Community Vision and Increased Moderation; are you satisfied with the forums direction and health?

Teiji · September 2015

Hi community, curious to see how everyone feels about the current health and general atmosphere and feel of the forums currently.

For reference; community vision and increased moderation

Through the above Feburary 6th link it talks about how with TESO: TU approaching they want to make the forums a better place, specifically;
"One of the goals of the official ESO forums is to provide a safe, welcoming place for our players and developers to read and talk about the game. We want to foster healthy and constructive discussions, debates and feedback, and with The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited quickly approaching, welcome new and returning players."

How do we feel about the health of the forums as it stands?
Are we making an effort to provide the constructive discussion this game needs? Do we even feel able to? Maybe huge blanket changes should be communicated more organically so we start discussion more efficiently?
What about our lurkers, our new members; do you feel safe and welcomed? Your thoughts, feelings and opinions are all respected and we encourage you to share them, but do you feel comfortable doing this? If not, why? If yes, please do so!
Are mod bait posts as well as threads which have nothing to do with TESO adequately being strictly moderated?

Maotti · September 2015

This forum is way too moderated. That's all i have to say.

Teiji · September 2015

Maotti_Nor wrote: »

This forum is way too moderated. That's all I have to say.

Hi Maotti! Is there a reason why you wont elaborate on the why? We'd love to read your thoughts and feelings on why(s) nonetheless!

kendellking_chaosb14_ESO · September 2015

They said that would interact with players more on the the forums. The "community managers" can't find the time of day to answer questions on sets, bugs and player concerns, but judging art work well that's like something they can do.

Mighty_oakk · September 2015

Forums are very inconsistently moderated.

Internet mall cops 4tl

[Moderator Note: Edited per our rules on Discussing Disciplinary Actions]

BaldusMageezack · September 2015

They moderate silly comments too much but when someone harasses you or goes beyond simple forum use they will absolutely not help you and there's even no way to ask for help. Look at my profile and the user commenting on my wall. Where are the mods for that? I'm not taking it down myself i want it moderated like all my silly comments that get taken down. never forget ZOS that you can take down the comments but it doesn't change the truth

ontheleftcoast · September 2015

...

Sigh.. what they seem to forget is we pay real money for this and they have let major issue sit and fester for months -- more than a year in many cases -- and they expect us to maintain decorum and not vent about it.

Hello! This is the 21st Century, we have instant everything, social networking, people want things done in a timely manner. No, we're not "entitled children" (a 'polite' way of saying "spoiled brats"), we're customers that are frustrated and have no venue that seems to get thru to the people behind this game. Yes, we get vulgar at times. But the vulgarity flows both ways when ZOS repeatedly insults the community with silence on major issues time and time again.

[Moderator Note: Removed moderated quote]
[Moderator Note: Edited per our rules on Discussing Disciplinary Actions]

BaldusMageezack · September 2015

ontheleftcoast wrote: »

Sigh.. what they seem to forget is we pay real money for this and they have let major issue sit and fester for months -- more than a year in many cases -- and they expect us to maintain decorum and not vent about it.

Hello! This is the 21st Century, we have instant everything, social networking, people want things done in a timely manner. No, we're not "entitled children" (a 'polite' way of saying "spoiled brats"), we're customers that are frustrated and have no venue that seems to get thru to the people behind this game. Yes, we get vulgar at times. But the vulgarity flows both ways when ZOS repeatedly insults the community with silence on major issues time and time again.

Agreed 100%. I bet this entire topic gets shut down and when it does let it be a testament to them not listening to us or addressing our concerns as customers

[Moderator Note: Edited quote to match moderated version]

Personofsecrets · September 2015

Issues

A. Posts critical of zos getting deleted and then that persons sentiments fester.

B. People posting garbage rather than thoughtful commentary; unrelated memes, saying the word 'troll,' saying to 'get good,' saying to stop 'qq,' and others are part of the problem.

C. Groups of people targeting single players for harassment.

Solutions

A. Stop handing out bans and warning to people that want to discuss ZOS as a company. Even if these posts are negative they let players vent and can lead to constructive commentary. If someone is critical of the game, even if they have very harsh words, then use that criticism as an opportunity to make the game better, but not an opportunity to ban and censor.

