Who is removing posts and why ?

[moon]

Lately, since the onset of the appointment of more ' moderators ', posts have been disappearing left , right and centre. Some indication of the phantom editor would be appreciated, preferably where the post once resided, so that we, the edited, don't waste our time looking for the posts or scratching our heads wondering if we ever made them. Please note, it is not as if these posts break forum rules. They are just thread-related comment. Disagreement with that statement should be made in the open thread , so that all posters can judge for themselves.

[Malvolio]

When a post is deleted, it's not because of disagreement but usually because of violating the rules. I guess it mostly happens with off-topic posts or when two posters start attacking each other, derailing the thread.

[Imperator]

can you be specific moon?

[moon]

The most recent incident of mine ( other members will furnish you with their own examples, no doubt ) was a post in the thread concerning Baghdad sewage being visible from satellites.
Baghdad sewage visible on Google Earth.

My comment was to the effect that posters questioning the authenticity of the report were in 'turd denial'. They are. That doesn't break any rules yet it's gone. Without trace and without any acknowledgment by the 'editor'. That's frustrating and inconveniences posters.

[Scribbler1]

If this indeed happens, perhaps a notification would be in order. I know it happens already, as I have seen some "last edited by (mod name). Reason: (whatever)". But if some posts are deleted it would be nice, in all cases, to see that they were.

[moon]

Exactly so, or it damages moderator/member relations, engenders suspicion and brings the entire process of 'appointed' moderators into disrepute.

[Malvolio]

Originally Posted by Scribbler1

If this indeed happens, perhaps a notification would be in order. I know it happens already, as I have seen some "last edited by (mod name). Reason: (whatever)". But if some posts are deleted it would be nice, in all cases, to see that they were.

That would be nice, but would also mean a lot more of warnings and alerts. In not so severe cases we usually just go ahead and delete the posts without issuing a warning/alert. Writing a pm, explaining the deletion is just not practical, I'm afraid, given the number of deleted posts. And I guess most posters usually figure it out that there was something wrong with their posts when they get deleted.

So far, I didn't have the impression that those deletions create a lot of problems. But when there are more members who have a problem with that, we can certainly discuss the issue.

[moon]

Having to exert a little effort, for the sake of etiquette, might make for more responsible editing. And more responsible posting. Why not just delete the 'offending' text, for example, and leave a signature on the handiwork ? Even if the whole text was gone, members would know that it wasn't a glitch and who was responsible.

[Imperator]

point taken....as for now I will follow Malvolios lead on this...

[Malvolio]

Originally Posted by moon

Having to exert a little effort, for the sake of etiquette, might make for more responsible editing. And more responsible posting. Why not just delete the 'offending' text, for example, and leave a signature on the handiwork ? Even if the whole text was gone, members would know that it wasn't a glitch and who was responsible.

Point taken. We already do edit posts. But when the whole post is off-topic or more than one post is involved, editing often just doesn't make much sense. But we will discuss the problem in the mod forum and try to make our actions a little more transparent, if possible.

[moon]

That's cool, glad I could be of help refining the site character.

[Steve]

Originally Posted by moon

The most recent incident of mine ( other members will furnish you with their own examples, no doubt ) was a post in the thread concerning Baghdad sewage being visible from satellites.
Baghdad sewage visible on Google Earth.

My comment was to the effect that posters questioning the authenticity of the report were in 'turd denial'. They are. That doesn't break any rules yet it's gone. Without trace and without any acknowledgment by the 'editor'. That's frustrating and inconveniences posters.

Of course, I didn't see anyone denying anything. What I saw was people looking for more information; information that you were, apparently, unable or unwilling to provide.

So, by saying we were in denial, you were saying something that wasn't accurate. I'm guessing that's why the post was removed...

[moon]

That post is uninvited and off topic. I recalled the post by request.

you were saying something that wasn't accurate. I'm guessing that's why the post was removed...

Anyhow, the day that posts get removed because they are inaccurate will see this forum's bandwidth unburdened by around 98%, so I guess, you are wrong again, old chum.

[Malvolio]

I guess the case is closed now.