Vote - remove Strenuus mod access?

Discussion in 'Portland Trail Blazers' started by SharpesTriumph, Apr 25, 2023.

?

Remove Strenuus mod access?

Poll closed May 2, 2023.
  1. Yes

    16 vote(s)
    38.1%
  2. No

    8 vote(s)
    19.0%
  3. Mt Tabor battle between Stren and Wes!

    18 vote(s)
    42.9%
  1. PDXFonz

    PDXFonz I’m listening

    Joined:
    Jul 2, 2013
    Messages:
    19,617
    Likes Received:
    16,209
    Trophy Points:
    113
    @SharpesTriumph pardon me for having absolutely no idea, but who were you formerly known as? And don’t say Prince…
     
  2. PDXFonz

    PDXFonz I’m listening

    Joined:
    Jul 2, 2013
    Messages:
    19,617
    Likes Received:
    16,209
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Here’s my honest take since I haven’t done anything other than the above post, and the popcorn.gif.

    You know how much s**t has been posted here over the years? People with literal garbage takes (like people just outright saying that they hope somebody gets injured), or other inflammatory remarks. People saying some of the dumbest things… People actually just being completely ridiculous or outright inappropriate and borderline immoral with some of the comments which have been made.

    I see a bunch of people whining because they can’t place Strenuus on their ignore list, because apparently you can’t ignore mods… Or can you? Can you just tell yourself “oh I don’t agree with that guy” and keep scrolling?

    Out of the very few people I’ve ever placed on ignore here (maybe like 2 people) Ive never felt like things would be horrible if I couldn’t actually make it so that their posts aren’t visible at all… Even when on ignore I still saw the “show ignored content” and sometimes my curiosity would still have me reading their posts, afterwards being like “oh yeah, this is why I ignore them”.

    Further to my personal feelings…

    It’s ultimately the decision of the administrative staff to determine the forum moderation team, and let’s not forget that it is a community led by a team of individuals which have at once cared about this place. I feel like there is a much better way to handle this than starting a thread publicly calling someone out with the intention of gaining enough support from the forum to convince the administrative staff. Like really as if your poll is the determining factor…

    Strenuus’ posts may come across as pessimistic at times, and perhaps some of you feel like the way he disagrees with others’ opinions is done in a blunt or straightforward way, and I could understand how this would bother people. But I don’t believe Stenuus is intending to be mean towards anybody personally, and I don’t think that he’s posting with the intention of attacking anybody. I honestly don’t even think he’s posting with the intention of making others upset with what he says.

    Realistically in his posting, he is breaking no rules. He could be the evil basketball hating villain of the message boards if he wants to be. His opinion, is his opinion. His difference in opinion on the subject of sports can’t hurt you, it’s his opinion, and not yours.
     
    Chris Craig likes this.
  3. SharpesTriumph

    SharpesTriumph Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 4, 2018
    Messages:
    10,852
    Likes Received:
    9,769
    Trophy Points:
    113
    WesleyMatthews
     
    PDXFonz likes this.
  4. SharpesTriumph

    SharpesTriumph Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 4, 2018
    Messages:
    10,852
    Likes Received:
    9,769
    Trophy Points:
    113
    It's the trolling, condescending and belittling of posters he does multiple times a day that is the issue. Nobody cares about the items you bring up that are his opinion, bad takes (tons of people have them), or whatever mod duties he does.

    If he wasn't a mod we could ignore him, but the site forces us to read his endless garbage.
     
    RR7 likes this.
  5. SharpesTriumph

    SharpesTriumph Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 4, 2018
    Messages:
    10,852
    Likes Received:
    9,769
    Trophy Points:
    113
    This is the crux of the issue. Many other users have been banned for trolling as Strenuus does, or attacking posters. Strenuus isn't banned like they were though - and even worse he has mod powers so we're forced to ready his garbage.
     
  6. PDXFonz

    PDXFonz I’m listening

    Joined:
    Jul 2, 2013
    Messages:
    19,617
    Likes Received:
    16,209
    Trophy Points:
    113
    I was going to say that you have to have posted here for at least 5 years to lobby such an issue, and realized that you have posted here since 2018; but didn’t know what name you went by.

    I haven’t seen all of his posts, and am not going to discredit you in saying that he has made responses to comments which would be seen as belittling. I will however say that Ive met the guy in person a couple of times, have had some real conversations with him, and can say that he is genuinely a good human being. Which is why I don’t think it’s his intention to be belittling anyone.
     
    Chris Craig likes this.
  7. PDXFonz

    PDXFonz I’m listening

    Joined:
    Jul 2, 2013
    Messages:
    19,617
    Likes Received:
    16,209
    Trophy Points:
    113
    I think that the % of actual active members which have been banned is fairly small. Off the top of my head I first come up with Torturedblazerfan and Marazul. Both of which im pretty sure were banned because they let their fingers get the better of their brain one too many times in the OT forum. Like making outright bigotry remarks in their disagreements with others in the OT forum.

