IndiForum Community Guidelines

Thanks for pointing this out Ranjith. Renie, this needs to be fixed.

So,  my guess was right! 

Ranjith, was this a guess or you really saw it happening? I did not really noticied this yet, but I did feel something amiss. 

Aah I thought you are pointing to a bug you are aware of. I'll test it rigt away

Ranjith is right. I created a thread and locked it. And then I was able to edit it. See this

http://www.indiblogger.in/forum/topic.php?id=17294

Ani, Hemal  I actually notiCed it in one tHread ( wHere I posted something for wHiCH I felt bad later on   ) 

Now, tHat you HaVe tested it, I was CorreCt!  Also see if tHat loCked tHread on editing gets bumped on. As far as I know / Can reCall, it Happens.

Editing a locked thread shouldn't be a problem and in MY opinion, it should be allowed. 

On second thought, I am also in favor of having this option. Take for example, a thread was locked and the thread creator feels that he/she needs more info, he/she can edit the thread and ask IndiPolice to unlock it. 

Editing a locked thread should not be allowed, as there is no purpose served. Since it is locked, it will not let anyone else to reply to that thread - so there is no meaning why the Thread Creator should be able to edit the thread after it is locked.

WHat if tHe THread Creator wants to get it unloCked for some reason. At Least tHere sHould be a button named 'Request mods for unlocking tHreads' For example, tHe tHread migHt HaVe been locked and the TC Has unsubscribed from e mail notification for tHat tread. He comes back after a week or so and gets confused on what is to be be done 

I'm sure tHis discussion will eventually lead to the discussion on 'Should a thread be locked if the purpose is solVed' ( regardless of the fact tHat it was Already mentioned by Renie tHat it Can be locked  ) and I remember tHat tHere was a big disCussion on tHis topiC. 

Locking tHreads after tHe purpose is solVed is BAD  ( MY opinion   )

I am strongly of the opinion that the thread should be locked once the purpose is achieved. However, editing should be allowed so that the thread creator can request for unlocking. Or alternatively, an option can be given as "Request for Unlock"

Continuing your reply... 

An edited tHread sHould not be bumped but IP sHould be mailed about tHe editing of loCked tHread. No mail = No use of allowing editing.

Locking tHreads after tHe purpose is solVed is BAD  ( MY opinion   ) - THis time strongly 

Keeping the thread editable after locking it does not make any sense at all. 

Rather, a locked thread could be unlocked after Raising a Request with IndiPolice. This way, the creator should be able to unlock a thread that they want to persue. 

If a loCked tHread is not allowed to be edited, tHen tHe word of tHe IndiPoliCe will be tHe last word spoken. ( Now, it is a different tHing tHat most of tHe tiMes, tHe DeCision to loCk tHe tHread is CorreCt  )

Ranjith, why are you typing weirdly? I think a locked thread should not be editable, there is no purpose in that. The thread creator must have some button which sends a request to the Indipolice with a one line description on why he/she wants it unlocked. It is something like we Indipolice use the Tag the Inditeam button to get their attention.

Some of tHe keys on my keyboard are not working in lower Case ( You Can't ask me to restart my Computer  )

Now, eVeryone Has a different opinion about it and it is upto Renie to deCide. 

But still, I stand on my opinion ( eVen tHougH I don't HaVe any proper justifiCation  ) 

i think if we discuss merits and demerits of both these approaches we will be able to come to a conclusion.

I always feel ( and noticed ) that discussions do not lead to conclusionS ( We Can HaVe a discussion on tHis argument some other day  )

But these are my reasons ( most of wHiCH I already mentioned )  :

SHould not be loCked : Mostly, tHreads are locked ( on other forums ) only if it falls under spam or similar tHings. 

Should be allowed to edit loCked tHreads :

EVeryone SHould be equal. IP Can loCk tHreads. So, tHey will be HaVing tHe CHanCe to speak tHe last words. ( NotHing against IP's  )

If tHe tHread was dealing witH some teCHniCal problem, and was loCked beCause tHe purpose was solVed and if later on tHat solution no longer works due to some CHange in software ( like CHanges in Blogger etC ), tHen He Can Edit tHat tHread saying tHat tHe solution no longer works so tHat otHers wHo Come aCross tHat tHread won't waste tHeir time trying tHat solUtion. 

THe TC Can put a message saying tHat He Had done it unknowingly ( posting links etC ) if He was not aVailable for Comment at tHe time of loCking - so tHat people wHo Come aCross tHat tHread later on will not tHink anytHing bad about tHe tHread Creator. 

LoCked tHreads wHiCH are edited sHouldn't be displayed in tHe reCent list : THe same reason wHiCH Renie Said

IP sHoUld reCeiVe a notifiCation about edits to loCked tHreads / THere sHould be a 'Request for unloCking' : THe same reason wHiCH I already stated :::: WHat if tHe THread Creator wants to get it unloCked for some reason. At Least tHere sHould be a button named 'Request mods for unlocking tHreads' For example, tHe tHread migHt HaVe been locked and the TC Has unsubscribed from e mail notification for tHat tread. He comes back after a week or so and gets confused on what is to be be done  ::::::

Most of my reasons look artificial because not all tings HaVe reasons! 

