Blanket Warning Now In Effect

[Lord Ravenclaw]

http://forums.darklordpotter.net/showthread.php?t=10075

The next folks i see trolling and running off newbies unjustly will be shit canned. Period.

You lot were once new, once twats, once all bright eyed and polite. Just because you've blown time checking into a forum a few minutes a day does not mean you're kewler then some poor hapless bastard who doesn't know what they're getting themselves into.

And yet, this still hasn't deterred members. Members have had their grace period. We're cracking down on people being twats in intro threads. As many people found out, we're beginning to ban for it. We need to let people give it a try, rather than running them off in their first few posts. We're serious about this. Shape up, or be banned.

All of you start from a clean slate for now. For your first infraction it's a one-day ban. From there...you'll just have to see won't you? Needless to say, you do not want to push the limits of our resolve in this matter. You will not enjoy the subsequent punishments.

"For the lulz" is not a good enough reason. Welcome newbies. And newbies: feel free to welcome each other. It's high time we get rid of that unwritten rule. Introduction is to allow people to become integrated into our community, not shoved through a gauntlet where they must conform to survive. Enough trolling, enough idiocy. If they deserve a ban, they'll get one eventually. Give them a chance to thrive here. We need the new blood, and not just trolling fucktards.
______________
The DLP Admins

[Sesc]

Wow. That reads like a major change in direction (or I misread something):

"For the lulz" is not a good enough reason. Welcome newbies. And newbies: feel free to welcome each other. It's high time we get rid of that unwritten rule. Introduction is to allow people to become integrated into our community, not shoved through a gauntlet where they must conform to survive. Enough trolling, enough idiocy. If they deserve a ban, they'll get one eventually. Give them a chance to thrive here. We need the new blood, and not just trolling fucktards.

Wasn't the standard new guys had to conform until now, trolling aside, nothing more and nothing less than the standard of DLP? So if they fell through, they simply weren't good enough, for one reason or another. Is that now completely abolished? No more informative Intros required? No more banning on sight because it propagates Harry/Draco luv, writes in gibberish or acts like a moron?

Basically, regardless of what it says, I say welcome?

[SmileOfTheKill]

Well, some people posting in intro section are making it imposable to get by without being flamed.

I can understand the act of keeping DLP clean of idiots and the like, but people are just too rude. Added to that fact, Lord Ravenclaw said that these idiots that do join will get what is coming anyways.

So yes, I think Lord Ravenclaw just wants us to welcome people. If the people are an issue, the moderators can handle it.

[Lord Ravenclaw]

We simply want to abolish the trolling that goes on in the forum. Just because someone likes Harry/Ginny doesn't mean they should be raped until they say "Okay dudes, I was just joking. Hahaha, how about that /b/?". We still ask for informative intros. If someone acts like a moron, they're not going to make it long. Read Midknight's post. We all started somewhere. People will naturally want to fit in, but why run out people who don't conform instantly? Like SmileOfTheKill said, no matter what people say they're being flamed to hell.

I wonder how many more authors we could've had writing our DLP style debauchery if we'd only given them a chance.

If someone is a moron, you're free to point it out. Just don't troll and bandwagon. Instead of beating on someone, attempt to be helpful and go "You're an idiot, but if you want to do it better, try this:"

It's either Introduction shapes up, or we're removing the forum.

[World]

If you really want to change this, you need to follow this up sincerely.

Mid's original warning changed things for three days. I think a mediocre intro then started the steady decrease of welcoming. No one was banned though.

So, wait 'till the flood of bandwagoning warm welcomes ebbs and see what's what. And act.

[Fuegodefuerza]

Wasn't the standard new guys had to conform until now, trolling aside, nothing more and nothing less than the standard of DLP? So if they fell through, they simply weren't good enough, for one reason or another. Is that now completely abolished? No more informative Intros required? No more banning on sight because it propagates Harry/Draco luv, writes in gibberish or acts like a moron?

That's exactly the attitude that Raven's talking about. When the fuck did that become the norm? Since when did DLP want all uniform posters, who think exactly the same and have the exact same likes and dislikes? So a new poster messes up on an intro. Who gives a shit? I don't see any cause for banning unless he's a troll who's just looking to stir up trouble, or can't seem to post with at least decently understandable English.

And who are you to say that the new member isn't good enough? Were you absolutely the perfect member when you first joined up? I know I wasn't. Every single member on these boards went through some growing pains, and it is just wrong to deny new members the same rights. If they don't learn to deal with DLP's view of wrong and right, then the mods and Admins can show the door, banstick-style. But if they're trying to fit in, then I say give them a chance. There's nothing wrong with that.

