Is mumsnet going crazy or something?

[fio2]

I am fed up everyday of logging on to troll posts. cant something be done to stop this

Nothing you can do about them - as sites grow, so does the troll prob, just have to avoid them. Mumsnet is one of the most self regulating websites I have ever known, I can't imagine the prob will grow too big.

Is this not getting blown out of proportion somewhat...?

I really don't see the problem with the way it is and doe sit really matter if we get a few trolls? but then I will also add that I really don't see why everyone gets so uptight about trolls most trolls are fairly harmless and some even provoke quite interesting conversation

slopes off again

Nomedeplume - you can pay a sub of 10p if that is all you can afford. There are suggested rates, but they are not set in stone. I do think that anyone who posts here regularly should pay something, even if it is only a couple of pence. Considering how much it costs to be online (unless you are at work, in which case you may even be able to spare a couple of quid) I would have thought most users could donate something.

agree with fitzog
ther ehave been only 2 trolls all year
think we need to talk baout somehtng else

Agree coddy....

sometimes they even liven things up a bit. if you don't like it, don't read it.

I'm quite new to MN, and only just really getting the confidence to get involved in the threads, and I really don't know if I would be able to spot a 'troll'. Worries me a bit the thought that I could be conversing with a 'troll' and not know it.

I would agree with having a more 'secure' access sytem. Either that, or a seperate area to the general forum, on an invitation only basis (ie. you get recommended by a regular MN'er who knows your not a troll).

Just a suggestion

But teris, how would you qualify to be a regular?
There is nothing we can do about trolls (they are on all forum sites like these) but ignore them.

see your point, would be hard to pick out the initial users.

Maybe it would help for MN'rs to make a note on troll threads, so people like me who may not realise it's a troll don't respond...

Think of trolls like a toddler: they are only looking for a reaction and if ignored will soon tire and move on to something else.

Can't say I like the idea of invitation only. I never would have got to participate.

Had an idea - instead of giving moderators the ability to delete threads, why not give them the power to lock a thread so that no new posts can be added to it until such time as the mumsnet team can assess what to do with it. That would take it out of the Active Conversations fairly quickly, but still prevent unfair or overzealous use of moderation (if mumsnet team decide it's unjustified they can simply unlock it) as everyone would be able to see the original thread and the moderator's justification for closing it down.

What do you think?

The idea behind moderators and locking also means a quicker response time.

Message withdrawn

Really excellent idea Georgina. Gold star

Sorry, don't mean to sound 'elitist'! I've just seen people posting some really personal stuff on here (and I have too), and wouldn't want that to get abused by the wrong person.

TeriS

Georgina - I agrew with you on the locking idea - I suggested something along those lines when the abusive comments towards MTS happened.

oops sorry Hula - didn't see that

I would worry about the subscripion fee only method. This may well cut out some peope who can't (for whatver reason) pay. MN is suposed to be for ALL parents.

Trolls are just part of forum life I think. We have to just be wary what we write, not give away too much of our personal details, and if we see smomething that looks suspicious - don't write on that thread, alert MN team first and see what they think.

Message withdrawn

but I would lock all the threads that didnt interest me ( only kidding...)

no fgs why are you all still banging on about trolls
we have had 2 in a year!! as JUstine said and Ithink we need to MOVE ON

True, but we've also had incidents where threads have got extremely heated very quickly (for example a certain recent GF thread) where it might have helped to lock fairly quickly before the decision on whether to delete it is taken - if anything it might give time for the participants to calm down a little.

Deletion of threads isn't only used for trolls. It's rare, but not that rare.

Coddy, you of course would be excluded from extra modding powers, as it would quickly go to your head, and we would have to overthrow you by causing a revolution.

Again, it would be much better if you emailed mumsnet with any ideas and suggestions, instead of discussing them here, because it is still giving attaention to possibly unwanted posters iyswim.

i was not just talking about trolls though, in general things get out of control and dont get into control for ages

i still want to be able to piss around on chat threads

The only problem with that lou is that it's hard to decide on your own whether you've got a good idea or something that needs refining in practise, lou At least if we discuss it, there's opportunity for people to add to other ideas and come up with something better.

lou I hope you still love me

christ i cannot stay off MN for long!