Question: Is it one click to delete a user from the database, making it so all of their posts disappear?
Asking for a friend.
That's actually damn near impossible to pull off. Only Aaron could do that, and even then he'd have to really, really want to. We can ban people pretty easily, but even that's several clicks.
Title: Re: Is it possible to prune threads instead of locking them?
Post by: ShyGuy on May 14, 2013, 01:19:45 AM
Let's start a kickstarter for a Nuke 'Em button!
Title: Re: Is it possible to prune threads instead of locking them?
Post by: pokepal148 on May 14, 2013, 07:39:05 AM
they could likely find the code for that and put it in... but if you can't do that what do you do with spambots?
Title: Re: Is it possible to prune threads instead of locking them?
Post by: NWR_insanolord on May 14, 2013, 08:59:10 AM
Spambots generally only get one post before we ban them, so we just delete that one post. I'm pretty sure to do what you're asking would require going in and deleting every database entry for every post, which would be a massive undertaking for someone who's posted a lot over a length of time. Not worth it, as if the post was worth deleting it was probably deleted at the time.
Title: Re: Is it possible to prune threads instead of locking them?
Post by: UncleBob on May 14, 2013, 09:15:53 AM
Actually, one other forum I moderate uses SMF and it has the option to delete all posts by an individual poster. I don't think there's any custom stuff running on the forums - but they are running a really old version (1.1.12 vs 2.0.4). I don't know if that option has just been removed or if there's somewhere in the master set-up for the forum where that option has to be enabled.
Title: Re: Is it possible to prune threads instead of locking them?
Post by: UncleBob on May 14, 2013, 09:24:56 AM
Under the "Delete this account" option, there's a drop-down menu to select from removing all the posts they've started or just removing everything they've posted period.
Title: Re: Is it possible to prune threads instead of locking them?
Post by: NWR_insanolord on May 14, 2013, 09:40:04 AM
I'm just going by what Aaron has said in the past, and he seemed to indicate it was an involved process.
Title: Re: Is it possible to prune threads instead of locking them?
Post by: Ceric on May 14, 2013, 11:17:10 AM
I don't know about you but I didn't think that UncleBob was the Cheating type :(
Title: Re: Is it possible to prune threads instead of locking them?
Post by: Khushrenada on June 15, 2013, 07:10:17 PM
Having recently read the forum rules quite extensively, one piece of information I noticed that stood out for me was this tidbit:
"In addition, posts that are deemed inappropriate or detrimental to discussion may be removed at staff discretion. This may occur even if such posts do not warrant disciplinary action, especially to keep the conversation smooth in Talkback threads."
That would indicate mods can prune threads and would be active in doing so to keep threads from getting derailed in the wrong direction.
Title: Re: Is it possible to prune threads instead of locking them?
Post by: pokepal148 on June 15, 2013, 09:25:59 PM
Having recently read the forum rules quite extensively, one piece of information I noticed that stood out for me was this tidbit:
"In addition, posts that are deemed inappropriate or detrimental to discussion may be removed at staff discretion. This may occur even if such posts do not warrant disciplinary action, especially to keep the conversation smooth in Talkback threads."
That would indicate mods can prune threads and would be active in doing so to keep threads from getting derailed in the wrong direction.
i derailed yo mom last night 8)
Title: Re: Is it possible to prune threads instead of locking them?
Post by: Khushrenada on June 15, 2013, 09:45:32 PM
My mother is dead.
Title: Re: Is it possible to prune threads instead of locking them?
Post by: pokepal148 on June 15, 2013, 10:26:54 PM
im trying to get an answer to the question
Title: Re: Is it possible to prune threads instead of locking them?
Post by: UncleBob on June 16, 2013, 11:15:33 AM
Pokepal: Neither the time or the place for that.
Khush - it is possible and it is something that is still done occasionally (usually just moving a post from Talkback and merging it into some various Funhouse thread). However, I'd like to point out that the last time (http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/forums/index.php?topic=37788.0) I talked about enforcing rules by trying to keep topics actually on-topic, not a single person on this forum spoke up in support of that plan. In fact, the mere mention of it eventually lead to at least two members becoming so disgruntled with the forum that they left and took refuge on their own forum where the forum maturely spend so much energy talking trash about all the other video game sites out there.
So... what to do?
Title: Re: Is it possible to prune threads instead of locking them?
Post by: pokepal148 on June 16, 2013, 12:42:33 PM
i was hoping someone would just delete the comment and thus the question is answered
Title: Re: Is it possible to prune threads instead of locking them?
Post by: UncleBob on June 16, 2013, 12:58:18 PM
So, what you're saying, is that you were purposely posting off-topic comments in an attempt to see if you could get moderated?
Didn't you *just* get out of a ban for doing that *exact* same thing?
Title: Re: Is it possible to prune threads instead of locking them?
Post by: pokepal148 on June 16, 2013, 01:01:36 PM
*facepalm* i was trying to... oh never mind i should have put it in the off topic thread.
Title: Re: Is it possible to prune threads instead of locking them?
Post by: UncleBob on June 16, 2013, 01:14:45 PM
Now you're getting it.
Title: Re: Is it possible to prune threads instead of locking them?
Post by: Khushrenada on June 16, 2013, 02:54:36 PM
Khush - it is possible and it is something that is still done occasionally (usually just moving a post from Talkback and merging it into some various Funhouse thread). However, I'd like to point out that the last time (http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/forums/index.php?topic=37788.0) I talked about enforcing rules by trying to keep topics actually on-topic, not a single person on this forum spoke up in support of that plan. In fact, the mere mention of it eventually lead to at least two members becoming so disgruntled with the forum that they left and took refuge on their own forum where the forum maturely spend so much energy talking trash about all the other video game sites out there.
So... what to do?
Well, I never saw that thread before.
My answer on it would be is that it is all case by case. I mean, topics do go off topic a lot of time because that's what conversations do. They morph and change into new things and that's not necessarily a bad thing.
But I'd say in the instances like Shyguy mentioned in his original post where somebody will take something and post a picture or joke that sort of breaks the rules or causes the thread to be locked should just be pruned since it will add nothing to further the thread and would just end up killing it. Yeah there will probably be complaints but if a person keeps having such posts cut, chances are they won't think it worth the effort and that kind of stuff would drop off.
It's sort of like officiating in sports, I guess. You're always going to get complaints from both sides for the job you do unfortunately. Still, as long as the rules are enforced consistantly, then the flack will be less as the players adjust and learn what is acceptable and what isn't.
Title: Re: Is it possible to prune threads instead of locking them?
Post by: UncleBob on June 16, 2013, 02:58:28 PM
On forums besides the Funhouse, I agree - abusive posts should be cut (or moved to the Funhouse).
On Funhouse threads... remember, the Funhouse doesn't go by *all* the same rules. I'm not against just pruning out the bad posts when they pop up instead of locking the thread - it just depends on the original thread. If it's something that's actually having a real discussion of some kind, then, yes, it should be pruned. Otherwise... 'meh.
But, I, personally, will consider this in the future. :D