TL;DR - You were all n00bs once. You all went through some growing pains. Just because you've done some time on the forum gives you no right to choose who stays and who goes. That's why the Admins have banning powers and you don't.

[Gizmore]

Sweet, I've been waiting for a better climate in the intro forum. :)

[Brian64]

"For the lulz" is not a good enough reason. Welcome newbies. And newbies: feel free to welcome each other. It's high time we get rid of that unwritten rule. Introduction is to allow people to become integrated into our community, not shoved through a gauntlet where they must conform to survive. Enough trolling, enough idiocy. If they deserve a ban, they'll get one eventually. Give them a chance to thrive here. We need the new blood, and not just trolling fucktards.


Sounds like a great idea to me. I know I had no interest in adding an intro post after a reply I made in an old thread. Apart from the fact I had no idea what 'necro posting' was (yeah, I get it now), I still don't get what "Interbutts winrar rite thar" means". Doesn't sound good though.

Decided I'd just read the forum for the fic recs after that, since I have no interest in getting into a p*ssing contest with people I don't even know.

Just a thought, but any chance that rule could be extended a little to other threads? I'm not suggesting change everything, but a quick look to see if the poster you're replying to has at least double digits in their post count would be good.

Cheers,

Brian

[Twisted]

Is this new rule why Justblaise and a crapload of other people were banned? And I agree with this, the intro forums are getting a bit ridiculous. Its hard to know whether you're mocking a geniune troll or someone who a poster took a disliking to, flamed and it snowballed from there.

[The Deadman]

Is this new rule why Justblaise and a crapload of other people were banned? And I agree with this, the intro forums are getting a bit ridiculous. Its hard to know whether you're mocking a geniune troll or someone who a poster took a disliking to, flamed and it snowballed from there.

Actually, they were the cause of the new rule. I agree with the rule. A lot of people who could have been productive members of DLP keep on getting run of because they made some mistakes.

[Iztiak]

It got to the point where I was afraid to welcome people, for fear of being attacked. >.>
Well, afraid of being dragged in to a long discussion of if the newbie should be welcomed or not.

Still, I'm in agreement with this rule.

[Jon]

Lines are being drawn people.

Lines are being drawn.

Are you going to cross the line?

Are you?

[Sesc]

It got to the point where I was afraid to welcome people, for fear of being attacked. >.>

And that, Fue, was the reason I asked. Raven helpfully explained it to me, and everything's peachy. Also, if you with 'you' ment me personally, you got the wrong person for your rant. I was usually quite reserved in Intro-threads (I'm still here, after all)

Now, what I wrote above was not me "deciding" anything. It was the key facts I had for Intros, for example: You make an effort, you write as good as you possibly can, you are either respectful, or better be able to back up your attitude, you take the odd comment in stride etc. pp.

That was how I perceived DLP to be, in general, and that's why I spoke of 'standard'; and it was that mindset with which I wrote my own Intro.

And I didn't say anything about a norm, I said standard. Not everyone's the same something, but everyone is at least something; whatever this something is. And apparently you agree with me:
Here's the deal. We may have changed the intro threads up a bit, but by no means will we lower our standards so that any run-of-the-mill Mugglenetter can join up. Not to say that you are one, but there are a couple of aspects about you that need to shape up.

So what's it with your rant? You told her just there she wasn't good enough ... only you did it politely ;)


Also; since that came up @Brian, I (and as opposed to the rest, this is my personal opinion) like the Forum just the way it is. If the Intro-section will be a bit more polite and tame from now on, I don't really care since that was how I usually posted there, but the rest of the Forum is perfectly fine as it is. If people usually think twice before they post something, that works as a gigantic crap-filter, and keeps the Forum neat and clean.

I know that from myself :p

[Samuel Black]

Eh... This is good, I guess. I stay out of the introduction section mostly, so it doesn't affect me all that much.

So the people who were banned... Did they get the one-day ban or is it permanent?

[Jeram]

I remember when there was a series of responses from mods/admins along the lines of "Stop just posting Welcome in Intro threads unless you have something interesting to say". I guess that started to mutate into "Only the most lulzy posts are allowed". So my question is: Where's the line?

[GemmaBlack]

Guess it's time for me to do my thing.

