Mods Closing Threads for Personal Reasons

I've been noticing a pretty annoying trend lately in the forums. Mods are locking threads simply because they don't like what the thread is about. Threads that don't break any of the forum rules, and frankly, exist on pretty much every internet forum that exists.

In this case, I am indeed talking about the dreaded "Girl Advice" thread, and specifically the mod @Sweep. Tons of these threads are created, but they are also some of the most viewed and participated threads on the forum. Obviously there is a call for, and interest in, them since they pop up so frequently and people respond so often. Gamers and internet-dwellers are a timid breed, and they often don't have the confidence or experience around the opposite sex that our more socially-inclined brethren have, so they seek advice from people they don't know for impartiality and anonymity reasons, or from people they know (to a limited degree) and trust. I've never really made a Girl Advice thread, per se (not that I can recall anyway), but I do think they serve a purpose, and I do like participating in them, because, hey, I'm a blowhard that likes giving people advice--even when it concerns relationships. I think it's annoying that they are getting shut down because "Sweep doesn't like them", in any case.

First off, they don't break the site rules, as you can see here:

Post by Gamer_152 (10,850 posts) See mini bioLevel 38 / 2713 ACH / 38857 P

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The rules of Giant Bomb are very basic; be polite, keep things civil, and don't be a jerk. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the information within this guide and to follow the site rules. Failure to do so can result in moderation against your user account.

1. NO material of a pornographic, overtly sexual or macabre nature:

Includes but not limited to in-game images from pornographic games or hentai, as well as sexually explicit fan art. Additionally, users are to have usernames that are not obscene and are appropriate for all ages.

1. NO discussion of illegal activities:

The discussion of illicit substances, circumvention of copy protection, and piracy of video games or any form of media.

1. NO discrimination or victimization directed at users:

Racism, homophobia, sexism, or any hateful personal attacks against another user.

1. NO flaming, trolling, disruptive activity or posts which encourage such behavior:

Derailing a topic, posting flame bait, system wars topics, or use of profanity in blog/thread titles. Threads with profanity in the title are subject to deletion.

1. NO spamming or commercial advertising:

Posting advertisements of personal sites for personal gain, making comments which have no discussion value such as "first" or "bump", quote pyramids or empty quoting, quest spam, YouTube spam, and creating any threads with little to no text where off-site content is linked or embedded.

1. NO alternate accounts:

Giant Bomb has a very strict one person, one account rule. Users caught with alternate accounts may have their posting privileges revoked and all of their accounts disabled.

These rules not only apply to forum threads, but also to blog posts that have been attached to the forums. In addition, it is recommended users read through the Giant Bomb Terms and Conditions. More information on how the forums operate can be found in the Forum FAQ, and any questions about these rules should be directed to the moderators whom you can contact using the following link: PM Mods

Secondly, these are the forums of the Giant Bomb Community. Not Sweep's personal forums. I don't care whether or not he likes them, he doesn't really have the right to shut them down. If Giant Bomb creates a new forum rule that says "no relationship threads" then so be it, but as of now, this rule doesn't exist.

Post by Sweep (5,265 posts) See mini bioLevel 25 / 1868 ACH / 25485 P

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@mandude said:
My only advice to you my friend is to fake your own death.
This dude knows how it works.
I hate girl advice threads. Hate hate hate. They aren't against the site rules. They are against my rules. The only reason this get's a pass is because it's about videogames and is therefore relevant to my interests.
Still, the only logical conclusion here is that you should fake your own death.

Thirdly, he's a dick about it when he does shut these threads down.

Post by Sweep (5,272 posts) See mini bioLevel 25 / 1868 ACH / 25485 P

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@Tylea002 said:
Maybe there should be a relationship advice subforum?
Over my dead body.
Relationship advice threads are the bane of the internet, Giant Bomb especially. This is a videogame website. Nobody cares that you can't get laid.

Posted 19 minutes ago

In that last one, he's directly insulting the OP, which I believe is in violation of site rules. Just like you think "nobody cares that you can't get laid", Sweep, nobody cares what threads you do or don't like. This isn't your forum.

I don't really care much about relationship threads, really. I do think threads about personal lives foster a sense of belonging and community on the internet, which is the point of a forum, and especially an Off-Topic forum. In fact, some funny memes have started from these threads, some people actually give good and meaningful advice, and a number of relationships (not just mine) started on these forums. If the users decide to use the forums for this, I think it's their right and their decision. Not Sweep's. And it's the principal of the thing. The job of a mod is to enforce the site rules. Not to have the site and its users be what they want them to be and do what they want them to do.

I've never been one to be like "fuck the Mods" or a conspiracy-theorist or any of that bullshit. I just think he's breaking the site's rules and doing shit he shouldn't be, so I'm calling it out. I have no problem with Sweep at all, I just think this situation needs to be addressed. Despite how you may or may not feel about relationship threads, what are your thoughts on this?

I agree with you. Sweep's a cool dude, but he's been getting pretty lock-happy lately.

I would argue that a 'Girl Advice Thread' is the definition of flame baiting.

Edit: And troll baiting.

