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#Post#: 61843--------------------------------------------------
I implemented a new rule on my message board and it's slightly u
npopular. How to respond to complaints?
By: Victoria Date: December 22, 2020, 9:06 am
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I'm a new admin on another forum that had a relatively large
member base, but no set rules or procedures in place. I helped
the other admins write the rules and established one in
particular that has been accepted by the vast majority (99.9% of
people) but we're seeing a couple of vocal complaints about it.
When it was implemented we did an explanatory admin thread about
it and went into great detail, bending over backward to give
very thorough explanations of the rule and why it was put into
place.
However, I'm now seeing a couple of complaints both on the new
rule's thread and within on-topic posts. I have seen everything
from "Rule X is stupid" to "Rule X seems arbitrary" to "I don't
know what the mods were thinking." Our message board is themed
squarely around teapots and we have another rule that basically
says if your post doesn't at least tangentially involve tea,
teapots, the history of teapots, etc. in some way then it's
subject to removal. I've been tempted to remove these types of
posts because they're getting off-topic, but haven't because the
comments sections haven't devolved into complaints about Rule X
and everyone else seems to want to stay on topic.
So my question is, what kind of "image" does it present if I'm
a) no longer answering private messages or comments on the Rule
X thread; and b) not removing posts that complain about Rule X?
We want to present a united image as admins and aren't being
wishy-washy or apologizing for the rule, but I also don't want
to be seen as militantly monitoring, policing, and deleting
discussions. Does anyone else have a better or different
approach?
#Post#: 61851--------------------------------------------------
Re: I implemented a new rule on my message board and it's slight
ly unpopular. How to respond to complaints?
By: VorFemme Date: December 22, 2020, 10:49 am
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I have been there, done that, and muted or even booted & banned
more than a few (defined as more than a dozen) people over that
on a forum that I've been moderating for a bit over a year
now...
#Post#: 61855--------------------------------------------------
Re: I implemented a new rule on my message board and it's slight
ly unpopular. How to respond to complaints?
By: vintagegal Date: December 22, 2020, 11:44 am
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I mod on a portion of a large forum and we have a strict rule
against discussing moderation. Any complaints can be handled
through DM's.
#Post#: 62158--------------------------------------------------
Re: I implemented a new rule on my message board and it's slight
ly unpopular. How to respond to complaints?
By: iolaus Date: December 30, 2020, 5:59 am
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Either delete or respond with a cut and paste 'please see pinned
admin rules post for explanation' (or whatever you called it
If they keep complaining PM with a 'either accept the rules of
the community or leave said community' - and if they do it again
ban them
Though if there are a LOT of unpopularity with the rule you may
have to look at if that rule is a right fit for that community
#Post#: 62167--------------------------------------------------
Re: I implemented a new rule on my message board and it's slight
ly unpopular. How to respond to complaints?
By: VorFemme Date: December 30, 2020, 9:28 am
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People don't always like any change, whether for the better or
the worse - "different" will be eyed suspiciously for a while.
And the newer members, who don't remember the "before" don't
understand the long term members complaining about the "new
rules" because they never saw or operated under the old rules.
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