GemmaBlack is a Mugglenetter. She's English, from the Midlands, likes sketching and H/Luna and usually quotes from PoA in her sig. I am not her, however, I did borrow her details from her DeviantArt account to do an experiment.

The premise was simple - would everyone treat me differently, noticably, under a different name? Would I be flamed to hell for being a 'netgirl' or anything else, even if I posted my actual opinions on stuff - just under a different name and details?

Truthfully, not really. The two times I got sniped at (outside of my intro) were Tehan for my post in the alien thread - which is true, though I'd elaborate more on it - and by The Heir for welcoming another H/Luna fan in intro who was getting gangflamed by a bunch of retards.

Other then that, I was treated normally, which is reassuring in a way. I expected a lot different, and thought it'd be hilarious, which is was in my intro (lol at getting trolled for being new by a fucking 2008 registration, good job Mirk) but by and large... nope.

With regards to my intro, had I joined DLP today I would've acted the same damn way. You guys need to cool your shit by a lot - even I don't troll them anymore. There's a little button at the bottom of each post that alerts the mods/admins to it, use it. I know I use it a lot these days.

I'm done for now, I miss my old nick, but in the future? Don't be surprised if the next "newbie" you troll turns out not to be who they said. ;)

- Xiph0

[SmileOfTheKill]

Damn you Xiph0 and the PMs I send.

[Aurion]

You are the most epic motherfucker ever, Xiph.

[Xiph0]

Oh, and Tehan? I like that avatar.

[Mercenary]

Eh... This is good, I guess. I stay out of the introduction section mostly, so it doesn't affect me all that much.

So the people who were banned... Did they get the one-day ban or is it permanent?

From what I understand its:

First offence: One-day ban.

2nd offence: ?

But I doubt you will get a fourth chance.

[Dark Belra]

Snip.

DLP is the only place this would have happened!

Potter Tradition of red, then Fuego and now Gemma. lol

I really should start learning the lesson.

[Xiph0]

The one really funny result of having a new account is the PMs you get, though. Vash got some awesome ones as JbernsLuvr, I got a few cool ones with this account.

I know Lyndon will forgive me for posting this, it's too funny not to. :D

Hi, and welcome to DLP!

I was just looking through your intro thread, and it seems like you had a pretty rough time. Everyone was being more defensive and insulting than usual.

Anyways, you seem like a normal person. If you stay, here are some words of advice.

There is a pretty strong anti-feminist current around here. As you've surmised, most of the members here are males who, upon discovering the anonymity of the internet, take DLP as an opportunity to assert their *ahem* badassness. Lols... just ignore them. As long as you're not blatantly feminist in your posts, you'll do just fine.

Don't be discouraged by the attitudes here though. Once you get to know the people here, it becomes rather clear that they're just average people who try to appear tough, but are all a bunch of softies on the inside. Or so I'd like to think.

Welcome and enjoy your stay!


-Lyndon Eye

My reply:

I won't cyber you.

Her:

Hahahaha... nice one.

But I don't swing that way ;)

Me:

Okay, but I have my doubts.

Her:

Eh. Just trying to give you a head-up. No need to be defensive. *shrugs*

Don't get on her case for the original, it's in good intent I'm sure. :p

[Dark Syaoran]

I love women who look out for others.

[Iztiak]

Lol, I almost did that, to give an actual welcome to "Gemma".

So glad I didn't. :p

[Xiph0]

Some others like SmileoftheKill did, but they didn't make me laugh as hard as Lyndon's did so they can stay in the inbox. Like I said, I'm pretty sure she'll forgive me for posting something private, but it's to funny to pass up.

[Omagic]

I really don't post here all that much, but I pretty much browse the site daily and have lurked around for few years. This isn't a rant, I'm not trying to argue, I'm simply stating my opinion; for the fuck all it's worth.

Seems like this is another decision that is writing policy to account for worst 5% of the members.

For the most part the intro forums worked fine. More importantly the intro forums set a tone for the site (and I happen to think that the overall tone of the forums is what makes DLP great). For the most part the intros that got flamed horribly earned those responses. Were there instances where it got out of hand? Of course. But it seemed to me like this was more often the exception rather than the norm.

Seems like this was the same situation with the rep system as well. There were assholes that abused it, but for the most part the general masses used it for it's intended purpose.

In both cases I think the site was better for how they were before the Mods made a blanket policy. I think that the way the site evolved, and the personality it developed helped to define the community. Certain types of post were rep worthy. Certain types of intros deserved to be shit-canned on arrival. Do we want a homogenous mixture of over-charged, internet-macho assholes, who hate slash and will kill your first born if you mentioned not hating Harry/Ginny? No. But is that what we have? No. Not even close.

