An important message from the Management

Systems

So whats the "powers that be" think about all these suggestions?

madmax

We should have a "Big Meany" button that you push when someone is being mean, nasty or trying to badger or otherwise cause an argument. When it is pushed by 3 or more people it temperarily blanks out the statement until a moderator looks at it. If it was inappropriate the moderator will determine what to do to the author. If it was ok and the 3 or more people who pushed the button were trying to pull something over then they would receive a thrashing by the moderator.
madmax

nooshinjohn

Time to start beating people with wet noodles

PSOVLSK

I haven't waded through all 11 pages, but I'll add my 2 cents (even though it's not worth even that much).

1). Common sense would go a long way in solving some of the issues, but common sense isn't always very common.

2). People spamming it up to get to 25 post to sell something irritates me too, but is it really that hard to just not reply?

3). I enjoy the forum and spend too much time here so I'd like to see it hang around. Most of the "issues" don't really bother me anyway. I read the threads, shake my head in disbelief that people are getting so worked up over an internet argument, then go off to the Flea Market to see what's available:p

pitdogg2

Well i for one have had nothing but a very positive experience with the Polk forum. I have not been a member for very long and this is the only forum i belong to.The knowledge that i have been given by more than a few generous folks here is worth it's weight in gold. For this forum to be taken down to me seems like you are letting the bad apples(members) who likely joined just to start crap win. It also seems to me that as the years have rolled by i have noticed the same thing at other sites people sit at their keyboard and bully their way around different sites to just start trouble and see how much ruckus they can get away with until banned. Some people just live for it!:mad:

Besides i just bought 3 pairs of Polk speakers SDA 1 signatures and SDA2 b and last but not least a pair of monitor 5's now please do not close this until i can at least save enough money to buy some new drivers and get my Polk forum discount....Really the last bit is tongue in cheek the knowledge i have learned here and from the CS side of things is and will always be worth more than any discount. ;)

Hopefully we can figure something out to keep this forum up and running I for one believe it is worth saving!!:D:D

megasat16

The solution is quite simple. People needs to learn to behave or depends on the mod to tell them to behave. Since mods are overwhelmed by the kids here, the easy solution is to limit how many posts a member can make daily for a period of time (like 6 months or so).

Let's say 10 posts limit for each category in the entire forum. If you have something useful to say, 10 post for a day is usually more than enough to most folks here.

And when people learn that they don't need to be Keyboard commandos and Internet Forum saviors, you can drop the post limit feature. It'll clean up a lot of Garbage on the forum and allow people to get up from their chair and think something useful for themselves.

And think about that they can even get more time to listen to some tunes too.

comfortablycurt

nooshinjohn wrote: »

Time to start beating people with wet noodles

I've never quite understood this expression.


Would it actually hurt to be beaten with a wet noodle? I can't picture a wet spaghetti noodle inflicting too much damage.:p

Or is this some kind of uber-huge noodle that I've never heard of?

concealer404

comfortablycurt wrote: »

I've never quite understood this expression.


Would it actually hurt to be beaten with a wet noodle? I can't picture a wet spaghetti noodle inflicting too much damage.:p

Or is this some kind of uber-huge noodle that I've never heard of?

Ever gotten smacked by a lasagna noodle? Scarred for life.

comfortablycurt

concealer404 wrote: »

Ever gotten smacked by a lasagna noodle? Scarred for life.

Hmm...I never thought of lasagna noodles. That is a pretty decent sized noodle, so I could picture it packing a bit of a wallop...lol

ALL212

Ahhhh....great and honorable curt of comfortable has attained most honorable status of Polk Master.

Many bows and congratulations to come his way.

steveinaz

"All our base are belong to him"....LOL

Lowell_M

concealer404 wrote: »

Ever gotten smacked by a lasagna noodle? Scarred for life.

Dry... yes... wet.. no. Still don't get it.

hearingimpared

-justin- wrote: »

LOL! No thanks!

