Moderator Action Sticky 2020

Submitted by Seth on September 5th, 2020 at 4:52 PM

[LOCKED. Time for a new thread, which is here]

Please don't post on here unless it's for Moderator Actions because they get cumbrously long.

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REMINDER THAT SHARING TROLLS COUNTS AS TROLLING: Sometimes desperately lazy outlets hire trolls, or trolls who are good at social media build enough of a following, that they become a headache for us, spreading hate or falsehoods. Because having them repeated on our site can directly harm us, if you're on the message board you should be aware that posting something from them could get you banned. They are:

  • SirYacht/Chat Sports/James Yoder - Fake news merchant who likes to make up plausible rumors or report non-sure things to get a false scoop.
  • Any local Spartan media when they talk about Michigan. Unless they're yelling "MAKE PLAYS!"
    Pete Finebaum: FoxNews for SEC fans. Occasionally useful to them but the only times he's intersecting with us is when he's carrying Saban's water.
  • Rainer Sabin: Finebaum wannabe hired by the Freep to troll Michigan fans.
  • Steve Deace: Curiously well-funded white supremacist radio host who's got such a small Michigan following you can safely assume anyone posting positively about him is Deace and ban him again. Running joke among Michigan media members because he creates lots of burner accounts to promote himself. Type of person who plays the "they hate me for my politics" card in hopes someone's dumb enough to switch their morning breakfast cereal to flavorless cardboard flakes to own the libs. Recently booted by Maven for advocating lynching.
  • Barstool: People who took the freedom of young internet too seriously because really what they wanted to do the whole time was propagate bad ideas.

WHY WAS MY THREAD DELETED? Read this: http://mgoblog.com/mgoboard/mgoboard-faq

WHY IS MY ACCOUNT LOCKED? Read this: http://mgoblog.com/mgoboard/mgoboard-faq

WHAT IS THE APPEAL PROCESS? Post here (start a new account if you were banned).

WHAT IS SEA LIONING? LMGTFY: https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/sea-lioning

Don't comment in this thread unless you have to: If you leave an irrelevant comment in this thread it will be deleted.

Hall of Stickies Past: For those who love to get lost in the meta. The first, the second, the third. the fourth. The fifth. The sixth. The seventh. The eighth. The ninth. The tenth. The eleventh.

MGoBoard
moderator action sticky

Lionsfan

September 29th, 2020 at 9:10 AM ^

Maybe you're just using "kid" colloquially....but WolvDev is a guy in his mid-20s and has been posting on the board since the RichRod years, so 12ish years give or take.

How many years does someone need to know how to conduct themselves on a message board?

And I mean, look at these responses on twitter when he found out; why on earth would they let him back onto the board now?

Joined: 06/03/2011

MGoPoints: 2516

bronxblue

September 29th, 2020 at 12:59 PM ^

Yeah, I've been here about as long as him and his schtick sorta worked (or at least was understandable) when he was a teenager who just really liked UM sports.  But I've also seen him lose his shit enough times to know that this was sort of inevitable.  I assume he'll appeal for reinstatement in the future when, perhaps, tempers have cooled a bit.  But he's not handled the ban particularly well thus far.

Joined: 11/22/2008

MGoPoints: 172038

NotADuck

September 30th, 2020 at 3:59 PM ^

In the 1st tweet tells Seth, Brian, and Ace via twitter that they can go fuck themselves.  He posted either a DM or direct text to Seth in the 2nd tweet saying not to ask him for anything ever again and that Seth should also tell Ace the same thing since Ace blocked him.  He goes on to say that he will never come to this blog again in the final tweet.  Basically going out like a child throwing a temper tantrum.  This blog owes him nothing and his tweets make me believe he feels entitled.

Joined: 12/20/2013

MGoPoints: 18484

umich1

September 29th, 2020 at 10:08 AM ^

I support and respect yours, Brian’s, and other moderators’ right to run the blog as you see fit, but I wanted to note that I respectfully disagree with this decision.  As an active user on this blog for 13 years, WD has been the victim of cyberbullying more than anyone else.  While the comments snipped above are definitely inappropriate, I don’t find it surprising that he has begun to push back and stick up for himself. 
 