    TBH I think differences of opinion make this a much better place. Where the best part is that generally we all have something in common (be it that we love the Blazers, or basketball, or sports, or enjoy engaging with each other), but we can also have different opinions which can encourage us to be open minded so long as we respect each other.

    Not to get too philosophical, but I’ve thought in my life a few times what it would be like if the whole world got along and thought similarly. It’s like there’s a fine line between a world at war, and “pleasantville”. Disagreement, or difference of opinion could almost be seen as a natural path to growth. Where without our differences of thinking, we would be resigned to follow the one path which everyone agreed was right. Part of our nature is to challenge ourselves, and in this we challenge the thoughts and beliefs of others as well.
     
    JFizzleRaider likes this.
  8. HailBlazers

    HailBlazers RipCity

    Joined:
    Nov 11, 2008
    Messages:
    19,806
    Likes Received:
    16,857
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    PDX
    Why can't I see this post?
     
    Chris Craig, THE HCP and PDXFonz like this.
  9. THE HCP

    THE HCP NorthEastPortland'sFinest

    Joined:
    Sep 16, 2008
    Messages:
    70,280
    Likes Received:
    58,400
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    N.E.P.
    #BAM
     
    kjironman1 likes this.
  10. SharpeScooterShooter

    SharpeScooterShooter SharpeShooter

    Joined:
    May 23, 2022
    Messages:
    6,242
    Likes Received:
    5,107
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Occupation:
    Freeloader
    Location:
    Mom’s basement
    TorturedBlazerFan was not banned as far as I know. Orion Bailey was for continuously causing drama though, which is what Stren is doing. He is absolutely consciously trying to stir the pot, because he has been complained about for along time now by many posters. So if it wasn't conscious, he would change his ways base on on the many many complaints.. He doesn't. Instead he continues his condescension.

    No one said he is breaking the rules. But there are also certain privileges posters have to help stifle conflicts or not have to read certain posters, which is to use the ignore button.
    It is one thing to disagree with opinions. It is another to claim ones' opinions are facts and anyone who disagrees is factually wrong, which he does on a regular basis. This is indeed annoying many people. Now it wouldn't be a big deal if those annoyed, can put him on ignore, like we are advised to do so anytime anyone is annoying another.

    The fact is not everyone is going to get along. But if one person is intentionally making posts to try to belittle others' opinions, then the forum should have the right and ability to ignore said poster. Afterall, it's the mods go to response to end conflicts. Use the ignore button.
     
    SharpesTriumph likes this.
  11. Chris Craig

    Chris Craig (Blazersland) I'm Your Huckleberry Staff Member Global Moderator Moderator

    Joined:
    Jun 25, 2015
    Messages:
    58,921
    Likes Received:
    59,168
    Trophy Points:
    113
    This is exactly how I see it and I went back and looked at his last 200 posts in the main forum and his last 200 in OT in order to get an honest look into what some posters here are saying about his interactions (that he is trolling, being condescending etc) and be able to come to a fair conclusion.

    I see what you see. And yes, I have a lot of experience reading and moderating people's garbage takes and insults. Many of Strennus' posts come off as pessimistic or crabby on both sides of the forum. The current state of the Blazers and the current state of our country being most of the catalyst. He isn't happy with the way things are and expresses that. Sometimes people don't like what he has to say or how he says it. He is blunt and he is straightforward. I don't see a bad intention. He isn't breaking any rules. He skated a fine line with his response to King but didn't cross it. That said, he apologized for his post and for being a collosal dick as several saw him as being.

    The staff respect the opinions of posters here when it comes to the moderation team. We are always open to constructive criticism and always have an open ear to concerns. We don't ignore or waive off feedback or complaints. Whether it's a moderator or not we strive to be fair in assessing the situation. We take it seriously, but we are also people with lives outside of here. We do our best.
     
    UKRAINEFAN, Hoopguru and PDXFonz like this.
  12. Chris Craig

    Chris Craig (Blazersland) I'm Your Huckleberry Staff Member Global Moderator Moderator

    Joined:
    Jun 25, 2015
    Messages:
    58,921
    Likes Received:
    59,168
    Trophy Points:
    113
    A small fraction of members have been banned. Like I said above I went through his last 200 posts in the main forum and the last 200 in OT. Other than a perpetual crabbiness I'm not really seeing trolling.

    Please feel free to PM me or bring to my attention or to Sly or other moderators posts other than the response to Kings that constitute trolling.

    You nor anyone else are forced to read Stren's posts. Scroll on if you see posts by him and don't want to read them.
     
  13. SharpeScooterShooter

    SharpeScooterShooter SharpeShooter

    Joined:
    May 23, 2022
    Messages:
    6,242
    Likes Received:
    5,107
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Occupation:
    Freeloader
    Location:
    Mom’s basement
    "Imagine actually paying for season tickets to watch the Blazers"

    "There is no argument Blazers suck. People suck. This world sucks. There is no argument. Facts. Deal with it."


