Two-way block

[Mohammed Hazabig'un]

A third of the forum has you on block and you've only done a total of 132 posts...that's got to be some kind of new record

In hindsight, perhaps I could've chosen a more socially acceptable Username and moderate first post

 

[Dona Ferentes]

In hindsight, perhaps I could've chosen a more socially acceptable Username and moderate first post

What? Was I thinking?

 

[Joe Blow]

It's all a very simple equation. If you are civil and respectful towards everyone, irrespective of how much you might disagree with them, you are not going to end up on many ignore lists. Nobody likes rude, unpleasant and disrespectful people, online or in real life.

As for user names, they can be changed once every ten years. If you would like to do this because you chose poorly (or for any other valid reason), just go to your account details and click the "Change" button next to your user name. But please, if you are going to do this, think it through very carefully and choose wisely.

 

[rederob]

In hindsight, perhaps I could've chosen a more socially acceptable Username and moderate first post

Peter Hazabig'un?

 

[InsvestoBoy]

As many of you will be aware, since the most recent forum software upgrade I have introduced functionality that enables a two-way block, which expands the ignore functionality. Not only can you ignore someone, but you can now block that ignored person from seeing your own posts.

The ignore feature always had one major flaw, which was that the ignored person could continue to comment on the posts of the person that has ignored them. This functionality gives the person who has chosen to ignore another member the option to stop that person from seeing their posts. In effect, they cease to exist on the forum to that person.

I have always held the view that people should be allowed to ignore others and customise their own forum experience by ignoring content that they did not wish to see, such as certain threads and even entire forums if they so desired. From an admin perspective a two-way block just seemed like another way to avoid conflict on the forum, but I have discovered that some people object to it on the basis that it is cowardly and avoidant and encourages an echo chamber mentality.

So I'm putting the issue out there for discussion. It would be useful to know how everyone feels about this new feature. Should a person be able to block someone they have chosen to ignore from viewing their posts? Or is it going too far?

Please let me know what you think.

I thought this must be a recent feature you added because I only recently noticed weird mentions of "frog" in threads where I couldn't see the conversation but I see it has been in effect for a while.

I also assume ducati916 has me on two way block because I never saw updates to my favourite thread of all time which was started after he was constantly hassling @Value Collector for making bad investments (that 10x'd in price) in CZZ then decided to start his own thread for a "Margin of Safety" investment that has made a 3-year return of <5% with an 80% drawdown inbetween ? (yes, I still have this AMZA chart on a watchlist for when I need a laugh)

@Joe Blow most people have raised good points about the 2 way block, but I wouldn't mind some clarification about how it works. I remember in the past if I blocked someone, I could still see their post it would just say "this post is hidden because you blocked the person" and you could click a button to see the post.

Does the 2 way block still allow that? To me it seems a bit annoying if someone can 2 way block me but still peek my content.

One point that's worth raising is that it does allow charlatans to post on the forum, then block people who call them out, so only the people who aren't qualified to call out charlatans see the posts...we have had a lot of charlatans over the years.

 

[Joe Blow]

@Joe Blow most people have raised good points about the 2 way block, but I wouldn't mind some clarification about how it works. I remember in the past if I blocked someone, I could still see their post it would just say "this post is hidden because you blocked the person" and you could click a button to see the post.

Does the 2 way block still allow that? To me it seems a bit annoying if someone can 2 way block me but still peek my content.

One point that's worth raising is that it does allow charlatans to post on the forum, then block people who call them out, so only the people who aren't qualified to call out charlatans see the posts...we have had a lot of charlatans over the years.

In short, the functionality allows people to ignore other users content but also prevents the ignored user from viewing their own content. This is third-party developed functionality created in an attempt to overcome perceived issues with the default ignore functionality, which for example permits ignored users to still view and reply to content authored by the user who is ignoring them. This is problematic for obvious reasons.

Unfortunately, the functionality has not been well maintained and there are bugs that have not been squashed and issues that in my view need to be fixed. I have gone through these in more detail in previous posts in this thread.

I am happy to disable this functionality for a trial period if enough users expressed a desire to return to the default ignore system. However, in my view the internet, and social media platforms in particular, have already moved to a two-way block system as this is what most users in 2022 want.

 

[Dona Ferentes]

I don't want to be on the block of others. I can "ignore" them by not replying, by making a mental note, etc.

I do not like it when a member uses the block out of petulance . I find it annoying that I miss information because someone thinks their content is import to share, but only with some.