I agree with Ranjith on all the points.

Thanks Pankti 

My opinion: -

SHould not be loCked : Mostly, tHreads are locked ( on other forums ) only if it falls under spam or similar tHings. 

In my opinion, what happens on other forums should not be a decisive factor for this forum. We should think of logical reasons to decide what is best for us. On a lot of forums, replies are held for moderation. A moderation first approves them and then they are visible. Obviously we cannot have such things here.

Should be allowed to edit loCked tHreads :

EVeryone SHould be equal. IP Can loCk tHreads. So, tHey will be HaVing tHe CHanCe to speak tHe last words. ( NotHing against IP's  )

I am unable to relate these two things: Unlocking of thread and having last word. Most recently locked thread was the one created by Rio and I do not see IndiPolice having last say there. In fact, last say there is of Ranjith and Nandini. 

If tHe tHread was dealing witH some teCHniCal problem, and was loCked beCause tHe purpose was solVed and if later on tHat solution no longer works due to some CHange in software ( like CHanges in Blogger etC ), tHen He Can Edit tHat tHread saying tHat tHe solution no longer works so tHat otHers wHo Come aCross tHat tHread won't waste tHeir time trying tHat solUtion. 

He/she can send a request to unlock the thread as suggested by Hemal. Based on reason provided by the requestor, IndiPolice can then unlock the thread.

THe TC Can put a message saying tHat He Had done it unknowingly ( posting links etC ) if He was not aVailable for Comment at tHe time of loCking - so tHat people wHo Come aCross tHat tHread later on will not tHink anytHing bad about tHe tHread Creator. 

Self-promotion threads are to be deleted and not to be locked. So, this point does not seem to be valid. Please let me know if you are pointing to something else.

LoCked tHreads wHiCH are edited sHouldn't be displayed in tHe reCent list : THe same reason wHiCH Renie Said

It is in conrtast to your another point where you said if the problem is not resolved, one should be able to edit and ask for help once more. If the thread will not pop-up, no one would notice and hence, the purpose would not be solved. Anyway, my opinion is to have an option to "Request for unlock" and it can be used by anyone and not only by the thread creator. Anyone may need to post on a locked thread, isn'it?

IP sHoUld reCeiVe a notifiCation about edits to loCked tHreads / THere sHould be a 'Request for unloCking' : THe same reason wHiCH I already stated :::: WHat if tHe THread Creator wants to get it unloCked for some reason. At Least tHere sHould be a button named 'Request mods for unlocking tHreads' For example, tHe tHread migHt HaVe been locked and the TC Has unsubscribed from e mail notification for tHat tread. He comes back after a week or so and gets confused on what is to be be done  ::::::

Agree with the option to have request for unlock and this option should be available to everyone, reason explained above.

Most of my reasons look artificial because not all tings HaVe reasons! 

When we talk of guidelines and rules to run the forum, we need logical reasons. We already have seen a lot of chaos in the past due to lack of clarity.

It is in contrast to your another point where you said if the problem is not resolved, one should be able to edit and ask for help once more. 

You are probably referring to something I said in the previous thread I made when discussing about should threads be locked. 

Edits for locked threads should not be visible in recent threads.

This should be the case when locking is implemented. The edited thread featuring in recent list is of no use as no one can respond unless the thread is unlocked. So, it should not be visible unless an IP unlocks it. 

Their individualist counter reaction too would stop, then.

Thanks P for this suggestion. This is a point in the recommendations that has been sent to IndiTeam.

Vijay, appreciate this. There has been time lags for a couple of reasons: -

1. We may not always be available on the forum to take notice of such threads which may lead to time lag.
2. Normally, we first leave a message before deleting so that the thread creator is able to know that he has done something wrong. If a thread is deleted without any warning, many would not even know what went wrong and will continue doing so.
3. It is good that people comment on such thread. It helps a new member and he knows that he has done something wrong. It is sepcially helpful in cases where none of the IndiPolice is around.

VP, Indipolice has day jobs too!! I dont have access to Indiblogger during my office hours. So there will be time lag unless one the Indipolice is free.

I accept that Ani and DS and know that you people take time out of your busy schedules but suppose 'x' posts a SSP which is online for full day and 'y' posts it when mods are available, the 'y's post will be deleted immediately and this may create unnecessary grouse.

you are right vp. but what solution do we have? and thats why pointing out by other members that it is not allowed makes sense isnt it?

I am afraid there is no solution for that VP. Also there are times when Indipolice are busy with their lives, sometimes few may not even get the time to visit the forum for days. As it is there are only 5 Indipolice as I know it, and one of them, Leo, has been long absent from the forum.

there are many more ds. around 12 of them if i am not wrong. but as of now only 4 of us are active

Ranjith, this exactly is the ask. Nothing like Animesh (IndiPolice)! We hate it too. 

