What causes RP admins to delete threads?

2015-03-13T11:12:35-04:00

Okay so in posting this question it brought up a few that maybe this can get merged into:

Possible RP feature: Link to other threads
Causes for sickness at Ft. McClellan?
Blocked access to RP.
Admins are merge crazy?
Retirees and Veterans, after you separated, did you stay involved in military circles or causes? How and what?

Which I don't see the link, merge crazy could be a stretch.

However, I thought RP was a place for 1) connecting with like minded individuals, 2) sharing ideas/posts on matters that concern them, 3) a mentor like atmosphere.

I have notice many many many topics are becoming repetitive (Stolen Valor, Red White and True, Women in or out, Equal but not really, and others.)

Some topics might not have a true purpose besides getting members to interact socially, but should this be removed in the merits of "lack of content" then I guess I should help create a new version somewhere else.

Plus, should spark a change in either the moderation and or creation of a forum based system and not digital medal warriors.

So, in question form, what do you think of how the moderation of the RP is going? Killing it or going good?

[edited: spelling mistakes.]

As of 1010 hours on 14-Mar-2015 a lot of the responses have brought to light the follow:
- Most Admins are trying to make sense of topics and ensuring there is no major violations [kudos]
- Merged topics seem to be a random effect as one brought up million of stolen valor still out there.
- It is up to us as members to police our own. If you see a personal attack - have personal courage to stop it.
- RP is still a work in process; hopefully there can be a beta to test any upgrades/changes soon.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2015 11:40 AM

2015-03-13T11:40:40-04:00

"However, I thought RP was a place for 1) connecting with like minded individuals, 2) sharing ideas/posts on matters that concern them, 3) a mentor like atmosphere."

I wasn't sure on how to phrase this response but more than likely it will be my last for quite a while. I thought so too on the above until yesterday morning when my views about RP considerably changed. I no longer feel welcome after being falsely accused by some senior admins. Sadly, a huge part of my life was ripped away from me when I retired but the pain was lessened through interactions on here. Sadly, that too has now been ripped away from me.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2015 1:33 PM

2015-03-13T13:33:37-04:00

I think they could reign in a little more on things that affect us and our conduct/daily lives. Yes, some level of laid back should exist in a forum like this, but the goal or "mission"of the forum gets lost when the dialogue gets crowded with memes, repetitive themes (females in fill in the blank). I think it should be limited to things that directly relate to our military lives. This is pretty subjective, I know, but it it's better than the apparent free for all that it is now, which frequently obscures some very important topics that should be discussed, and the opportunity to actually mentor one another and answer some of the questions that may be considered "grey area". The baby flag thing I posted for example, made for some really good dialogue and critism I was prepared to receive, but many could argue "does it matter?" However it can also be argued that it becomes a question of how much do we wither away standards and traditions? So I could understand if that were deleted, unless it were in some way turned into a relevant discussion about how we instill discipline in practicing the minor things, to develop habits for the greater more relevant things than infants in colors. I think is fair to say we could all make a more concentrated effort to cut a lot if the BS out, and remember that while this is a form of social media, it has a general purpose and we should maintain that atmosphere so that it can better be utilized by those who might legitimately need help with something. 14 questions a day so you can rack up some meaningless rallypoint points (seriously, kill it) doesn't help anyone (not even you). The occasional humor is great, and even welcomed, but it's getting out of hand. Memes help no one, and neither does kicking dead horses. I promise, no one has EVER changed their mind about what they think about women in certain jobs based on what ANYONE has ever said about it. Yes, we know stolen valor happens, there's another website for that. No, we don't care if you're religious or not (well, some might). Remember, this is Rallypoint, not Facebook. Remember tact. Remember you're still talking to a SFC, a CSM, or full bird Colonel. The informal atmosphere seems to make a few forget that there is a reason we use rank and full name. Again, Rallypoint, not Facebook.

Response by CW5 Sam R. Baker made Mar 13 at 2015 2:38 PM

2015-03-13T14:38:25-04:00

Unfortunately it is often redundancy to a question or topic that has already been discussed and should be refreshed. There are trends it seems and the same question, much like history, just repeats itself. Using the search to find an old topic that one perceives as new is a start. I have asked a question after searching and found it to have been already asked or addressed before. Sometimes your question or topic is merged, other times just deleted. There is no room for negative, profane, attacking situations in what should be a professional and respectful social network of the Nations 1%.

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made Mar 13 at 2015 3:36 PM

2015-03-13T15:36:14-04:00

I will tell you how I do it SFC Private RallyPoint Member, and I will just speak about how I do it. If a forum question is looking for the same information as an already posted forum, I will do one of two things. If the post has no responses, then I will merge it with the post that it is replicating. If there is already an active thread and discussion, I will post the link to the previous discussion as reference.

RallyPoint has grown exponentially since I joined and it is very difficult to keep up with all the forum posts. For that same reason, I feel it is more beneficial to the group as a whole to link discussions by showing previous discussions than to merge them with no notice. Again, just my opinion.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2015 9:55 PM

2015-03-13T21:55:40-04:00

I think it's going okay, SFC Private RallyPoint Member. RP member admins (and the RP Team) are doing their level best to make RallyPoint a better place for SMs, vets, and retirees.

I don't post a lot of questions, so I haven't had many (any?) deleted or merged. As you noted, the system now offers possible similar questions -- to make it easy for you to see if the question (or topic) in your discussion thread already exists on RallyPoint.

No site is perfect, and no person is perfect. There will be glitches and mistakes made. The bottom line for me, though, is that I'm glad we have RallyPoint, even if I'm not in love with every discussion, every policy, etc. Say, that's kind of how I feel (and felt for 30 years of active duty) about the Army.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 14 at 2015 4:15 AM

2015-03-14T04:15:49-04:00

It's the military internet. The supreme commander has written the "Ten Commandments" and thou shalt not break them. However, the supreme commander (and his minions) have the right to change/delete whatever they see fit because it is in the "Commandments". Failure to obey results in excommunication/banishment.

The problem is they are regulating a mode of speech and allowing "volatile" subjects to be posted/discussed. There is much passion on certain subjects based on a persons values, upbringing, etc. There are also a lot of stupid people in the world who throw out uneducated opinions, which is fine because it's their opinion but it's painful because you can't tell them to STFU.

I like a heated debate and like to hear other peoples opinions, most of the time I respect that person for having a different point of view or opinion but, get frustrated if it's not mutual. Discussions will continue to get re-hashed and I just skate right by them or drop a Brace Yourself meme.

I can't even remember what your discussion was about but, I feel better for some reason. Thanks!

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 14 at 2015 11:29 AM

2015-03-14T11:29:44-04:00

Not sure how to vote on this one, but if I see another post on 'Should 2LT salute 1LT?' posted by the all-star CPT Private RallyPoint Member, I'm gonna take that thread and hang that member with it!! >8-(