    There is an ignore function that I have been advised on numerous occasions to use in instances exactly like this. From you. From sly. From mods.
    Stren is not a bad person. He should not be banned. But when he regularly makes posts like the above paraphrases, why is not the advice to use the ignore function? Amazing how when it's one of the mods own the advise is now flip flopped. Do you realize how bad this stinks of favoritism?
    This will be my last post on this because I know how much favoritism lies underneath the framework here and I don't care to get banned for continuously causing drama. But Chris man, you are not responding to this impartially at all. (FYI, Pretty sure it goes alot further back than 200 posts).
     
    SharpesTriumph likes this.
  14. Chris Craig

    Chris Craig (Blazersland) I'm Your Huckleberry Staff Member Global Moderator Moderator

    Joined:
    Jun 25, 2015
    Messages:
    58,921
    Likes Received:
    59,168
    Trophy Points:
    113
    It's a very small percentage of posters that have been banned (tortured was not banned...he decided to leave of his own accord). We only ban posters who relentlessly troll, post personal insults, or hateful garbage that is discriminatory in nature and who are impenitent. We try to talk with posters, give warnings, give reminders of rules, dole out breaks (mini bans) before permanent bans. Unfortunately, there have been some who weren't open to such intervention.

    Most of those bannings stemmed from incidents in OT. Though there are still issues in OT (the current political climate is volatile and thus many responses are emotional and passionate sometimes crossing lines), we have worked hard to clean it up and make it a better place to share opinions and have conversations.

    On either side of the forum, we keep a close eye out. We put out fires and we let posters know when they have crossed lines and warn them of future consequences should it continue.

    We welcome diverse opinions and takes. That's what makes this site a free and open space.a place to challenge and be challenged. I agree and I think I can speak for the other mods that our differences and our common bonds allow for fruitful growth both in our members and in our forum. What we don't welcome is personal attacks, ill natured intentions, or discrimination against posters. It will not stand.

    No this isn't "Pleasantville" and it won't be. People will bump heads. There will be fires. The mods will put them out. Everyone has to follow the rules here, even the mods. And if posters believe a mod isn't, I take that seriously. The team takes that seriously.
     
    PDXFonz likes this.
  15. Natebishop3

    Natebishop3 Don't tread on me!

    Joined:
    Sep 17, 2008
    Messages:
    92,967
    Likes Received:
    55,672
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Portland, OR
    This is why my trolling is subtle.
     
    SlyPokerDog and kjironman1 like this.
  16. Chris Craig

    Chris Craig (Blazersland) I'm Your Huckleberry Staff Member Global Moderator Moderator

    Joined:
    Jun 25, 2015
    Messages:
    58,921
    Likes Received:
    59,168
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Posts like the one you gave as an example can be taken or left alone. That's his opinion. He is crabby be ause the state of the Blazers. You are welcome to agree or disagree.

    I don't agree with it it. I also don't take it personally as a fan. I leave it as it is and move on. I don't let it get to me. That post isn't about me or any other poster not named Strennus.

    I am responding to it very impartially. King is a really good friend mine. One of my best friends. I could have been biased and taken the post in a single context and went after Stren for it.

    You think I'm backing up Stren because he's a mod? Mods having mods back? Nope.

    But, I looked at the post through several lenses. Several contexts to understand what is happening there. I looked at hundreds of Stren's past posts. I didn't jump any guns. I have been very fair with this. I have gone through all lengths to look at this impartially. You are welcome to the opinion that I haven't.

    You are also welcome scroll past his posts, or mine, or Sly's or any other mod if you don't want to read what we post. You know Stren is going to be crabby with the current state of things. Don't read his posts. He responds to you, don't read it. Scroll past.

    Someone's opinion isn't a fact just because they say it is. Don't allow it real estate in your head. That's just giving someone a power they don't really have.
     
    Last edited: Jun 8, 2025 at 1:12 PM
  17. Chris Craig

    Chris Craig (Blazersland) I'm Your Huckleberry Staff Member Global Moderator Moderator

    Joined:
    Jun 25, 2015
    Messages:
    58,921
    Likes Received:
    59,168
    Trophy Points:
    113
    We are watching you.
     
    kjironman1 likes this.
  18. Natebishop3

    Natebishop3 Don't tread on me!

    Joined:
    Sep 17, 2008
    Messages:
    92,967
    Likes Received:
    55,672
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Portland, OR
    You can't touch me. I have dirt on Sly.
     
  19. Chris Craig

    Chris Craig (Blazersland) I'm Your Huckleberry Staff Member Global Moderator Moderator

    Joined:
    Jun 25, 2015
    Messages:
    58,921
    Likes Received:
    59,168
    Trophy Points:
    113
    I told him not to get on that plane.
     
    SlyPokerDog and kjironman1 like this.
  20. SharpesTriumph

    SharpesTriumph Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 4, 2018
    Messages:
    10,852
    Likes Received:
    9,769
    Trophy Points:
    113
    You could have had the same approach with the Minnesota Wolves fans spamming Dick picks all over the site years ago. Don't want to see Dick's? Then just scroll past it. Nobody is forcing you to stare at the Dicks.
     
    RR7 likes this.

Share This Page