DLP evolved the way it did because for a large part Harry Potter fanfiction is populated by squeeing fan girls (and boys) who want their internets forums to work in a nice, fluffy, everybody gets along, don't flame bro, kind of way. But At some point there was a group of like minded people who wanted to get away from that group which dominated the fandom, and a DLP standard was set.

The site got bigger, and the ability to monitor reasonable behavior and basic maturity became harder to do. Simply by way of larger membership the worst 5% grew in numbers and unfortunately they have caused somewhat of a rep to grow for the site. But it's my experience that basing policy on that minority only makes the overall quality worse.

But that's just my take, and like I said at the beginning it's probably worth fuck all. Ultimately DLP belongs to a certain group of people. It's their site and their place to make these decisions. I like it here, so I'm going to respect them.

Nonetheless, I just wanted to throw this out there (if only because I am the kind of asshole who will state his opinion because I have an over-inflated notion of said opinion's worth).

Cheers,

Omagic

[Xiph0]

Intro does set the tone, and some people do deserve to be killed upon arrival in the most Spartan way imaginable, but ultimately it needs to be done by the people with that job - not the mob.

[Heather_Sinclair]

I really don't post here all that much, but I pretty much browse the site daily and have lurked around for few years. This isn't a rant, I'm not trying to argue, I'm simply stating my opinion; for the fuck all it's worth.

Seems like this is another decision that is writing policy to account for worst 5% of the members.

For the most part the intro forums worked fine. More importantly the intro forums set a tone for the site (and I happen to think that the overall tone of the forums it what makes DLP great). For the most part the intros that got flamed horribly earned those responses. Were there instances where it got out of hand? Of course. But it seemed to me like this was more often the exception rather than the norm.

Seems like this was the same situation with the rep system as well. There were assholes that abused it, but for the most part the general masses used it for it's intended purpose.

In both cases I think the site was better for how they were before the Mods made a blanket policy. I think that the way the site evolved, and the personality it developed helped to define the community. Certain types of post were rep worthy. Certain types of intros deserved to be shit-canned on arrival. Do we want a homogenous mixture of over-charged, internet-macho assholes, who hate slash and will kill your first born if you mentioned not hating Harry/Ginny? No. But is that what we have? No. Not even close.

DLP evolved the way it did because for a large part Harry Potter fanfiction is populated by squeeing fan girls (and boys) who want their internets forums to work in a nice, fluffy, everybody gets along, don't flame bro, kind of way. But At some point there was a group of like minded people who wanted to get away from that group which dominated the fandom, and a DLP standard was set.

The site got bigger, and the ability to monitor reasonable behavior and basic maturity became harder to do. Simply by way of larger membership the worst 5% grew in numbers and unfortunately they have caused somewhat of a rep to grow for the site. But it's my experience that basing policy on that minority only makes the overall quality worse.

But that's just my take, and like I said at the beginning it's probably worth fuck all. Ultimately DLP belongs to a certain group of people. It's their site and their place to make these decisions. I like it here, so I'm going to respect them.

Nonetheless, I just wanted to throw this out there (if only because I am the kind of asshole who will state his opinion because I have an over-inflated notion of said opinion's worth).

Cheers,

Omagic

Keep in mind that I don't have an opinion of this post one way or the other... but when I read it, a song popped into my head... "America, America, God shead his grace on thee, And crown thy good in brotherhood, from sea to shining sea ..." you get the idea. :fap

</IMG>

[Jon]

From what I understand its:

First offence: One-day ban.

2nd offence: ?

But I doubt you will get a fourth chance.

3rd offence: Profit!

No but seriously, I think it's obvious what is going to happen; They go Bye-Bye.

[Darius]

Guess it's time for me to do my thing.

GemmaBlack is a Mugglenetter. She's English, from the Midlands, likes sketching and H/Luna and usually quotes from PoA in her sig. I am not her, however, I did borrow her details from her DeviantArt account to do an experiment.

The premise was simple - would everyone treat me differently, noticably, under a different name? Would I be flamed to hell for being a 'netgirl' or anything else, even if I posted my actual opinions on stuff - just under a different name and details?

Truthfully, not really. The two times I got sniped at (outside of my intro) were Tehan for my post in the alien thread - which is true, though I'd elaborate more on it - and by The Heir for welcoming another H/Luna fan in intro who was getting gangflamed by a bunch of retards.

