Bungie.net Community
This topic has moved here: Subject: What if the community forum...was restricted? Updated: New Forum
  • Subject: What if the community forum...was restricted? Updated: New Forum
Subject: What if the community forum...was restricted? Updated: New Forum

@spawn031

"So much of what we do is ephemeral and quickly forgotten, even by ourselves, so it's gratifying to have something you have done linger in people's memories." John Williams

UPDATE: The original idea was to implement changes to the current community forum: The discussion has resulted to adding an additional forum instead. This way newer members still have a place to attend when discussing the community itself. Rather than completely shutting them off when they join for the first time.

Obviously, there are pros/cons to consider on each side, and I personally am not sure on what the right answer is. Should a waiting period to post be added? If by adding a new forum, what should the restrictions be? Should anything be changed at all? The goal is to add a forum that users have incentive for positive behavior.

Hey Community Forum,

It's been a while. Yes, a while since we have had a full blown discussion going around. I don't know about you, but ever since Bungie has been dark, we've been forced to talk about things on a broken record. Please note that there really isn't a right answer for this. The thread was designed to find what that goal is, so bear with me on this as we approach a new topic for discussion:

What if the community forum.....


....was restricted?


What would the community forum be like if it was restricted access?

The main idea:
!. ANYONE could VIEW the forum.
2. Only members that meet the admittance requirements, would be able to POST in the forum.

Example restrictions:
1. Must have linked gamertag
2. Must be a member of Bungie.net for at least 1 year
3. Must have a current title/prefix of any kind - so "honorable member", "forum ninja", or "Bungie Employee" could post there.

The examples of restrictions I just gave you were just ....examples. What if the only restriction was having a linked gamertag? What if the time was a 3 month wait? A one week wait?
The purpose?
Have you ever wanted a forum that was based on intense discussion? With adding restrictions to the forums, users would have to meet the criteria if they would like to participate. This would eliminate the common alt accounts, trolls, spam, and other unwanted posts. The forum would keep the same discussion value, being about community related topics, the website itself and other Bungie related material.

The idea is that this forum would set the examples and hopefully "bleed" into other forum attitudes on bungie.net. If you're consistently active, chances are that you've followed the forum rules for a long time. The incentive is that newer members would follow the rules and meet the qualifications and be able to post in this new forum.

I would compare it something to NeoGAF, where account creation is very limited, but once you have an account, you automatically have lots of value into it (since it took so long). Bungie.net is much easier to create accounts with and there is no way that account creation should be limited like GAF. Knowing that, users on bungie.net tend to make tons of accounts and use them negatively on the forums. (it happens)

With a timed membership restriction, is it honestly worth it to create an account and work it's way up to some title only to have one infraction and in a sense "troll" the forum for 10 minutes or less, only to be removed from it? I don't see a reason to spend all that time for that one moment. By all means, if someone WANTS to do that, let them. It would take less than 10 minutes to resolve anyway, compared to constant months of activity

Obviously there would need to be kinks that have to work out. As of right now, this idea doesn't seem plausible due to low activity.[/u] But once Bungie shows off their new baby, activity will kick back up just like development for any of their prior games. Think of it like the Optimatch forum. It would have restrictions, but anyone can view it.

A few years ago, there was another reference to this idea that I remember clearly. I have linked the full thread in the bottom of this OP.

Some common questions for this idea:
Why not just make a private group instead?
In the thread I linked, there are a bunch of great ideas, this one being the most common. Private groups wouldn't serve the same purpose because of:

1. They're invisible to the public eye.
2. The quality of groups generally are run poorly. I'm talking the average group here. Some groups are run better than others.
3. Groups are subject to the user's discretion and moderated by their own members. This forum would be run by the public moderators and Bungie Webteam - just like any other public forum.
4. Not to mention the following reason:
A public forum with regulated access to actually posting in it would allow Bungie employees to interact with users who have proven their trustworthiness and dedication to the site. The interaction could be much more as it was years ago, when the forums were much more readable, the topics were more well-thought out, the users were more self-regulating, and every post by a Bungie employee did not result in a tidal wave of people either sucking up or proving their "rebelliousness" by disagreeing solely on principle that the post was created by an employee.*
*Note: This post by x Foman123 x is 3.5 years old, and he may have different working on the subject. I have already made contact with about using the context of his posts.
_______________________________________________

Conclusion:

All in all the goal is simply this: Enabling these features/restrictions on a new forum would emphasize positive behavior on Bungie.net for active users. I'm not talking about user that log into Bungie.net 1 or 2 times a week for 10 minute sessions. I'm talking about the users like you and me that log in daily, participate in groups, interact with the Bungie Community Staff, take part in contests and weekly write-ups that try to improve the community.

The point of this forum is for US to have a place to discuss what the community is about. This isn't a "safe haven" from all the bad users on this website. This is just a quieter place (an extended forum) where the members that are "regulars" around here can sit down and ask questions and pose new ideas with uses that are consistently active.