Yes, it also sounds unnatural 

Yeah Plain Indipolice does not sound cool. Maybe something invidually customized like Animesh - "The Captain of Controversy', DS - "The Exterminator", TF- "The Terror of the 7 domains", Hemal - "The Crusader of Peace" and the like.

EVen tHougH I am not an IP, I too want a title 

what about badges for forum heroes??

There are no badges for Forum Heros.

LOL TF!

@ Deka - It is the quality of replies that makes one a hero, not the quantity. And real heroes dont need any badges.

Real heroes do not need badges, but the society feels the gratitude and adorns them with medals of honor. Here at indie when the term of hero is adorned for quantity of replies, one should look for real heroes in cine theateres. When the forum explicitly decides to judge each comment by it's weight and worth and then adorn the hero title, then only one can expect major change. Otherwise, I myself see no point in trying a go to bash and demoralize a forum hero, on low quality of comments.

I agree with Rio on Forum Hero's opinion.

Even I agree with Rio. 

Either update the logic used to list the forum heroes or accept things the way they are. 

Thanks  FP, I really appreciate the support. 

Thanks Ranjith.

Can I request everyone to not open a debate on these things here. Yes, it is true that forum hero is determined by the number of replies and not by the quality. This is also true that there is no way one can measure quality of reply on any thread. So, let's bury it here. The thread is created for clarifying guidelines and let's stick to that. Having badges or no badges have nothing to do with this thread. Moreover, I think there is a dedicated section for Forum Heroes and this is a privilege already given to them.

Yes, we can stop discussing about it ( and never discuss about it again ) as long as no one comments about the quality of replies they make.

I think there is a dedicated section for Forum Heroes and this is a privilege already given to them.

Do one of these things :

• Remove the list of forum heroes completely.
• Use some other algorithm to determine whose names should be listed in the forum heroes section.
• Don't comment on the quality of replies made by others.

• Remove the list of forum heroes completely. I cannot do that.
• Use some other algorithm to determine whose names should be listed in the forum heroes section. I cannot do that.
• Don't comment on the quality of replies made by others. I did not make any comment. I have said it earlier too and saying it again. Stop looking at IndiPolice as if they are different from you and for God sake, do not look at them as if they are all one. You can refer to the following: -

The IndiPolice aren't infallible. They can make mistakes and errors in judgement just like everyone else. However, they are IndiBloggers first, and have the same levels of protection as any other member. Personal attacks against the IndiPolice are not allowed. They are not paid to do what they do, and it's not an easy job at all.

Now one request from my side, can I?

Please do not ignore warnings/requests by IndiPolice on threads. Bypassing them is as if you are mocking them. Also, please do not make comments on IndiPolice publicly on IndiTalk (this may not be related directly to you) by calling them "that police" and then commenting on them. It irritates. For the last time, I am requesting, please treat us as one of the members and if that seems to be difficult, let us know. At least I am happy to do away with this burden of being IndiPolice for the sake of a fair treatment in this community.

First two things were for Renie and the third sentence was in general, not for you. 

I took it onto myself as it was in reponse to my request of stop debating about it. My bad, sorry

ok 

@ All (Ranjith, Deka, Rio, PM, Animesh) The statement about forum heroes was made in general and not directed at anyone in particular. It applies to me as well. And, is it not the quality that defines a hero (Tushar Kapoor can do a hundred films per year but for all of us Amir who will probably do only one a year will still win hands down)? Yes, a software does not have the brains to interpret that, but we as thinking humans, we know the value of a person based on interactions we have had with him/her in the past or by watching him interact with others on a public forum. I did not mean to hurt anyone, I have never ever meant to hurt anybody here.

It is indeed a good suggestion Ranjith, and I would make it a point to speak to Renie about this. 

However this thread talks about the forum guidelines and people behaviour, and let us keep our discussions to that. 

Bad software engineering decision  

I was waiting for someone to say tHat.  But my reply is in a way related to tHe reason behind this Thread .  ( WHiCH I don't want to mention Here and WHiCH eVeryone knows )

( I Hope my reply will Confuse anyone wHo reads tHis tHread in tHe future  )

.

Bad software engineering decision was posted before I read your reply.

@Ranjith - what is the point you are trying to make by saying things that we did not understand knowing well that it will be confusing everyone?

NotHing.

Sent you an IndiMail.

Nice point Ranjith,  please allow me to add another technical need. A spam thread, when a comment of warn has been given explicitly, and he has not responded for quite sometime. some member tries some sarcastic line. Another who comes in to write something valuable see's the cues and writes small take and leaves. Now the spam creator though innocent, tries a go to clean his mess by accepting fault at one place and thrashing at another. Now exact time of reply is not available. It shows just as "one day ago" etc. And to onlooker it just represent anx portray the villainous approach. To sum up. Time of reply should be frozen on spam or controversial thread.

