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  • Subject: What does the Community think of Forum Cop-ism?
Subject: What does the Community think of Forum Cop-ism?

I'll be on my own side.

This is how I "forum cop". Let's say that Coke(littlerat) is a new member, and this is in the Underground.

Posted by: Nedus
Posted by: littlerat ftl
Hey, what do you guys think of bringing back the Halo 1 Pistol in Halo 3?

Oh, and by the way, my Flash forums suck ass.


Well, seeing that dual wielding is an integral part of Halo now, the Pistol would be very unbalanced. Bungie wants you to use many different weapons, not one that overpowers all of the others. The Magnum works fine.

Oh, and just a heads-up, this topic belongs in the Halo 3 forum. Be sure to pay attention to the forum you're posting in, or your threads will get locked.

And yes, your forums DO suck ass.


[Edited on 10/9/2006]

  • 10.09.2006 2:41 PM PDT

SB-117

Posted by: Nedus
This is how I "forum cop". Let's say that Coke(littlerat) is a new member, and this is in the Underground.

Posted by: Nedus
Posted by: littlerat ftl
Hey, what do you guys think of bringing back the Halo 1 Pistol in Halo 3?

Oh, and by the way, my Flash forums suck ass.


Well, seeing that dual wielding is an integral part of Halo now, the Pistol would be very unbalanced. Bungie wants you to use many different weapons, not one that overpowers all of the others. The Magnum works fine.

Oh, and just a heads-up, this topic belongs in the Halo 3 forum. Be sure to pay attention to the forum you're posting in, or your threads will get locked.

And yes, your forums DO suck ass.

Errrrrm... this is what bothers me, really. Someone having a pre-planned structure to do a job they appointed themself.

You don't need "approval", you don't need to classify yourself as a "forum cop". Why even post that? To see if it's "ok" so people can say "I have no problem with that method of 'copping'"? Just be a member like everyone else and post how you want (if that includes so-called 'forum-copping' then I don't care either way). No use in asking if it's fine to post this way or that way... just do it and let people decide whether they like you or hate you. Let nature run its course.

'Forum cop', 'wannabe-moderator' and other similar forum slang are all synonymous under a derogatory term. You shouldn't say "It's ok to be a forum cop" in response to people's insults; you should be saying, "I'm not a 'forum cop' (a word designed as an insult), I'm a member and I'm just trying to help".

Everyone here is simply a member (even moderators), so there should not be a caste system of "Trolls", "Forum Cops", "Septagonians" and such. People who think of themselves as 'Forum Cops' should never forget that they are just members. I'm not saying this as an elitism issue, but as an issue of how people label themselves. People aren't black or white, they are grey. Or at least they would be in an ideal world.

Now... I 'dunno how grey = ideal world. I think I went off on a tangent there. But hopefully I got my complicated point across.

  • 10.09.2006 3:14 PM PDT

I'll be on my own side.

I never appointed myself that position, because I don't do it often. And that was just an example. I don't copy and paste my responses.

I'm not a forum cop(notice how I put forum cop in quotes). I'll point a new member in the right direction if I feel like it. You seem to be implying that anyone who does that is automatically some self appointed cop.

[Edited on 10/9/2006]

  • 10.09.2006 3:17 PM PDT
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I partly agree with you ash55, most "forum cops" do make it appear as an elitism thing. Although myself and many others know the fine line between elitism and being a helpful members.

Although the term is slang. It is what we are called. We obide by that and we have became used to it. If many people believe it as a slang term and that it is disrespectful, so be it. That is what we became known as. Until a new name becomes available for us to be known as, we will change with that term. Then that term will become slang and disrespectful. The fact of the matter is, most people do not like forum cops. Most people never will. We will just have to accept that fact.

  • 10.09.2006 3:27 PM PDT

SB-117

Posted by: Nedus
You seem to be implying that anyone who does that is automatically some self appointed cop.

No, I am saying the opposite. Implying that anyone who does is not an 'automatic self-appointed cop', they're just members, which I think is a valid point seen as you misunderstood my message (or at least I think you did).