Recommended Reading:
Super Secret Forum?

[Edited on 05.17.2012 4:24 PM PDT]

  • 05.16.2012 6:44 PM PDT
Subject: What if the community forum.....was restricted?

Why restrict users of the site? The whole point is simplicity and user access. Making something that is a publicly available yet at the same time restricted will annoy the users.

  • 05.16.2012 6:48 PM PDT

Spread the love...

Maybe...but I don't like that. I would prefer letting everyone post. I like everyone to be able to show their opinions :)

  • 05.16.2012 6:48 PM PDT

I would still prefer letting everyone post.

  • 05.16.2012 6:53 PM PDT

At first I was like "He'd better damn well use that Meme..."

Then I was like "YEESSSSS!"

Then I took a closer look.

"What Restricted"?

*Shakes Head Sadly*

On topic, since this forum is sorta the place that newbies are supposed to go to ask questions about the website, I think that making the Community forum more restrictive to post would be a bad idea.

Having a seperate more restrictive forum for mature users or having minor restrictions on some of the main game forums like requiring to link a Gamertag / PSN Handle would be fine though.

[Edited on 05.16.2012 6:54 PM PDT]

  • 05.16.2012 6:53 PM PDT

Theme Builder 4.1 is out for Bungie.net!

Theme Builders

I still don't get the reasoning behind it. Even a lot of Mythic and Legendary members are dicks.

  • 05.16.2012 6:54 PM PDT

@spawn031

"So much of what we do is ephemeral and quickly forgotten, even by ourselves, so it's gratifying to have something you have done linger in people's memories." John Williams

Posted by: SilverBulitt82
I would still prefer letting everyone post.

What about a completely different forum besides the community forum created with this purpose in mind? Perhaps, putting these restrictions on the community forum might be a big turn off to new members.

What about an "optimatch" for the community, if you will?

  • 05.16.2012 6:56 PM PDT

Known by some, but not by all.
Soffish: Do not eat!
TWP Assistant Director.

If it is not in the Archive, it does not exist!

While we have no rights, we are allowed freedom of speech, within the rules set forth. No need to hamper that.

~Delta

  • 05.16.2012 6:57 PM PDT

Join Mythic Photographers We are amazing at taking screenshots.

"I'm toight like a toiger "
-Urk

The Great Pretenders choice of Internet tabs and themes.

Posted by: LH Justin
I still don't get the reasoning behind it. Even a lot of Mythic and Legendary members are dicks.


Cause we're better.

  • 05.16.2012 7:04 PM PDT

Theme Builder 4.1 is out for Bungie.net!

Theme Builders


Posted by: camo m0nkey
Posted by: LH Justin
I still don't get the reasoning behind it. Even a lot of Mythic and Legendary members are dicks.


Cause we're better.
At interpretive dance.

  • 05.16.2012 7:06 PM PDT

*´¨)---––•(-• Dutchy •-)•–--–-(¨´*
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)••(¨*•.¸ (¨´*•.¸´â€¢.¸
(¸.•´ (¸.•Everything fails•.¸) ´â€¢.¸)

Don't want to discuss with us dumber hatted members? Then don't respond to us.

[Edited on 05.16.2012 7:34 PM PDT]

  • 05.16.2012 7:07 PM PDT

Key

I feel of all the forums, the community forum is the best to start off in if you really want to be a part of the community. Throwing people right into the flood or halo forums is not a good strategy for keeping them around very long or making them productive members of the community.

  • 05.16.2012 7:08 PM PDT

I am never late,Nor am I early; I arrive precisely when I mean to.
Also
"I have come here to chew bubblegum and kick -Potatoes!-... and I'm all out of bubblegum."

Check out this Thread on how to help new members here on Bungie.net

I think its good the way it is this could make people leave.

Bungie is all about the community and shutting people out of the community might make people upset

  • 05.16.2012 7:10 PM PDT

@spawn031

"So much of what we do is ephemeral and quickly forgotten, even by ourselves, so it's gratifying to have something you have done linger in people's memories." John Williams

Posted by: Hylebos
Having a seperate more restrictive forum for mature users or having minor restrictions on some of the main game forums like requiring to link a Gamertag / PSN Handle would be fine though.

I didn't catch that at first, but I did notice it and fixed that just for you Hyle.

Posted by: King Dutchy
Don't want to discuss with us lower ranked members? Then don't respond to us.

Since when were titles ranks? They're just silly hats. Don't think of it as "ranks" or "lowly". Think of it as consistently active members.

Posted by: CrazzySnipe55
Throwing people right into the flood or halo forums is not a good strategy for keeping them around very long or making them productive members of the community.

I agree. But look at the numbers. When the "baby-boom" age of each Halo game began, where did most of the fans flock to? The game forums. They wanted to see information about the upcoming game being released.

The examples of restrictions I gave above were just ....examples. What if the only restriction was having a linked gamertag? What if the time was a 3 month wait?

