A proposal

[Scribs]

Instead, since the problem is not delaying individual users during a troll wave but slowing down registration *as a whole*, we will be limiting new user signups to one new registration every few minutes so that trolls can't descend on the site wholesale -- one at a time, so that there won't be a lot of trolls posting in parallel and mods can pick them off one by one.

That is a really smart Idea, I never thought of something like that. It is simple, but could really be helpful to the mods at such a time without hindering potential members. My compliments to whoever came up with that.

[uc pseudonym]

That would be Shooraijin.

Thanks to all the members for supporting us and for being willing to help.

[Debitt]

^__^ Much thanks to Shooby and the rest of the mods! <3

[Da Rabid Duckie]

*blinks*

Though any changes to begin with are certainly welcome, I'm still not satistfied. :p

The registration delay is an interesting idea, but still flawed by the fact that someone has to be on during the troll attack to recognize it. A preventive wall (ie: registration queue) is still the best option, and it'll be very difficult to convince me otherwise. But nonetheless, here's hoping the new changes work.

[Mithrandir]

*blinks*

Though any changes to begin with are certainly welcome, I'm still not satistfied. :p

The registration delay is an interesting idea, but still flawed by the fact that someone has to be on during the troll attack to recognize it. A preventive wall (ie: registration queue) is still the best option, and it'll be very difficult to convince me otherwise. But nonetheless, here's hoping the new changes work.

*blinks also*

I'm sorry, would you care to elborate a bit? Not to try to "convince you otherwise," but to shed a little more light on things. Your lack of understanding of the idea - assuming sarcasm and not outright belligerence - is no excuse for griping about our decisions. We're actually talking about ALWAYS having this system in place. Of COURSE we wouldn't only do it only when it happens - the whole problem is systemic and boils down to no one being online at the time of infraction; I hope you don't really think we're that naieve or dumb. As for your other idea, we've had moderate success in the past (you may have noticed) by NOT doing exactly what you are talking about. There has been a bit of research done on this (I'll spare you a lengthy discussion of the old BBS days where we sometimes had to recieve a call back from a sysop before our account was granted. More recently, though I did some work designing and constructing online communites for a few tech companies here in the valley and we had all sorts of interesting research come out of that), and a major detriment to online community is any kind of delay. "Hooked" users (already signed up) can deal with it if they feel it's worth it for them, but new visiters to a site are notorious for being flighty.

You are, of course, free to disagree with my research and our logic on this one.

Regards,
- Mith

[Wind]

What this whole discussion boils down to is how to protect believers from the sin that is out there on the internet in great amount and in the world today. We may all have varying opinions about how the best way to go about is but I have read this whole thread and one time I didn't see it mentioned that anyone was praying about these ideas before they voiced them. Christians are supposed to bring everything back to God and let him say Yay or Nay before anyone else I am not very handy with a computer my self and am still learning but I have been a member of CAA for eleven months and I would say that Mods are doing everything humanly possible under the circumstances of this site being so large. I agree with Mithrandir for nearly the last two months I watched the user counter spring from somewhere near 2500 to nearly 3500 in two months and it would be impossible to screen that volume of users on a daily basis. I guess I just expressed my opinion but it does need to be brought back to God because He is God and we owe Him at least that much as Christians for Jesus Dying on the Cross

I apologize for preaching but I thought it was a valid point to bring up


I hope no one is mad at me for expressing my views on this subject

If the mods are looking for more mods I am willing to Help

Sincerest Regards,

~Jade

[Da Rabid Duckie]

Apparently I've struck a nerve, and I do apologize. For the record, I've never intended to be offensive, insulting, or degrading in anything I've said in this thread. Any criticisms were intended to be constructive, and by addressing your points I am trying in no way to put the administration down. If anything, I'm trying to help the forum improve.

Your lack of understanding of the idea - assuming sarcasm and not outright belligerence - is no excuse for griping about our decisions.

See above. It was neither sarcastic, nor an attempt to start trouble, though I won't deny the fact I have made comments throughout my time here that could be seen as troublesome but in truth have been an attempt to promote positive changes. I also want to avoid seeing this place ever get into trouble, because I believe in what is trying to be accomplished here.

We're actually talking about ALWAYS having this system in place. Of COURSE we wouldn't only do it only when it happens - the whole problem is systemic and boils down to no one being online at the time of infraction]Actually I tend to hold anyone in forum leadership in high regard. It's a tough job, one I've done for a few years myself. It takes a staff with a large degree of intelligence, technical, and political skills to do it successfully, and the sheer size of the site shows that someone here knows what they are doing. However the recent severity of the troll attacks shows obvious holes in the system, and I'm convinced through practical experience using the same methods I've suggested that it'll work for this site as well. Unfortunately the reason we're having this discussion is because there are ideas being put into place that I believe are not quite enough. Please see the other posts I've made for more information why.

As for your other idea, we've had moderate success in the past (you may have noticed) by NOT doing exactly what you are talking about.

Please forgive this, but I wouldn't exactly define the past two troll attacks (both in the span of a month, no less) as a moderate success. Having children exposed to violent pornography is nothing short of a travesty. Granted, it is a prevalent danger in many places available on the internet, and I am determined to make sure that this is not one of them. I have a strong feeling that you guys would agree with me on this.

Of course, the problem all started because of the site's increasing exposure, with the fact that the site recently made a popular top 25 list by a secular site having a large part in that exposure. So what happens when CAA makes the major media news? And what about when Steelblood is published? The site is growing, and more drastic measures will have to be put into place. However since I have no direct authority I'm limited to the only thing that works for people in my position: pitching a fit... In a civil manner, of course...

There has been a bit of research done on this (I'll spare you a lengthy discussion of the old BBS days where we sometimes had to recieve a call back from a sysop before our account was granted. More recently, though I did some work designing and constructing online communites for a few tech companies here in the valley and we had all sorts of interesting research come out of that), and a major detriment to online community is any kind of delay. "Hooked" users (already signed up) can deal with it if they feel it's worth it for them, but new visiters to a site are notorious for being flighty.

Agreed, I'd estimate that at least 60% of new members don't stick around for more than a month, maybe two. However the part about delay being a major detriment to an online community is purely situational. If it were a community run by a business or a non-profit organization, then yes it would be critical for things to run smoothly. But for a forum meant purely for entertainment or education of a non-life essential item, a delay of a few hours while the member is being checked into or approved isn't critical in the least. It'd also cut down on the flighty members, making things run more smoothly in the long run.

A little off-topic, but if possible I'd like to see the results of that research, I think it could prove useful someday with similar endeavors of my own. ^_^

All in all, thank you so very much for your reply. Taking time to address my concerns shows that you guys are willing to listen, and it is a testament to the leadership of this site. And while I'm thoroughly convinced that the ideas I've presented are the best route to take, if the measures that are being put into place do work then it'll be a fantastic thing indeed. However due to very similar occurences within my own experience I'm still not entirely sold on the fact that they will work, and based on recent events I don't think it is too much to ask for a reconsideration. Even if it may appear to be squabbling on my part, I can assure everyone that I'm on the same side as the leadership here in the fact that we're all trying for the same goal, which is to see all of the members (especially the children) protected from what happened.

[ChristianKitsune]

I agree with Jade Fox Mods. If there is anything I can do... just let me know.

But I agree, these new changes are gonna be excellent and should help out the system ginormously. *KYAAA!* I love CAA!