Sir, please see the following: -

If you spot a SSP thread, you can point it out to the blogger in question. However, please try not to reply to the subject of the thread/SSP link. Once a conversation starts on an SSP thread, it becomes harder to delete it.

It is better not to engage on discussions on a self-promotion thread other than pointing out to the thread creator that this is not allowed. If this rule is followed, situation described by you will hardly arise. Let me know if I am going wrong somewhere.

When it comes to the time of the replies on the threads, somehow I like the idea of exact time like 3.05 PM, 9/10/2013 format better. On any thread, not for any specific thread. This is MY opionion. And everybody has the right to disagree to it.

That seems to be a nice suggestion and the thought had crossed my mind few days back. I aso agree with this.

But again, the thread is not about the changes in forum design or other things. Its about community guidelines and let's stick to that. All these features etc. can be discussed on other threads.

Hey Ranjith, there's an issue here, many bloggers who delete their profiles have decided to leave blogging altogether, or they do not want their names or views indexed by search engines. They specifically ask us to delete all traces of them from IB!

@Fairy Princess - for now, you can move your mouse over the "X hours ago" or "z minutes ago" to see the exact time of posting.

Thats news Renie! I never knew that existed... 

@Renie, eh? I didn't get you.

PS: I am technically challenged. So please put up with my ignorance.

just put ur mouse over time under ur name...u;ll get the date/time

Oh! Gotcha. Thanks ND

Hey Ranjith, there's an issue here, many bloggers who delete their profiles have decided to leave blogging altogether, or they do not want their names or views indexed by search engines. They specifically ask us to delete all traces of them from  IB!

Then, I think the current implementation is better. 'Feelings' first, other things next! 

In that case, the name can be replaced with "Deleted Profile" and that should be sufficinet. I don't think if someone asks that every word written by him/her is also deleted, it's a genuine demand. Any contribution on the forum during my membership should remain at the forum forever. 

IndiBlogger does not have any T&C. ( Or does it have?  ) So, all replies on the forum belong to the person who posted them. 

Or it should be like this -  on deleting a profile, the name should be replaced with 'Deleted Profile' but their replies should not be touched. However, if that blogger asks for his posts to be deleted ( which might happen in most of the cases ), then his request should be granted. Because - Name being replaced with 'deleted Profile' is of not much use as in a discussion, his name might have been referred to by others. 

But the problem is that along with his replies, all related replies are also deleted. So, other members may feel bad if their detailed answers ( in most of the cases, technical answers ) are deleted. 

Conclusion [ according to me ] : There exists no solution to this problem. 

I know I have changed my opinion. 

for now, you can move your mouse 

Let it be so for ever and don't change the current timestamp format. I never bother to remember dates. 

I still do not agree with replies being deleted. This way you took away loads of assets with you. You contributed on the forum, all in a good faith and if, for any reason you are leaving, you can't ask for deleting your replies. It's like asking all your gifts back which you gave me when we were friends.

About the second point, I think what Renie menat was as of now, date and timestamp can be seen by hovering the mouse over there. He might be thinking of some further changes and these are only temporary makeshift.

Beg your pardon. Where did you see pinch of salt and drink any allegation/allegations?

A statement by elite member regarding Forum heroes surfaces at Indiblogger at this very thread. A clarification is furnished by one another.  Then another elite one wants no voicing of it at all and make it look as if Forum Hero category is a generous entitlement already  bestowed upon them for free. 

You are a matured person, both as a blogger and a person. You yourself told at many places that one cannot hear the tone on a thread or chat and hence, intentions can never be clear. I cannot talk about others, but let me clarify my statements now. Others can clarify for themselves. If I am not mistaken, you are talking about the portion about Forum Hero badges. This is what I have said there: -

Can I request everyone to not open a debate on these things here. Yes, it is true that forum hero is determined by the number of replies and not by the quality. This is also true that there is no way one can measure quality of reply on any thread. So, let's bury it here. The thread is created for clarifying guidelines and let's stick to that. Having badges or no badges have nothing to do with this thread. Moreover, I think there is a dedicated section for Forum Heroes and this is a privilege already given to them.

1. I requested everyone to stop this debate so that we do not end up fighting once again.
2. I agreed with that Forum Hero is determined by the number of replies and there is no way one can determine the quality of a comment.
3. I suggested that this thread is to clarify guidelines for the community and not for adding features etc. and hence, we should limit our discussion to that.
4. I also added my opinion about Forum Hero badges by saying that they have a dedicated place on the forum and on the home page and hence, I do not see any reason for having separate badges.

Would request you to let me know which of these remarks were below the belt or not called for or abusive or allegative or with a pinch of salt?

I said another elite member wants to stop voicing. I didn't refer your remark as abusive in first place. You explicitly wanted this stopped.  Now, this hadn't become a battleground but on a presumption one cannot stop voicing altogether. You are sensible enough to see the remark regarding Forum heroes and the reply was just a clarification from other sides.

