Rodderick you wrote:
I am at a lost to what constitutes a decent original thread these days, because if repetition is the sole reason for threads being locked then I would say that the last 78 pages worth of threads should be locked.
Repetition is rarely the sole reason but that’s not to say it isn’t used on occasion, where the Moderator feels it justified to do so. A lot of failed threads over the years have been very repetitive because those authors have been lazy in their concept for the WI, and so it quickly turns into a mess.
I understand why some threads get locked, but other that obviously should be locked aren't. It is a complete hit and miss affair.
Equally I will get other members with the opposite view, demanding I close certain threads and re-open others. It all depends on your viewpoint and on the Moderators. Now I don’t suggest that every decision I or others have made has been 100% correct, but it’s always been done with the 100% best intentions for the WI section. Saying all that, this section was in real danger of being removed altogether several years ago because it had no structure. I and others have worked hard on keeping it open, and though the structure isn’t perfect we have tried to provide an environment where plausible WI’s can thrive. I make no apology for wanting those who propose Alien Space Bat WI’s to go elsewhere for there fix.
Many authors of WI’s post the initial question and then either walk away or they ignore the concerns raised within it. On these occasions it’s left to the Moderator to try and make sense from the debris therein. Equally some threads are closed because out of sheer exasperation with the posters. The internet seems to give people the god given right to having the last word and cannot stop themselves from getting involved in a slanging match. I find myself on these occasions just plain tired of trying to justify my actions whilst they themselves act in a manner totally unwarranted.
I have to say that I am upset and disgusted that my thread Avro Manchester was locked and only 8 posts into it, I had searched the topic and none of the other Avro Manchester threads pertained to my argument, not only that I also included the Handley Page Halifax.
Well I’m sorry that you feel that way. Though you had researched it, the thread was already getting into the same old same old over engines etc that we had only just finished with in the other Manchester thread. I didn’t feel that we needed to get bogged down in all the failing of the Manchester (no matter what scenario was put forth) so quickly after the last thread. I have noted in the guidelines/rules that threads that revolve around specific pieces of equipment have tended to produce weak WI’s. The ability of a single piece of hardware to achieve what some posters propose beggars belief at time.
I am also confused that as a far as I know that not one thread started by any of the moderators has been locked, if so then direct me that thread. Also I believe that once a thread has been locked for what ever reason the whole thread should be deleted permanently.
Unless you’re suggesting bias then I can’t understand your point. I would presume there are numerous posters who have never had a thread locked. If you have some evidence about bias in terms of Moderator threads, then let’s hear it and cease with inferences please. Your point about deleting locked threads only has limited merit (and has been done in the past) where the thread was purely outside the scope of the WI guidelines and rules, and served no useful purpose. However several locked threads also exist where though there were locked they do contain some useful information. In hindsight I/We could remove all the crap within a locked thread that has gone off-course, but I like you have limited time, resources and energy to undertake such a proposition.
Is it just a coincidence that the last four threads that were locked were mine (2) and von Schadenwald's (2)
Yes, there is no other agenda.
If you go back over the last 10 pages, then you’ve had no threads locked and von.S has had 2. Even his combined total of 3 out of 300 threads on those 10 pages is less than some others. Again if you feel victimized then please contact myself or Marcus about it. What I will say is that those that transpire the rules/guidelines on a regular basis, do attract more Moderator attention, which you would expect.
Now I don't expect this reply to sate your concerns, but there is no conspiracy or agenda other than keeping the WI going. All forum sections go through vibrant times and slow times. Some members will like the evironment we operate in and others dont. You cannot please everyone, but we all do our best
Regards
Andy H
