Misleading Thread Topics

I know your job is really tough, but why do mods allow misleading thread topics?

For example, the Google Earth "Crashed Alien" thread. . . a normal person would expect some type of Google image which resembles an alien life form, not the orange rectangle which it shows. Even "crashed alien ship" would be more appropriate.

Second, we see titles which promise, "I have the answer to X" and then you click on it and the entire post could have been summed up as "Obama is the Anti-Christ."

Third, people circumventing the all caps rule by doing partial caps -- see NWO, Aliens, etc. -- THE ANSWER RIGHT HERE! thread.

Members can give their threads any title they want to. As long as it falls within the T&C. More specifically this:

1). Posting: You will not post any material that is knowingly false, misleading, or inaccurate. You will not solicit personal information from any member. You will not use information gathered form this website to harass, abuse or harm other people.

If you feel that a thread title is blatantly false in order to get "views", please alert the staff by clicking the Alert button under the post (or Alert on the thread).

Seems the OP is describing thread titles which are misleading. The term 'misleading' is in the T&C. The term 'information' in the T&C does not state a difference between thread titles and thread posts as information.

That is exactly my point. Why isn't there a T&C which requires that titles reflect the actual information, and be "sensationalized"?

I think Gemwof summed it up best. Of course topics that claim absolute proof are questionable, but a lot of things are given lead way, getting attention to a thread IMO is important, as long as it isn't taken to far. One of my threads called "The Three Clinchers for Proof of Alien Life" would be a 'boarder' title. But I did not state I had proof, just clinchers for proof, which implies that it is my opinion. I try to be careful myself in thread titles, cause I too hate misleading titles. Most of the time I find it best to just title it after the topic(ie; research paper format) , or pose it in a question type form.

reply to post by VelmaLu



With more than 5,000 new posts a day on average our volunteer staff can't possibly see everything. That's exactly why we have the "Alert" button on every post/thread for the membership to point out such things.

As you have already been informed, simply ALERT the threads you see that you think are in violation of the TAC. The TAC specifically states NO misleading info that includes thread titles (as Roadgravel pointed out to you as well).

Springer...

reply to post by jkrog08


Heres a question to a Mod, or someone who knows for sure

I made a thread where I used the title of the Documentary itself

"The sinking of the Liberty"

But in reality , it never sank, but was barely afloat and destroyed to the point of being scrapped .

I imagine that is OK, If its a title ?

I appreciate the efforts of the volunteers, my question was whether this was "allowed" or whether it was "disallowed and missed" and should be reported.

I got my answer, I reported the threads in question. I was concerned about bombarding the staff with complaints if this type of activity is allowed.

I think (my interpretation anyways) that the T and C mainly applies to title claiming proof when in fact none exists. More of a deterrent of hoaxes.

Originally posted by Seany
reply to post by jkrog08

 

Heres a question to a Mod, or someone who knows for sure

I made a thread where I used the title of the Documentary itself

"The sinking of the Liberty"

But in reality , it never sank, but was barely afloat and destroyed to the point of being scrapped .

I imagine that is OK, If its a title ?

I can not tell you for sure, as only the mods and staff can do that really. However I would guess that the mods and staff would prefer a different title as to avoid any possible plagairism issues.(Yes I know you specified that it is some one elses work)

Although they may also be ok with it if you can some how figure out a way to offer acknowledgment of the owner, in the title itself.

I also could be way off on what the mods and staff actually want, so take this post with a grain of salt. I am just guessing you know.

Anyway,now over to somebody who knows what they are talking about. (in other words...anybody but me )

I think for most members, a recurrence of misleading thread titles will have the same effect as unproductive posts. Though he/she may be able to skirt the T&C in the short term, in the long terms that member will develop a reputation for such action and will find themselves ignored by most more often than not.

It is really more a matter of principle. If I need to sensationalize my contributions in order to attract attention I am losing on two fronts. First, I am conceding that I am insecure about the content of my OP to the degree that I need a "hook" lest it be ignored. Second, I am conceding that I am personally insecure to the degree that I need attention for its own sake.

In any case, it really depends on what one is trying to achieve when they create a thread.

It is really more a matter of principle. If I need to sensationalize my contributions in order to attract attention I am losing on two fronts. First, I am conceding that I am insecure about the content of my OP to the degree that I need a "hook" lest it be ignored. Second, I am conceding that I am personally insecure to the degree that I need attention for its own sake.

In any case, it really depends on what one is trying to achieve when they create a thread.

Excellent point, it will eventually catch up to those who intentionally post misleading titles, time always does.