What if there was a completely separate forum instead of touching our homebased Septagon?

[Edited on 05.16.2012 7:27 PM PDT]

  • 05.16.2012 7:13 PM PDT

Hey, I'm Dark_Farlane. What's up?
I'm a Brony and a big Whovian and is in Beatlemania.
BUNGIE 7/7 FOREVER

I wouldn't be able to post here then...

Also, it would suck that the only place to go was the Flood. That place is easy to get banned.
It would be nice if The Webmaster did do this as a joke sometime.

  • 05.16.2012 7:14 PM PDT

i c u thar c' ing my signiture

Yours in _Kai_

It would see cool in the beginning, but it would lose its sparkle in the first week of that happening.

  • 05.16.2012 7:15 PM PDT

Cammalamm is the best.

External Links-
>My Photobucket page
>My Twitter account

Lets make it happen...but no one should be able to see the forum if they dont meet the standards.

  • 05.16.2012 7:18 PM PDT

"Look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under 't."
-Macbeth (Act I, Scene V).

So, only regulars could participate in the excellent discussion that occurs here?

  • 05.16.2012 7:18 PM PDT

Old School Gamer and Proud Member of the Seventh Column

Sounds like you are describing a private group. We already have an avenue for that.

[Edited on 05.16.2012 7:20 PM PDT]

  • 05.16.2012 7:19 PM PDT

Roll the dice, try again.

Posted by: IRISH 249
Sounds like you are describing a private group. We already have an avenue for that.

Pretty sure he addresses that exact question in the OP.

OT: I think it would be pretty neat. Granted I would have to be more active and gain a title to partake, but it would be neat to see some old farts talking and debating something out. idk.

  • 05.16.2012 7:22 PM PDT
  • gamertag: [none]
  • user homepage:

Proud Virgo.

Um, linked gamertag? No thank you. Mine is 'screwed up.' (Yes, I'm a dolt who forgot the password to her XBL account. Sue me.)

Other than that, this sounds, if done right, like a fabulous idea! It'd be interesting, at the very least. Worth a try? But it might be difficult to the web team to set the restrictions. (Maybe not, I know nothing about programming.)

EDIT: When I think about it. Maybe make a completely different forum?

[Edited on 05.16.2012 7:27 PM PDT]

  • 05.16.2012 7:25 PM PDT

Key


Posted by: spawn031
Posted by: CrazzySnipe55
Throwing people right into the flood or halo forums is not a good strategy for keeping them around very long or making them productive members of the community.

I agree. But look at the numbers. When the "baby-boom" age of each Halo game began, where did most of the fans flock to? The game forums. They wanted to see information about the upcoming game being released.

The examples of restrictions I gave above were just ....examples. What if the only restriction was having a linked gamertag? What if the time was a 3 month wait?

What if there was a completely separate forum instead of touching our homebased Septagon?
I still think adding exclusivity to the forums would make the animosity between the exclusive regulars of the two main forums (Flood & Septagon) even more so to an unnecessary level.

"Our forum is better, it has qualifications."

"What the -blam!-?! Why are they so special?!"

OR

"What the -blam!-?! Why does there need to be qualifications to get into the Septagon?"

"Our forum is better, you can join right away."

[Edited on 05.16.2012 7:37 PM PDT]

  • 05.16.2012 7:31 PM PDT

@spawn031

"So much of what we do is ephemeral and quickly forgotten, even by ourselves, so it's gratifying to have something you have done linger in people's memories." John Williams

Posted by: Twilli
EDIT: When I think about it. Maybe make a completely different forum?

That is the other solution, while it's not what I originally presented, that is literally the entire context of this thread I linked.

The problem with having another forum, is that you literally would have two forums that would be based around the same discussion. There would need to be reason to obtain that forum than simply keeping it restricted.

Would it be an off topic forum? Game forum? A public forum where advertising groups is allowed? What about showing off art? The limits are endless. The point is there needs to be a clear purpose when there is a new forum created.

Thus, which shows why I am in the predicament I am in currently. Do we change or add slight restrictions to this forum? Should we just remain "reactive" to bans or become "proactive" to dealing with them simply because of restrictions? That's the entire debate in a nutshell.

  • 05.16.2012 7:35 PM PDT

Old School Gamer and Proud Member of the Seventh Column

Because the op addressed it does not mean he addressed it well. What op describes is a private group. Just saying that it is not does not negate that what he describes, is in fact, a private group.


Posted by: Marathon
Posted by: IRISH 249
Sounds like you are describing a private group. We already have an avenue for that.

Pretty sure he addresses that exact question in the OP.

OT: I think it would be pretty neat. Granted I would have to be more active and gain a title to partake, but it would be neat to see some old farts talking and debating something out. idk.

  • 05.16.2012 7:40 PM PDT


Posted by: spawn031
Recommended Reading:
Super Secret Forum?
I was gonna link that, because I love that thread.

  • 05.16.2012 7:40 PM PDT