I have a suggestion for a simple database mod to implement the new feature of thread moderation by the thread starter. The main purpose of the mod is to prevent mass deletion of posts for whatever reason the thread starter may have. In the database for posts create a new column for post status, the default value is 1. When the value is 1 the post will show up. To "delete" a post the value gets changed to 0. When the value is 0 the post will not show up, but it is still in the database. Only Baron or a moderator can change the value back to 1, which will make that post viewable again.
Elitetrader.com has its main (primary) moderators like Magna and a few others. Using the main moderators...the self moderation by thread starters comes with some rules via using the "queue" process that's already being used by Baron in different situations (e.g. new registered members): 1) Thread deletions by an OP (thread starter) needs approval by the main moderators and the deletion process remains in "queue" until it is approved or denied. 2) Message post deletions by the OP (thread starter) remains in "queue" until it is approved or denied by the main moderators. 3) Any user name on the OP (thread starter) ignore list are unable to post messages in the OPs thread nor able to view the thread. Thus, helps in reducing the eyesore stalking activities by trolls and their associates. 4) Op (thread starter) that has not posted a message for 30 days in his/her own thread while the thread remains active...the thread loses its self-moderation ability and then goes into the "queue" process for thread closure. Primary moderators will then review the thread to determine if the thread is still on topic or if the thread should be split into a separate thread for discussions that are good but involving a completely different topic. 5) Op (thread starters) do not have access to IP addresses nor email addresses. Only the primary ET moderators have access to such. 6) Any one that uses the "complaint button" on any particular message...those messages are only sent to the primary moderators and not the OP (thread starter). There's many other things that can be implemented in the self-moderation process to ensure its not abused by overzealous Op thread starters.
I guess each time the ridiculous notion of "self moderated" threads is proposed, the below reasons why its nonsense need to be restated. In addition, the folks that PUSH hard for self moderation generally do not have the ability to defend their claims or support their arguments without resorting to DELETING all those who DISAGREE with them. This is often THIN SKINNED, vendor types who push PRODUCT and SERVICES. Or those with an agenda. Here we go again: Quote from Baron: 07-02-09 11:22 PM What message board allows moderating your own thread? I've never even seen that ability on any message board. Furthermore, here are some of the reasons why such a feature won't be implemented: 1. Every thread started will essentially have a different moderator, each with his own standard of what's acceptable and what isn't. You think the standards are all over the map with the handful of moderators we have now? Wait til' everybody is a moderator! 2. The capability of mass post deletion, meaning that if a user has a popular thread and then later decides to leave the site for good because he blew out his trading account or whatever, he may decide to also delete his threads or the replies of others, which will leave a LOT of people very pissed off. 3. Conflict of interest. I don't think you can have your own thread and be a very objective moderator at the same time. Some people are power hungry, egotistical, thin-skinned, etc., which makes them poorly suited to moderate the posts of other people.
You're the only one here who keeps showing their thin skin. Others are willing to try something new that may improve the site and eliminate a few malcontents who like to use ET as their dumping ground.