FWR - protecting from bad faith posters

[2BthatUnnoticed]

Someone raised this in thread , Datun I think.

On FWR, could restrictions be added so that new posters cannot spam the boards? We are extra vulnerable to trolls on that board.

So it's even more unwelcoming for feminists that are not radfems?

Hi there OP,

Thanks so much for getting in touch. Whilst we understand where you're coming from, we're not really sure this is something we'd be able to do as it might be unwelcoming for new posters.

As always, please do report anything that you think might be trolling, and we'd be happy to take a look.

there's other topics where you have to be a member for a certain time before you can post though - why not add Feminism to that?

So it's even more unwelcoming for feminists that are not radfems?

I do think that might be the idea.

Why don't FWR regulars just ignore spam threads? They are easy enough to spot. Instead there seems to be a compulsion to respond or start posting recipes or referring to Germaine Bunbury- which to be honest just looks a bit silly as well as giving attention to the troll.

I don't think FWR should have special restrictions. Feminism affects every female.

Relationships and parents of children with disabilities is for more risky for trolls.

I'd have thought posters on FWR would be more than able to debate with those who have opposing views? Surely you just report those who become unpleasant.

Feminism affects every female.

Quite right.

Unfortunately the feminism board here is not welcoming of every type of feminist, or every type of woman.

What do you mean by "every type of woman"?

I mean women are all different and believe different things, and live different lives. Just because a woman is not a radical feminist does not mean she is not a feminist, and does not mean she is not affected by feminist issues.

Oops sorry, I see I conveyed my thoughts badly.

I’m not radfem but thanks for assuming

I’ve lurked there for a year, finally posted in the last few days.. and now there’s a legal order on MN to dox a FWR user (not me).

It is not overt or nasty trolling, nor opposing views or unpleasant users. More like (made up example):

(Sympathetic, realistic lead in, then: so my teenage child has been teased for having short hair/long hair (etc) now wants testosterone injections to transition, should I support them?)

Could be a genuine, concerned mom who has just discovered MN. But why put it on FWR if so.. as opposed to a parenting or medical board?

No matter how carefully and sensitively people answer.. inevitably there are renewed calls online to close the entire site for alleged transphobia (ie the thread is scrutinised as soon as the OP goes up).

So to be specific, I think that board is vulnerable to bad-faith posters who are fishing for certain responses.

Obvious spam or troll posters are easier to identify and politely debate or ignore.

Another example- a thread gets to 900 and people start spamming one-line responses to take it to 1000 when people are still discussing (I know a new thread can be started but sometimes it’s hard to find it).

No one who is currently a user would be affected in the least... even if you name change to post there, you still have a user name, no?

Sorry “support them” was bad phrasing, because of course any mom should and would support their child. I hope people see what I’m trying to say.

And I’m sorry people have not felt welcomed there, I agree feminists of all types should be.