Other then that, I was treated normally, which is reassuring in a way. I expected a lot different, and thought it'd be hilarious, which is was in my intro (lol at getting trolled for being new by a fucking 2008 registration, good job Mirk) but by and large... nope.

With regards to my intro, had I joined DLP today I would've acted the same damn way. You guys need to cool your shit by a lot - even I don't troll them anymore. There's a little button at the bottom of each post that alerts the mods/admins to it, use it. I know I use it a lot these days.

I'm done for now, I miss my old nick, but in the future? Don't be surprised if the next "newbie" you troll turns out not to be who they said. ;)

- Xiph0

You can call me Sherlock.

[Jenkins]

Xiph++

I gotta say, while I think this new rule will be good for some people, there are those newbs who make me shiver a little with intense dislike whenever I read their posts. The fact that this rule means they'll probably be allowed to post all over the forum, it bodes ill for my personal health.

Regardless, rules are rules and the admins are the gods. I do remember back when I posted my intro (http://forums.darklordpotter.net/showthread.php?t=3962), it was a lot easier to get welcomed. Note how much of a dick and a loser I was and see the good responses I get. It was probably because of the welcome that I ever posted again (even though it took me a year to do so).

So yeah, this rule is a welcome thing in some cases imo, but in others it's not. I'll follow it even though I don't like it because I do want DLP to be a good place. I just hope the forum will change the newbs I still can't stand.

Edit: Though of course, things would be a lot more welcoming if it wasn't for all this fucking neo-nazi shit I've been seeing around.

[Poytin]

I wholeheartedly agree with this. Allow some of those people softer than me stay for a little while. Reading through my intro still brings me lulz although I was horribly confused about the first few posts because I had no fucking idea what a weeaboo was... Luckily I know better now.

[Mirkwood]

I like bandwagoning :( and generally pissing people off.

[Xiph0]

Edit: Though of course, things would be a lot more welcoming if it wasn't for all this fucking neo-nazi shit I've been seeing around.

Tell me about it.

I like bandwagoning :( and generally pissing people off.

You win at failing in that regard then.

[Mirkwood]

Tell me about it.



You win at failing in that regard then.

Indeed, but winning is winning.

[Lord Necalan]

I'm curious, does this new rule mean people like myself, who have been lurking for a long time and havent posted due to the trolling they got in thier intro, can finally post regularly and without fear of some of the bigger names on DLP comming down on them, which then causes others to jump on the bandwagon and other such things?

[Rin]

I'm curious, does this new rule mean people like myself, who have been lurking for a long time and havent posted due to the trolling they got in thier intro, can finally post regularly and without fear of some of the bigger names on DLP comming down on them, which then causes others to jump on the bandwagon and other such things?

That's the intent of the rule, or so it would seem.

[Antivash]

Alright, I know I posted this once before but its vanished. And I'm fucking tired of arguing with Sree over it.

This is how it works.

You mention you're a member of DLP somewhere, dont act like a fucking retard. Try to have the common sense to realize youre representing this site when you do.

While Sree doesnt seem to understand that Not-DLP is not DLP and not our fucking jurisdiction to issue bans, if we find out you cocksmokers are fucking shit up for us somewhere else, don't expect a stern look and a slap on the wrist.

Some of you ignorant niggers dont seem to think we'll find out, but we will. Remember we have all sorts of niggers on this site. Remember that it was a member of Potter's Place 3 who started that shit.

DLP always Knows.

Big Brother out.

[Heather_Sinclair]

I'm curious, does this new rule mean people like myself, who have been lurking for a long time and havent posted due to the trolling they got in thier intro, can finally post regularly and without fear of some of the bigger names on DLP comming down on them, which then causes others to jump on the bandwagon and other such things?

What I got from this "old rule" is that if you post and make a mistake then you will be steered in the proper direction.

Example:

You: Dude, Harr n Gin r teh best cupple evar cept 4 maybe drac n harr. so hres a kikkin slash stryo tha I liek.

Old DLP: Dude, are you fucking retarded? READ THE FUCKING STICKIES!! GTFO.

DLP: Dude, this is not a slash site. Please don't suggest stories in the future that contain m/m pairings. Further, there is a little button at the bottom of the reply page that reads "Spell Check" it is your friend. No l33t or retarded speak here. Proper grammar and spelling are welcome.


