Moderation is INCREDIBLY draconian

Dominick Destine·7/31/2017, 5:23:55 AM·6 votes·572 views

It did not used to be this way.

I would like to ask what happened to make the rules so unbelievably strict to the point where almost nothing can be openly stated even within the boundaries of Riot's own system.

Here are 5 separate examples off the top of my head; 1- Anything misconstrued as "hurting someone's feelings" is a violation. 2- Pointing out someone's status within Riot's brackets is a violation. 3- Sometimes, SOMETIMES profanity is a violation. [Distinction only known to moderation] 4- Self-censorship is a violation as long as moderation doesn't agree with it. 5- Making anyone feel "uncomofortable" not even hurting their feelings.... it's gotten that abstract.

Moderation used to be a lot more relaxed and valued interaction, what happened to turn it ultra draconian?

EDIT: It would be nice if at least one person read the post and answered the question....

32 Comments

ModUlanopo8/1/2017, 12:09:00 AM9 votes

Moderation used to be a lot more relaxed and valued interaction, what happened to turn it ultra draconian?

It's impossible to answer this question in any meaningful way because it's leading and starts with a subjective, unsubstantiated opinion. As a point of debate, it's even less valuable than "when did the pizza place start using cheap pepperoni?"

In an effort to comply, however, I will note that you have used the term "draconian" with regard to moderation, both in and out of game, for much longer than there have been volunteer moderators. This makes it difficult to have any sense of what you mean by the change. It feels as though what you really mean to say is you don't understand the criteria used as a basis for moderation and that frustrates you, for which you have my sympathy.

With regard to your examples:

1- Anything misconstrued as "hurting someone's feelings" is a violation.

"Misconstrued" is yet another attempt at negative framing. Anything that is construed as a personal attack is a violation. There's a difference.

2- Pointing out someone's status within Riot's brackets is a violation.

Absolutely. Rank-shaming lacks intellectual integrity, as it's a reverse form of Appeal to Authority. The purpose of the board is to foster meaningful, productive conversations. Rank-shaming is corrosive to that.

3- Sometimes, SOMETIMES profanity is a violation. [Distinction only known to moderation]

Profanity is almost always unacceptable when it comes in the form of hate speech or personal attacks. I'm going to feel safe in assuming you don't have any examples of situations where something like this was left up. Just remember, anecdotes are not data.

4- Self-censorship is a violation as long as moderation doesn't agree with it.

Could you perhaps clarify what you mean here?

5- Making anyone feel "uncomofortable" not even hurting their feelings.... it's gotten that abstract.

Can you perhaps share an example?

Deep Terror Nami7/31/2017, 5:52:40 AM7 votes

Is this about how they told you to stop bringing up people's rank in an attempt to invalidate their position? I'm sure I could discuss these things a little more with you, as I haven't been part of it so far.

ModBoggyBuntu7/31/2017, 5:54:30 AM4 votes

If I may ask, can you be more specific on what Boards Sections do you feel moderation is doing wrong?

Breaku7/31/2017, 5:49:52 AM2 votes

[deleted]

SuicideAll7/31/2017, 5:44:42 PM2 votes

Each moderator is different.

I don't think I've met a single one that believes in free speech. Nor a Rioter.

A lot of the moderators have trouble listening. Probably over worked. New hires are rare because they have to show a blind faith in Riot and be willing to volunteer.

It's probably easier to hit the delete button than to understand a strangers point of view.

Iota Theta8/1/2017, 3:05:18 AM2 votes

[{quoted}](name=Dominick Destine,realm=NA,application-id=6heBIhQc,discussion-id=v2yIAEss,comment-id=,timestamp=2017-07-31T05:23:55.420+0000)

It did not used to be this way.

I would like to ask what happened to make the rules so unbelievably strict to the point where almost nothing can be openly stated even within the boundaries of Riot's own system.

Moderation used to be a lot more relaxed and valued interaction, what happened to turn it ultra draconian?

Has it become more strict? I guess. What happened? We got a more involved moderator system than what we had before. And it's the best thing that has happened to these boards.

Why do I say that? Mainly because of my beliefs. I come from a viewpoint where rules are established for the people's benefit. Sure, we need some freedoms, but rules are there to protect us and help us be the best we can be (want a good idea of how people should act? Read commandments 5-10 of the Ten Commandments, or the Golden Rule). We may not be as bad as we can possibly be, but we would still be really bad without rules.

As for the specifics of the boards, the rules are there to encourage healthy discussion among all players, without devolving to personal attacks, which break down the lines of communication and discussion ceases.

Ulanopo covered some of these, but..

Here are 5 separate examples off the top of my head; 1- Anything misconstrued as "hurting someone's feelings" is a violation.

Difference between hurting someone's feelings and an actual personal attack. The former can happen without it being intentional and can be rectified, but an attack is entirely different.

2- Pointing out someone's status within Riot's brackets is a violation.

This one. Oh boy, this one. Rank Shaming, er..sorry, point out someone'e status may be "fact" in their actual placement, but as Ulanopo said, it is corrosive to discussion. It takes a discussion and, instead of pointing out the actual errors in the opposing view or working with each other, just says "I'm better than you so your opinions don't count" or simply "I'm better so I'm right." Man I hate that tactic. Strike that, it isn't even a valid tactic. It is not a discussion point, but an attack on a person's skill level. It's why I hated posting on the boards until recently, because I knew someone would try to use it to dismiss my opinion on something (someone once tried it against me with mastery points on a champ).

3- Sometimes, SOMETIMES profanity is a violation. [Distinction only known to moderation]

Meh, Was covered before my post.

4- Self-censorship is a violation as long as moderation doesn't agree with it.

It's a violation depending on the context.