MichaelH34 (North Carolina)
Posts: 179
Posts: 179
Posted:
Post and replies without any mention of a company or link are being deleted without any notice to the poster.
Is there a server problem or ?
Is there a server problem or ?
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Posts are being deleted without any notice, is this normal?
Started by MichaelH34 • 29 replies • 457 views
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KerryL1 (California)
Posts: 14,550
Posts: 14,550
Posted:
I don't recall which posts/replies are missing. Can you give us a hint?
MichaelH34 (North Carolina)
Posts: 179
Posts: 179
Posted:
There was a discussion about CDs (money) as well as a post asking about letting committees acting autonomously
TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,059
Posts: 21,059
Posted:
I've seen posts that do violate the posting rules being deleted a little quicker lately then in the past, giving the impression that the moderators are a little more involved then they were in the past.
If someone posts something that doesn't violate the rules and it's quickly deleted, it's usually an indication of being banned.
Several years ago there was a few posters that caused issues and the moderators reworked their policies with the site.
See: Subject: New Banning Procedure On This Site
If someone posts something that doesn't violate the rules and it's quickly deleted, it's usually an indication of being banned.
Several years ago there was a few posters that caused issues and the moderators reworked their policies with the site.
See: Subject: New Banning Procedure On This Site
MichaelH34 (North Carolina)
Posts: 179
Posts: 179
Posted:
Are you aware if the policy is to delete/ban without any notice to the poster? In the cases I know of, they haven't violated any rules.
I understand that the "no advertising" rule has apparently been extended in the last 9 years to mean "don't even name a company" but if the instance I know of resulted in a ban, the moderators have gone off the deep end.
I understand that the "no advertising" rule has apparently been extended in the last 9 years to mean "don't even name a company" but if the instance I know of resulted in a ban, the moderators have gone off the deep end.
KerryL1 (California)
Posts: 14,550
Posts: 14,550
Posted:
I do recall someone asking how to start a Landscape Committee that had solid useful discussions. I do not see it. A poster may have added something nasty to it about conserving water. But, if so, why not just delete that remark instead of the whole thread?
MichaelH34 (North Carolina)
Posts: 179
Posts: 179
Posted:
So apparently the moderators have decided that SusanH31's posts and replies are to be automatically deleted, we assume for giving the name of a bank that offers CDs to HOAs. No notice of removal or banning was ever given.
She replied with the following on this post and it was immediately removed.
"SusanH31
My posts are being taken down. If I've been banned, would someone please tell me and kindly give me a reason? All I can think of is that I named a bank that my HOA uses, because I thought another poster would appreciate the tip. I don't work for the bank. I didn't curse anybody out or do anything inappropriate to my knowledge.
This forum has been really helpful, and I try to be helpful and respectful also. Please, HOATalk, don't ban me. I'm a treasurer and board member of an HOA that's still learning, and I really need this space for asking questions!"
She's sent a message through the help link asking for clarification.
She replied with the following on this post and it was immediately removed.
"SusanH31
My posts are being taken down. If I've been banned, would someone please tell me and kindly give me a reason? All I can think of is that I named a bank that my HOA uses, because I thought another poster would appreciate the tip. I don't work for the bank. I didn't curse anybody out or do anything inappropriate to my knowledge.
This forum has been really helpful, and I try to be helpful and respectful also. Please, HOATalk, don't ban me. I'm a treasurer and board member of an HOA that's still learning, and I really need this space for asking questions!"
She's sent a message through the help link asking for clarification.
MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836
Posts: 13,836
Posted:
There was a poster who used their real name in responding or making a post. They may have requested to have that information removed. Which sometimes causes other related posts to be removed or deleted as well. The lack of editing can kind of make it hard to correct mistakes you may had made originally.
Former HOA President
MarkM19 (Texas)
Posts: 1,459
Posts: 1,459
Posted:
I know that one of my comments got removed a few weeks ago when a new Poster did not get the advice he was expecting and trashed the site and all of the regulars who had posts our opinions. I did call him a jerk and that was about the nicest thing I could think of for that person.
I know the rules and have posted nearly 1000 times, and this is the first time I recall my comments getting deleted. I also got no notice that the comments were deleted. They were just removed. I did not like it or appreciate it.
I know the rules and have posted nearly 1000 times, and this is the first time I recall my comments getting deleted. I also got no notice that the comments were deleted. They were just removed. I did not like it or appreciate it.
MichaelH34 (North Carolina)
Posts: 179
Posts: 179
Posted:
"Posted By: SusanH31
How did you get reinstated?"