~J

WAAAAAAAAAA that right there is down right funny, I don't care who you are.

But seriously it speaks volumes as to how hard our mods have it here with just two guys and Russ when he is able to help dealing with 1000 active members and umpteen thousand threads!!!

concealer404

Lowell_M wrote: »

Dry... yes... wet.. no. Still don't get it.

I think it's more of a psychological thing....

Fongolio

ALL212 wrote: »

Ahhhh....great and honorable curt of comfortable has attained most honorable status of Polk Master.

Many bows and congratulations to come his way.

Just proves that post count mean NOTHING!!:rolleyes::p:)
But seriously Curt congrats. How are those Forum Posters Anonymous meetings going?

RuSsMaN

Ok, so does anyone who hasn't spoken thus far have anything constructive to add?

I'm not sure some of you guys understand. There is discussion of shutting down the Clubhouse. There is discussion of shutting down the Flea Market. There is discussion of shutting the board down as a WHOLE. Does anyone even realize the loss suffered already, the damage already done? I'm nauseated because of it.

The forum isn't a joke to a lot of people here, and Al was as serious as I've ever seen him be. I'm all for fun and yuks, but seriously, shouldn't this ONE thread stay on topic?

Quit re-hashing, quit campaigning, quit playing the blame game and pointing fingers. State your constructive ideas, or think of some new ones.

Thread open....

wz2p7j

Hey Russ - what the heck happened? Or are you just talking over time?

"Does anyone even realize the loss suffered already, the damage already done? I'm nauseated because of it."

Jeez - I'm bummed

Chris

RuSsMaN

If haven't noticed, you will soon enough. It's not something to elaborate on here, or anywhere for that matter. Let's get the train back on the track PLEASE.

maximillian

Since I love this place, here is my $0.02:

1) I have been here two years now. The great price of the Polk R50's (excellent loss leader idea - assuming that was intentional) got me started in audio and I have been hooked on Polk ever since. I hang out here and visit several times throughout the day. The reasons why:
- FM, half my Polk gear was purchased used. A good used market is a great thing since it enables people to try things out and, if they don't like it, they can resell and recoup a lot of their investment. So a vibrant used market allows for impulse buys and experimentation.
- Great knowledge. I have come a long way and still have miles to travel in the audio world. It's the knowledge that is shared here that helps me enjoy Polk and the audio world in general.
- generally bored and want to check the above two, reading old articles, or hang out in the clubhouse.

Seriously, you have a great way to keep people interested in your product and heighten Polk's name recognition. Although there is discussion of other brands, most of us enjoy Polk products and are advocates for Polk. You have basically a group of next-to-free sales and marketing force. Why would Polk ever want to give that up? From a marketing perspective this place is golden.

2) I agree, more mods. Perhaps make people be able to rate posts ala slashdot? Realize that moderators are people too, so you need to police the mods somehow.

I used to see more threads locked due to inappropriate behavior. I haven't seen this in a while... lack of mods maybe?

3) Cry babies and trolls are a fact of the Internet. You need a system to deal with them. I have seen some "heated" discussions I think most are tame compared to other forums. Although a few people have left Polk because of them, I am sure there are far more people that stay because this is an excellent forum overall.

As for "old-timers" sometimes being crass... sure that's not good. However, realize that sometimes I can see why someone would come down hard on a newbie that posts a sale on the 26th post. I have seen people cordially say why this behavior is bad. However, even these cordial people's patience can be test after the 20th time a newb does this, and so they can become irritable. Not nice, but it's understandable. That's where #4 comes into play.

4) FM 25 post count and time delay... easy, some people have already mentioned this... have a post minimum and a membership time-frame. Perhaps a minimum of 30 posts and 30 days membership. If someone then posts junk after 30 days then they can be reported and banned. They will have to wait 30 more days if they create a new account. At that point they will probably give up and go somewhere else.


