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The only bad thing about GaOTD

(31 posts) (11 voices)

Started 1 year ago by antinoob
Latest reply from sukibabe

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suggestions proposals noobs retards banning bans r

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antinoob

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Although my forum profile is new (because I couldn't remember my old one), I have been using this site for almost 3 years. As the months went by, GaOTD went from an unknown site to one that hundreds visit every day, if not thousands or even hundreds of thousands (I really don't know, but I'm just talking about the amazing popularity rise). However, with the increase in popularity, the "program poachers" came, along with the people who don't download or try the program who only complain it's not what they wanted or the people who base their views of the program by what the first 10 comments say. I hate having to read all the good posts that have a negative zillion rating because these people DO know what they're talking about.

I would like to know if anyone in the community agrees with me that we need a banning system, one that bans those who do things like using the forums to advertise (Yes, this is forbidden in the rules, but it happens and the only punishment is a reprimand and closing the thread) or commenting stupidly on software (such as "I didn't try the software, but I hate it anyway." or "I wouldn't pay money for this." and "Since most of the comments say bad things, I don't want this even though I think it is a good program.")

Anyone second my opinions? And if you don't like them, please explain yourself in a way OTHER than "they r dum"

Posted 1 year ago #
suzzyqz

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antinoob..I agree with you completely. I also have a "new" profile even though I have been coming for the past 1 1/2 yrs. I just can't believe how childish people can be about something that is FREE! If you don't like the program (or it isn't something you need), just don't download it. It doesn't help people looking through the comments for ratings to just see all thumbs down and no comments..or as you said a stupid comment which tells people nothing other than you wanted to post. There have been times I did not care for the offering, but I just didn't D/L..with no comment! Seems to me a lot of people are just leaving this site for that and the fact the game giveaways are not everyday. Then you have the "adults" in the forums acting like little kids who get their feathers ruffled (or pants in a wad!) and don't come back over something silly. Sorry..not trying to hijack your thread..just sounds like you feel the same way!

Posted 1 year ago #
sukibabe

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First amendment writes " Freedom Of Speech"! I hate the whinnies too!

Suki

Posted 1 year ago #
BuBBy

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Who said anything about that first amendment thing? Don't go down that path - this is a private website - not the steps of the US Congress.

If you see advertising or some new user telling the world how some commercial software is better than everything else - hit the 'Report' item, fill in the reason details, then the moderators and administrators will be notified. (More than likely the post will be removed - and the user banned).

As for the comments section of the site - I'd like to see a solution also.

It would be an improvement - even if there was a way for an experienced team of users to decide on the "best of" comments each day - giving users an alternate selection of comments minus the mindless crap and incorrect information.

Posted 1 year ago #
sukibabe

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Sorry BuBBy

But even you have put in your 2 cents worth......

I don't believe it's private, if everyone can access it! when you activate it says "Whats next, Tell everyone"!!! I hate the Congress.........read into it.....

Yes I agree with allot of the above, but what are you going to do when one has an opinion, ban them? That's what I meant by the speech thing. I have seen some stuff over the years that should have been banned! I think that the "We will kick you off the site" thing would get out of hand.
There has to be a better solution!
Not stepping on toes, it was just my opinion.

Suki

Posted 1 year ago #
BuBBy

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When I said private - I mean "privately owned". True freedom of speech does not apply, as there are rules that posts must comply with - and even then there is no law or reason that the owners of the site or the moderators cannot remove all or part of a comment or post that they believe is inappropriate (for whatever reason).

As I've said before - even newspapers can decide which "Letters to the Editor" to publish - or whether to edit a letter for readability or length. Despite "Freedom of Speech" - there are probably hundreds of crackpot and inappropriate letters that end up in the trash and never published - because the editor makes a decision on what readers want and what is important.

I'm not sure at what point some comments are approved for display - when perhaps they should be trashed. Whether it is the hefty time requirement of sorting through the comments and removing those of low value to site visitors, or the fear of upsetting users who have a belief that when their comment is not published - it invalidates them as a human.

Do you keep the mindless masses happy by publishing everything - or take a more editorial role, publishing only the comments that show original thought, or are of value to most readers.

Either way - you can't really win. (Guaranteed there will be whingers no matter what you do).

