Do you agree that the no-reply rule should be removed? (Y/N) Yes :3
Brief description of your stance: (1-2 sentences): I think this might not be brief. Okay, here goes.
As I stated when being quoted on the first post, I do believe there was a great camraderie between users on the TRT before the new rule was implimented. As a personal example, I met the lovely Sugar Snap on there and I used to find myself laughing out loud when reading her posts because she has a quirky, unique way of looking at things.
I miss being able to reply to her. I miss being able to reply to others. I miss giving my sympathy, and being able to have more of a forum/discussion with other users. I feel like this rule has very negatively impacted everyone. You tend to go on the TRT to let off some stream, to vent your frustrations. Before the rule was implemented there was a chance that another user would come along and give you their support or provide a similar example or something along those lines and make you feel better. Suddenly, the trade didn't affect you as negatively, and the weight of anger was lifted from your shoulders. Now...no one can reply to you, and not only are you left with that feeling of anger upon your shoulders but also a sense of sadness that nobody CARES (even though there are probably a number of users reading the post thinking 'oh, I know EXACTLY how you feel...except I better not say anything or I'll get reported/warned').
I also agree with what Patch has said in regards to being able to reply to someone to 'correct' them gently. There are a number of posts I see that cry 'unfair!' when in fact they are not. The ability to reply to a post on a forum ensures that it stays public. PM's are not the preferred way to let someone know that they might be wrong. The other person might feel threatened and even if you are correct feel they are entitled to attack you for invading what is their personal space. Replying on the thread, on the other hand, seems less of a personal critique, especially when written in a matter of fact, no-nonsense way. If another user agrees, or even a few, I don't see it as a 'gang up', rather the affirmation that what the first person to reply said is true and perhaps the original poster needs to rethink how they are trading.
Which brings me to the whole report aspect. There are so many rule breakers on the thread that I believe the rules need to be re-written in a simpler format, or users should be allowed to quote the front page rules. Generally, when a post is reported, the post is removed and that is that. The person who wrote the post may not notice/care that their post has been removed and come online the next day to rant again, breaking the same rule. I believe education is the key here. I would prefer people being 'corrected' for breaking rules rather than everyone attempting to report all rule breakers, unless the rule being broken is very serious - mentioning names, swearing etc.
I will mention here in particular, that people seem to forget that you aren't allowed to rant about open NFT groups, and on the flip-side you aren't allowed to rant about your open NFT groups being offered on. I wonder if there should be a discussion about this rule in particular? Only because I agree with one half of it, but not the other. Ranting about people offering on your open pets seems a little pompous whereas ranting about people's deliberately open "showcase" groups I think is quite valid. Or at least have both those rules under the one rule on the first page. It is a little misleading having one half of the rule under 'no spamming' and the other half being a completely seperate rule.
Also, there needs to be something about demand added into the rules. I believe Topiratti mentioned some people are quite happy to 'boast' about overpay trades. I don't need to see that. I also believe you shouldn't be allowed to rant about overpay trades YOU have sent - it was YOUR personal choice to send it and so what if someone cancelled? Find another trader, move on.
In conclusion, Wikipedia states that an Internet forum is; "is an online discussion site where people can hold conversations in the form of posted messages." Taking away the ability to discuss a problem with others removes the whole 'community' aspect on the TRT thread. Here are some words people have used that I agree with. The TRT thread at the moment is unapproachable, rendered useless, over abundantly negative and unwelcoming.
My thoughts:
1. Re-write the whole rules, in a simpler format.
2. Add something about demand to the rules.
3. Give users the ability to quote rules to rule breakers. As Beguile said, we learn from our mistakes.
4. Encourage the reporting of bullying, name-mentioning posts.
5. Foster a greater sense of community by ensuring every member follows the rules.
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' could definitely lessen the blow so to speak. It is just a matter of being as diplomatic as possible.