I skimmed the 12 pages of replies in this thread, but I already knew what people would say... this is a wonderful place to hang out, and for the most part people are wonderful here. Not once was someone mean to me in the past 2 years as I was learning. Thank you for that. I also know not to overstep my bounds since I was/am a newb to the audio world. I love Polk products and part of that is this forum.

Fix the trouble spots that people have mentioned. You can also do other things people have mentioned in the past, for example, discounts and sales from time to time to loyal members (however you come to that definition). Discounts on Polk paraphernalia. Would love a better selection of Polk gear to show off how much I love the brand. 99.99% of us love Polk, that's why we are here.

George Grand

Derailing this thread, or in any way finding humor in it, is as immature as it gets. It also shows your real level of concern.

Knucklehead

There are plenty of rules and regulations as it is now, no reason why grown men and women cant follow a few simple rules. 99% of us are guilty of breaking one rule or another at some point here. Self moderation will go a long way in the betterment of this forum. No need for more mods or rules. I really think we can all make things work here if we try hard enough. I dont want this place to go away, that would suck big time. The last thing Polk wants to do is add more rules or Mods to the forum.

dkg999

Russ - how about taking a lead from other online forums where the social and for sale parts of the site are hidden and off-limits unless you meet specific criteria. The product and help related parts of the forum are public view. You could put a 6 month and 100 post criteria as criteria for posting in the for sale area. You could put a 6 month time criteria on being able to join the social areas, such as the Club House and Music/Movies areas. Worst case is you could charge $19.95 per year for the privledges of being able to join the non-public social and for sale areas of the forum, with a $19.95 credit given per year towards purchases of Polk Audio products off the site.

From an outsider looking in, I don't see much that is really troubling, with my base perspective being other forums for motorcycles, shooting sports, etc. that I participate in. From a manufacturer's supported forum perspective, maybe the threshold for problems is lower? Maybe being overly heavy-handed on the moderation is a good idea. It would certainly help provide incentive for the behavior bar to be much higher.

For those that want to talk among their own social group, why not make heavier use of the social groups function? It has worked well for the RAS.

snow

RuSsMaN wrote: »

Ok, so does anyone who hasn't spoken thus far have anything constructive to add?

I'm not sure some of you guys understand. There is discussion of shutting down the Clubhouse. There is discussion of shutting down the Flea Market. There is discussion of shutting the board down as a WHOLE. Does anyone even realize the loss suffered already, the damage already done? I'm nauseated because of it.

The forum isn't a joke to a lot of people here, and Al was as serious as I've ever seen him be. I'm all for fun and yuks, but seriously, shouldn't this ONE thread stay on topic?

Quit re-hashing, quit campaigning, quit playing the blame game and pointing fingers. State your constructive ideas, or think of some new ones.

Thread open....

Well the forum here isnt a joke to me either, I have come to love this place even with all it's shortcomings it is the best forum out there of it's type as far as im concerned. I really truly believe that to have any sort of long term change the rules whatever they will be when this is said and done need to be strictly enforced for all members.

I dont feel there is need to pull the plug on the show simply because people including myself at times were not capable or willing to act like adults, If rules are enforced people will fall into line or be banned simple as that it shouldndt take too many of those before we all realize Polk is serious about this.

And yes no doubt that this place as mentioned needs more mods if for no other reason then to keep the spam down. Just a thought here but maybe let new junior mods if you will lock threads delete spam and crap posts, and have the senior mods deal with the punishment of offenders.

Get rid of the IMHO senseless 25 posts rule for the FM area it only creates animosity amongst new comers and old timers. If you want create a seperate FM area for new comers and one for established members or simply as anywhere else use common sense when buying or selling to unknowns, most people wouldndt buy from a 0 feedback seller on Ebay why would they here? I have seen more than once where a new seller has offered to send the item he is selling to the established member at his cost and the established member send the money after he receives the item and is satisfied with it, The FM can work for all just use common sense.