 

[Joe Blow]

I don't want to be on the block of others. I can "ignore" them by not replying, by making a mental note, etc.

I do not like it when a member uses the block out of petulance . I find it annoying that I miss information because someone thinks their content is import to share, but only with some.

The problem is, on social media and online community platforms in 2022, petulance and schoolyard puerility are the order of the day for a substantial percentage of grown adults. Sorry if some see that as a microagression, but it's the unvarnished truth.

So as an administrator my task is to find ways to mitigate this through additional functionality that "keeps the peace". If everyone acted like a mature adult, there would be no need for any ignore functionality whatsoever. But wishing for that is as productive as wishing for world peace.

 

[InsvestoBoy]

In short, the functionality allows people to ignore other users content but also prevents the ignored user from viewing their own content.

You didn't answer my question but I found the answer anyway: it appears that users who ignore me can still peek at my content while not allowing me to see theirs simply by unticking this box:




That's a little annoying.

I don't want to necessarily convince you to remove the 2 way block, if it empowers people like @galumay avoid psychos so they can keep posting about high ROIC microcaps (look at that JYC chart!), then I get it.

But we are going to end up in a situation where people get to come on here and say wrong/stupid garbage without any counterpoint, just because they can't handle being called an idiot by someone on the internet (me).

I'm always going to say "you are wrong and I think you are dumb" and never "dear sir/madam, please find enclosed this 3 page essay that carefully explains a differing viewpoint which you may find valuable". Because

1. it's the internet!
2. the asymmetry of bull**** is simply too high

 

[The Triangle]

+1 vote from me for eliminating any form of ignore or blocking.

 

[Joe Blow]

But we are going to end up in a situation where people get to come on here and say wrong/stupid garbage without any counterpoint, just because they can't handle being called an idiot by someone on the internet (me).

I'm always going to say "you are wrong and I think you are dumb" and never "dear sir/madam, please find enclosed this 3 page essay that carefully explains a differing viewpoint which you may find valuable". Because

1. it's the internet!
2. the asymmetry of bull**** is simply too high

Perhaps it's not necessary to call someone an idiot because they post something wrong or stupid? Perhaps it's enough to say, "I think what you have posted is wrong/incorrect for the following reasons" and then outline those reasons. There are two dimensions to conflict online: someone who insults or offends another and the person being insulted or offended. People sometimes get insulted or offended merely on the basis of a perceived slight. This may even be just as common as an actual insult or slight.

However, it is possible to respond in a respectful way to someone you profoundly disagree with. To do so requires restraint and self discipline, as well as courtesy. Some can't manage it and this is why ignore functionality is necessary. it reduces conflict and unpleasantness by removing the circumstances that lead directly to conflict and unpleasantness. There is no magic solution to conflict on the internet. The best that can be hoped for is strategies that reduce or limit it.

As for the suggestion that people may come on here and post something wrong/incorrect/misleading without a counterpoint because the person providing that counterpoint is ignored. In my experience the counterpoint generally comes before the ignore.

 

[SirRumpole]

As many of you will be aware, since the most recent forum software upgrade I have introduced functionality that enables a two-way block, which expands the ignore functionality. Not only can you ignore someone, but you can now block that ignored person from seeing your own posts.

The ignore feature always had one major flaw, which was that the ignored person could continue to comment on the posts of the person that has ignored them. This functionality gives the person who has chosen to ignore another member the option to stop that person from seeing their posts. In effect, they cease to exist on the forum to that person.

I have always held the view that people should be allowed to ignore others and customise their own forum experience by ignoring content that they did not wish to see, such as certain threads and even entire forums if they so desired. From an admin perspective a two-way block just seemed like another way to avoid conflict on the forum, but I have discovered that some people object to it on the basis that it is cowardly and avoidant and encourages an echo chamber mentality.

So I'm putting the issue out there for discussion. It would be useful to know how everyone feels about this new feature. Should a person be able to block someone they have chosen to ignore from viewing their posts? Or is it going too far?

Please let me know what you think.

As I said in another thread I think that only administrators should have blocking rights.

If people want to ignore someone else they can by simply not reading their posts.

It's starting to get pretty childish if I block you because you block me etc etc.

 

[Value Collector]

You didn't answer my question but I found the answer anyway: it appears that users who ignore me can still peek at my content while not allowing me to see theirs simply by unticking this box:

View attachment 146935


That's a little annoying.