I enjoy internally laughing at girl advice threads, but I agree that I don't think they should be banned from this site. They're nice to read and most people who post these threads actually do need advice. I don't see the problem with other people seeking help and other people genuinely wanting to help coming together like that.

You never know if they're serious or not. There are so many. You could argue that they are spam, trolling, or encourage trolling.

I don't see the problem locking these threads down.

video game website guys

Where do I sign for a "No relationship threads" rule?

A lot of people here, mods and users alike, have double standards and odd moral compasses.

Nothing new.

I also think it's a shame to see these relationship threads being locked since I love reading them and sometimes participate in them. I don't quite get how it's alright locking them since they're not against the rules, but if there's on thing I've been told a lot on this forum it's to not go against the mods.

This thread probably won't stay alive for long either.

I never read them but I've got to give you much respect for this thread.
 
@theguy said:

Where do I sign for a "No relationship threads" rule?

I don't participate in the relationship advice threads, but that last lock did seem a bit odd. It's a trite topic, and I don't think there's anything to be gained from asking for advice like that on a videogames forum, so I'd understand a forum-wide ban on the subject, but in the absence of a rule against them, I don't think a straight-up lock is the way to go so long as the thread remains civil. There's not a forum-wide ban on religion or politics threads, but there's an implicit understanding that when things get out of hand, the thread will be locked, as per the rules. There's no reason for relationship threads to be dealt with any differently.

@Totori said:

video game website guys

off topic

@Sweep:

Don't let these people brainwash you! Fuck relationship threads on giantbomb. Jesus.

@Galiant said:

You never know if they're serious or not. There are so many. You could argue that they are spam, trolling, or encourage trolling.

I don't see the problem locking these threads down.

Then why don't we have a big ass "Girl Advice" thread? If someone wanted advice, they'd just post in there instead of making their own.

@Cloudenvy said:

but if there's on thing I've been told a lot on this forum it's to not go against the mods.

That's a problem. That partly comes from people doing stupid shit and being full of themselves, I'm just bringing up what I think is an interesting point. If it gets locked just because I'm asking a question, I think it's a shame.

Yeah there has been some dickery around as of late. But hey, I'm a conscientious objector!

edit: And why doesnt he wanna help a dude bro get laid? Community brosef!

If people would just start touching her shoulder, this wouldn't be an issue.

I am excited to see where this thread will go

@FluxWaveZ said:

Then why don't we have a big ass "Girl Advice" thread? If someone wanted advice, they'd just post in there instead of making their own.

More like a "Big-Ass-Girl Advice" thread ;)

@Totori said:

video game website guys

off topic

I agree, it shouldn't matter what you talk about as long as it follows the site rules. Especially applies in Off-Topic, talk about whatever you want.

@FluxWaveZ said:

@Galiant said:

You never know if they're serious or not. There are so many. You could argue that they are spam, trolling, or encourage trolling.

I don't see the problem locking these threads down.

Then why don't we have a big ass "Girl Advice" thread? If someone wanted advice, they'd just post in there instead of making their own.

I encourage you to pursue this initiative! I'd do it myself, but...I'm beating an undead horse to level my two-handed skill, and typing is slow with one hand.

Those threads don't serve any porpuse other than entertaiment material, for every couple of "advices" from these so called 'socially adept' dudes , there are 10 "fake your own death/touch her shoulder" comments.

@ShaggE said:

If people would just start touching her shoulder, this wouldn't be an issue.

that's insensitive to gay men and women D: it should be touch his or her shoulder.

I find Sweep to be a good mod in general, but have to agree with you on this one.

It's not just relationship threads, I was in a thread a while back and people mentioned The IT Crowd, Sweep locked it just because he didn't like The IT Crowd.

I agree. This website has the best moderators I've ever seen, and Sweep is a killer dude, but in the last few months the thread locking has lost its professional, site-representing attitude and turned into a personal "what mood is the moderator in?" kind of shindig.

When it comes to the Girl Advice issue specifically, I personally believe they should be either locked or kept open based on their content. If there's an actual social discussion going on with people exchanging opinions in a decent manner, I don't see why it should get locked. Whereas if it's just dumb or full of random posts, it's spam.

The thread presented in the OP however, was clearly pointless since the guy missed out on having sex and he's trying to share his regret.

Hey look, a thread complaining about a mod, THIS WILL END WELL RIGHT? RIGHT???????????

Besides, we have an off topic sub for a reason. This is a videogame forum, but it is an OFF TOPIC sub. As long as its not breaking rules i should beable to post off topic shit in there

@theguy said:

Where do I sign for a "No relationship threads" rule?

Same. They usually just devolve into back and forth comments of "TOUCH HER SHOULDER SOFTLY LOLOLOL" or "u shud hit dat lololololol." Riveting. Maybe they shouldn't have an anonymous forum for this type of thing so they, I don't know, actually learn first hand on how to deal with relationship problems instead of defaulting to that bastion of maturity and completely reliable information, "the Internet." Not the first time it will come up.

@Wrighteous86: Can we elect you mod? Good on you for speaking up and being reasonable.

