Those of you who know me and how I run this website, know that I'm a real stickler for people that might potentially be problem users. I do tend to ban immediately when there's any sign of spammer or scammer behavior, but sometimes I worry that I'm not giving some people a chance. Case in point: a new user that has yet to pass the 2 moderated posts rule after signing up.
I was hoping I could pose this scenario to the masses here and get your thoughts.
A new user signs up... let's say his name is Fred. Fred doesn't post any posts after signing up. The welcome page that greets all new users clearly states that you must have two posts that are approved before you can post freely and send private messages. The two posts must be "good" posts, not just quick replies to other posts with "Nice!" or other inane, useless text. If you want to see the welcome page, check it out here: https://surveyorconnect.com/welcome/
Instead of creating the two good posts, Fred immediately submits the contact form with this message: "when will I be able to write a message to another member regarding one of their posts. I work for a survey equipment company and I am trying to reach out to someone who has a prototype on here for a piece of equipment we sell. I would really like to be in contact with that person."
That, in my mind, is the first red flag. Mind you, it might be perfectly innocent, but for me, after running online communities for over 28 years, it's concerning.
So, I write back, reminding Fred of the Community Rules and Terms of Use that he agreed to when he registered for his account. I further pointed out that free advertising is not allowed here, because that is what fuels RPLS Today and keeps it online for all of us to enjoy. I also point out that we are VERY protective of our users and we DO NOT allow advertisements or sales to be conducted via private messages. That is spam in my book.
I received no answer to that email at all. But then the next morning, there were two forum posts in the queue from Fred, awaiting moderation. So instead of reassuring me with a response that no harm was intended, Fred simply took straight to the forum. Ok, that's fine, I thought to myself... but then I saw the two posts. One was just a meme with no text at all. The other was a random question about some kind of bar that is mounted on a truck bumper... honestly, it didn't make much sense to me. Anyway, I didn't approve either of them and I just kind of moved on from there (I've been really busy the last week or so).
Today, I finally received a reply to my last message: "How long does it usually take to have the forums approved? I have been waiting almost a week. I am trying to get in touch with someone very important through here and I am still not allowed to send messages."
At this point, I'm not feeling the love. There's no concern for my concern regarding the rules and protecting our users. It's all about what Fred wants and Fred isn't willing to defend himself. I feel like he's just trying to charge his way through the gates to get to the user he wants to talk to. I'm feeling more concerned then ever at this point.
I wrote back and re-explained my concerns. I reiterated my concern for the user Fred wants to connect with. I also asked Fred if he'd like to tell me who the other user is and why he wants to contact him/her, so maybe I could make that first contact.
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That's where we are today. I don't necessarily want to stop Fred from contacting another user if it's truly innocent and possibly even important. But I also don't want Fred trying to sell another user some product or service unsolicited. I want to do the right thing. Another possible concern is that Fred could be a potential advertiser, but this whole scenario could frustrate him. I'm sure he has no clue how much work this website is and all the ins and outs of why I'm so picky about who gets in. I feel like I'm between a rock and a hard place. I still have not approved Fred's posts.
Am I over-reacting? What are your thoughts?
I'm available to break thumbs " Fast Eddie Felker Style" if needed.?ÿ Hopefully it won't come to that.?ÿ But if the utoob and other organized people can have terms of use, feel no guilt by blowing them out of the water for violating the terms.?ÿ I firmly support and believeletterpeople suffer their consequences for esp. intentionally violating easily adhered to policies.
( Mic drop...)
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( Mic Grab---feedback....)
Addendum:?ÿ Free speech is only in the public forum under the gaze of the Government.?ÿ This is not a 1st amendment issue, as you and the site aren't the government, not a public company,and allowed to make rules and enforce them due to nothing more than refusing service to a violating member.
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(Mic drop number two....)
I think asking who and why he needs contact was a great move. If innocent, he should be willing to provide that.
