Well I had a lovely surprise this morning when I woke up and had a ton of emails about some offensive comments on the discussion boards last night.
I'm really sorry that everyone had to see that, the person sounds like some idiot teenager who doesn't understand the consequences of their actions.
I really hope that those comments haven't detracted from your enjoyment of the site! They have been deleted and I will be sending a strongly worded email to the parties involved.
It has raised one subject that I've been meaning to do for a while now, get more U.S moderators, we have had a few moderators on the discussion board in the past, but times have moved and I think we need a few more from the U.S (when I'm sleeping) so if anybody is interested in volunteering to moderate (screening discussion, posting helpful replies) please email me at ross@365project.org with why you would make a good moderator.
There will also be a "Report User" option appearing soon, so this kind of activity can be reported in a controlled way and action taken immediately.
Thanks guys, and once again, really sorry those comments made it on to your screens. We'll do our best to stop it happening again!
I did not see any of the posts...But I would like to commend you on the great job...You and moderators have been really working hard to keep the site clean and friendly...
you know I never knew how you did it without mods... what you need is some white hats who don't mind a little exploratory penetration testing on the idiots home network... oops how did that network driver get fried... ah well kiddo, I guess you cannot get online for a bit....
The reason most people missed it is because @jasonbarnette spammed the threads and bumped many of them off the main page... +1 for random posts...
@Scrivna Thanks for all your hard work with the site Ross. I think you're right about it being an idiot teenager (or two). If you'd like any Aussie moderators let me know. I'd be keen to help.
@spaceman Martin- this subject was in no way broached at you! It was directed towards a few users that took up the whole discussion board last night with extremly offensive language.
@rebcastillo77
Oh okay,thanks.I know I used strong language a few times in the past,that`s why I asked. I didn`t notice that,last night.I`m glad they`re gone.
It's sad when thoughtless people make comments that could harm the positive ecosystem that has been built. At first I thought this was a simple little post a pic a day website, but it is much more than that. I'm glad, as the motivation isn't always going to be there. A visit here and then outside with the camera, and we're back on track. And the ideas we bounce around are incredible! Thanks Ross!
Here's to another three-hundred fifty...um, oh nevermind.
Thanks Ross, you've created such a great place that it was really saddening to see that kind of thing. But we all know that one of the reasons 365 is great is also the 99.99% of the people here making up the community.
@kjarn yeah I saw that when I poked around before I emailed Ross and started the thread. At least on their photos the masses weren't seeing their nasty language. Thank goodness Ross took care of it when so quickly. It just saddens me that we have to bug him with stupidity, as he already does so much to keep this site up and running.
i totally agree with Richard ... I did not see anything myself but i suppose it was only a matter of time.. Don't let these types get us down people, & lets all help Ross to keep this site great by hitting the report button if it gets out of hand .. well done Ross
I didn't see the offending posts, either, but I am impressed with how quickly and efficiently you handled the problem, Ross. Yet another reason why I like this site so much!
And I agree, a "Report User" button is a great idea.
Thanks for all you do here!
I, too, missed the drama, but it sounds like that's a good thing. I love this site, this amazing project and I'm grateful to you Ross for all of your dedication to making it such a wonderful community. Looks like many of us weren't affected by the thread because you took such fast action. Great job and thank you for this awesome project! It's given me such motivation and inspiration. I feel like I've grown as a photographer already and I'm only on day 160 something. Lol
I too missed the drama. I am a newbie.....started 365 on my Birthday Jan 7th. And already see what an amazing difference this site and project will make in my life. I have interacted with people all over the world. I have seen gorgeous, thought provoking and sometimes heartbreaking photos...from the floods in Toowoomba, to experiencing amazing places through the lenses of others. Thank you Ross, your dedication and thought is appreciated.
@spaceman ,
these kids went way beyond what you have ever said, youmay have thought it once or twice lol but never said here...
anyway on that note..
@rebcastillo77 ,
Thanks also to Rebbecca who confronted these losers and made sure they knew we would not put up with their crap. And believe me he was not very polite to Rebbecca when she did so, so kuddos to you lady!! :)
Ross, the posts were clearly that of a chump, who was just doing it to do it. The posts were silly and right away I knew what they were. So, I took no offense to them. I also knew that you would take care of them, so THANK YOU! I think the people who come here, for the community will stick around, I am for certain. Just some bad apples in the bunch, and well, they have been weeded out! So, thanks again!
I am glad I missed the thread in question. Some people are just out to cause trouble.
Ross, you are one fantastic guy. And this is one fantastic website!
I have been doing this project for 1 yr now, and I am worried that it is turning into a facebook kind of place!
Some of the topics people are posting are not photo related, they are just ramblings. I feel people are getting away from the subject matter here.
Ross you do a great job, don't apologize for the stupidity of some kid who picks on this site, I'm sure by now he or she has moved on to the next site. There's one in every crowd (now I sound like the country western song lol). Anyway, if I had more time on my hands I would love to moderate and maybe someday I will when my kids are a tad older and I don't have so much going on.
But truly you do a fab job and please don't let one bad person get to you. Enjoy your day, friend.
What happened last night was a tiny blip on the radar screen of a very wonderful photography forum. It in no way diminished my opinion of this great place, only those involved in the posting. Thanks, Ross, for a great place to post and view snapshots from around the world.
Thanks Ross - I never saw it, and am appreciative that I don't have to. :)
Another Aussie (GMT +10) here who would be happy to be a mod, should you need one in this time zone. I also work odd hours, and tend to lurk while doing other stuff, if that's any help.
So happy to hear that you have no qualms about stepping in and squashing that kind of bug. I always respect that in a mod. As a mod of four groups elsewhere, I really appreciate the kind of character it takes to deal with these kinds of problems.
