Question about ethics as related to the rules.

[UchihaBrat]

Yeah, title says it, but I'd also like to remind you who're reading this that I really can't provide any solutions, even suggestions, as this is a question, and only to some extent a problem. There might be suggestions, but as of now I don't know of any, so maybe discussing will bring about some.

Here's the topic of the thread: I just recently stumbled upon a situation, which has probably had its likes happen before, so I'll try to make it as general as possible:
So, the situation was that there was a member who spammed, but the thing which stopped me from reporting this, was that the content of that post had me believing the member didn't even understand what the OP said at all.
Not that it may be relevant, but the member was fairly new and probably hadn't been acquainted with the rules.

I know that it is every member's responsibility to read and follow the rules, but this is where it gets ethical, because NB is on the internet, and that means people of many different nationalities can join.
Should I have reported it?

I mean, the member might have read the OP and not understood it well enough to gather what it was about, because the OP was related to religion, as was this particular post, but the topic was different..
I felt kinda bad when I was about to report, because there has to be some kind of leniency, right?
Is this lenience the kind that should be accepted or not?

Sorry if it is hard to understand. This is an ethical question, which almost always makes it difficult to talk about, because there are so many opinions and 'what if's' when talking about this. THAT is why I want the staff's as well as other members' input on it, thank you.

 

[Scorps]

One thing you could have done instead of reporting was explained to him how what he did breaks the rules, by referring it and posting the link to the global rules. However, even if you report it, a new member with no infraction or history of misbehavior wouldn't be infracted for simply spamming a harmless post or two. He would be warned either officially or unofficially, depending on the content of the posts.

Contrary to what most members think, we don't have a zero tolerance policy. We do understand most of the members are kids and some may even not understand english that well. When an infraction is given its always for a worthy reason and generally after warnings and other steps had been taken.

So yes, you can report those cases...or you can explain to the new member the steps to take into following the rules correctly. Its up to you as what matters is that the member will begin to understand the rules, which is accomplished both ways. If you are the one to explain to him, its good for us as we can have more time to dedicate ourselves to grave offenses, but if a rule is broken you aren't misusing the report button by reporting it.​

 

[Mephistopheles]

Yeah, title says it, but I'd also like to remind you who're reading this that I really can't provide any solutions, even suggestions, as this is a question, and only to some extent a problem. There might be suggestions, but as of now I don't know of any, so maybe discussing will bring about some.

Here's the topic of the thread: I just recently stumbled upon a situation, which has probably had its likes happen before, so I'll try to make it as general as possible:
So, the situation was that there was a member who spammed, but the thing which stopped me from reporting this, was that the content of that post had me believing the member didn't even understand what the OP said at all.
Not that it may be relevant, but the member was fairly new and probably hadn't been acquainted with the rules.

I know that it is every member's responsibility to read and follow the rules, but this is where it gets ethical, because NB is on the internet, and that means people of many different nationalities can join.
Should I have reported it?

I mean, the member might have read the OP and not understood it well enough to gather what it was about, because the OP was related to religion, as was this particular post, but the topic was different..
I felt kinda bad when I was about to report, because there has to be some kind of leniency, right?
Is this lenience the kind that should be accepted or not?

Sorry if it is hard to understand. This is an ethical question, which almost always makes it difficult to talk about, because there are so many opinions and 'what if's' when talking about this. THAT is why I want the staff's as well as other members' input on it, thank you.

Well, first of all, if one does not understand the topic, one should not post. Then one cannot go off topic and thus not spam. If one does decide to post even though they do not understand the topic then it is given that they will most likely spam, or at least so will many people think.
Beside that, as you have mentioned, it is the responsibility of each and every member to read the rules. As they have done this they will understand what might be considered as spam and what not, thus they can be held responsible for their actions. If they did not read the rules they are, in my opinion, even responsible as the members that did read the rules. This is because everyone knows rules aren't there for nothing.
In any case, if you found the post spamming, irrelevant, or offensive enough, you should report it regardless on who posted it. If not, then you should not report it and someone else might. After all, it is your own choice whether you report a post or not. Beside that I think none of the mods nor any admin would just go around infracting members without any other actions against the rules if it is not really offensive or anything.

 

[UchihaBrat]

One thing you could have done instead of reporting was explained to him how what he did breaks the rules, by referring it and posting the link to the global rules. However, even if you report it, a new member with no infraction or history of misbehavior wouldn't be infracted for simply spamming a harmless post or two. He would be warned either officially or unofficially, depending on the content of the posts.

Contrary to what most members think, we don't have a zero tolerance policy. We do understand most of the members are kids and some may even not understand english that well. When an infraction is given its always for a worthy reason and generally after warnings and other steps had been taken.

So yes, you can report those cases...or you can explain to the new member the steps to take into following the rules correctly. Its up to you as what matters is that the member will begin to understand the rules, which is accomplished both ways. If you are the one to explain to him, its good for us as we can have more time to dedicate ourselves to grave offenses, but if a rule is broken you aren't misusing the report button by reporting it.​

Ok, good, because I did ask the member to explain what was written and how it was related to the topic at hand:ghehe:

Don't take it wrongly though, I know you guys are lenient in some cases, where it is needed of course. It's just that I wanted some of your input, which you have given, since I was a bit lost as to how I should act and whether I was being fair or not.
Thank you!