I would just say you are making mountain of a molehill. You being senior most here can ignore few things and peace will prevail. Hemal has already apologized on behalf of all of us for any remarks which hurt someone. Rest as you wish

I will not voice my feelings then, if this can kerp up the spirit of forum. I never want to be spoilsport.

Thanks for understanding sir 

Thanks Hemal, the guidelines are really welcome and all of them are genuine ones very much needed on the forum. I am not against any clause and respect the decorum. I could have just quit the field, earlier, but kept on with guidance and support of an elite member only. I did realize quit was nonwarranted. My view is that everyone can

like or support any stance, and if one member is not liking indipolice action and stating in a healhy manner, i think none can force that member to like indipolice.

Hemal I agree with Rio on this.  As soon as the this thread was posted Ani got on to warn Ranjith on the Platinum Love thread.  That I think is taking things far too seriously.  Healthy banter can always be tolerated and Ranjith has been foremost when it comes to helping bloggers out.  None of us have the time or the will to answer each and every query the blogger has and once it is solved there is sigh of release which often leads to friendly banter.  Till the time Renie gives deleting powers to the mods I think it would be judicious on there part not to mock/warn bloggers.  Once the powers are in place you can any how delete the replies.  

Ranjith in my humbe opinion never deviated from the threads purpose on Platinum or on this thread. 

Vijay, why to see one side of the coin only? When I posted a general warning on the thread, was it not bypassed conveniently and people kept doing what they were doing, chit-chat on the main forum? Why not talk about that? I was forced to post that message, isn't it? If a message by an IndiPolice is ignored and bypassed an old member of the forum, it certainly sends a message to everyone else that doing so is OK. Let me also tell you that similar questions will be raised when we start deleting comments. We had warned of the situation like this in the past (Sorcerer talked about it around a year ago before quitting IndiPolice team) and it happened. I am sure we are heading towards new set of controversies with all this.

As far as taking things far so seriously is concerned, I am surprised why these things were not said when I was cornered for doing my duties on the forum and I was all alone defending myself? Why is it that IndiPolice has always to be on the receiving front?

Renie, I think you need to take a decision now whether this forum needs moderators or not. If members think that moderators are not required, so be it.

When I visited Singapore. Some years back, a spic clean city, i liked the decorum and enjoyed a lot, but miSsed dear India, where Restrictions were negligible. Then I saw a hoarding in Singapore " Tired of regulations,come to our Hotel, here you can spit anywhere you like, loiter inside the premises, nobody will question. These were two extremes. Here, at indi, we are lucky to have the great interface, enjoyed chit chats, learned beyond comparison, fought and reconciled like a man. Things get ugly by words only, another thing that I learned too. But I realized and apologized and buried the satchet. I feel to initiate a new beginning where freedom was impeccable, one oughta have patience, and callibre to withhold reactions. A new beginning has been made, we all can make great changes come true. Personal grudges oughta be over and done with.

Not true Ani I supported you that day when I thought you did the right thing.  I didnt interfere as things got too personal with you and PM with matters going to FB and all which is a strict no no in my books and I voiced my disapproval when you opened the Gintoojee thread though I agreed that whatever Gintoojee was doing was wrong.   When the things get out of hand I have always supported moderating them.  I could have interefered in Rio's thread too but didnt as you people were cleansing your hearts and getting over with a burning issue which has created a bitter avoidable void on Indiblogger.  Did you know that I had tagged Ranjans thread as SSP without replying even before Ranjith guided him and then all hell broke loose.  If the thread had been deleted at that point I dont think any prob would have arisen.   I think sometimes Indibloggers(all) comment on certain aspects in the heat of the moment and then regret it. Actually at the end of the thread I was happy you people buried your hatchet.   A cooling off period is necessary at that point.  I am still ashamed of the fact because a newbie quit indi because we guys jumped on him.

Re you next para I would say that you start deleting replies without telling the party concerned anonymously (this has been suggested before) and let the TS or the replier think what he/she did wrong.  Why should IP take all the blame?

Vijay, my bad. I types something in the heat of the moment. Yes, you were there supporting me and I am extremely sorry for what I commented before. Please accept my apologies. 

What you suggest makes sense which will always ensure that none is blamed personally. But tell me on thing, would it be right to delete comments without telling the reason? #WearingMyThinkingCap

One question, what do you mean by you tagged? This option is available to IndiPolice only if I am not wrong

Ani I punched the article as SSP right when it appeared I dont know whether that is called as tagging or not

Hi Rio and Vijay, 

Thanks for sharing your opinion. And appreciate your cooperation and welcoming of the guidelines.

I am not here to defend Animesh's reaction on that thread, and I was aware of his actions but if this is the very reason for this chaos, then I am sure to support a milder approach. 

However, at this time personal individual and indirect attacks had to stop, and chit-chats on the thread had to stop as well. The Guidelines were already in place, and we as IndiPolice of this forum wanted Renie to clarify and give us in clear terms what it would be. If this action would have been taken before this thread, we did not have any clear / crisp language written rule to point to. 