It's just the tone of this thread that made me want to say that. Most of it is implied. I want to make my opinion clear in case people start to believe they are somehow different due to what's being said here. Having an example post is just unnecessary in my opinion (note: my opinion) and I thought it was leading to some sort of new member classification.

I'll let nature run it's course and let people hate me for a differing opinion, I don't mind.

Posted by: M3 Roki7
We obide by that and we have became used to it.

That is what we became known as. Until a new name becomes available for us to be known as, we will change with that term.

*sigh*

I think my point was unclear, I don't think people should label themselves, it takes two to tango. People call you a forum cop, but you shouldn't accept the name.

It's hard for me to explain my point... Basically, don't ever think of yourself as anything other than a member otherwise bad stuff will happen (as evident in the past, *thinks back to pre-Halo 2*).

[Edited on 10/9/2006]

  • 10.09.2006 3:36 PM PDT
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Okay, that clears stuff up quite a bit. Thank you very much. Although, as I stated, "forum cops" are only people that help others, yes some use it as an elitism thing. But many more just see it as, as you said, a title. Not for elitism mind you, but because that is what they are labled within the community.

  • 10.09.2006 3:52 PM PDT

I'll be on my own side.

Posted by: ash55
Posted by: Nedus
You seem to be implying that anyone who does that is automatically some self appointed cop.

No, I am saying the opposite. Implying that anyone who does is not an 'automatic self-appointed cop', they're just members, which I think is a valid point seen as you misunderstood my message (or at least I think you did).

It's just the tone of this thread that made me want to say that. Most of it is implied. I want to make my opinion clear in case people start to believe they are somehow different due to what's being said here. Having an example post is just unnecessary in my opinion (note: my opinion) and I thought it was leading to some sort of new member classification.


I think I see. No, I don't consider myself different. I guess I mistook you because you were speaking in response to the tone of the thread, not my post in particular.

I got confused because you quoted my post, which is why I thought you meant me in particular.

Anyways, like I said before, I don't really "forum cop"(as in, the bad kind), because it doesn't do much, and there's always some idiot who will do it anyways, so why bother?

  • 10.09.2006 4:12 PM PDT

SB-117

Sorry I quoted your "example" as it is the sort of thing that worries me. But I wasn't talking about you, just your "example", if that makes any sense. I'm tired right now, away I go...

  • 10.09.2006 4:41 PM PDT
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Posted by: aku
Posted by: Kilroy
Forum Cops

There ya have it.


Er... try this?

Maybe I'm mistaken, but I could have sworn someone linked to the actual thread already. Oh well. I thought it was a good read.


OMG! someone actually read one of my useful articles!

  • 10.09.2006 8:16 PM PDT
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I think its ok to a certain extent. There are a few members here that seems dedicated to this task and its getting somewhat annoying when 90% + of their posts are about other members and what not to do.

My text is not white so im trying to ignore other ppl stupidity and errors and when thats not possible anymore im PMíng a mod since theyre the ones that can take care of it.

  • 10.09.2006 8:30 PM PDT
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Posted by: Carnage Kaiser
Edit: Grammer, Clearer terms
Yes, you fix that GRAMMAR, boi.

Joking aside, I love forum cops. I myself happen to be one, and I freely admit it.

Only those who are ignorant accuse us of being 'wanna-be's' and only trying to get in with the mods. Okay, its true, so what. :-)

No matter. I love to help, because I love it when they help me. To receive, you must first give twice as much.

Who I don't like are those who hate Forum Cops. They accuse us of trying to act larger than we are, and are feeding our egos or something.

To Those Who Despise Us:

We are members, just like you. We love the community, just like you. In fact, we love it so much we care enough for it to answer the Bungie.Net Moderator's calls for support. They cannot do it alone.

[Edited on 10/9/2006]

  • 10.09.2006 9:08 PM PDT
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I failed to read your post correctly, forgive me.

[Edited on 10/9/2006]

  • 10.09.2006 9:13 PM PDT

My opinion: If somebody takes the time to reply to a topic just to tell somebody they are breaking the rules, they should have used that time to PM a moderator instead. Seriously, if the only thing you are going to do is tell somebody that they are in the wrong forum, that a thread will be locked or that they have somehow breaking a rule; just don't reply. PM one of us and just ignore the thread.