B. Stop stretching rules to give out bans (or better define them) and remove the rule about discussion of moderation action.

C. More developer posts with an actual dialogue.

D. Ban the words and phrases that I mentioned: 'troll,' 'get good,' 'qq,' 'whine,' 'entitled,' etc. These points are almost never constructive.

E. Be more quick to respond to threads in which a player is being harassed.

FireCowCommando · September 2015

Over all they do a good job, but you can really tell when one of the forum mods has a bad day.

[Moderator Note: Edited per our rules on Discussing Disciplinary Actions]

ZOS_Alex · September 2015

Hi everyone,

We have had to edited several comments already in this thread, and wanted to remind everyone of the Code of Conduct rules to prevent anyone from specifically Discussing Disciplinary Actions:

If you ever have questions or concerns about a disciplinary action or decision we have made on the ESO forums, or wish to appeal a forum warning or infraction you’ve received, we ask that you please contact https://help.elderscrollsonline.com/ to do so (please specify that you are contacting about a forum-related inquiry or appeal). We are happy to discuss and review specific moderation-related actions with you, but we do not allow discussion of any moderation actions or decisions on our forums.

While we encourage the sharing of feedback, suggestions, and requests, we ask that you keep the discussion on-topic and refrain from discussing disciplinary actions.

Thank you!

BaldusMageezack · September 2015

We should just make a sub reddit with nothing BUT discussion of moderation on this forum. Then we can compile statistics and data and form spread sheets of who takes down what type of post and why so we can better understand how they are treating customers or showing favoritism.

ontheleftcoast · September 2015

ZOS_Alex wrote: »

Hi everyone,

We have had to edited several comments already in this thread, and wanted to remind everyone of the Code of Conduct rules to prevent anyone from specifically Discussing Disciplinary Actions:

If you ever have questions or concerns about a disciplinary action or decision we have made on the ESO forums, or wish to appeal a forum warning or infraction you’ve received, we ask that you please contact https://help.elderscrollsonline.com/ to do so (please specify that you are contacting about a forum-related inquiry or appeal). We are happy to discuss and review specific moderation-related actions with you, but we do not allow discussion of any moderation actions or decisions on our forums.

While we encourage the sharing of feedback, suggestions, and requests, we ask that you keep the discussion on-topic and refrain from discussing disciplinary actions.

Thank you!

You know, when it takes days or weeks to get someone from ZOS to respond to a major bug/exploit (like armor doubling damage or infinite trap exploits) but only minutes to "moderate the forum" as a community that tells us something. That ZOS is far more concerned about their image than their product.

Soulshine · September 2015

BaldusMageezack wrote: »

We should just make a sub reddit with nothing BUT discussion of moderation on this forum. Then we can compile statistics and data and form spread sheets of who takes down what type of post and why so we can better understand how they are treating customers or showing favoritism.

Well the thing I find a bit off-putting is that the thread OP is referring to (http://forums.elderscrollsonline.com/en/discussion/152016/community-vision-and-increased-moderation/p1) has once again been removed from being stickied at the top of the section.

I asked about this sometime ago the last time they did it, and it was put back. Apparently, once again, there would appear to be little interest in keeping a dialogue open on these issues since clearly, the decision of removing it from the stickied position to sink it does speak for itself. Shame. There is much to be improved but refusing to talk about what that is doesn't get us there.

tordr86b16_ESO · September 2015

ontheleftcoast wrote: »

ZOS_Alex wrote: »

Hi everyone,

We have had to edited several comments already in this thread, and wanted to remind everyone of the Code of Conduct rules to prevent anyone from specifically Discussing Disciplinary Actions:

If you ever have questions or concerns about a disciplinary action or decision we have made on the ESO forums, or wish to appeal a forum warning or infraction you’ve received, we ask that you please contact https://help.elderscrollsonline.com/ to do so (please specify that you are contacting about a forum-related inquiry or appeal). We are happy to discuss and review specific moderation-related actions with you, but we do not allow discussion of any moderation actions or decisions on our forums.

While we encourage the sharing of feedback, suggestions, and requests, we ask that you keep the discussion on-topic and refrain from discussing disciplinary actions.

Thank you!