Now about freedom - well, we all are free in this world from freedom. Every country, every place has its own laws to keep decorum.

Keeping laws/rules does not mean it is culling anybody’s freedom, but laws/rules are made to ensure one’s freedom does not interfere with other's freedom. I think that is the world we live in, and that is what we are trying to do at IndiBlogger. The word Freedom sometimes can be taken way too personally or generally. Here, we are taking it generally, where there are equal rights to everyone. 

Everyone has the right to voice opinion, but as we have seen, many a times opinion turns sarcasm, fun to name calling or just a disturbance and it is the other person on receiving end losing his freedom. 

So, I think of this freedom with laws/rules as the way to have a neutral environment - to ensure one gets the right freedom him/herself and they do not interfere with other's freedom, which are generally  limited by laws/rules.

No Hemal you misunderstand me, I neither critisized Ani or have anything against him.  Its like this Hemal, I go around helping bloggers with their problems, simple and complex and in between a smiley or a off the cuff comment(believe me we really need that when there is a error and we are hot under our collars) should not be taken as violation of policies. I dont believe that as spamming or anything.  It would not only hurt me but also hurt the blogger with the problem.  (hypothetical scenario)

Because I have been through it myself and I have helped people who are getting 404 errors or comments not appearing at odd times of the day.  For eg look at Staggmann thread of moving to custom domain.  It is spread over infinte days and takes unbeievable patience on part of the replier as well the thread starter.  But at the end of the day, when the prob has been solved its all fine.  This is however my observation.  

Vijay, agree with what you said here and as I said earlier, I regretted doing that later. I resolved the issue with Ranjith later on Inditalk.

But there is another angle to it. Others may take clues from it and start chit-chat only. Now the situation may be as follows: -

One of the members is actively helping others and contributing to the forum while few others are only doing chit chat without actually engaging themselves in anything which can add values to the thread. In such a situation, if one is ignored and others are pointed out, it will have it's own repercussions. We may again be looked upon as biased beings, isn't it? In that case, only two options are left; either let it go the way it is going on or stop everyone. 

Now I do understand, and thank you very much for your clarification. I am with you brother, when you say about how healthy it could be. 

I may sound like I am imposing this, and my view is this - Threads on forum, as you rightly said, many a times have been under discussion for a long time and as you again rightly said, we take a sigh of relief when the issue is resolved. This brings in some cheer, which we share using smilies and responses which are not related to thread topic. IndiBlogger forum has seen that all these years.

The only problem we have is with the continued trend which eventually leads to Thread Hijacking - if that never happened, this issue would have never even come out. I am sure you would agree as you have been here and been part of so many conversations. 

Thread Hijacking led to reinforce the rule, and with more clarity now on the guidelines, for chit-chat, IndiTalk is the place to go. Whole purpose of IndiTalk is for those informal/non-topic discussions. 

A bit of history:

The Active Blogger thread is where the birth of idea of IndiTalk came out... the original thread had to be deleted by Renie since that thread was hogging server and caused IndiBlogger site to shut down. It was the only thread where chit-chat used to happen, and those who used that thread never chit-chatted in other threads. I think that was the level of understanding that we are looking for here.

Leading to birth of IndiTalk - which almost reduced a big chunk of chit chats on Active Blogger thread. The thread is still active, but not very much alive. 

Also, I think including myself, all other senior members and IndiPolice here appreicate the very fact that there are so many people who help including yourself and Ranjith. And we have never been against that. The whole movement only started once Thread Hijacking really surfaced out and loud - without caring for the Thread Creators' feeling some times. 

I think many of us are no aligned on what is good and what is bad, but on certain points there is bound to be difference of opinion. After all, not all five fingers are same. 

* spello

I think many of us are now aligned on what is good and what is bad, but on certain points there is bound to be difference of opinion. After all, not all five fingers are same. 

Agree with you bro no issues about that  but do make that change I suggested, reporting a article as SSP shoud come directly to you guys will save a lot of hassles

Yes yes, we will add it to the set of recommendations :)

Definitely yes Vijay, as Animesh said on IndiTalk, this is one of the recommendations that we had shared with the IndiTeam. Since the laundry list is large, it may not happen immediately, but I am sure Renie and everyone are working towards it as it has become a need rather than an added feature. 

He suggested (+) and (-) buttons on threads which will discourage spammers. Its not in our list.

Oh Okay! that one, sure I can add that to our list of recommendations. But I thought he said about reporting should come directly to IndiPolice.

In any case, Vijay just sharing with you what we mentioned in the recommednations for reporting the thread bit. 

2.f. Report Thread / Report This Topic notifications should go to IndiPolice so that IndiPolice can verify and take action if required. Notification can be on Email or via SMS Group Notifications (fastest way to communicate and action).

Thanks bro for taking that one up.  This is the one which in my opinion would make huge difference > http://prntscr.com/1w8z9b

Many forums have it to avoid verbal abuse

Oh, I know where you picked that from.. Kat.ph? 