Thank you, Ross! I didn't see "those" posts and am happy that my son didn't either. I don't know if everyone realizes, but there are some children on this sight. I thought long and hard before I let my son join 365. What finally convinced me that it would be ok was the fact that this is a "clean" site with little offensive language or photos. As the mother of a creative child, I want to encourage that in him. I also want to allow him to see the work of others while learning to comment coherently, intelligently and positively on those pieces as well as for him to receive those types of comments in return. I think it has been invaluable for him (and me) to see adults extending encouragement and kindness to others as well as acceptance of each other's artistic vision while maintaining civil discussions. I hope we never lose those very positive elements of this site. Thank you again, Ross, for your vision and guidance. In case you've forgotten, You are my hero! http://365project.org/pinktornado39/365/2010-08-02 (lol ... maybe I should do a new Zelda Mae shot for you! hahaha!!)
I saw the posts and made a comment on the ensuing discussion in hopes that attention would be brought to this issue and it has been, so thank you. I may be a newbie but this stuff won't sway me. I am already hooked and I fascinated by this group; so inspiring!! Kick those people off and chin up!! This is a great site. Thank you!
I'll admit it was kinda tough to come up with some totally random topics off the top of my head, but i can't believe how many people are still responding a few days later.
I'm glad this one blemish hasn't swayed anyone from this site. I'm a professional photographer who joined as much for the 365 challenge as to help others learn about photography. If people started leaving I'd be sad!
You are doing a great job Ross! I didn't see the posts, but if I had, I would have more or less understood the source. I doubt that something like that would have swayed any of us from this site. We are having too much fun :)
Thanks, Ross. I just joined and it seems like a great site with a great group of people. I moderated a social site a few years ago and it can be challenging and sometimes shocking but I found that the number one thing that keeps people devoted is knowing that when the crazies come out that its being addressed. You are doing that and we are all behind you.
Great job!
@Scrivna
A darn shame there seem to be a few people who feel the need to spew their negativity, but thankfully the great majority of the folks on this site are simply wonderful, supportive, funny, open-minded, creative and kind. Ross, you do a fabulous job here and I know it can't be easy. Your efforts are greatly appreciated--Rock on!!
I just wanted to let you know it was there. I'm grateful to you for creating this site and the dedication you have to it. The bond formed here by people who have a love of photography and capturing life to share with others is just amazing as evidenced by the situation with Tadii and her 365 friend who came to her assistance during the Brisbane flooding.
No one holds you accountable for idiots.
I moderate on another site which tries to maintain a family friendly environment. Unfortunately trolls, or those who think "freedom of speech" means that they can say whatever they want, however they want, even on a privately held website.
No apologies necessary. It comes with the territory. :)
I'm new here too & didn't see anything last night. I must say though in the few days that I have been here, I'm completely addicted. Its a wonderful site you have created.. Unless I'm banned for some reason, I won't ever go away haha.. ♥ this site!!
Thanks Ross.I didn't see anything. Well done! I was just thinking how in just over 2 weeks this project has changed how I look at things (literally and metaphorically!). You've given everyone such a great opportunity to join a wonderful and supportive community. Thank you!
I've never understood why people feel the need to post crap like that. You come across that kind of stuff in almost every other social site on the internet, but I've never before had that problem here. 365 has definitely been a good, clean experience from my perspective, and a lot of it is thanks to Ross. Ross rocks. Maybe that should be the theme next month, haha (:
Write a Reply
Sign up for a free account or Sign in to post a comment.
Tweets ahoy!
Join the Group
Pin With Me
I did not see any of the posts...But I would like to commend you on the great job...You and moderators have been really working hard to keep the site clean and friendly...
Sorry about the frustrations of the new year, Ross. I'm sure there'll be lots of volunteers; there's a helpful nature on this site :)
The reason most people missed it is because @jasonbarnette spammed the threads and bumped many of them off the main page... +1 for random posts...
Oh okay,thanks.I know I used strong language a few times in the past,that`s why I asked. I didn`t notice that,last night.I`m glad they`re gone.
Here's to another three-hundred fifty...um, oh nevermind.
And I agree, a "Report User" button is a great idea.
Thanks for all you do here!
ross rocks. :)
Damnit!! Now I want to know what it said!
these kids went way beyond what you have ever said, youmay have thought it once or twice lol but never said here...
anyway on that note..
@rebcastillo77 ,
Thanks also to Rebbecca who confronted these losers and made sure they knew we would not put up with their crap. And believe me he was not very polite to Rebbecca when she did so, so kuddos to you lady!! :)
@manek43509 I don`t know about the fight...But I`m still waiting for that autograph,Kit !
Email me your address, I'll post it to you... ;)
Ross, you are one fantastic guy. And this is one fantastic website!
I have been doing this project for 1 yr now, and I am worried that it is turning into a facebook kind of place!
Some of the topics people are posting are not photo related, they are just ramblings. I feel people are getting away from the subject matter here.
Sorry just my opinion!
But truly you do a fab job and please don't let one bad person get to you. Enjoy your day, friend.
Another Aussie (GMT +10) here who would be happy to be a mod, should you need one in this time zone. I also work odd hours, and tend to lurk while doing other stuff, if that's any help.
but super thanks Ross! you the man! this the site!
I'm glad this one blemish hasn't swayed anyone from this site. I'm a professional photographer who joined as much for the 365 challenge as to help others learn about photography. If people started leaving I'd be sad!
Great job!
A darn shame there seem to be a few people who feel the need to spew their negativity, but thankfully the great majority of the folks on this site are simply wonderful, supportive, funny, open-minded, creative and kind. Ross, you do a fabulous job here and I know it can't be easy. Your efforts are greatly appreciated--Rock on!!
No one holds you accountable for idiots.
No apologies necessary. It comes with the territory. :)