You know, when it takes days or weeks to get someone from ZOS to respond to a major bug/exploit (like armor doubling damage or infinite trap exploits) but only minutes to "moderate the forum" as a community that tells us something. That ZOS is far more concerned about their image than their product.

You do realize that moderators = not developers?

KhajitFurTrader · September 2015

ontheleftcoast wrote: »

You know, when it takes days or weeks to get someone from ZOS to respond to a major bug/exploit (like armor doubling damage or infinite trap exploits) but only minutes to "moderate the forum" as a community that tells us something. That ZOS is far more concerned about their image than their product.

Maybe this is because the CMRs who moderate these forums aren't the people who write and debug the game's code, and vice versa? And while it is generally very clear what constitutes a violation of the code of conduct, the act of finding a bug, writing a fix for it, testing whether the fix addresses the bug correctly (preferably without side effects), and then committing it to the next live build might take a wee bit longer. Just saying.

Soulshine · September 2015

tordr86b16_ESO wrote: »

ontheleftcoast wrote: »

ZOS_Alex wrote: »

Hi everyone,

We have had to edited several comments already in this thread, and wanted to remind everyone of the Code of Conduct rules to prevent anyone from specifically Discussing Disciplinary Actions:

If you ever have questions or concerns about a disciplinary action or decision we have made on the ESO forums, or wish to appeal a forum warning or infraction you’ve received, we ask that you please contact https://help.elderscrollsonline.com/ to do so (please specify that you are contacting about a forum-related inquiry or appeal). We are happy to discuss and review specific moderation-related actions with you, but we do not allow discussion of any moderation actions or decisions on our forums.

While we encourage the sharing of feedback, suggestions, and requests, we ask that you keep the discussion on-topic and refrain from discussing disciplinary actions.

Thank you!

You know, when it takes days or weeks to get someone from ZOS to respond to a major bug/exploit (like armor doubling damage or infinite trap exploits) but only minutes to "moderate the forum" as a community that tells us something. That ZOS is far more concerned about their image than their product.

You do realize that moderators = not developers?

This is very true. Yet there have been replies from some on the dev team in some threads, though distinguishing them from the mods is not always simple for those people who don't keep up with who those folks are. Someone else in a different thread had requested perhaps a different color marking in the thread when a dev responds, as opposed to the standard color "Z" we now get. That in of itself would be a tiny improvement much needed, and which I have certainly seen in other game forums.

ontheleftcoast · September 2015

tordr86b16_ESO wrote: »

ontheleftcoast wrote: »

ZOS_Alex wrote: »

Hi everyone,

We have had to edited several comments already in this thread, and wanted to remind everyone of the Code of Conduct rules to prevent anyone from specifically Discussing Disciplinary Actions:

If you ever have questions or concerns about a disciplinary action or decision we have made on the ESO forums, or wish to appeal a forum warning or infraction you’ve received, we ask that you please contact https://help.elderscrollsonline.com/ to do so (please specify that you are contacting about a forum-related inquiry or appeal). We are happy to discuss and review specific moderation-related actions with you, but we do not allow discussion of any moderation actions or decisions on our forums.

While we encourage the sharing of feedback, suggestions, and requests, we ask that you keep the discussion on-topic and refrain from discussing disciplinary actions.

Thank you!

You know, when it takes days or weeks to get someone from ZOS to respond to a major bug/exploit (like armor doubling damage or infinite trap exploits) but only minutes to "moderate the forum" as a community that tells us something. That ZOS is far more concerned about their image than their product.

You do realize that moderators = not developers?

I don't expect an answer or solution to the problem. Just a simple acknowledgement. And we don't even get that. And how many times have we had nothing more than a dev leaving a cryptic "/lurk" on the threads.

"Oh, but you shouldn't complain here, post a bug in game!"

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

OMG, that's SO awesome! Lemme try that.. waits..

waits..

waits..

Now my group is on the other side of the dungeon and I still can't report the issue.

It takes multiple minutes to report an issue in game now. It seems the loading screen bug has bitten the bug reporting feature as well. And reporting a bug is the same as throwing a rock in the ocean, you feel good about it but you have no idea where it will end up or anyone will ever see it. There's no feedback, nothing, and I've reported bugs many times that sat around unfixed for months. Why would I continue to waste my time on that? Here, at least, I get some responses from other players, suggestions on how to work around the problems. Hell, I'll even take the insults to my upbringing over the empty silence of ZOS.