Posted 1 year ago #
copmom

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BuBBy, I say take the editorial rule, only publish comments that ARE of value to the users! Be a lot less posts showing, but the ones that are there would be useful to those wanting to make a decision about whether to d/l something or not!

Posted 1 year ago #
GrouchE

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With the different levels of sophistication represented here, the whiners do portray a certain per cent of the world's population and thus, probably deserve to post their feelings. Not everyone can grasp what a lot of these offered softwares do so, rather than feel stupid, or inferior, thru whining the less-informed simply are voicing their frustrations. Let's face it. A well placed whine may have saved several copies of CoolEditRecordPro.
If whining relieves stress, and stress kills, I'd rather skim over a whiny post than read about a whiner killing some innocent co-worker.

Posted 1 year ago #
antinoob

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But that's the thing: this isn't a site to come and complain. I do believe the comments section for programs is for comments about the program, not for whining or bringing up different topics. However, I believe bringing up freeware alternatives in comparison to today's program is OK. But when you say, "I have a freeware program that does this," that does not help others decide whether the program is good or not, and it is simply pointless to just say that without saying something like "the freeware program I like better because...."

Bubby, you would know more than me. Does the site ever not allow people to enter? Such as a ban? I don't know if that would work, but for some download sites I know that if you break the rules, your IP address is banned and you are directed to the "Jail" page. Perhaps this could work?

Also, it seems that the whiners and "noobs" (so to speak) have taken control of the site mostly. Even good comments are given a thumbs down, therefore making the idea (like Youtube or Yahoo Answers) of hiding posts with a low rating impossible.

I'm really getting tired of discussion. I want action.

Posted 1 year ago #
graylox

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Suki, in the next moment steps a stranger into your house and insults you, screams at you and tells lies about your family.
What do you do? Will you invite him/her into your kitchen and serve her/him strawberry cake with cream? Or will you give him/her a kick in....
freelyspeakinglox

Posted 1 year ago #
suzzyqz

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I really like that freelyspeakinglox!

Posted 1 year ago #
graylox

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:)))

Posted 1 year ago #
sukibabe

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graylox

freelyspeaking, my doors are always locked, and I don't answer them unless it's the postman or UPS........Also I am an expert knife thrower and a crack shot with a gun.....and my dog would get them you know where......freelyspeaking of course....:)

Suki

Posted 1 year ago #
Ambrosia

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I believe a lot of problems would be solved if GOTD made the comments section members only. Having to log in with one's actual user name to comment might make people think before they post. It takes nothing to sign up for membership on this site so I don't really see the reason for not making people sign up for a membership. Without a membership it would seem impossible to really do anything significant to solve the problem of idiots or troublemakers posting. Sure, a post can be deleted. But the person who made the post can't be stopped from logging in and posting again, using a different name. Although an email is required, there is nothing to assure the person is putting down a legitimate one. Restricting the comments to members only would close this loophole.

I was a moderator on another site. It takes a lot of work and time to go through messages and approve them for publication or to edit out the undesirable bits. Not to mention the inevitable flack a moderator is going to receive from the folks whose posts either do not go through or who get the content edited. It may not be worth the hassle to the moderator(s) here to go to the lengths to be more aggressive in the moderation of posts. Sure, the idiots are irritating to me and I hate seeing those posts in the comments. But in the larger scope of things, it does not take me that long to weed through the posts. What is an irritation to me would be a major time commitment to a moderator to 'fix'. I know if I were in the mod's shoes here I would think long and hard before wanting to take that path due to the work and headaches involved.

Suki... It seems very arrogant and egocentrically American to be quoting US ideas on freedom of speech or anything else to do with the US Constitution or Bill of Rights when GOTD is not a US site. The idea that the world has to follow US ideas on anything is irritating at the least. I am a US citizen and find disturbing the assumption by many Americans that the Universe, or even the world, revolves around the US. But even in the US, free speech does not mean a person can say anything at any time. If you doubt that, just go to an airport and tell them a plane is unsafe, or yell 'fire!' in a theatre, or bad mouth President Bush at a Republican political rally. You will find out quickly how the assumption that free speech means the right to say anything at any time is a misunderstanding of the right of free speech given US citizens. But even if GOTD was owned by a US citizen, it is still a private site... as in privately owned. The owners and their agents can decide what to publish and what not to publish, users comments included. There is no 'right' to free speech here. Only the grace of the owners to let the users have their say. I would say so far they have been VERY gracious.

