Site Updates and Issues Discussions #7 DT note: 122 - Page 93

Is it just with me or do the options in the drop-down are cropped off in mobile view.

Please look into this, thanks.

Originally posted by: BrhannadaArmour

When a private forum topic link is posted and clicked, these error messages are unnecessarily forbidding and unhelpful:

Http 401 - Unauthorised Access

Sorry, this corner of India Forums is private. Don't worry; there's plenty more to explore and discuss!

Access denied on India Forums! Ensure you have the right permissions or discover other trending topics with us.

Instead, I suggest that private forum topic links should be displayed like this:

This link is to a topic in the Saṃskṛta Text Discussion private forum. First click the forum link if you wish to join. If the forum accepts you as a member, the topic link will work.

If a private forum is invite-only, clicking the link to the forum will tell us so. However, many private forums are auto-join or readily approve requests to join. We could flourish if links to our topics identified which private forum.

Please make this change to support members' efforts to share and explore private forums.

I like your suggestion. The link I posted was from current affairs section. Until yesterday that topic was locked and visible, but today it is hidden.

Originally posted by: BirdieNumNum

i totally disagree with khala's assessment that this site is right-leaning. If anything, many of us feel it's exactly the opposite. In particular, while we are on the subject of what makes members unwelcome, here's a list-

- mocking people as "bhakts";

- using every opportunity to denounce members as "hindutva fundamentalists";

- attacking Modi as a butcher or as a Nazi fascist;

- calling members bigots, misogynists, racist etc at the drop of a hat;

- passing innuendos and casting aspersions on PMs about certain members being old or MIDs (I have this on PMs from mutual friends). Basically muddying the water against members;

- making multiple MIDs to attack members and getting cronies to do the same to gang up;

Also, I don't think anyone on one on the pro-Israel side is celebrating any genocide. That's one thing the mods are generally good about- weeding out hate speech! On the contrary, the objective of "Palestine will be free from river to sea" calling for the extermination of Israel is exactly the thing the terror group hamas is pushing. It's also started inviting censure in real life, eg. people like Rashida Talib. And I predict it will get more people in trouble. Will not speak about moderation publicly because that's against rules.

I'm a Muslim. I am from UK so the Indian Jurisdiction does not apply to me.

I stated once that as forum users - if one group are able to present their ideologies, as a fair user policy it should be considered acceptable for the other group to enjoy the same privileges.

I got called a 'Bigot'.

Vijay,

Discussions can be made in the forum on religion and politics. It is all about how one conducts their point across. People go into debating, their point to be right over another persons. If people simply learned to listen to others and talk, clear misunderstandings rather than fight and name call then of course both parties will have no issues.

When I came to the forum, and I was speaking to someone regarding religion and we were having a insightful conversation. A member was following me around and everywhere calling me a 'Pious Woman', out of sarcasm due to personal indifference.

I didn't think that was fine -however I didn't report it. I would like to say I was enjoying the attention - but truth has it that I had returned to IF after a long time - and I had legit forgot all about the report button.

Also - When people get a WL for a comment or whatever reason, Can they be shown what they are being warned for. As sometimes you can get a WL and not know which post. By then the post is deleted and you cannot challenge it.

Thanks.

Originally posted by: BirdieNumNum

i totally disagree with khala's assessment that this site is right-leaning. If anything, many of us feel it's exactly the opposite. In particular, while we are on the subject of what makes members unwelcome, here's a list-

- mocking people as "bhakts";

- using every opportunity to denounce members as "hindutva fundamentalists";

- attacking Modi as a butcher or as a Nazi fascist;

- calling members bigots, misogynists, racist etc at the drop of a hat;

- passing innuendos and casting aspersions on PMs about certain members being old or MIDs (I have this on PMs from mutual friends). Basically muddying the water against members;

- making multiple MIDs to attack members and getting cronies to do the same to gang up;

Also, I don't think anyone on one on the pro-Israel side is celebrating any genocide. That's one thing the mods are generally good about- weeding out hate speech! On the contrary, the objective of "Palestine will be free from river to sea" calling for the extermination of Israel is exactly the thing the terror group hamas is pushing. It's also started inviting censure in real life, eg. people like Rashida Talib. And I predict it will get more people in trouble. Will not speak about moderation publicly because that's against rules.