I’ve found WD’s posts to be additive, especially  around topics such as nonrevenue sports.

I think a better plan of action would have been a direct conversation with WD, coupled with improved moderation of the personal attacks lobbed against him. 

Joined: 09/14/2009

MGoPoints: 6398

mGrowOld

September 29th, 2020 at 10:23 AM ^

I'm very late to this party but I think it's sad on all counts.  Sad for WD cause MgoBlog was a place where his completely over-the-top Michigan fandom was accepted (by many, not all) and sad for MgoBlog as another historical figure from the blog's past was sent into exile.  And given WDs total destruction of any and all bridges on the way out I'm not sure there's a path to redemption - at least not under that screen name.

No winners here IMO.  On either side.

Joined: 10/04/2010

MGoPoints: 213635

DavidP814

September 29th, 2020 at 1:50 PM ^

I agree.  WD loves all Michigan sports, maybe a little too much, and was an immature teenager (like we all were) who should still grow up some now that he's a full-fledged adult (like probably most of us at that age, including me).

WD could be abrasive, his politics definitely did not align with the guys who run this site, and he crossed the line at times.  But he also endured a LOT of bullying over the years, much of which was allowed by the site.  That should be considered.

Also, anyone equating "Bronsexuals" with "obvious homophobia", if that is indeed the only reference, needs to take a step back and reevaluate their entire outlook.  To his credit, Ace deleted that tweet, but if your mind goes there, it's an indication of some serious bias.

Joined: 07/13/2012

MGoPoints: 5242

AmaizeingBlue

September 29th, 2020 at 12:10 PM ^

Is that second comment what was referred to as "obvious homophobia" on twitter? That seems like a massive stretch to make such a serious accusation. Granted there may be other evidence or occurrences of WD making homophobic comments on this board, but I assume that would've been posted in place of those two comments as homophobia obviously deserves a swift banhammer.

But that second comment is clearly a joke about Lebron fans only having love for Lebron and nobody else (man or woman). I don't even see a world where that would be considered homophobic unless you a) make the borderline sexist assumption that all Lebron fans are male AND b) make the leap in logic that Lebron fans are lame because they "love" Lebron (homophobia) and not because they are unhealthily obsessed with him.

I just think accusing someone of needing to "reevaulate their obvious homophobia" is a bad look without providing any evidence.

 

 

Joined: 09/01/2010

MGoPoints: 1957

ndscott50

September 29th, 2020 at 3:46 PM ^

If what is posted above is what you banned him for that is weak sauce.  Calling someone a clown? Bronsexuals is homophobic? I will assume there is much more of a history here that drove this.

I was surprised by Ace’s retelling of the Brandon e-mail story on twitter.  It seemed to discount WD’s role and have Ace “I” playing up his own role.  I don’t recall that version of events surfacing when that all went down.  I remember a good deal of praise for WD.

I would note that as a reader I have found the intrusion of Ace’s politics to be increasingly annoying.  I am a lifelong democrat who went to U of M so I am fairly tolerant of the left wing of American politics.  That being said Ace has some wacky opinions.  “Rent should be illegal!”. It is fine for Ace to have some nutty opinions but if I was Brian I would think about how much I want one of my employees to use my website to push his own political agenda.

Maybe have Ace tone it down a bit and its probably best to have someone else comment on any controversial bans. Ace’s credibility as an impartial arbiter is weak at best.  

Joined: 10/02/2009

MGoPoints: 5774

Seth

September 29th, 2020 at 4:34 PM ^

It's not an IP ban. WD can pay $5 and have another account in 30 seconds, and if he abides by the rules then it's all fine and forgotten but for the points. There are several contributors around here with "Booted" or "2" in their handles to denote they've been through more than one account.

People want us to take harsher action against longtime users who abuse that to stoke some of the awfulness. Here's a guy calling people clown and bronsexuals who'd already been warned several times. It makes it all the more justifiable that his reaction to this was to make personal attacks on Ace about his disease and housing situation, not to mention lash out at me in DMs and then screenshot and share himself lashing out at me in DMs when I was off having a religious holiday when it all went down.

