Up front I will say - I can be abrasive, opinionated and sometimes harsh. However, I can also be honest, upfront, scientific and friendly. Second - I really like this site - for the information and community feeling.
Recently - I read a disturbing couple of threads concerning people leaving R2R. The names and dates etc are not important. I was not sure the appropriate place to put this post - or even whether I should post it at all - but here goes. (What Im posting is not a complaint - its a couple suggestions to help the community)
IMHO - a site only works in a 'friendly' manner (as this site is suggested to be) when there is openness and consistency. While I understand the need for moderators - and policies - IMHO - the policies need to be enforced consistently.
1. Negative posts about vendors are moved from their forum to the 'vendor feedback forum'. (which until recently I didnt know existed) - Positive posts are left in the vendors forum. This isnt consistent. (And it is not in any policy I have read).
2. Is there a place on the site where its explained (again apologies if I have missed it) the hierarchy of the staff, moderators, reef squad, etc. and how one attains those positions? I recently read that the 'reef squad' is held to a higher standard - what is that standard?
3. I have seen posts that were down-right rude and/or insulting that are left for everyone to see - yet I - when I've been perceived (admittedly) abrasive - have been privately warned that 'many people here don't like you'. Is that a friendly site? I would much prefer being called out by a moderator for my behavior in public as compared to a private warning. And - I would much prefer seeing others called out for their posts as well (as compared to deleting threads, etc). Thats just an opinion.
4. Friends (married couples, parents/children etc) can disagree without being 'unfriendly'. What prompted this post was several threads where it seemed as if staff were telling users 'dont say that - this is a friendly site' - when it was merely constructive criticism - and not 'unfriendly'. Its like any disagreement (whether warranted or not) is unfriendly. To me that makes a less friendly not a more friendly site.
The comments above are not related to any specific incident - but several - and they seem to be increasing - not decreasing - I myself - who loves the site in general have considered quitting entirely a couple months ago. Maybe this should be in the 'suggestion forum' or deleted - IDK - but to @revhtree I hope you consider what I'm saying in the spirit in which I'm saying it - not as criticism - but to help. To the rest that have to read my ramblings - I apologize.
Recently - I read a disturbing couple of threads concerning people leaving R2R. The names and dates etc are not important. I was not sure the appropriate place to put this post - or even whether I should post it at all - but here goes. (What Im posting is not a complaint - its a couple suggestions to help the community)
IMHO - a site only works in a 'friendly' manner (as this site is suggested to be) when there is openness and consistency. While I understand the need for moderators - and policies - IMHO - the policies need to be enforced consistently.
1. Negative posts about vendors are moved from their forum to the 'vendor feedback forum'. (which until recently I didnt know existed) - Positive posts are left in the vendors forum. This isnt consistent. (And it is not in any policy I have read).
2. Is there a place on the site where its explained (again apologies if I have missed it) the hierarchy of the staff, moderators, reef squad, etc. and how one attains those positions? I recently read that the 'reef squad' is held to a higher standard - what is that standard?
3. I have seen posts that were down-right rude and/or insulting that are left for everyone to see - yet I - when I've been perceived (admittedly) abrasive - have been privately warned that 'many people here don't like you'. Is that a friendly site? I would much prefer being called out by a moderator for my behavior in public as compared to a private warning. And - I would much prefer seeing others called out for their posts as well (as compared to deleting threads, etc). Thats just an opinion.
4. Friends (married couples, parents/children etc) can disagree without being 'unfriendly'. What prompted this post was several threads where it seemed as if staff were telling users 'dont say that - this is a friendly site' - when it was merely constructive criticism - and not 'unfriendly'. Its like any disagreement (whether warranted or not) is unfriendly. To me that makes a less friendly not a more friendly site.
The comments above are not related to any specific incident - but several - and they seem to be increasing - not decreasing - I myself - who loves the site in general have considered quitting entirely a couple months ago. Maybe this should be in the 'suggestion forum' or deleted - IDK - but to @revhtree I hope you consider what I'm saying in the spirit in which I'm saying it - not as criticism - but to help. To the rest that have to read my ramblings - I apologize.
. Kidding, because I know I can be too! Written communication leaves a lot open for interpretation.