Birdie you harrass people, where ever khala or other females who engage with her post you come running to their posts and try and try to engage with them, it is creepy, instigatory and always ends up in a scuffle.

They have come here a few posts earlier asking for an invisible button.. to specifically make you and your "mutual friend" invisible.

Khala posts anywhere in bwf ..you post with her.. khala posts in CA you try to get her to talk to you.. khala posts here and you try to talk to her .. and then you call yourself a victim .

Please leave all of us alone birdie! Don't follow us from section to section. We don't seek you out.

Originally posted by: Petrichor80

Please see this topic too: https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/removed-content-vault/5341046/i-need-an-answer - looks like topic is hidden.

There are members who are calling muslims jihadis in current affairs section. How is that acceptable? Does this place not want to have muslim members and Hindu members who are against Islamophobia?? As soon as these concerns are brought up the post gets reported and topic gets locked.

“To me, attacking someone over their religion is the most pathetic thing that a human being can do. Everyone has the right to voice their opinion and what they feel about a certain situation, but I personally have never ever even thought of discriminating anyone over their religion – and that is a very sacred and a personal thing to every human being, and that should be left there” - Virat Kohli

Originally posted by: D3viL

Birdie you harrass people, where ever khala or other females who engage with her post you come running to their posts and try and try to engage with them, it is creepy, instigatory and always ends up in a scuffle.

They have come here a few posts earlier asking for an invisible button.. to specifically make you and your "mutual friend" invisible.

Khala posts anywhere in bwf ..you post with her.. khala posts in CA you try to get her to talk to you.. khala posts here and you try to talk to her .. and then you call yourself a victim .

Please leave all of us alone birdie! Don't follow us from section to section. We don't seek you out.

Originally posted by: carisma2

Vijay,

Discussions can be made in the forum on religion and politics. It is all about how one conducts their point across. People go into debating, their point to be right over another persons. If people simply learned to listen to others and talk, clear misunderstandings rather than fight and name call then of course both parties will have no issues.

When I came to the forum, and I was speaking to someone regarding religion and we were having a insightful conversation. A member was following me around and everywhere calling me a 'Pious Woman', out of sarcasm due to personal indifference.

I didn't think that was fine -however I didn't report it. I would like to say I was enjoying the attention - but truth has it that I had returned to IF after a long time - and I had legit forgot all about the report button.

Also - When people get a WL for a comment or whatever reason, Can they be shown what they are being warned for. As sometimes you can get a WL and not know which post. By then the post is deleted and you cannot challenge it.

Thanks.

Dear carisma2,

Thank you for your thoughtful message and for sharing your experiences on our forum. Your insights are invaluable in helping us shape a more positive and inclusive community. I would like to address your points regarding discussions on sensitive topics like religion and politics, and the warning level (WL) system.

1. Discussions on Sensitive Topics:

You rightly pointed out that the manner in which discussions are conducted plays a crucial role. Our goal is to foster a community where diverse perspectives are shared respectfully. However, we've observed that discussions on religion and politics often escalate into heated debates, leading to personal attacks and discomfort among members. This is not just about a few instances but a broader pattern that affects the overall atmosphere of our forum. 😊

While we appreciate and encourage insightful discussions, our priority is to maintain a safe and respectful space for all members. Hence, we limit discussions on these sensitive topics. This isn't to suppress freedom of expression but to protect members from potential conflicts and distress. We believe that a respectful, empathetic approach to communication, especially on sensitive issues, is crucial in maintaining a harmonious community. In the future, we may develop systems to facilitate these conversations more appropriately. We have started Current Affairs forum where we discuss current issues.

2. Your Personal Experience:

Regarding your experience with another member, we apologize for any discomfort. We encourage reporting such incidents to maintain a respectful forum atmosphere.

3. Warning Level System Improvements:

We're also improving our warning level system for greater clarity. Members will receive detailed notifications about warnings and will have the opportunity to review and appeal them. This ensures transparency and fairness in our moderation process.

