. Combined with my explanation/analogy of the overall statement you made here and it's apparent tone, "as far as you deserve. No more, no less."... again the word 'you' is a directive, and I took it as such in relationship to the overall comment and the pattern of this thread. I simply responded in my own defense.
As long as two or more can communicate without blind anger, then we begin to understand one another and eventually bridge the gap to an understanding. We both assumed some things and would certainly like to express deeper some of our comments for clarification, which I think in essence is exactly what we are doing here. I certainly don't hold grudges, so I won't lose any sleep over what's been said here, and I think your of the same caliber (I can't speak of Lee here, because he and I have never communicated and I don't have a feel for what kind of character he is (no offense intended Lee, just the facts)). We speak our minds as best we know how under the circumstances, both attempting to make valid understandable points about what we see and interpret. Neither of us are perfect, and GOD knows language certainly has it's shortcomings for communicating any idea or picture.
So with that said, I'm not offended, and I certainly hope your not. Eventually I think we'll come to understand one another's form and comments, and not be so defensive or assumptive about them. I speak at length sometimes (most of the time) in an attempt to make sure what I'm trying to say is not mistaken. However, this doesn't always work, and sometimes as I stated, "It's better to let the fire burn down a bit before stirring the coals so-to-speak". ...and I'm no exception to that rule. I'm as guilty as anyone else in that regard, and maybe a bit more than some. ;)
Hope you weren't to badly bruised and abused yesterday. I'd be lying to say I wanted to be in your shoes for the day. To better times for all....... and I hope any bruises you got yesterday heal right quick. ;)
PS - The 'blockquote' tag doesn't seem to be working. Either that or I'm using it wrong, which I don't think I am.