Yep 

don't know who that was-maybe, I'm too suffering from short term memory loss-oh, that's why ...

It was me! 

no ranjith...it was gazini!

@Nandini It seems that Animesh's message on the Forum, IndiTalk and IndiMail about chit-chat on Forum threads did not help you. You are still doing the same thing again and again and again. Even on this very thread where guidelines have been laid to deter from doing so.. Please remember that IndiBlogger does not appreciate this. 

Well said CK, as a common indimember I do respect your opinion. By the grace of God guidelines are formulated and well in place on locking of threads too.

Damn! It's *Thank you not *Thanks you -> please excuse me for that typo  

Arti ji, my humble opinion : Give aways, many a times people offer giveaways, but they are basically mindwashers. i remember a blogger years ago had offered a problogger something as give away, which was a farce, and some heat had been generated there, then some come up with free domain hosting etc. this also I am no techie, so cannot say on this much, but look like a mindwash. Some are genuine too, but then discrimination thing would come up.

Thread highjack in my opinion should be not allowed at any cost, but what will be the measurement of the comments nature to be construed as a highjack and a mere small jest fall into a deliberate term of highjack and or a mere innocent jest, by one, but follwed by other membrs peculiar jests will entangle the previous innocent jester too into the web of highjack.

Right sir. And to avoid it, I advocate the need of not allowing irrelevant replies on serious threads at all.

Thread locking, spam threads i see necessary, but again, concluded threads closure decision will entail ambiguity. High judicious approach will be necessary.

What will one do of the brain itch. The monotony will ensue. A simple sentence "thanks a lot" can be considered rude if one wants to.

+1,-1 feature will rightly encourage animosity and shuld not be thought of in my opinion and i second your thoughts on this.

Sir, no one can stop people from taking meaning out of things. People are free to think Thank You as rude.

As far as high judicious approach is concerned, it is possible only if people trust IndiPolice and believe that they may make errors at time as they are human, too. But if people are not ready to forgive IndiPolice for petty mistakes, we will have to stick to strict rules. As in refer to rule book and take actions accordingly. 

We never needed any rules written in Black and White on this forum, did we? We both have been here almost for the same duration and things went pretty well. Why is it that we had to ask for a complete written set of rules? It was because things were going out of hand and people were confused. Someone thought that InsiPolice is taking undue advantage of its powers (if there are really are some real powers) and InsiPolice thought that they are being corenered and thrashed for nothing. It was not a good situation and hence, we are where we are.

I totally agree with what you said. We necer wanted this place to be run by strict rules, but given the current scenario we did not have any other option. If people start trusting IndiPolice, admit them as one of their own, and forgive them for few mistakes that they can make and at the same time can maintain the decorum of the forum with some masti at the same time, will it not be a better place?

Is it not the same forum where we wrote a complete story by using baton and we all enjoyed and no one objected to it? That was also a form of masti but it added value, we all laernt from it and we became closer. Why can't we all do some fruitful masti? Why do we want to confine to few smileys and irregular chit chat in the name of fun on the forum? When do we use IndiTalk then?

#SpokeMyHeartOutAndHappyNow

Please excuse me for typos and grammatical mistakes 

Great A, i only hope happiness prevails. Our star baton master creator of baton is not seen these days.

SM those are all past things.  As per new guidelines no such thing will be allowed. Treat this reply from you as resolved

Stagg Mann,

Thank you for pointing out these. We are already aware of issues with many threads and chit chat on thread and which is precicely why you see (not sure if you read all the points mentioned by renie above) this thread coming out. While protecting everyone's interest is what we are trying to achieve, we know that for some this may not be acceptable. But these rules are formed/created with majority of people in mind.

And I would also like to give you a Warning: Do not accuse fellow members without providing examples of what you are pointing out to. If you want to share examples of what you are pointing out, share it with IndiPolice via IndiMail. Your response on this thread is directly after SFJ pointed out your thread (again without taking names), leading everyone to believe that your response may be directed to SFJ's reply.

Since this thread in question is already locked and we have new rules to follow, any further responses / discussions on such topics will be viewed from the new and clear rules as stated above. Indirect namecalling is also a form of name calling, without using names. 

Thank you for your response, Hemal. For proof, I would like to point out a thread named "Applause to ****** for reaching 100 posts". I am leaving out the name out of respect and courtesy. Also, the other thread I was referring to was known as "Photo a day" or something- a phoney contest. Please curb such blatant attempts at link-spamming. Also, I think you will agree that my post was ambiguous enough to not really point out anyone, but then someone had to come forward and complain against it, which like you said lead everyone to believe my response was targetted at that person.

I would also like to point out that this person made an indirect reference to me, which I had the manners and ethics to not cry over or call foul play, because I believe everyone has a right to complain on this forum, even if the complaints are against me. So I take it I should also be allowed the same rights. You can see I have merely complained here and she is already claiming that it shouldn't be "allowed" and I or anyone else should be warned for complaining against her.