Posted 1 year ago #
graylox

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Ambrosia thank you soooooooooo much for your comment !
You have written 100 % what I was thinking, but could/can not express
with my poor English skills.
I emphasise every sentence you said.
Thank you.
bravolox :)

Posted 1 year ago #
Lee

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No-one could have been using this site 3 years, 'n00b'.

Due to it started in, October 2, 2006.

Posted 1 year ago #
sukibabe

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Get over it, and stop the hate!!!! It was just my opinion!

I am moving along, I don't write things like that!

Peace, suki

Posted 1 year ago #
Ambrosia

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Suki... other than where you say that you 'hate the congress' I do not see any 'hate' going on in this thread. Your post makes no sense to me.

Posted 1 year ago #
sukibabe

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Ambrosia

That dig was meant for BuBBy! But what you posted , was really downgrading and hate full, and I feel bad that your would have said something like that!

Again, Peace!!!

Suki

Posted 1 year ago #
Ambrosia

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Suki...
Which part of what I posted do you feel was downgrading and hateful, and exactly who is it downgrading and hateful towards? I made a long post so it is hard to know exactly of what you speak. Plus, I am not a mind reader. I also can not control how you feel about anything that I say. I personally do not feel bad about anything I have said here. Your feelings are your own responsibility. Own them.

Also, let me give you a helpful suggestion, if you will hear it. There are a lot of people posting in this thread, each expressing opinions. If you are aiming a comment or 'jab' at someone, it might be helpful to address your post to that person so everyone knows who the 'jab' is aimed at.

Everyone...
If you have a chance to check out the game comments today I think it really speaks to the maddening aspects of inane comments. Only six comments so far and already the complaints are starting about the game being given away again too soon. I expect by the time I get back from breakfast that there will be a whole slew of comments along this vein, followed by the remarks that this obviously means the 'end' of GOTD is at hand. With a smattering of 'I am not going to download this game because I am not interested in it' and 'why can't you provide better games' posts as well. If I were the companies offering these games and the software on the main site, I think I would wonder why I was bothering. I worry about that, actually.

Bubby...
I would like to know more about that "Report" button... where is it? I haven't seen it and there have been a few posts over time that I would have reported had I known about that feature. Thanks. :-)

Posted 1 year ago #
LeKanaw

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Bonjour Ambrosia

I do think the "Report Button" Mr.B speaks of is on this Forum, *not* on either of the main SW page or on the Games page.
Here, under each post, you can click on "Report", and it'll open a box directly.

For the main pages there isn't a specific button per se, but you can come to the Forum and make a report on a post, either to Mr.B or the Admn., by including a link for that specific post & explaining the reason of the problem. Just go to your own page here, there will be a "New PM" button.

Like you, I too worry about the amount of complaining, moaning and right down vitriolic comments I see on the main pages. The total anonymity is perceived as a shield, so anything goes! I don't know of many sites where you can post without logging in or have an accnt. Most forums have some sort of track record and you gain privileges little by little.

Some ppl don't seem to realize GOTD owes nothing to nobody!!
They must have a hell of a time finding softs each day!! Nobody is forcing ppl to come by and even less to dwlding what it's posted!!

I know of someone from S.Africa that decided *NOT* to offer her SW to GOTD, for fear of the comments she'd receive! She's offering it on her own forum instead.
Something has to be done, but I have no idea what or how.
Mind you, it's not any better on the other languages - It's pretty much the same complaining & idiotic remarks in the French & German pages! There's little or no supervision there either, so anything goes!!

I'm just thankful Mr.B is around and keeps *this* Forum sane & free of ... well, of all the bad vibes: bullying, bad manners, crap, insults, spam, bad links, ...
But he's just *one* person, and this is a 24hr job!!!

Mangoette =\°~°/=

Posted 1 year ago #
LeKanaw

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Allô Suki

Please don't get mad.
As I read & re-read Mr.B post several times, can't figure out where the "hate" is.
We old timers *ALL* know that when BuBBy posts anything it's rarely in direct response to someone, but more as a broad explanation on the subject at end, covering all bases.
Otherwise he would go mad for TOTAL lack of sleep!!!