Avonna · September 2015

stop thinking about what your next " my little pony " will look like in the cash shop !

and get to the basic core of this game!!!! your players.....i feel YOU forget with out us, YOU don't have squat!

talk to us , don,t mediate us....

Ojustaboo · September 2015

Teiji wrote: »

Maotti_Nor wrote: »

This forum is way too moderated. That's all I have to say.

Hi Maotti! Is there a reason why you wont elaborate on the why? We'd love to read your thoughts and feelings on why(s) nonetheless!

They appear over sensitive, appearing to give warnings, say threatening to close threads where there's just heated disagreements.

What gets me most about this, not wanting to derail this thread is that it's fine for me (and my family) to hear people swearing their heads off on the console, as I have no choice but listen to people as there's no text chat (or play completely isolated from everyone else) but on the forum we're treated like 5 year olds who must be ultra nice to everyone.

I rarely post on the forum anymore, its not because of other posters, it's totally down to the moderation.

[Moderator Note: Edited per our rules on Discussing Disciplinary Actions]

PinoZino · September 2015

IMHO, moderation is fine to excellent. They allow a lot and that's good.

However, I don't see the point of the countless topics styled 'AAARGH, ZSO is full of *peep*, change [insert your nightmare here] this or I leave ESO'.

Make no mistake, it's good and necessary that people ventilate their frustration and talk about things that went wrong.

But I do have the impression that a small group of the same members are creating these topics at the speed of running water, just for the lulz.

They are not constructive and they do harm the overall atmosphere.

Avonna · September 2015

Ojustaboo wrote: »

Teiji wrote: »

Maotti_Nor wrote: »

This forum is way too moderated. That's all I have to say.

Hi Maotti! Is there a reason why you wont elaborate on the why? We'd love to read your thoughts and feelings on why(s) nonetheless!

They appear over sensitive, appearing to give warnings say threatening to close threads where there's just heated disagreements.

What gets me most about this, not wanting to derail this thread is that it's fine for me (and my family) to hear people swearing their heads off on the console, as I have no choice but listen to people as there's no text chat (or play completely isolated from everyone else) but on the forum we're treated like 5 year olds who must be ultra nice to everyone.

I rarely post on the forum anymore, its not because of other posters, it's totally down to the moderation.

agree 100 % major contradiction on their part..

[Moderator Note: Edited quote to match moderated version]

Maotti · September 2015

Teiji wrote: »

Maotti_Nor wrote: »

This forum is way too moderated. That's all I have to say.

Hi Maotti! Is there a reason why you wont elaborate on the why? We'd love to read your thoughts and feelings on why(s) nonetheless!

Not really!

Because @Ojustaboo summarized it up quite nicely!

Gidorick · September 2015

Ojustaboo wrote: »

Teiji wrote: »

Maotti_Nor wrote: »

This forum is way too moderated. That's all I have to say.

Hi Maotti! Is there a reason why you wont elaborate on the why? We'd love to read your thoughts and feelings on why(s) nonetheless!

They appear over sensitive, appearing to give warnings, say threatening to close threads where there's just heated disagreements.

What gets me most about this, not wanting to derail this thread is that it's fine for me (and my family) to hear people swearing their heads off on the console, as I have no choice but listen to people as there's no text chat (or play completely isolated from everyone else) but on the forum we're treated like 5 year olds who must be ultra nice to everyone.

I rarely post on the forum anymore, its not because of other posters, it's totally down to the moderation.

[Moderator Note: Edited per our rules on Discussing Disciplinary Actions]

LOL. How poetically perfect that this post was moderated.

Stikato · September 2015

Avonna wrote: »

Ojustaboo wrote: »

Teiji wrote: »

Maotti_Nor wrote: »

This forum is way too moderated. That's all I have to say.

Hi Maotti! Is there a reason why you wont elaborate on the why? We'd love to read your thoughts and feelings on why(s) nonetheless!

They appear over sensitive, appearing to give warnings say threatening to close threads where there's just heated disagreements.