Fair. But again,why using a website and not just a phone number or an email etc.?
This guy sounds pushy, but then we're hearing it from somebody that feels like he's being pushed. (metaphorically) If you're worried about losing a POTENTIAL client; believe me, I've taken a few pushy clients that I wish I hadn't. In fact, I just got rid of one that said he'd pay me a dozen times, but didn't, and then wanted to know why I wasn't starting his survey...
I'm not a big fan of pushy, unsolicited sales people; I get calls from time to time from that company that wants to sell you "leads". I tell them I don't want to pay for something that I have more of, than I can handle, but they just don't listen.
I wouldn't lose any sleep over someone thinking they are entitled to something from you, just because; I'm sure there will be plenty more Freds down the line...
Just my 0.02
I presume, if legitimate, that Fred has no other way to contact this other user.
Yeah, I get stuff like this a lot. But this one in particular just seems a little harder for me to process for some reason. I want to believe it is good intentions, but I've been burned by that feeling many times in the past.
Let's see.?ÿ Fred has been informed of the rules and decided not to post two substantive posts to clear your nominal requirement.?ÿ Sounds like all he wants to do here is contact a user privately, not contribute to the forum.
I mean how hard would it have been for Fred to write a couple of posts, get "qualified" as a Nicky New Guy here and then send his precious PM??ÿ I think you've considered this enough. Sounds like your time would be better spent having a nice dinner with Angel.
Your judgement on this seems right on.?ÿ I wouldn't lose any sleep over it and keep listening to that inner voice.?ÿ Its working quite well.
I say you're spot on!?ÿ If Fred had any sense, he would have simply followed the rules and posted.?ÿ?ÿ
I agree with all the above posts.?ÿ Your site, your rules.
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However, if you're still worried about possibly not letting Fred a fruitful connection, perhaps you could offer to act as a moderator in a different role:?ÿ ask Fred to show you this important link and judge its quality on your own.?ÿ Act as a trustee, one might say.?ÿ If the link passes muster, pass it on to the intended recipient.
It's hard to judge a person's character/personality from nothing but text. But is this person really confused by the rules, or does he just think it's too much trouble to follow them? You yourself are following the rules, and it may be a waste of effort to try to figure out where he's coming from. After having given him several detailed explanations, silence may be the best reply to further importunities.
What a coincidence; I work up this morning thinking "Man, I wish there was one more avenue for salesmen to contact me with unsolicited messages"?ÿ
Fred is an asshat. Send Fred to Banned Camp. Delete his nascent account. He'll understand the message then.
Fred has got to go!
Thank you @wendell for all you do to keep the users here, who contribute and follow the rules, safe. Personally I love it here and enjoy all of the content and most of the users, (you know who you are ???? ).
Trust your gut. ?ÿWalk away and move forward with the love and support and appreciation of the rest of us asshats.
A quick couple of stories probably everyone here has been through in one form or another. A few years before going on Medicare I was looking at being without health insurance. I made a huge mistake and called a number to get a quote and talk to a company about my options. For three years I got at least 5 calls a day on my cell, always wanting to sell me insurance. It was abusive.?ÿ
Last year a vehicle I own went off it's factory warranty and ever since I've gotten at least 3 calls a day on my cell worried about me not having a factory warranty, they are so concerned.?ÿ
Anyway, how they got my private cell number is why I'm so pissed about it. The health issue I did to myself. But how is my private cell tied to my vehicle, it could only have been sold by the dealer or the manufacturer. Either way I'm not happy. I have another vehicle that passed beyond the warranty the year before and no calls for it, they protected my privacy.
I wouldn't be happy to receive any solicitation here.
So far it's been great, you have protected my privacy Wendell and I appreciate it.?ÿ
Let the guy advertise and pay for it.?ÿ
I don't like to speak for others but my gut tells me users here feel the same almost universally.?ÿ
You are doing the correct thing with Fred.?ÿ