And usually, he explains stuff not only for the people that are around *now*, but for anybody that would stumble on the thread a few weeks or a few months from now. So he takes the time to paint the bigger picture and put it in context.
Which I find very gracious on his part.
I've read threads as far back as a year ago and believe me, without his 'sssplainings I would be lost!
Some people perceive it as talking down to them or being condescending, but that's *not* it at all, on the contrary.

Amicalement, Mangoette

Posted 1 year ago #
Ambrosia

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I see, Mangoette. Thank you for explaining about the Report link. I have seen it here in the Forums but thought Bubby meant there was one for the comments section as well, and I was just blind and didn't see it. I had not thought to look for a PM button, but that presents a viable option. Thank you so much for taking the time to post and helping me with this matter. It is greatly appreciated. :-)

I had a brief misunderstanding with BuBBy once, feeling like he was talking 'down' to me. I was not in a good place within myself to be posting at that moment and took it personally when it was not intended as such. We worked through that misunderstanding in the thread and it was good from my standpoint to be able to resolve it with him. I think the world of BuBBy and appreciate his moderation of the Forums. Being a moderator is no easy task.

Thanks for posting, Mangoette. It was very helpful to me. :-)

Posted 1 year ago #
Buckleysmom

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Haven't been here at the forums for about 2 weeks due to pc issues but I decided to stop by today and when I read this thread I had to add my 2 cents.

LeK....ditto on your comments about BuBBy....he's the BEST! and if anyone has a "right" to say what they think it's him and the owner/admins etc. BuBBy has always been polite and very helpful and considering what he and the team have to listen to all the time I think they deserve a big break!

I get tired of the whining too, but I must admit that when I was a newbie I did just a bit of it myself. Sometimes people just have bad days and need to vent (that's pretty much where I fit in), but then there are those who just like to complain and they'll do it no matter what anyone says or what is offered. One thing you said does make sense as to why the complaints should maybe be cut out and that is....."I know of someone from S.Africa that decided *NOT* to offer her SW to GOTD, for fear of the comments she'd receive!".......I sure hate to think that we're missing out on good stuff just because of complainers/trashers.

Also, somone in a previous post mentioned that maybe only members should be allowed to vote. I never even realized that non-members COULD vote, but I agree they shouldln't be allowed to.....but that's just MHO.

In closing I'd like to say......lighten up guys, it's just a discussion. :)

Hope to back in full swing with my own pc soon.....as pc withdrawal is very painful.

Posted 1 year ago #
LeKanaw

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Hi there BK, we missed you!!

You are very drôle: as PC withdrawal is very painful
You can tell us, where does it hurt exactly?? Bwahaaahaaaa

Huhhhh, maybe there's some kind of pill for that?
Or some type of AA group, like "TWSH" as in Tech Withdrawal Syndrome Help ;-)

Later, Mangoette

Posted 1 year ago #
sukibabe

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Games Junkie

LeKanaw

No hate was directed at all at BuBBy, he does a fantastic job!!!!!

I like my talks with Him!

End of that subject!, It was another comment, that got me upset!!!! I will survive!!!!
I am an old timer, but just didn't join the forums, because I was to busy! You can only be on so many ! When I joined the Forums, I have participated more than some that pass in the Dark!!!!!!!!!

Suki

Posted 1 year ago #
suzzyqz

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sukibabe everyone appreciates the discussions you make on other issues. I think part of the problem with this one..USA is not "the" country of a lot of members and definitely not of GOTD. We are soon to be a third world country ourselves the way things are going.. I am sure no hurt was intended at all.
BK computers can be a real pain, but we neeeeed them!

Posted 1 year ago #
LeKanaw

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Hi Suki

Glad all is good then :D We all have bad days, oui?

Say, as you know I struggle w my English :(
Not understanding the meaning of: some that pass in the Dark!!
Would you mind explaining? Or anybody else.

Ciao, M

Posted 1 year ago #
suzzyqz

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sorry..just reread my post..forgot to put LOL after third world thing..nothing mean intended to anyone!
LeKanaw, I think she means those who come and leave.

Posted 1 year ago #
Buckleysmom

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LeK.....Ever see that ad about depression? The one where they ask where does it hurt? Who does it hurt etc? The answer is evryone and everywhere....that's how it is when your pc is MIA. UGH! I'm sure even Buckley knows something's "not right". :(

Posted 1 year ago #

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