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Original poster

Would it be possible for all threads from first time posters to need approval before submission?

36 replies

AlternativePerspective · 28/02/2022 07:24

I get that people think that if we stopped first time posters from starting threads for a period of time then people might feel they couldn’t come here for support.

But given the prevalence of trolls and spammers wanting to post fearmongering threads about the war, the possibility of nuclear war, how to build a bunker in the back yard and so on, wouldn’t it be an idea for all threads from first time posters to be subject to approval before they were allowed on to the boards?

That way we would at least stop an awful lot of trolls and spammers posting here, even if we couldn’t prevent the fearmongering entirely.

Plenty of fb groups have a rule where a post is submitted for admin approval before appearing on the group, and while it would involve some work for HQ, this would presumably be countered by the fact that HQ wouldn’t have to look through so many reports about these kinds of threads because they will already have seen them.

I would make the moderation for say, 30 days.

OP posts:
DottyHarmer · 28/02/2022 08:33

Any time there is an issue du jour (covid, a General Election, a terrorist attack) on come troublemakers or paid political bots. It would be good if HQ could identify and remove such OPs but I don’t know how difficult it would be for HQ.

Regarding people needing help, well, they presumably would be posting on a different t subject, not about current events, so their posts would only need investigating after the fact.

I noticed at the height of the pandemic some posters started threads every single day . . They never contributed or added to an existing thread, it was always attention-grabbing OPs and I think this should have been stopped as they were obviously to me (and I am super gullible!) political plants (remember that Dad person who was determined to get schools closed? Mr Union Activist methinks)

SoupDragon · 28/02/2022 08:33

I think that is an appalling idea as people post because they want advice now.

Just learn to spot the signs and report the threads.

Sparklingbrook · 28/02/2022 08:32

@PurpleDaisies

That sounds totally unworkable
Totally. But we can dream. Grin There's a thread asking for a Ukraine topic and that won't happen either but it's interesting to see the opinions as to why/why not.
PurpleDaisies · 28/02/2022 08:29

That sounds totally unworkable

Sparklingbrook · 28/02/2022 08:29

Well TBF it's never going to happen is it? But I can see how it would be useful right now as the threads about Ukraine are getting ridiculous in much the same way as the Covid ones in early 2020.
First time posters with dubious intent. mainly scaremongering. But it will die down presumably.

GirlInACountrySong · 28/02/2022 08:26

@Sparklingbrook

I guess this refers to genuinely first time posters that have literally just joined MN to post,. MNHQ can tell the difference between those and name changers.

I think the way things are at the moment it might be a good idea. But maybe difficult to implement?

They can of course but it's going to create a ton more work for a few more threads people can just hide if they don't want to read!

SookieHouseboat · 28/02/2022 08:24

I’m always name changing and have been here for years. Maybe a period away from MN is needed if it affects you. Just a week or two.

Sparklingbrook · 28/02/2022 08:21

@Ihopeyourcakeisshit

Terrible idea, it could have a huge impact on someone who really needs help quickly. A few trolls and dickheads is the price we pay, I think we can put up with that?
If someone needed help that quickly I'm not sure MN is the best place, it might even encourage them to get valuable help in RL...
Sparklingbrook · 28/02/2022 08:20

I guess this refers to genuinely first time posters that have literally just joined MN to post,. MNHQ can tell the difference between those and name changers.

I think the way things are at the moment it might be a good idea. But maybe difficult to implement?

Ihopeyourcakeisshit · 28/02/2022 08:20

Terrible idea, it could have a huge impact on someone who really needs help quickly.
A few trolls and dickheads is the price we pay, I think we can put up with that?

GirlInACountrySong · 28/02/2022 08:17

What about namechangers? They have no visible ( to you) posting history but may have been here years

I regularly name change

I would not be happy if not allowed to post or questioned by the posting police

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