Joined: 10/14/2008

MGoPoints: 149732

QuentinKyle

September 29th, 2020 at 5:50 PM ^

Thanks for taking the time to give your rationale on this, Seth - I recognize that you don't have to; and it means a good deal that you have. 

Full disclosure, I'm generally more aligned with those who do NOT think that WD should have been banned (while recognizing that his actions definitely contributed to the decision)... but that said, I obviously don't understand the extent of how much he was warned; what conversations looked like, etc.

I have to admit that I'm in favor extending a lot of grace, particularly toward folks like him who took a ton of what I would view as unnecessary abuse (and not of the "joking" sort) from many on the board (not you all, but others).

I genuinely feel bad for him; although he definitely didn't handle this well... and I know that you guys get a ton of abuse, too. 

FWIW, (maybe not much considering my almost exclusive lurking-only history), I'd ask that you perhaps reconsider talking to him with an advocate to see the relationship can be repaired, and if so, consider reinstating him with his points. 

Again, though, not minimizing your take on this either; and of course it's your blog... just thought I'd put my thoughts for food (since everyone was clamoring for me to opine, I know! :) )

And I genuinely hope you did have a blessed Yom Kippur!

 

Joined: 01/06/2015

MGoPoints: 417

ndscott50

September 29th, 2020 at 6:11 PM ^

Thanks for the response. I think I was reacting more to the soap opera between Mgoblog and its users that keeps surfacing. Here is my unsolicited advice on dealing with the board.

  • Something like 97% of your readers never post on the board.  Allocate your time spent dealing with the board accordingly.
  • Get rid of this moderator action thread and your individual accounts.  Have one account called moderator.  If someone needs banned the moderator bans them for violating site rules and provides no additional explanation.
  • If who ever gets banned decides to attack you on your social media accounts just block and ignore them. You will end up looking much better than them almost always when you use this approach.  
  • You, Ace and Brian should stop posting on the board.  All it does it encourage people to start shit with you and does not really add value to the overall mgoblog experience. If something from the board rises to the level that you want to address it you can always write a main page article. If its not worthy of a main page article its probably not worth addressing in the first place.
  • Try to keep a wall between your personal twitter and/or other social media accounts and mgoblog.  If someone wants to drag what you are doing on your personal accounts into mgoblog that is what your moderation capability is for.

These ongoing fights between you and your users that occur on mgoblog and across your other social media accounts don’t help mgoblog and have to be a pain in the ass for you all to deal with. Disengaging may also help tone down the craziness a bit during what is clearly a crazy time.  

Joined: 10/02/2009

MGoPoints: 5774

deejaydan

September 29th, 2020 at 7:33 PM ^

Look, we all play here, and Brian pays for it, I guess we chip in if we donate of by the magazine.  He makes the rules.  WD was a bit much at times, but probably not ban-worthy in my opinion.  I'm not paying to keep the lights on here, so my opinion doesn't matter much. 

 

Move along, nothing to see here.

 

Joined: 10/07/2014

MGoPoints: 345

Seth

September 29th, 2020 at 4:24 PM ^

  • Guy told a joke
  • Someone read it the wrong way and posted it here.
  • Guy said "Oh no definitely not that way"
  • The guy who read it the wrong way said "please take down my complaint"
  • Thread deleted.

Joined: 10/14/2008

MGoPoints: 149732

MGoChippewa

September 29th, 2020 at 11:44 PM ^

Absolutely embarrassing that the MGrowOld thread has been up for several hours now. Never seen a more direct personal attack on this message board. 

Joined: 01/06/2011

MGoPoints: 11562

MH20

October 1st, 2020 at 12:05 PM ^

Yeah, it's a pretty bad look that a site-verified "insider" is allowed to repeatedly call others "pussy" (and definitely bullying one user in particular) with no repercussions, despite said behavior being pointed out many times.