The "Old Rule" is not allowing you to be an idiot on the threads, it's allowing you to make a mistake and not get hammered relentlessly for it.

[Sesc]

I'm curious, does this new rule mean people like myself, who have been lurking for a long time and havent posted due to the trolling they got in thier intro, can finally post regularly and without fear of some of the bigger names on DLP comming down on them, which then causes others to jump on the bandwagon and other such things?

It says to be nice to new guys in their Intro threads, to give them a chance to settle in, nothing more and nothing less. As per usual, if you have to say something that is worth saying it, no one will come down on you ... or at least that is my experience.


Heather ninja'ed me o_O But btw, is that you in your new avatar?

[Heather_Sinclair]

.


Heather ninja'ed me o_O But btw, is that you in your new avatar?

Not to worry ... Vash Ninja'd me as well. And no, that is not me in my avatar.

So stop :fap 'ing. XD

[Xiph0]

Heather ninja'ed me o_O But btw, is that you in your new avatar?

lol ^

The "Old Rule" is not allowing you to be an idiot on the threads, it's allowing you to make a mistake and not get hammered relentlessly for it.

In that event it's probably just a good idea to report the post and let some admin banhammer the dude.

[Jon]

Not to worry ... Vash Ninja'd me as well. And no, that is not me in my avatar.

So stop :fap 'ing. XD

Oh shii-- :o

[Dressed in Black]

Vash trying to be cool again, despite being the one who originally said DLP's sphere of influence does not include actions that take place on other sites.

And being the original person to go to PP3 and post half the shit we said on the forum.

I get the idea. I've been railing against the Intro Forum shenanigans for two years now (http://forums.darklordpotter.net/showpost.php?p=72627&postcount=4). It's great the admin decided to be serious about it.

But I don't go somewhere and say I'm from DLP. If someone insults it elsewhere, I'll probably mention something and get carried away but reprisals on this forum for that is bullshit.

I don't get it either. Someone (Vash) who propagates the Schuftzstafel bullshit or whatever that SS thing is called and which has most of the dropkicks who need to be banned running around with Nazi signatures is going to be worried about our image elsewhere? What exactly is someone going to do when they come here and see assholes with the fucking symbol of the people who massacred 10,000,000 on their avatars and sigs? Love you Vash but you're sounding like a moron.

What the fuck kind of logic is that?

Let's just cool it. Raven's got the right idea. So kudos.

[Darius]

Everyone in here bitching about bandwagoning needs to take a step back and look what they're doing now. I agree that these changes needed to be made but that doesn't mean we're turning into fucking mugglenet (I hope).

I think the idea is to encourage new members to post and be active, not to completely change the dynamic of the site to a place Taure can be proud to show his girlfriend.

Then again I am no mod, so I could be completely wrong.

[Dressed in Black]

And I found the thread: Sphere of Influence (http://forums.darklordpotter.net/showthread.php?t=4119&highlight=Sphere)

Ok, here is the deal. On the site, We (Admins/Mods) are in control. We command, you obey.

Outside of DLP? We dont have any right to moderate your comments.

In short, if it happens, you dont like it, and the url doesnt contain Darklordpotter.net, STFU and take it to that person privately. And for fuck sake, dont run to the admins of DLP for something that did on FFn unless they are impersonating that Admin/mod. None of use care wtf you think outside of our little haven here.

Any further threads to this effect will be locked upon discovery.

That is all.

Dismissed.

[Taure]

I think the idea is to encourage new members to post and be active, not to completely change the dynamic of the site to a place Taure can be proud to show his girlfriend.

It did strike me as a bit ironic that the changes aren't so far from what I suggested way back when (keeping DLP's honest criticism intact, but being more polite about it).

It's also rather ironic that I'm now not such a fan of this idea. DLP is DLP, trying to change it artificially just doesn't work, in my experience. In essence the idea is a good one - getting more new members to actively contribute by not scaring them away, and stopping the excessive bandwagoning, not just of noobs, but all over the site.

However, in practice the change gets blown out of proportion. Already the intro section is much more friendly, but it's also become rather boring. Everyone's so scared of crossing the line that they're now being excessively nice. Part of DLP's appeal is it's "edginess". I once rather famously thought that making DLP a more friendly place was a good idea. I now feel that this is nothing less than a "normalisation" of DLP. If you take away those things that separate DLP from other sites, such as the fact that flaming is/was permissible, then all you're left with is a more intelligent Mugglenet.

Which I don't think anyone wants.

