Suggest we have no debate in the offers forum

[projo]

After reading a recent thread in the offers forum I am encouraged to suggest that we allow no debate in response to an offer.

[Chicken]

I have a feeling I know which thread, but...

The only problem with that is that this... is a forum. Ads posted as threads differ from those than say, a paid banner. That type of ad is static, it sits up there, and doesn't generate comments or questions, unless someone else starts a thread about it. In all threads, people can post comments and questions, and ad threads are no different in this regard.

So if we permit comments and questions (which we do), there are grey areas in which cross the line between normal comment/questions, and all out ugly. Thing is, most often there's no real distinction between regular comments and questions, and what ends up turning ugly. In other words, comments are comments, questions are questions and most of the time, this system works.

Bottom Line:

Granted, some ad threads get ugly, but for the most part, I've found that there *is* an issue when this occurs and since we do not keep tabs on everything that goes on, there's something to be said for community policing.

Maybe you had something else in mind whe you said, "no debate in response to an offer" -but that's what I got out of it.

[Andrew]

I took a quick look at the offers forum - and wasnt hard to pick out the thread that initiated this post...

but honestly - cant really stop people from posting their opinions - and really - would you even want to?

Considering that 99% of the offer posts go unanswered (ie no comments) - I think this is an excellent self policing system...

[projo]

I am probably being a little quick on the draw. I am tired of the host-fights I have seen elsewhere, with one host putting down another while fighting over clients. I haven't really seen that here and maybe I am just a little protective over where I like to relax.

Agree that questions and comments are good. The negative comments and putdowns have not run rampant here, so no problem.

Although I think that discussions not specifically about an offer (e.g. about the hosting industry, unlimited features, cheap prices) should be in another forum-topic I don't have strong feelings about it.

That reminds me: I bought an 11 year old Dodge Caravan last summer to drive to work. It was a very expensive model with lots of fancy stuff, even outside temperature, but I only paid $1500 for it. So, last week I drove the gang to lunch when one of them observed that the warning-wires in my brake pads were squeaking and I should change the pads. I replied that that was how I could tell that a wheel had not fallen off. So, a little squeaking may not be all that bad.

[markblair]

As you've mentioned projo, it hasn't gotten too out of control. There are the occasional threads where this happens but thankfully it isn't all that much. One problem I do see though with not allowing negative comments is that if we do that, it appears like we are defending the host that's getting all the backlash. Of course usually those that complain are people trying to start a fight with anyone but it can happen. Hopefully there won't be any huge increase in the ugly threads that Chicken had mentioned. :)

[projo]

Good point.