Joined: 10/30/2008

MGoPoints: 40827

IDKaGoodName

October 1st, 2020 at 9:29 PM ^

User 1982Miller has that vibe. Would just recommend keeping an eye. Appears to be very troll-like and confrontational already

Joined: 12/17/2018

MGoPoints: 7378

rob f

October 2nd, 2020 at 10:36 AM ^

Thanks.  I'll keep a very close watch on "1982Miller".  Even before reading the particular comments from other MGoUsers in that thread, my strong first impression is that "Maizen" has opened yet another account.  But even if not "Maizen", he's just a post or two from a banning.

On another note, I'm not going to spend much time on moderating for another day or two.  While vacationing in the UP over the last week, I received a phone call that my dearest Uncle had passed away at age 91. Though his passing wasn't completely unexpected, losing him hurts as bad as losing my own parents over the last several years.  Uncle Norm was practically a 2nd father; he and my aunt and my cousins lived next door to me until I was 7 yrs old, and thereafter were only a half mile away until I left home for college.  My uncle has been a strong influence in my life, as he was in the lives of all who knew him.  We will all miss him terribly.

His funeral was just yesterday and I have plans this weekend to spend time with immediate family, especially with my aunt who shared 66 years with him. 

May my dear Uncle Norm rest in peace. 

Joined: 11/11/2010

MGoPoints: 195666

TIMMMAAY

October 3rd, 2020 at 3:58 PM ^

flwolvfan22 https://www.mgoblog.com/users/flwolvfan22

Repeatedly, after having been corrected (with math shown) multiple times in the past, he continues to cite this "99.96% survival rate" that is demonstrably false. Calling someone a "panty waist (sic)" while spouting a .02% death rate. Also pushing constant general covid disinformation. I think something needs to be done about this stuff in general. It's dangerous, some people just aren't smart, don't pay attention, and take this stuff and run with it. 

Joined: 09/08/2008

MGoPoints: 56323

rob f

October 3rd, 2020 at 5:14 PM ^

Thanks TIMMMAAY, I addressed it at the time I locked that thread.  Take a look at the edit of the OP: https://mgoblog.com/mgoboard/cam-newtown-has-covid-19-locked

I consider that to be sufficient warning. 

(edit @ 5:30 pm: I slightly tweaked the warning and did it in bold CAPS to emphasize it.)

It's now up to both "FLwolvfan22"  and "Montana41GoBlue" to read it and heed it. 

Joined: 11/11/2010

MGoPoints: 195666

Venom7541

October 3rd, 2020 at 5:47 PM ^

The thread is locked so it doesn't matter anymore, but I'm curious if he was talking about the recovery rate. According to WebMD, it's between 97 and 99.75 percent which would mean he was using the high end of the information, but was not inaccurate so to speak. I read a little of the post, but usually just avoid the Covid posts all together since this is a Michigan sports blog.

 

https://www.webmd.com/lung/covid-recovery-overview#1

Joined: 10/06/2016

MGoPoints: 3706

rob f

October 3rd, 2020 at 6:27 PM ^

If you do the math you'll understand that there a HUGE difference between 97% and 99.96%.

In fact, the low end of the WebMD projected range (99.75%, equalling 825,000 who don't recover) is still 6.25 times worse than 99.96% (132,000), no small difference if you apply it to the total current population of the U.S. (roughly 330 million).

Joined: 11/11/2010

MGoPoints: 195666

Venom7541

October 5th, 2020 at 5:54 PM ^

So if he said between the ranges he would have been ok? And applying it to the entire population isn't exactly how infections diseases work. No disease has ever infected 100% of the population. I'm not being argumentative, just pointing out that seems just as bad as not showing the full range of survivability rates.

My suggestion is to just ban all Covid related posts and keep this a Michigan sports blog.

Joined: 10/06/2016

MGoPoints: 3706

rob f

October 8th, 2020 at 10:46 PM ^

Looking back, my bad for not having worded that much better.

I wasn't meaning to say or even imply 100% of our population would be infected by covid or even anything else, what I failed so badly to explain is how the math involved shows how much  those numbers (99.75% vs 99.96%) differ when multiplied by massive numbers.

Would it help if I were instead to multiply by a random # such as 5% of our population (something much closer to the likely actual number infected so far) ?

Joined: 11/11/2010

MGoPoints: 195666