I'm certainly not saying that all the bandwagoning and hazing of noobs is a good thing. But I feel that they are unfortunate side effects of that which makes DLP great. And so, in actively stopping the hazing of noobs and so forth, the foundations of what DLP is has also been eroded.

I may be over-reacting, it may be that these changes stay confined to the intro section and don't affect the rest of the site much. But it is a potential concern. In trying to be more accessible, we don't want to lose our edge.

[Xiph0]

The fear and over-niceness should fade away as people realize where the line is. It's just the aftershocks of all the temp bans.

[Lord Ravenclaw]

The fear and over-niceness should fade away as people realize where the line is. It's just the aftershocks of all the temp bans.

This. It's really the over-hazing, trolling, and excessive flaming that we're trying to prevent. We will find a balance. If you notice a post go missing, you may have crossed the line, but not enough to warrant a ban. We're reserving those for people who do so deliberately and in excess.

We just need to give people a chance. If it needs to be killed with fire, we'll take care of that.

[Murton]

We just need to give people a chance. If it needs to be killed with fire, we'll take care of that.

So you shall take care of Jon for me? Petrol tends to have a bad smell.

[Blah-the-Sixth]

I know this has probably been hammered in by now, but I figured I'd try to summarize everything while adding my own bit for clarification (both myself and others). I may be wrong, so correct me if I am, but based on the previous posts the admins aren't really telling the forum to change, but to grow up. For instance, to take a page from Heather_Sinclair.

Old DLP: Dude, are you fucking retarded? READ THE FUCKING STICKIES!! GTFO.

DLP: Idiot, you need to do "so and so". Make sure to read the stickies next time and enjoy the forums.

Both say the same thing, but the newer version isn't nearly as hateful. Sure they are still called an idiot, but you're respectful enough to tell them what they did wrong while still being inviting.

Sorry if that seems like I'm just copying Heather's earlier post, but as I stated before I'm really just trying to clarify while at the same time try to give an example of what I feel Lord Ravenclaw means by what is acceptable.

[Jamven]

*snip*
Old DLP: Dude, are you fucking retarded? READ THE FUCKING STICKIES!! GTFO.

DLP: Idiot, you need to do "so and so". Make sure to read the stickies next time and enjoy the forums.


It has been a while since I stepped in the introduction section, but I think that your Old DLP example was just a select few. I think is was that the select few happen to be the most vocal?

Not too sure, haven't been around as much in the past month.

[Iztiak]

*Cough*Mirkwood&friends*Cough*

[Mirkwood]

*Cough*Mirkwood&friends*Cough*

Nowt wrong with trolling and pissing off the admins... So nice to know that i'm held in such high regard.

[Aurion]

Nowt wrong with trolling and pissing off the admins... So nice to know that i'm held in such high regard.

ORLY?

I'd think pissing off the admins would be bad for your health, myself.

Also, since I forgot before: Congrats to y'all who got temp-banned. Hoping for a repeat performance from a couple of you, hopefully with more...permanent results.

Edit: Or perhaps I won't have to merely hope. Bai Mirkwood.

[Dark Lord Gullible]

ORLY?

I'd think pissing off the admins would be bad for your health, myself.

Also, since I forgot before: Congrats to y'all.

It seems in his case, it has been detrimental to his health...

No big loss really.

[Aurion]

No big loss really.

Agreed.

As for the thread topic, I was rather lucky myself. My intro was more-or-less ignored.

[Blaise]

Also, since I forgot before: Congrats to y'all who got temp-banned. Hoping for a repeat performance from a couple of you, hopefully with more...permanent results. But Aurion, won't you miss me and my zinging wit? No...? Although I'd rather not be lumped in with Mirkwood, as I don't know what the fuck he was on. It was only a temp-ban, then he went and fucked it up. Meh.

On topic: I suppose this is alright, as it draws a line in the sand for people to know when to back off. World basically said it though: the mods need to back this up. On one hand you guys let things slide (i.e. Neo-Nazi bullshit, changing people's nicks, etc), which make it seem like a green light to haze, then turn around and have Ban Races. Some of the people who are mods in the first place also make it hard to take certain rules seriously. I know I haven't been here all that long, so you can say my opinion counts for shit, or that my knowledge of the full breadth of certain mods' contributions to the site is minimal, but I can only go by what I see.