Have someone keep an close eye on cable threads and other volatile subjects if things start to get out of hand shut it down.

This forum can flourish and grow if it is maintained properly by both member and staff. Closing this forum down serves no one Polk Audio or its members, fixing the problems both makes sense and serves everyone.



REGARDS SNOW

pitdogg2

maximillian wrote: »

4) FM 25 post count and time delay... easy, some people have already mentioned this... have a post minimum and a membership time-frame. Perhaps a minimum of 30 posts and 30 days membership. If someone then posts junk after 30 days then they can be reported and banned. They will have to wait 30 more days if they create a new account. At that point they will probably give up and go somewhere else.


I skimmed the 12 pages of replies in this thread, but I already knew what people would say... this is a wonderful place to hang out, and for the most part people are wonderful here. Not once was someone mean to me in the past 2 years as I was learning. Thank you for that. I also know not to overstep my bounds since I was/am a newb to the audio world. I love Polk products and part of that is this forum.

Fix the trouble spots that people have mentioned. You can also do other things people have mentioned in the past, for example, discounts and sales from time to time to loyal members (however you come to that definition). Discounts on Polk paraphernalia. Would love a better selection of Polk gear to show off how much I love the brand. 99.99% of us love Polk, that's why we are here.

I agree with all this right here. Although I never knew there was a minimum post count until this serious concern we are commenting on right now, but to be fair i was never here to sell. I came for the VAST knowledge and DEEP pools of talent I have found through reading post and commenting on what has helped me in the past. I for one being a newb would have no problem if it were to come that i could only make so many comments a day on this site if it were to help keep the trash talking or rude comments or whatever to a minimum. By the way I was pushed to the forum by a very friendly voice at costumer service one day when i called to ask questions about some parts for sale on Ebay that were suppose to upgrade cross-overs to some Polk speakers. Now do not get me wrong here I'm sure the parts i seen on the bay were an upgrade of some sort the friendly voice told me to join the forum and ask questions even walked me through the sign up and helped with posting my very first question. To say that the friendlies came out in force and sent me all kinds of links to every possible upgrade i would ever want to do was very informative. Quite of few even asked that i send some pictures as to what i had so they could be sure and even offered to help walk me through the upgrade.
I have seen other sites(forums) that were just so snotty that if you had to asked the question you had no business being on THEIR site and would let you know that under no terms were you ever going to get into their little click.
maybe i just don't look hard enough here but i never felt that at this forum for me it's all been positive.

Systems

snow wrote: »

Well the forum here isnt a joke to me either, I have come to love this place even with all it's shortcomings it is the best forum out there of it's type as far as im concerned. I really truly believe that to have any sort of long term change the rules whatever they will be when this is said and done need to be strictly enforced for all members.

I dont feel there is need to pull the plug on the show simply because people including myself at times were not capable or willing to act like adults, If rules are enforced people will fall into line or be banned simple as that it shouldndt take too many of those before we all realize Polk is serious about this.

And yes no doubt that this place as mentioned needs more mods if for no other reason then to keep the spam down. Just a thought here but maybe let new junior mods if you will lock threads delete spam and crap posts, and have the senior mods deal with the punishment of offenders.

Get rid of the IMHO senseless 25 posts rule for the FM area it only creates animosity amongst new comers and old timers. If you want create a seperate FM area for new comers and one for established members or simply as anywhere else use common sense when buying or selling to unknowns, most people wouldndt buy from a 0 feedback seller on Ebay why would they here? I have seen more than once where a new seller has offered to send the item he is selling to the established member at his cost and the established member send the money after he receives the item and is satisfied with it, The FM can work for all just use common sense.

Have someone keep an close eye on cable threads and other volatile subjects if things start to get out of hand shut it down.

This forum can flourish and grow if it is maintained properly by both member and staff. Closing this forum down serves no one Polk Audio or its members, fixing the problems both makes sense and serves everyone.



