I've just been catching up with the MNHQ webchat (couldn't join yesterday as I was at work), and noticed the tension between MNHQ's stats which show the reduced number of deletions vs the feel from posters that the deletions are getting worse.
So, MNHQ say:
"Out of interest we've checked the deletions thing and surprisingly the number of deleted messages seems to have dropped not risen year on year - even though traffic is up by more than 40% (these include messages deleted from deleted threads - so one long thread = 1000 deletions)
Jan 1st 2011 to May 29th 2011: 81884 messages
Jan 1st 2012 to May 29th 2012: 72037 messages"
but as Hully said:
"While I do not doubt your marvellous statistics, there are a lot of us oldhands who notice a very different feel and approach.
Why might that be then?"
Well fellow MN'ers, I think I have the explanation - it is because they are both true! Moderation has increased, resulting in reduced deletions and this is why:
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Firstly, let's simplify the numbers:
Lets say in 2011, there were 500 deleted messages on 100 threads. This is at the time when moderation was not as strict. If a thread turned bunfighty, it didn't get deleted until it got really bad.
Of the 100 threads, 4 got deleted, however, before deletion they reached 100 posts, so 400 deletions over 4 threads with the rest of the 100 deletions spread over the remaining 96 threads = perception of light moderation and not many deletions.
------------
In 2012, there were 450 deleted messages on 100 threads, however moderation is stricter.
Of the 100 threads 4 are deleted, but as moderation is stricter they are deleted before they get big, so each deleted thread only has 25 messages on before it gets deleted so that is only 100 deletions over 4 threads leaving the rest of the 350 deletions over the remaining 96 threads = perception of heavier moderation and more deletions but less deleted posts.
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Just saying that there are less deleted posts doesn't mean a thing. 'Tis all about context you see 
MNHQ have commented on this thread
Site stuff
Deletions Stats vs Opinions that they are getting worse
ClaireDeTamble · 05/10/2012 13:59
re: the fewer. I always get that one wrong am sleep deprived as DD2 is 12 months old and still doesn't sleep. (That's my excuse and I am sticking to it )
No, not bored. I do this stuff for a living. The discrepancy seemed to be causing some debate and the answer jumped out at me, so I thought it may be helpful to share.
This reply has been deleted
Message deleted by Mumsnet for breaking our Talk Guidelines. Replies may also be deleted.
Olivia quite frankly I am 
at your nortyness. I always thought you were so well behaved at all times
@ClaireDeTamble
So, MNHQ say:
"Out of interest we've checked the deletions thing and surprisingly the number of deleted messages seems to have dropped not risen year on year - even though traffic is up by more than 40% (these include messages deleted from deleted threads - so one long thread = 1000 deletions)
Jan 1st 2011 to May 29th 2011: 81884 messages
Jan 1st 2012 to May 29th 2012: 72037 messages"
but as Hully said:
"While I do not doubt your marvellous statistics, there are a lot of us oldhands who notice a very different feel and approach.
Why might that be then?"
Well fellow MN'ers, I think I have the explanation - it is because they are both true! Moderation has increased, resulting in reduced deletions and this is why:
------------
Firstly, let's simplify the numbers:
Lets say in 2011, there were 500 deleted messages on 100 threads. This is at the time when moderation was not as strict. If a thread turned bunfighty, it didn't get deleted until it got really bad.
Of the 100 threads, 4 got deleted, however, before deletion they reached 100 posts, so 400 deletions over 4 threads with the rest of the 100 deletions spread over the remaining 96 threads = perception of light moderation and not many deletions.
------------
In 2012, there were 450 deleted messages on 100 threads, however moderation is stricter.
Of the 100 threads 4 are deleted, but as moderation is stricter they are deleted before they get big, so each deleted thread only has 25 messages on before it gets deleted so that is only 100 deletions over 4 threads leaving the rest of the 350 deletions over the remaining 96 threads = perception of heavier moderation and more deletions but less deleted posts.
--------------
Just saying that there are less deleted posts doesn't mean a thing. 'Tis all about context you see
Interesting and you may well be right Claire. It's hard to say tbh - all I can say is the moderating rules and philosophy haven't changed.
It is equally possible that the "oldhands" are getting deleted more ofter 'cos they are getting rooooooder, something that does sometimes happen some of the time with some folks, I've noticed, during the typical journey of their interaction with a forum.
It's another possible explanation, and of course the two are not mutually exclusive?
@Hullygully
Can we stick to the simple and straightforward issue?
Posts saying things like: Goodness me, you are inexpressibly smug, did not used to be called personal attacks and get deleted.
And there is something new: the deletion of posts referring to the deleted one so that threads get riddled.
And as the co-founder and chief propagator of PARD, I am certainly not getting ruder but I bloody well might in a minute
"The deleted one" sounds Potteresque
...
@BigBroomstickBIWI
Me neither
I am definitely getting rooooder actually. I used to be so polite to everyone - even trolls. (But then most everyone was very nice to me. Mnetters used to send us money and ask how we were!)
@FancyPuffin
?I'm fine now I have wine!
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