Don't get me wrong, I like when people help the community, but people must realize the proper way to do things.

  • 10.10.2006 3:48 AM PDT
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"Whatever exists, whatever in creation exists without my knowledge exists without my consent. These anonymous creatures may seem little or nothing in the world. Yet the smallest crumb can devour us. Any smallest thing beneath yon rock out of men's knowing. Only nature can enslave man and only when the existence of each last entity is routed out and made to stand naked before him will he be properly suzerain of the earth."

Posted by: dmbfan09
My opinion: If somebody takes the time to reply to a topic just to tell somebody they are breaking the rules, they should have used that time to PM a moderator instead. Seriously, if the only thing you are going to do is tell somebody that they are in the wrong forum, that a thread will be locked or that they have somehow breaking a rule; just don't reply. PM one of us and just ignore the thread.

Don't get me wrong, I like when people help the community, but people must realize the proper way to do things.


I refer back to my whole philosophy on this, which says the following:

* A member who makes a mistake better understands the mistake when they are informed about it.

* A man who is punished for making a mistake becomes worse (i.e. he is less likely to want to interact for fear of making another mistake).

* Six of one, half a dozen of the other.

What this mounts up to is that by politely telling the member who made a mistake what mistake he made, the member will try harder to not make that mistake again (and, ideally, want to become a good member because he realizes there are nice people on the forums). Since according to my philosophy all moderators should be doing this (and from what I've seen, they mostly do), it's nothing more than removing the work of one member and putting it on another.

Now spamming and flaming, that's an entirely different story.

  • 10.10.2006 5:42 AM PDT
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Posted by: dmbfan09
My opinion: If somebody takes the time to reply to a topic just to tell somebody they are breaking the rules, they should have used that time to PM a moderator instead. Seriously, if the only thing you are going to do is tell somebody that they are in the wrong forum, that a thread will be locked or that they have somehow breaking a rule; just don't reply. PM one of us and just ignore the thread.

Don't get me wrong, I like when people help the community, but people must realize the proper way to do things.
As you wish.

Messaging them is better anyway, more personal and forgiving as someone said before. However, doing so publicly may result in someone else learning from that members mistake.

Or... Would you rather I not at all? I will stop, you need only ask.

[Edited on 10/10/2006]

  • 10.10.2006 6:14 AM PDT

Posted by: Mabian
* A member who makes a mistake better understands the mistake when they are informed about it.
I agree; but that is our job, not yours.

* A man who is punished for making a mistake becomes worse (i.e. he is less likely to want to interact for fear of making another mistake).If a person needs to be punished, the will be punished whether you tell them they are breaking the rules or not. It really doesn't matter to us that you decided to inform them of their violation.

What this mounts up to is that by politely telling the member who made a mistake what mistake he made, the member will try harder to not make that mistake again (and, ideally, want to become a good member because he realizes there are nice people on the forums). Since according to my philosophy all moderators should be doing this (and from what I've seen, they mostly do), it's nothing more than removing the work of one member and putting it on another.

Now spamming and flaming, that's an entirely different story.
But just going into a thread to tell somebody that they are breaking a rule or posting in the incorrect forum could be considered spamming, since it is off topic for the thread.

  • 10.10.2006 6:25 AM PDT

Instant Message me if yeah want to chat
Aim:baccardinals
Wanna Play send me a Friend Request
GT:baccardinals

The mods who r on here rarly make mistakes

  • 10.10.2006 6:37 AM PDT

Strange evolution how people have come to believe
That we are it's greatest achievement
We're barely, we're just a collection of cells
Overrating themselves

I think many people in this thread are confusing forum-cops and ass-kissers. Helping a new member is one thing, but using 20,000 characters to describe why spamming is frowned upon using the early 18th century French textiles industry as an example is just trying to make yourself look cool in hopes you might get to play a custom game with a mod.

I name no names, those who are guilty know who you are.

Note: If you want to be helpful, PM the new member who isnt aware of all the rules here. It will give them insight and an introduction to the PM system.