Stagg Mann, I too agree with Vijay. We all are here to enjoy. We can't go on locking old threads and deleting the two-or-three-or-four year old threads just because these threads didn't follow the new forum rules. As far as I understand and comprehend the forum rules, these rules are for us only. I enjoy an ad-free forum where people don't sell their stuff like some machchi market, so, I try abiding by the rules. I too have come across that thread, and would say that there are some other threads like that too, but, in my personal opinion, none of it appeared to me to be targeted at mutual admiration or such stuff. And I would request you to please do respect and kindly maintain the decency of the forum. We are on a public forum where whatever you say or do becomes part of your personality for people to associate you with. We all (don't know whether all have this or I'm alone) have a stand that is clearly reflected in the latest thread by Renie that clearly states that no thread, targeted at self promotion even in the form of giveaways or such should be allowed on the forum henceforth. I don't engage in backscratching and think that no one will/should backscratch me. And since everyone seems to be seen equal on the forum, I believe that everyone has got access to report a thread, and one should use it. Atleast that makes the thread come to the light in front of the forum admins/mods, and they will do whatever they deem fit for it. Moreover, since we are on a public where all sorts of people come and interact with each other, there are some points/topics which we do not like. In my opinion, one should stay away from such a thread till the time possible.

Don't bother replying to my long posts Hemal or Vijay . I just wanted to draw your attention to this matter, I don't want to waste your time complaining over every little post. I consider this issue resolved from my end under the new guidelines. In future I will take up any perceived problems by contacting the Indipolice.

Cyberkid I agree partly with your words man. It's just that when you see people breaking the rules and getting away with it you start to feel you are stupid for not breaking them yourself. Personally I have never link spammed ever- even when I needed you guys to help me move to a new domain, I always made sure to replace the blogname in my URL with "mydomainname" when posting it here for doubts.

Anyway I am happy with the new guidelines and only posted here as a response to someone else's post. I don't have a problem with the Indipolice whatsoever, or with the members who have been very helpful to me.

Stagg Mann, I see where you're coming from, and it's something I'll look into for sure. This is something that should be cut down with the upcoming upgrades.

However, that line - "You give a monkey a laptop and it will probably type a 1000 gibberish posts in under a week." - that's not done at all; like I said earlier, if you disagree with something, talk about the action or the behaviour. Don't directly attack another blogger and call them names.

both the threads were created by another individual...a new comer forgot his name...but they were not created by SM though he replied on it

Thank you Nandini. Anyway I don't want any action to be taken against anyone. Let's forget it and move on already. I only posted here to make sure facts aren't being distorted.

The warning was regards to the accusation made, believing that you commented here (as stated in previous response) becasue SFJ placed the comment. 

About a Hate thread, I went through the thread entirely and I do not think the thread is a hate thread. As Renie stated above, disagreements are okay! Not all five fingers are same. 

Disagreements

The second rule of the forum:

Please respect other bloggers on the forum, keeping in mind that they have a right to an opinion as much as you do.

In a place with so many strong-minded individuals, there are bound to be disagreements. When expressing a complaint or a difference of opinion, it should be in the context of the other person's opinions or actions. Making judgements about the other person's character, or name-calling is not done. If you feel strongly about something and it has the potential to turn ugly, try and sort it out on a one-to-one basis rather than doing it publicly for all to see and possibly misunderstand.

Is the thread in question to do with gender bias and readership? I have to say that there may have been a few things said in a politically incorrect manner, and a few more which were simply politically incorrect because of too much generalization, but it's quite far from being a hate thread.

Do you mean the link is posted by the creator of the thread? Or by someone who is posting a review? If it's the latter, then I would say it's SSP for sure... signatures aren't necessary on IndiBlogger when the link to their blog is available on the profile page...

Yes, it is posted by reviewer. I see at many places, reviewer may have done it unknowingly but has to be warned of such actions.

Example http://www.indiblogger.in/forum/review.php?id=17328

Why Job Posting? Is there something that you saw? 

It will help us understand the issue better if you could provide leads to where / when it happened. 

Completely agree on your disagreement to unwanted replies on threads which are really demotivating, be it from any simple member or man in uniform....

Cheers.... Hulallahulalla......

Yes madhu yes.... Hope it grows more and gives shade to sunbaked souls like us..... Hulallahulalla

Nice suggestion T.S.

You again started vbulletin/xenforo  It can be done on IB also with 2-3 extra lines of code 

I feel that it is simply complicating things. There is a warning just above the chat box which says 'Link spamming on IT ...' But still people post links 

How is putting a tick complicating things? People take advantage by saying 'Oh I didn't read the rules and I am new'. This is happening on a regular basis. If people put a tick and still put their blog links, moderators can go ahead and delete the thread without warning. Because the OP was already informed but chose to ignore it. You can't use any form of lameass excuse.

It will waste screen space 

I just told what I felt. I like things that are simple.