Kibkom North Cyprus Forum

I was sorry to note that a Moderator saw fit to close and remove a useful post of interest to many because of an irresponsible post by of one of anti dog carer brigade. I am even more sorry that in my distress I probably added to problem by bad judgement responding to the offensive post, rather than simply reporting it as off topic . I apologise to the original poster and other responsible posters for helping to lead the post astray.

However I note that at least half of the posts on the current Main Forum should really be in a specialist category and wonder if the Moderator will demonstrate lack of discrimination by moving these (although it might make the Main Forum look rather thin),

Perhaps the time has come for a refresher on the rules: my memory is that a decision was reached to allow a post that was useful and generating interest to remain on the Main Forum for a few days, and remove it when the interest had died down ; however it would be helpful to newcomers if the heading could be left with a note where it has gone to! Though I found this post, there have been others which have disappeared without trace of explanation!

It's closed not removed and can be found in the Pets section... This board is a bit like a pub... you walk in an there's a bit of banter going on... Then someone steps out of line and gets asked to leave it out by the Landlord (Al Murray breaks up the fight!) Then the main antagonists start up again and someone gets a ban... Here's the thing - you can't seek to control the thoughts and discussions that take place and sending people into the snug simply makes for a rubbish pub (a poorer set of debates) - it might be quiet but get too quiet and the pub dies and goes belly-up... I hope nobody wants that...

From a moderators perspective please be aware that our prime aim is to try and ensure that posters adhere to the forum rules and ensure that it is a place where people feel comfortable and safe posting.

We also try to ensure that posts are placed in the correct category, however given that moderators cannot be on line at all times, the success of Kibkom and the number of members posting it is not an easy task to ensure that this happens. Whilst we try our best and encourage people to post in the correct area in the big scheme of things this is not a number 1 priority.

With regards to locking, removing threads this is done not to stifle debate but done when in the opinion of a moderator the thread has run its course or possibly has gone off topic or is looking as if it could become a little to personal. Personally I would rather take action than let things get out of control...if necessary after having given it some thought we can always re-instate a posting.

Banning people is always a last resort but is sometimes necessary.

Very often before any action is taken, moderators will have discussed what is in the best interests of the forum.....we sometimes do not always agree but we do try to understand each others point of view.

We will not let this forum go down the route of others which sadly turned into a place where abusive and offensive comments and accusations were thrown around. Some may not agree but at the end of the day the membership of this forum has grown and grown and we believe that we have got the level of "moderation" about right.

I do realise that the moderators have an extremely difficult balance to achieve, Posh, but to have credibility it is necessary they need to demonstrate neutrality.

As I pointed out in an earlier post quite a lot of posts on the main forum should be in another category, and quite often (unlike the post in question) the op hasnt taken the trouble to make the subject clear , or has deliberately disguised it to put in an advert, and I am frequently irritated by reading posts before I realise what the subject is and that I have no interest in it.



My point is that if one post is closed and moved because one particular poster did not like the subject , then all posts in the wrong category or off topic should be treated the same or it raises questions as to why the Mods chose that particular post and, suggests approval of the objection.

However, since the original poster on the topic was satisfied with the other replies, I dont want to draw more attention to it other than to suggest that a reiteration of the rules might make people more "comfortable" and I think Grouchos last sentence put the situation rather well.

Fully understand the questions posed, but at the end of the day each moderator will have their own view on actions to take.

As moderators we come on line as and when we can. Due to the popularity of Kibkom there are a large numbers of posts each day, so inevitably we do not have the time to move every posting.

So as I said in an earlier post the priority is to ensure Kibkom is a safe place to post, if we can pick up on other less important matters then that is for the good. We also rely on members to contact us if they feel posts contravene the rules.

It may be frustrating if posts appear in the wrong section or if some posts are moved and others are not but we by admission are not perfect.......however this forum has not gone quiet, far from it, so in my opinion debate is not being stifled.

RR if you are referring to the Homemade Dog Food thread, please see second to last post, the person that started the thread had requested for it to be closed. I believe I closed it and also moved it to the correct category.

As Posh has explained, I think we can only do our best and seem to have the balance right most of the time.

If posts are moved you can find them in several ways: search, view active topics, or if you have posted on the thread it will be in your post history (view your posts) top right of the page.

Anyone that needs help can always contact me or my moderators.