What gets me most about this, not wanting to derail this thread is that it's fine for me (and my family) to hear people swearing their heads off on the console, as I have no choice but listen to people as there's no text chat (or play completely isolated from everyone else) but on the forum we're treated like 5 year olds who must be ultra nice to everyone.

I rarely post on the forum anymore, its not because of other posters, it's totally down to the moderation.

agree 100 % major contradiction on their part..

[Moderator Note: Edited quote to match moderated version]

Agreed, I wish the game was even half as moderated as the forums.

Why are enemy players allowed to whisper me really hateful, profane, vile comments, and all I am told to just ignore them.

Meanwhile, I can avoid hateful discussions on my own on the forums. I have a choice to "opt-in" if I want.

tl;dr: Moderate your game, let the forums have a little more leeway than currently

Chieve · September 2015

If those are the things we have to go off of, then I give them a 7/10.

For example, the consoles wanting Tech chat, they moderste, but they never say anything in response to us. I can maybe understand if us argueine for text chat is helping them and giving more feed bsck...but how much do they need to know? Isn't it evident we need it. They want to keep to diffuse flames but at the same time encourage devate....and I personally think there is no need to debate anymore and they should diffuse the flame, and give us an answer.

Same with dueling, we don't see any thing! Where I'd the communications on this jsshe? When you moperate a thread just slide in an answer for us...

BaldusMageezack · September 2015

Stikato wrote: »

Avonna wrote: »

Ojustaboo wrote: »

Teiji wrote: »

Maotti_Nor wrote: »

This forum is way too moderated. That's all I have to say.

Hi Maotti! Is there a reason why you wont elaborate on the why? We'd love to read your thoughts and feelings on why(s) nonetheless!

They appear over sensitive, appearing to give warnings say threatening to close threads where there's just heated disagreements.

What gets me most about this, not wanting to derail this thread is that it's fine for me (and my family) to hear people swearing their heads off on the console, as I have no choice but listen to people as there's no text chat (or play completely isolated from everyone else) but on the forum we're treated like 5 year olds who must be ultra nice to everyone.

I rarely post on the forum anymore, its not because of other posters, it's totally down to the moderation.

agree 100 % major contradiction on their part..

[Moderator Note: Edited quote to match moderated version]

Agreed, I wish the game was even half as moderated as the forums.

Why are enemy players allowed to whisper me really hateful, profane, vile comments, and all I am told to just ignore them.

Meanwhile, I can avoid hateful discussions on my own on the forums. I have a choice to "opt-in" if I want.

tl;dr: Moderate your game, let the forums have a little more leeway than currently

It's the same on the forums. If they private message you , there's no way to report it and some nasty messages fly around on here. They post on your wall too

Mighty_oakk · September 2015

Stikato wrote: »

Avonna wrote: »

Ojustaboo wrote: »

Teiji wrote: »

Maotti_Nor wrote: »

This forum is way too moderated. That's all I have to say.

Hi Maotti! Is there a reason why you wont elaborate on the why? We'd love to read your thoughts and feelings on why(s) nonetheless!

They appear over sensitive, appearing to give warnings say threatening to close threads where there's just heated disagreements.

What gets me most about this, not wanting to derail this thread is that it's fine for me (and my family) to hear people swearing their heads off on the console, as I have no choice but listen to people as there's no text chat (or play completely isolated from everyone else) but on the forum we're treated like 5 year olds who must be ultra nice to everyone.

I rarely post on the forum anymore, its not because of other posters, it's totally down to the moderation.

agree 100 % major contradiction on their part..

[Moderator Note: Edited quote to match moderated version]

Agreed, I wish the game was even half as moderated as the forums.

Why are enemy players allowed to whisper me really hateful, profane, vile comments, and all I am told to just ignore them.

Meanwhile, I can avoid hateful discussions on my own on the forums. I have a choice to "opt-in" if I want.

tl;dr: Moderate your game, let the forums have a little more leeway than currently

Some dude in daggerfall played a porno over voice for over an hour a couple days ago.

Armitas · September 2015

I think at this point, waiting for the forums to get calmer before developers start communicating is like the old saying "The beatings will continue until morale improves".

I do have to praise Rich and Brian Wheeler though. They have been posting quite a bit.