This sums it up well, and explains the awkward position I'm in to try and resolve it.
I've tried forcing people to use the ignore function before. And they all undid it within hours. I don't think there's a way for me to remove the option.
My opinion is that both sides have gone past the point of moral high ground.
- Some may be worse than others.
- Some have definitely crossed the line
- Some views are abhorrent
- Problems on both sides
I am loathe to just back one side and blanket ban the other side - hell, they don't even all agree on the same issues at times. I do 100% agree there's a huge problem.
- I could spend ages finding ways to limit various specific people from posting twitter links for example (if that's doable - I'm not sure).
- I could blanket ban everyone (involved) on a temporary basis
- I could recreate the Gulag and just throw people in there everytime it gets out of hand. This will require extra effort for myself/mods to do this on what will undoubtedly be a daily basis.
- I just forget all about this website and enjoy a stress free life.
- Find a new owner who wants to deal with this shit
Honestly, if I were you I'd probably give up on this site.
It's absolutely horrible to read and post on. OTH Boxing is more varied, interesting, relaxed and chilled. This place seems really toxic.
Maybe give it one last go. Shamelessly copy their 2 forum approach - Boxing and Other.
As site owner, you'd need to just make some decisions just to better the forum, even if no specific rules have been broken.
I think it's safe to agree (and I believe you know it) that WesShaw completely ruins the forum with his incessant post starting. Most of the lads are from the UK, but the British Boxing forum just isn't worth looking at. Just ban him. Lifetime ban, no explanation. Delete his posts if possible. Gone. Don't dwell on it, just get rid. Clear the clutter and get normal British Boxing discussion back in the Boxing forum.
If happens sometimes that a user can just be incompatible with a forum. Too busy, too divisive, too prolific etc. I don't post here anymore and barely read it - but it appears there are a few users in this thread that create a huge issue. Just purge them. As one last ditch to save the site, just purge those people who bring nothing but drama.
Might be easy to fix. 2 forums, purge those 6-7 problem accounts, change the skin to give everything a fresh new feel and it might be a much better user experience.
It's a joy to browse OTH Boxing at the moment. They have a few problem accounts (DobyZhee, Juinior Soprano and Pasta Pizza) but enough great, interesting and funny contributors so that these can get buried under the good discussion.