How did you get reinstated?"
TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,059
Posts: 21,059
Posted:
Having posts deleted and being banned are two different things.
My experience has been if you break the rules multiple times you might be banned.
The quickest way to get back to posting would be to make a new account.
Many have done this in the past and are not banned again unless they break the rules.
Recently - John, aka PITA, aka ???? comes to mind.
My experience has been if you break the rules multiple times you might be banned.
The quickest way to get back to posting would be to make a new account.
Many have done this in the past and are not banned again unless they break the rules.
Recently - John, aka PITA, aka ???? comes to mind.
MichaelH34 (North Carolina)
Posts: 179
Posts: 179
Posted:
So my takeaway from all this is that having posts deleted without notification is normal, even expected, around here. Nice.
"we don't know what you did but it must have been bad!"
Great moderation strategy HOATalk.
"we don't know what you did but it must have been bad!"
Great moderation strategy HOATalk.
WendyM5 (North Carolina)
Posts: 1,522
Posts: 1,522
Posted:
Quote:
Posted By MichaelH34 on 12/13/2022 4:11 PM
So my takeaway from all this is that having posts deleted without notification is normal, even expected, around here. Nice.
"we don't know what you did but it must have been bad!"
Great moderation strategy HOATalk.
So my takeaway from all this is that having posts deleted without notification is normal, even expected, around here. Nice.
"we don't know what you did but it must have been bad!"
Great moderation strategy HOATalk.
true. and posts like yours will only put you on closer to the "Band" Wagon
dont' even bother suggesting they change or improve the site either, also band promoting activities.
vis ta vie
SusanH34 (North Carolina)
Posts: 21
Posts: 21
Posted:
Speaking of that, my post and your question about certain financial instruments got deleted from another thread. The answer is yes, being online only, that institution only takes electronic transfers. I did have a problem (software bug) with trying to set up a 2nd link, but their support team was helpful and we eventually got it working. Such a shame that we can't help other HOA boards by recommending a company by name without it being perceived as improper selling.
(No offense, including marketing or advertising, is intended by this post or its author. Caveat emptor. Cave canem. etc.)
(No offense, including marketing or advertising, is intended by this post or its author. Caveat emptor. Cave canem. etc.)
TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,059
Posts: 21,059
Posted:
Actually, I don't think mentioning company names is only about selling, I think it's to minimize liability (as this is what the posting rules say).
Wanting to help is why many posters suggest having an email specifically for this site.
That way, if you have a specific recommendation that you think will benefit someone you can simply ask that they email you and you can make the recommendation off line.
Wanting to help is why many posters suggest having an email specifically for this site.
That way, if you have a specific recommendation that you think will benefit someone you can simply ask that they email you and you can make the recommendation off line.
MichaelH34 (North Carolina)
Posts: 179
Posts: 179
Posted:
Timb4, [insert opinion here]
There's not much point discussing the "rules" since they aren't posted where new people can see them and they aren't applied consistently.
There's not much point discussing the "rules" since they aren't posted where new people can see them and they aren't applied consistently.
WendyM5 (North Carolina)
Posts: 1,522
Posts: 1,522
Posted:
if there was actually any liability in this I'd understand, but hundreds of forum sites allow vendor recommendations, can't even see the logic in why it's a liability.
vis ta vie
TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,059
Posts: 21,059
Posted:
Quote:
Posted By MichaelH34 on 12/14/2022 1:01 PM
Timb4, [insert opinion here]
There's not much point discussing the "rules" since they aren't posted where new people can see them and they aren't applied consistently.
Timb4, [insert opinion here]
There's not much point discussing the "rules" since they aren't posted where new people can see them and they aren't applied consistently.
Yep, the big smiley face saying "Our Posting Rules" at the top of every page doesn't mean people will take the time to click on it and read it.
As far as being applied consistently, I can't say.
MarkM19 (Texas)
Posts: 1,459
Posts: 1,459
Posted:
If I could make a suggestion, it would be that either before new posters sign up or directly after a Pop Up would make them acknowledge the Posting Rules.
Since I signed up 12 or 13 years ago and never once changed my Posting Name, I have no idea if this takes place for new signers.
Since I signed up 12 or 13 years ago and never once changed my Posting Name, I have no idea if this takes place for new signers.
MichaelH34 (North Carolina)
Posts: 179
Posts: 179
Posted:
Timb4, I spent some time wondering wth you were talking about since I couldn't see any posting rules or smiley. Turns out my ad blocker was keeping that from showing up for me. I'm probably not the only one.
TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,059
Posts: 21,059
Posted:
Quote:
Posted By WendyM5 on 12/14/2022 1:02 PM
if there was actually any liability in this I'd understand, but hundreds of forum sites allow vendor recommendations, can't even see the logic in why it's a liability.
if there was actually any liability in this I'd understand, but hundreds of forum sites allow vendor recommendations, can't even see the logic in why it's a liability.
Good question.
Perhaps the moderators will elaborate.
For me, I'm happy the site exists. It's free and it helped me when I had my issues with the Association.
So if the company who provides the service wants to say I can't post a,b,c, then so be it.
I can comply with those rules and use the site or leave. My choice.
Sort of like members complaining that their Association won't let them do a,b,c because the covenants say so.
Most members don't bother to read the governing documents.
However, that is not a good excuse for not complying with them.
TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,059
Posts: 21,059
Posted:
Quote:
Posted By MarkM19 on 12/14/2022 1:16 PM
If I could make a suggestion, it would be that either before new posters sign up or directly after a Pop Up would make them acknowledge the Posting Rules.
If I could make a suggestion, it would be that either before new posters sign up or directly after a Pop Up would make them acknowledge the Posting Rules.
I think that's a great suggestion.
I know that didn't happen when I signed up many years ago.
You might want to contact the moderators directly with that suggestion in case they don't read this thread.
Per my earlier link in this thread - click help, then click contact hoa talk support.
TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,059
Posts: 21,059
Posted:
Quote:
Posted By MichaelH34 on 12/14/2022 1:23 PM
Timb4, I spent some time wondering wth you were talking about since I couldn't see any posting rules or smiley. Turns out my ad blocker was keeping that from showing up for me. I'm probably not the only one.
Timb4, I spent some time wondering wth you were talking about since I couldn't see any posting rules or smiley. Turns out my ad blocker was keeping that from showing up for me. I'm probably not the only one.
Interesting.
Something you might want to inform the moderators about directly.
MichaelH34 (North Carolina)
Posts: 179
Posts: 179
Posted:
Timb4: "Sort of like members complaining that their Association won't let them do a,b,c because the covenants say so."
Only superficially. If an HOA member violates a rule, they're normally told they've done so and what to do about it.
Here, if you violate a rule, the hammer comes down without a person even knowing it's happened until their posts start disappearing. One doesn't even get a reply from the mod team if you contact them to ask about it.
Either way, the answer to my question is clearly "yes, that's normal here."
Only superficially. If an HOA member violates a rule, they're normally told they've done so and what to do about it.
Here, if you violate a rule, the hammer comes down without a person even knowing it's happened until their posts start disappearing. One doesn't even get a reply from the mod team if you contact them to ask about it.
Either way, the answer to my question is clearly "yes, that's normal here."
TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,059
Posts: 21,059
Posted:
Michael,
Fair point.
Fair point.
WendyM5 (North Carolina)
Posts: 1,522
Posts: 1,522
Posted:
Quote:
Posted By MichaelH34 on 12/14/2022 2:14 PM
Timb4: "Sort of like members complaining that their Association won't let them do a,b,c because the covenants say so."
Only superficially. If an HOA member violates a rule, they're normally told they've done so and what to do about it.
Here, if you violate a rule, the hammer comes down without a person even knowing it's happened until their posts start disappearing. One doesn't even get a reply from the mod team if you contact them to ask about it.
Either way, the answer to my question is clearly "yes, that's normal here."
Timb4: "Sort of like members complaining that their Association won't let them do a,b,c because the covenants say so."
Only superficially. If an HOA member violates a rule, they're normally told they've done so and what to do about it.
Here, if you violate a rule, the hammer comes down without a person even knowing it's happened until their posts start disappearing. One doesn't even get a reply from the mod team if you contact them to ask about it.
Either way, the answer to my question is clearly "yes, that's normal here."
yep! never have I ever seen a single post by anyone claiming to be a moderator. They just dont' give a -------.
vis ta vie
MaxB4
Posts: 3,513
Posts: 3,513
Posted:
Moderators are given help from a couple of long-term posters.
LayaS (Nebraska)
Posts: 249
Posts: 249
Posted:
Quote:
Posted By MaxB4 on 12/14/2022 4:51 PM
Moderators are given help from a couple of long-term posters.
Moderators are given help from a couple of long-term posters.
I think so too...
I have opened my mouth a time or two and my posts got deleted. I don't believe the moderators are consistent with their decisions. That's my opinion. There are times when someone makes some pretty ugly comments and the moderators just let it go. And other times, the comments are fairly benign, and they get deleted.
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