REGARDS SNOW

Great post, agree with everything you said!! I like the Junior Senior mod idea especially...I know quite a few of you have disagreed with the more mods idea but I really think this is the answer and best route to take.

Rodeo0530

I've stayed out of this because I don't think that I've been around long enough to say what should or should not happen, but I will say that I love coming here on a daily basis. I may not be able to contribute a wealth of knowledge because I'm very much a newb when it comes to home audio, but I have been able to learn a lot just because of CP. I think that there are a lot of GREAT people around here and I feel that I've made a few friends around here. I've opened up and exposed more about myself than I typically would to some of my actual friends because there are so many good people here. I would be sadly disappointed if CP no longer existed because of whatever reason you want to give for the recent problems. I don't feel that any of the suggestions matter if people just can't be civil to one another. I was guilty of it just the other day and I regret that I let someone get under my skin to the point of responding with a rude and inappropriate comment. That is very much not like me, but I said it anyways, probably because this is the internet. I think this forum helps Polk customers in so many ways, but it also helps to bring in more new customers. I think that we all need to be a little bit better in how we act and react and things will be just fine around here.

Knucklehead

Sorry guys I have to disagree....no more rules or Mods are needed. We dont need to be baby-sat, we just need to exercise self moderation. I belive thats what Polk is lookin for. Just my .02.

Fongolio

My apologies to all for my going off topic here. Especially to the moderators and Polk management. I posted a very long and I felt very worthwhile suggestion earlier (see post #154 on page 6) and it appeared to me that no new suggestions were forthcoming and felt no harm in lightening the mood a little. I was clearly out of line and wish to express my sincerest apologies here and now.

Kelvin

squeeb

Dear Polk management:

First off, thank you for trying to get us back on track and cleaning up the forum.

We all need to realize this forum is our community but it is your brand. A brand you have worked very hard through the years to earn. You have every right and should protect the Polk brand at all costs. If someone says or does something on this forum, it could affect how someone else views Polk. Personally, I can’t imagine what someone would have to say that would make me never want to buy Polk again. But I understand why you must take it seriously.

However, I am also sure Polk realizes what this forum brings to your brand. You can’t buy or advertise enough to get the kind of loyalty found around here.

I want you to know I would not have purchased 14 Polk speakers in the last couple of years if it were not for this forum. All 14 were new or refurbs from Amazon or Polk eBay – all sales for Polk. I was originally going to buy Klipsch at Circuit City. That was where I was in my audio journey. I saw some Polk’s there (Monitors, I think). I had never heard of them and started doing some research online. Which led me to this forum. Heck, I used to think an SDA was something I could catch without using protection.

I probably looked without joining for 6 months – my parents always told me you learn more from listening than from talking. And that is when I found “Deals of the Day” among other helpful threads. That one thread has cost me (or saved me) hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars.

Here is another idea for you to take under advisement (sorry if it is a repost, I did not read, word for word, all 11 pages). Allow the OP to close their own thread. I asked a simple (I thought) question about power cables a few weeks ago and it took off like a wild fire. I had what I needed after the first two pages. If I would have had control over the thread I started, I would have just closed it. End of discussion and the moderator would not have had to close it 3 pages later.

We should be able to self-police a little better around here. I really don’t want to pay more for Polk speakers because you need more paid moderators for our forum.

Thanks for reading, thanks for your understanding, and thanks for making great speakers.

Squeeb

Fongolio

squeeb wrote: »

Here is another idea for you to take under advisement (sorry if it is a repost, I did not read, word for word, all 11 pages). Allow the OP to close their own thread. I asked a simple (I thought) question about power cables a few weeks ago and it took off like a wild fire. I had what I needed after the first two pages. If I would have had control over the thread I started, I would have just closed it. End of discussion and the moderator would not have had to close it 3 pages later. Squeeb

Now THAT is an excellent suggestion. Thanks Squeeb.

Kelvin