While we are talking about closing threads, I never like how potentially interesting threads get shut down. I think just because someone posts a video with no writing, doesn't mean that there can't be a discussion. I know that is a rule, but a kind o lame one.

Also I forgot who it was but i could have sworn a mod made a hurting girlfriend/ abortion of their baby joke. I don't remember it, and was gonna say something but ended up really not caring. Just thought it was odd.

I agree, it shouldn't matter what you talk about as long as it follows the site rules. Especially applies in Off-Topic, talk about whatever you want.

@AngelN7: What purpose is any thread about video games then? Or photoshop threads? Or Giant Bomb Babies? Or anything @Jay444111 writes?

@Wrighteous86 said:

@Cloudenvy said:

but if there's on thing I've been told a lot on this forum it's to not go against the mods.

That's a problem. That partly comes from people doing stupid shit and being full of themselves, I'm just bringing up what I think is an interesting point. If it gets locked just because I'm asking a question, I think it's a shame.

Well, I imagine they'll lock it and say "If you have a problem with one of the mods, PM us instead of making a thread about it" like they've done so many times.

@Wrighteous86: If it wasn't clear, I was being sarcastic when I said we should have our own Relationship forum. THAT IS AN AWFUL IDEA. It does have no place here.

That said, I'm an optimist and I like to believe that every single one of those threads is created by someone who does genuinely believe that a gaming website could help them with their relationship. But as the site grows, you have to lay down the rules. Thus why the "best breasts" thread worked 2 years ago when the site was smaller.

It doesn't play on a larger scale.

@Animasta said:

@ShaggE said:

If people would just start touching her shoulder, this wouldn't be an issue.

that's insensitive to gay men and women D: it should be touch his or her shoulder.

Touching HIS shoulder is too dangerous, as you can see:

also I don't think sweep was a good mod, during that thread about banning those words that were banned and yet cunt was considered fine, he just kept dropping it despite many people saying to him that it was offensive.

Not to say he shouldn't be able to say it because the (very very arbitrary) rules on wordz, but mods working THAT blue... they should hold themselves up to a little higher of a standard.

Don't like it don't click it I say.
No need for lockings.
 
Yes I'm talking about the redhead topic, grumble grumble.

Honestly, relationship threads can get weird/creepy; but I can't see any reason that people shouldn't actually be allowed to make them...

I don't think it is an issue of mods 'making their own rules', but rather them having a different interpretation of the rules. Every relationship thread has dozens of 'Touch her shoulder', which could be viewed as trolling. Posting that topic leads to that post, which could be seen as troll baiting. Troll baiting is against the rules.

Shall I play Devil's advocate? Even though I'm clearly not advocating for the Devil, unless Sweep is not telling us something.

The mods, in my opinion, are there to keep topics that they deem unsavoury or spammy or meaningless off the boards. That's the whole point of moderation, and it's why they get the power. So, if they deem that something is not appropriate and is actively being a detriment to the boards, then they are entitled to lock it down. If there wasn't a policing presence, then this whole place could devolve into something very, very disturbing quickly.

On the other hand, I'll acknowledge that I don't agree with these relationship threads being shut down, partially because I like telling people the obvious advice they need to hear and partially because the potential for hilarity is high. Shutting down a thread that's not in violation of any of the rules just because you don't like it seems like a misuse of power. But again, mods are generally picked for a reason, and so their decision needs to be respected to an extent, I guess. Disagreement can be had, but it's not necessarily within our rights to tell them what they can and can't do; that comes from even higher.

Anyway, thusly is my opinion. Thought I'd get in before this thread gets locked too.

I want my GOD-DAMN RELATIONSHIP ADVICE THREADS, DAMN IT SWEEP! Do not deny me!

I agree. Why have rules if you just make up your own.

@Totori said:

@Dagbiker said:

@Totori said:

video game website guys

off topic

hand jobs

auto-erotic asphyxiation

@Wrighteous86 said:

@AngelN7: What purpose is any thread about video games then?

To talk about videogames? not to make fun of videogames I'm sure , and I'm not in the postion to say what the threads someone like @Jay444111 writes are for I don't bully/troll people.

@Totori said:

@Dagbiker said:

@Totori said:

video game website guys

off topic

hand jobs

auto-erotic asphyxiation

I'll leave this here, in case things actually do go in that direction.

@Totori said:

@Example1013 said:

@Totori said:

@Dagbiker said:

@Totori said:

video game website guys

off topic

hand jobs

auto-erotic asphyxiation

Muppet porn

Jeff/Ryan fan fic

@AngelN7 said:

Those threads don't serve any porpuse other than entertaiment material, for every couple of "advices" from these so called 'socially adept' dudes , there are 10 "fake your own death/touch her shoulder" comments.

Usually from the mod in question..

@AngelN7: Then why is there a sub-forum? My point is, everything has a purpose to specific people. And I actually like Jay, I was just commenting on how people take his threads, usually.

@Dagbiker said:

@Totori said:

video game website guys

off topic

Yes, there is an off topic place for a reason, guess what may be good to talk about there?

"Video game website guys" is a lame excuse unless you also want to stop people from talking about Prometheus, or "what is your favorite cartoon?"