@Leaf: You say that if they don't understand then they shouldn't post, but what if they themselves think they understand, whilst they actually don't? Nervermind, it has essentially been answered already~
And yes, members are supposed to read the rules as they are there for a reason, but it is difficult to know whether they actually ever read them or not.. Aaah~ This is such a pain! But at least I'm more certain of how I should act now, thanks! ;D

 

[Josh]

As far as my ethical system works, I do my best to evaluate the member as best I can, meaning:

How long have they been a member?

How many posts do they have?

What kind of posts/threads have they made?

Have other members informed them of their mistake, and if so, what was their attitude in response?

There are other things, but I try my best not to report people unless they are truly breaking the rules. I always used to think the only correct answer was to punish/report the person (In real life too) but then I learned that you can correct a situation just as good by handling it "in-house." Meaning, explain to the person that what they are doing is wrong and it is in their best interest as well as the NB communitie's not to continue doing what they are doing.

95% of the time if you are nice about it, they will apologize and will stop breaking that rule. Occasionally there are those who really don't give a crap and they must be reported and "watched." Whether immaturity or genetics, some people have no respect or "fear" of authority and no matter what you say or do, they will continue breaking the rules.

As far as new members go, give them some grace. I was on NB for 7 months before I received my first infraction and I have to laugh about it because it was by far not the worst thing I've done and it was something I had done 3 months prior. You don't have to report every instance you witness.

 

['Kurapika]

if you're talking about that thread i think you're talking about, then it was not spam nor it was off topic.
the thread title was "I use to like this place... :/"
the only content of the thread was "Fu trolls"
and the person you are referring to said "I used to like this place, and then your existence became apparent."
the only rule that was broken in that thread was the one regarding flaming and maybe the one regarding insulting other members as well.

You must be registered for see links

 

[Josh]

if you're talking about that thread i think you're talking about, then it was not spam nor it was off topic.
the thread title was "I use to like this place... :/"
the only content of the thread was "Fu trolls"
and the person you are referring to said "I used to like this place, and then your existence became apparent."
the only rule that was broken in that thread was the one regarding flaming and maybe the one regarding insulting other members as well.

You must be registered for see links

Even if that is the case, the thread still contained a great point. In addition, you probably should have pointed this out in a PM or VM as it's not relevant per se to his question.

 

[Hawker]

You're thinking a matter like this way too much dude.

Rules are rules. Internet is internet. Everyone in here has gotten his own self self in here by themselves. They should know a couple of sentences of english or otherwise why the f*ck did they even registered on to a discussion forum.

Thinking about ethics in a case like this is like crushing a tree leaf and afterwards thinking that maybe it got feelings and and brainfunctions, so you gave yourself in to the police and say you maybe did a murder. Aka making things harder/complicated than they actually are/should be.

 

[UchihaBrat]

As far as my ethical system works, I do my best to evaluate the member as best I can, meaning:

How long have they been a member?

How many posts do they have?

What kind of posts/threads have they made?

Have other members informed them of their mistake, and if so, what was their attitude in response?

There are other things, but I try my best not to report people unless they are truly breaking the rules. I always used to think the only correct answer was to punish/report the person (In real life too) but then I learned that you can correct a situation just as good by handling it "in-house." Meaning, explain to the person that what they are doing is wrong and it is in their best interest as well as the NB communitie's not to continue doing what they are doing.

95% of the time if you are nice about it, they will apologize and will stop breaking that rule. Occasionally there are those who really don't give a crap and they must be reported and "watched." Whether immaturity or genetics, some people have no respect or "fear" of authority and no matter what you say or do, they will continue breaking the rules.

As far as new members go, give them some grace. I was on NB for 7 months before I received my first infraction and I have to laugh about it because it was by far not the worst thing I've done and it was something I had done 3 months prior. You don't have to report every instance you witness.

Ah, it is clear that one should handle everyone fairly, but some parameters are to be treated with care after all, since they could holds different meanings, which makes it all much harder.
But, you worded it well and I understand what you're saying thank you!

if you're talking about that thread i think you're talking about, then it was not spam nor it was off topic.
the thread title was "I use to like this place... :/"
the only content of the thread was "Fu trolls"
and the person you are referring to said "I used to like this place, and then your existence became apparent."
the only rule that was broken in that thread was the one regarding flaming and maybe the one regarding insulting other members as well.

You must be registered for see links

You're wrong, please don't be so prejudiced about me, you're being unfair.

You're thinking a matter like this way too much dude.

Rules are rules. Internet is internet. Everyone in here has gotten his own self self in here by themselves. They should know a couple of sentences of english or otherwise why the f*ck did they even registered on to a discussion forum.

Thinking about ethics in a case like this is like crushing a tree leaf and afterwards thinking that maybe it got feelings and and brainfunctions, so you gave yourself in to the police and say you maybe did a murder. Aka making things harder/complicated than they actually are/should be.

I think things have become clearer in my casexd but, ethics are not easy, so I can understand your sentiments!

 

[Scorps]

Answered, Discussed, Closed. Thanks Uchihabrat, its a good question ^^​