If I become a donor will I be more likely to be banned, less likely, or

[Boojatta]

will it make absolutely no difference?

My experience with message boards so far has been that I am either banned or I get no official banned status but my posting privileges are quietly removed.

My post count here now is the highest I have ever gotten to on any message board.

[yewberry]

1. I don't think it makes a difference.

I'm not certain of this, but I think that posters here are generally warned before they get the TS, unless they're a pretty obvious disruptor.

[ET Awful]

2. Why? Are you planning on engaging in behavior which could result

in a ban?

[Boojatta]

3. There are a few controversial topics that I have been avoiding to stay

safe.

[bbinacan]

4. I don't think it matters

just don't break the DU guidelines.

[salin]

5. then all should be okay

shouldn't matter whether or not you donate to the board.

If you find value in the participation of discussions, than I encourage you to donate (to get "priveledges" per donors doesn't take a large donation - just a donation). Otherwise - participate as you see fit -and if you don't violate the rules, then you will be fine.

[Boojatta]

11. "if you don't violate the rules, then you will be fine"

Inflammatory or Flame-Bait Discussion Topics

Do not post "flame bait" discussion topics. While there is no clear line regarding what constitutes flame bait, the moderators have the authority to shut down threads which they consider too rhetorically hot, too divisive, too extreme, or too inflammatory. Please use good judgment when starting threads; inflammatory rhetoric does not normally lead to productive discussion.

What about this rule? It's not unusual for message boards to have such a rule, but isn't it rather vague?

[salin]

18. the thing about on-line communities

is that the longer one is around the particular community, and observes the ebb and flow of conversations of said community, and the more clear such things that seem vague at first become over time.

[crispini]

20. Nah, it's pretty easy to tell what flame-bait is.

Flame-bait is somebody flouncing in and expressing a definite opinion in terms that leave no room for discussion or argument.

"If you're voting for Hilary in the primaries you ought to be taken out and shot!"

"Joe Lieberman is the best thing to happen to the Democratic party and those of you who can't see it are idiots."

Etcetera.

It theoretically is possible to express the same sentiment in a quiet, cogent, well-reasoned post and it might not be considered flame-bait. It would still probably get pretty toasty though! :rofl:

[laheina]

9. I would ask you what they are...

...just because I'm nosy that way, but maybe you could do a search on them to see how other's thoughts jibe with your own.

I don't mean that conformity is at all important, but that's a good way to research something without getting anyone else involved.

[hyphenate]

22. I'm not positive

but don't you have to have a star in order to do certain searches? Or is it just the archives you can't search if you're not a donor?

[ContraBass Black]

26. Searching is for donors only.

[LostinVA]

30. And only certain forums are open to donors

[laheina]

32. Oops!

I think that you are right, but I don't remember which ones. :shrug:

[Misunderestimator]

6. Strange thing to admit.

:shrug:

[Boojatta]

12. Well, I think of it as a compliment for DU, but someone who doesn't like

my posts might say that DU is excessively permissive.

[Misunderestimator]

15. I think you're right... though sometimes not so much.

It's all very subjective what will be tolerated.

[BikeWriter]

7. My experience is the Admins and Mods here are fairly tolerant...

unless you are an obvious disruptor. If you have been here a while they will give you a warning to back off before banning you. Don't test the limits repeatedly and you should be fine.

[flvegan]

8. Fairly? Bro, I'm proof that they are VERY tolerant.

[LeftyMom]

10. You probably shoudn't remind them

at least not on a day when they likely want to bludgeon you to death with a dildo. :D

[flvegan]

13. Is it one of those two-ended ones?

I've learned so much about dildos today.

[LeftyMom]

16. Uhm....

I don't really care to know. :scared:

[BikeWriter]

14. Hee hee hee! You are a pain in the butt sometimes, but...

I have seen far worse on my own forums. ;-)

[flvegan]

17. Sometimes?!?!

Come on...at least MOST of the time.

At least I'm fun, too, right?

[BikeWriter]

19. Okay, you are a pain in the butt all the time. Nope, no fun! ;-)

[flvegan]

21. Okay...that hurts.

No fun...at all? Come on...

[BikeWriter]

23. Ha ha ha ha ha ha! ;-)

[blondeatlast]

24. Can someone pass the popcorn, please? nt

[Crazy Guggenheim]

25. How ya doing?

:popcorn: :popcorn:

[hyphenate]

27. Donating really shouldn't have anything to do

with how and what you post. Donating is a measure to the website to show your appreciation, and to show that what the website is doing or writing about is important to you. It helps out the website with costs, and is something you do because you want to help.

Posting at DU or any other board is reliant upon your own opinions, thoughts and desire to speak out on something. Here, it's politics, except in the lounge, but it could be any matter, anywhere online.

Rules are written because some people have problems with.....um, anger management, I guess is a good way to phrase it. They allow themselves to get all bent out of shape over an issue, and can find no way to compromise, often looking at possible compromise as a failure.

If you make posts with very definite ideas, don't write them with a challenging tone, because it ain't gonna get you far. The way something is worded is often far more important that what is being discussed.

If you are here with the desire to rustle some feathers, or with the intention to make it more than a little hot here, you are not approaching the discussion forum with an attitude that is conducive to anyone, including yourself. You need to be far more tactful, more diplomatic and definitely take in the mood and sensitivities of others when you say something.

If you can learn to keep that in mind, you will be able to find yourself at home here, with or without donating. However, if you DO find yourself enjoying it here, consider a donation, just because it is welcomed.

[hunter]

28. Donate money then get banned.

That way DU has your support, but you don't waste anyone's time.

Thank You.

:evilgrin:

[Boojatta]

29. That already occurred to me!

Donate money then get banned.
That way DU has your support, but you don't waste anyone's time.

Alternatively, the possibility of future large donations could make the admins reluctant to ban me.:evilgrin:
:hide:

[hunter]

31. Damn. You mean DU can be bought?

Somebody should have told us.

[Renew Deal]

34. How do you think I made it this long?

Here's Skinner with my donation.

[Boojatta]

36. No, I meant that a member who has donated nothing might be treated

gently if it is suspected that the member might become a donor.

It's all in the future, not the past. "I come like a thief in the night. You will not be expecting the huge gift." Etc.

[Renew Deal]

33. No difference.

The mods are fair.

[Redstone]

35. DU doesn't do "privileges quietly removed." The Granite Chiclet is

there for all to see if you disrupt poorly.

Why is it that you consistently get whacked, if you don't mind me asking?

Redstone

[BigMcLargehuge]

37. Locked

Questions about the administration/moderation of Democratic Underground should be sent to [e-mail].


Image not indicative of Skinner reviewing DUer mail.

Big McLargehuge
DU Moderator