I don't want to necessarily convince you to remove the 2 way block, if it empowers people like @galumay avoid psychos so they can keep posting about high ROIC microcaps (look at that JYC chart!), then I get it.

But we are going to end up in a situation where people get to come on here and say wrong/stupid garbage without any counterpoint, just because they can't handle being called an idiot by someone on the internet (me).

I'm always going to say "you are wrong and I think you are dumb" and never "dear sir/madam, please find enclosed this 3 page essay that carefully explains a differing viewpoint which you may find valuable". Because

1. it's the internet!
2. the asymmetry of bull**** is simply too high

If you suspect someone has blocked you, so you that you can’t see their posts, it’s best to back them also so that that as you say they can’t sneak peek at your posts.

 

[tech/a]

I have 3 on block and I'm sure many more have me on block.
Frankly, the forum for me is a good place to glean information and share information with people I respect and they in turn understand me (Don't mind me anyway) I find myself less confrontational and posting way way less. I'm not seeing rubbish threads that seem to go in infinitum with no point or purpose.

I think I have some methodology and knowledge which may benefit others so I don't want to share it with people I have no time for so happy to two-way block and be two-way blocked.

Love it as it is Thanks Joe.

 

[Knobby22]

I have one person on block and QldFrog has blocked me.
I am quite happy with this and think it should stay.

 

[Dona Ferentes]

Yes, but it's ASF and not that person's vanity project.

 

[Garpal Gumnut]

I suppose you never know what other people are going through, you post something, and wham, they block you.

I've been guilty of that once, but luckily calmed down and unblocked.

gg

 

[Smurf1976]

In principle I'm very firmly in the free speech camp that someone ought to be able to express their views in sensible manner and not face undue consequences.

You can preach religion to me all day if you like and I won't take offence even slightly no matter how passionately you express it. I do however reserve my right to hold a strongly opposing view and to express it in the same manner as you, with the expectation that you'll accept my right to do so just as I accept yours.

In reality however that's a somewhat idealistic goal in 2022. We're in a society where more than a few are indeed fragile like a flower and simply can't accept that anyone has a different world view to their own or even simply a different set of priorities within the same overall world view.

That approach is most unhelpful in my view. Always amazes me how many people actually prefer to be a victim there and reject anyone who points out where they're going wrong. If I'm going wrong well then I'd rather someone said it but clearly many would rather fail than be told.

I thus disagree with the concept of blocking others, and I most certainly haven't blocked anyone, but in practice support Joe's position. Hands are tied here really. If you're running a forum to which anyone can become a member then you're somewhat restrained by society's norms and it's a reality that many do feel a need to plug their ears when someone says something that makes them feel uncomfortable, indeed doing so has become increasingly common.

Personally though, well society (as distinct from ASF) needs a decent shakeup in my view. Stop being so damn easily offended people. Ignorance is not bliss.

 

[qldfrog]

Let's put a different view
I block, am blocked and happy to do it.
If you are in a party, you start talking to everyone in the room that you do not know yet, then make your choice to carry on or not the conversations.
If you are met with an arrogant presemptious twat, will you go back to talk to him/ her.no..
We each have our definition of freedom for example, mine is everone can do say what they want as long as they do not restrict my own.Same for IQ and EQ levels needed to have a 2 way conversation or just belong to society as i define it.
So if any of the above limits are broken, i block.
It is liberating: less time aka my life spent scrolling thru BS.
Covid was a revelator imho:
Numeracy and scientific ignorance as well as gullibility and definition of freedom.
It splits society, in a way for the better as we know where we each stand.
Dying or loosing one's mean of living while wearing a modern David star is not exactly a matter of being a snowflake is it?
ASF is just part of society.
So i block.
why would i follow or just read investment views from someone unethical, ignorant or ,at the opposite, so EQ deficient that even informed and accurate posts are wrapped in presumptuous slant.
And there is no living in a bubble risk.
Plenty of comnercial tv,walk in the street and social interactions or vote results to know i am not in the majority.
I could cry, i could fight, or i could try to live my life as per my definition of freedom and sciences..ohh so last century
For the piece of mind of many, keep the blocking in @joe ??.

 

[Dona Ferentes]

I see the resident blocker QF has been posting . Would some decent Netizen kindly copy that content such that it can be viewed by all?

Of course this may incur some wrath and you get blocked as well. But then we ask another kind person to copy the poster's work, and so on.