Xiph0 as GemmaBlack was a good way to see if people would bandwagon and 'crack down on the newb', but I'm pretty sure it was mostly done for the lulz - you know, the very thing that's supposed to be what the admins/mods/old heads want to avoid. Hazing is done to make a joke out of someone else, so how is taking on another username to draw someone out into flaming any different ? Just because a group of old members think it's more sophisticated/mature ? Regardless, the goal of keeping Intro threads tame has been garaunteed, as I doubt anyone trusts the new members to be who they say they are.

Fuego brought up the point that DLP shouldn't be full of uniform posters, but before this mass temp-ban sweep that's exactly what was happening - and not really because of any hazing from new members. Only now, the uniformity has done a 180: people still toe the line, but it's out of fear of breaking the rules, as opposed to fear of not being seen as 'worthy'. My point is that if you wanted people (new members in particular) to be more comfortable or genuine, I don't know how successful that will be.

Time will tell, and there have been a few more members posting that I haven't seen before, so again - what do I know?

[Manatheron]

What ever happened to 'Toughen the fuck up.'?

I know that I've championed a handful of Idea's here that got shot down. Big deal. Granted a little more fact and a little less insult (On both sides I'm sorry to say) would have been nice, but it's not something I'd have demanded to change. Does this just apply to the intro threads? Or is it the whole forum in general? Cause frankly I'm not going to bite my tounge for fear of the banstick. if someone is acting like a twat, is being a mindless dick for no reason, is violating the rules, or ignoring the stickies I'm not waiting for a mod to show up and gently reprimand. I apologize to Lord Ravenclaw and the other mods if this is the attitude your trying to get rid of, but I don't intend to change the way I operate for some lil wet-behind-the-ears shit that doesn't know what the hell he's doing because he won't read the rules.

/Rant

[Taure]

Toughen the fuck up

Harden the fuck up*

[Sree]

This is just for intros. Be normal in other forums, but don't bash someone just because they're a newb.

[Xiph0]

snip

Gently reprimand my ass. Your trolling is no longer required, we'll fucking handle it, that is the point of this thread, my duplicate, and everything else leading up to this.

Xiph0 as GemmaBlack was a good way to see if people would bandwagon and 'crack down on the newb', but I'm pretty sure it was mostly done for the lulz

It wasn't. Some people asked for me to troll with the nick once or twice, but if you go read my posts, I didn't. I made about 10 or so normal, everyday posts outside of my intro thread before I got tired of loading up DLP with some netgirl nick.

World basically said it though: the mods need to back this up. On one hand you guys let things slide (i.e. Neo-Nazi bullshit, changing people's nicks, etc), which make it seem like a green light to haze

If the staff disagree with one another, as happened in the case of the neo-nazi/nick changing crap, it's usually kept quiet. United front and all that junk. It doesn't mean we all sanctioned it.

[World]

it's not something I'd have demanded to change

Sorry that your demands are not met. Better luck next time.

'Toughen the fuck up.'
I lol'd.

[Nefar]

New and improved.

[Mirkwood]

It seems in his case, it has been detrimental to his health...

No big loss really.

I didn't even do anything to warrant a ban for that, not a loss? I'm the greatest member ever, and the wankstains ban me for fuck all, bloody tools.

Have some cunt:

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii290/MZ_J_FARIAS/twat.gif

[Dark Lord Gullible]

No comment, since I'm pretty sure porn is against the site rules....

[Mirkwood]

No comment, since I'm pretty sure porn is against the site rules....

mhhm...... Wouldn't class that as porn...

o.O look the twatlander edited it...

[QuaziJoe]

I'm not certain if thats photoshopped or not...

[Dark Lord Rostam]

If this new warning offends you or is a bother to you, then you like dick. Plain and simple.

[Snarf]

While I think that stopping over-zealous members like me from hazing newbs with threat of the lovable banhammer is a good idea, it seems to have totally destroyed the DLP approach. Some new member came in and pronounced a total love of Kinsfire and Ishtar, two of the most ridiculed people that have ever come into the HP fanfiction community, and all that was said was "welcome".

I can understand letting people transform slowly into more hardened DLPers on their own, but if they come in as a lost cause and we say nothing we are going to find ourselves a split forum: half of us DLPers, half of us MuggleNet'ers.

[Iztiak]

To be fair, he was quickly dissuaded from mentioning Kinsfire again.

It's been mentioned over and over again, just leave the INTRODUCTIONS alone. Nobody said anything about allowing blatant stupidity on the site.

[Tehan]

Consider the Introductions subforum the DMZ between DLP and the rest of the fandom.