  • 10.10.2006 2:10 PM PDT
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"Whatever exists, whatever in creation exists without my knowledge exists without my consent. These anonymous creatures may seem little or nothing in the world. Yet the smallest crumb can devour us. Any smallest thing beneath yon rock out of men's knowing. Only nature can enslave man and only when the existence of each last entity is routed out and made to stand naked before him will he be properly suzerain of the earth."

Posted by: dmbfan09
I agree; but that is our job, not yours.


Then is our "job" as members to simply post within the literal translations of the rules?

If a person needs to be punished, the will be punished whether you tell them they are breaking the rules or not. It really doesn't matter to us that you decided to inform them of their violation.

Actually, that one is a miscommunication, mostly on my end. Simply put, a member is more likely to contribute better if they are handled "delicately" when they make a mistake. In other words, they get a polite explanation, and then whatever action must take place occurs (i.e. thread locking/deleting and such).

But just going into a thread to tell somebody that they are breaking a rule or posting in the incorrect forum could be considered spamming, since it is off topic for the thread.

So show me where your line is. Do you not want us to go into advertisement threads and say "this belongs in the Classifieds?" (Err...actually...I'd agree on that one.) But how about with Nedus' example at the top of this page, with the mistake pointed out, but only as a small part of an on-topic post?

  • 10.10.2006 3:41 PM PDT

I agree with Mabian, simply locking the thread without reason or forewarn is like telling someone you've amputated their legs, right after the operation. SO I believe a forewarn like the forum cop is good because I've seen most mods use one-line to justify their action. Sure you can state the rules violated, but you can also elaborate and reinterpret the rules. Go Forum Cop! (err good ones)

  • 10.10.2006 10:50 PM PDT

Posted by: Mabian
But how about with Nedus' example at the top of this page, with the mistake pointed out, but only as a small part of an on-topic post?
If you actually took the time to comprehend what I typed rather than just read it, you would know the answer to that question.

I will retype it to make what I already typed clear:
If somebody takes the time to reply to a topic just to tell somebody they are breaking the rules, they should have used that time to PM a moderator instead. Seriously, if the only thing you are going to do is tell somebody that they are in the wrong forum, that a thread will be locked or that they have somehow breaking a rule; just don't reply. PM one of us and just ignore the thread.
But just going into a thread to tell somebody that they are breaking a rule or posting in the incorrect forum could be considered spamming, since it is off topic for the thread. Now, do you see what I'm saying? Read it over and over again and pick up the key words. I've underlined them for you.

Now, you might say to me, "Y'know dmbfan, you could have just typed 'Nedus' example is perfectly fine and exactly what you should do' and it would have been easier on you and me." But that's really not the point. The point is that I already explained it quite clearly, and you still felt the need to ask. I figured I'd just point out another instance where something is as plain as day, yet people still feel the need to be spoon fed specifics...

  • 10.11.2006 3:44 AM PDT

I agree with dmbfan. People who reply to posts to simply try to point them in the right direction are wasting their time, unless they use the PM system. Thats what I use to help folks out. There is nothing wrong with trying to help people as long as YOU don't break the spam rules. For the most part I think its best to leave it to the mods as thats why they have that job on here anyway.

And I think the term 'forum cop' is a bad one to label members who are trying to point someone the right direction. The only real forum cops are the Bnet moderators. I think of the few who would take the time to help someone through PMs more as outgoing netizens.

  • 10.11.2006 11:18 AM PDT

I'll be on my own side.

I think that's one of the main issues being discussed here, Spec. What's the difference between a "good" and "bad" forum cop? Can good be applied to a predominantly negative term?

Moderators aren't forum cops in my mind. They're moderators. I see forum cops as wannabe mods who haven't the slightest clue as to how to actually contribute to the community, and I think most of the community shares that view, in one way or another.

I've seen on more than one occasion a mod or Achronos tear a cop a new one for being stupid, and labelling them as forum cops. If the moderators and admin see them in a negative light, then obviously, the label forum cop is bad. Not to sound like I'm just agreeing because a mod or Achronos said so, but it makes sense. They wouldn't label a good member a forum cop, They'd label them as helpful.

[Edited on 10/11/2006]

  • 10.11.2006 1:37 PM PDT
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Forums Cops are no better than spammers.

  • 10.11.2006 2:54 PM PDT