Your feedback is crucial in enhancing our community. Thank you for being a part of it.

Best regards,

Originally posted by: vijay

Dear carisma2,

Thank you for your thoughtful message and for sharing your experiences on our forum. Your insights are invaluable in helping us shape a more positive and inclusive community. I would like to address your points regarding discussions on sensitive topics like religion and politics, and the warning level (WL) system.

1. Discussions on Sensitive Topics:

You rightly pointed out that the manner in which discussions are conducted plays a crucial role. Our goal is to foster a community where diverse perspectives are shared respectfully. However, we've observed that discussions on religion and politics often escalate into heated debates, leading to personal attacks and discomfort among members. This is not just about a few instances but a broader pattern that affects the overall atmosphere of our forum. 😊

While we appreciate and encourage insightful discussions, our priority is to maintain a safe and respectful space for all members. Hence, we limit discussions on these sensitive topics. This isn't to suppress freedom of expression but to protect members from potential conflicts and distress. We believe that a respectful, empathetic approach to communication, especially on sensitive issues, is crucial in maintaining a harmonious community. In the future, we may develop systems to facilitate these conversations more appropriately. We have started Current Affairs forum where we discuss current issues.

2. Your Personal Experience:

Regarding your experience with another member, we apologize for any discomfort. We encourage reporting such incidents to maintain a respectful forum atmosphere.

3. Warning Level System Improvements:

We're also improving our warning level system for greater clarity. Members will receive detailed notifications about warnings and will have the opportunity to review and appeal them. This ensures transparency and fairness in our moderation process.

Your feedback is crucial in enhancing our community. Thank you for being a part of it.

Best regards,

Dear Vijay,

Thank you for your kind response. It is much appreciated.

I totally agree, not everyone is able to understand the core principles of respectful communication. A lot of of people are still hardwired for negativity and believe any opinion not suiting or matching their own serves as a negative threat. Part of personal growth is allowing ourselves to embrace the idea of learning something new and how another person feels. if we debate our points, then it is because we want to be heard whether anyone validates our opinions or not, we want it to be acknowledged. So the same entitlement should be extended to others and we should not pose to be more superior over others. We liberal thinkers become the victims of prejudice by those who remain obstinate because we allow others to express themselves and voice concerns. Therefore seemingly making out, that we have diverted away from own perception to another's or that we have become favourable towards a certain side. It will take time for such mindsets to evolve and catch up and not just here but everywhere in general.

I am delighted that we have a Current Affairs forum added now. It has already been quite educating and I have seen many insightful comments from opposing ends. It is a great platform, a good step in the right direction.

Thank you again Vijay. Luckily I have an armour of thick skin, but non-the-less, I now carry a Report button in my hand at all times. It is a virtual platform's answer for an equivalence to pepper spray, and a much needed one at that.

I am extremely happy that you are implementing the much needed technology for WL's. I think this will give a better resolve for both members and moderators. Currently, mods have to face a number of concerns in private PM's or through open public shaming, which I do not think they deserve. A tool and procedure accommodating this, will definitely bring transparency and fairness.

Thanks again Vijay. I'm glad to be part of the IF family again.

Cari.

just a factual check- if we look at the topics, we have one each supporting and denouncing Israel, and one supporting Palestinians. By my reckoning, that would suggest a willingness to accommodate left-leaning views. Certainly no bias there, and great moderation there especially in weeding out the personal attacks.

and this for carisma: even though we've been on the opposite sides of the divide, I am glad we have been to chat without blowing a fuse. A lot of it is thanks to you.

I was actually referring to another mutual friend who had shown me those PMs out to discredit and malign people with different POVs. I never thought much of it then because I wasn't looking for anything here other than some light-hearted fun and occasional discussions. I don't remember ever trying to make friends or initiating any conversation on PM with anyone... so it's strange getting told I am following anyone around. Zero interest there. For me, it's more fun coming at it alone, so there's no compulsion to agree/ disagree with anyone. Also, I'd think there are private forums if someone wants to exclude us, no?