Getting rid of the Ignore functionality
 

In the Man of Steel thread, I'm finding it difficult to engage in a discussion with a particular user because I know I am on their "ignore" list. They are posting points that I wish to respond to (in the interest of discussion) and if I do so, it's falling on deaf ears. No answers, no rebuttal, no discussion.

This seems silly to me. We are all adults, and if we have a problem with a particular poster, it's easy enough to simply ignore them yourself rather than make the forum software do it for you. It completely kills any momentum when only one side can hear the other. I don't have anyone on Ignore despite many posters who piss me right off.

I'm really curious what justification can be given to allow members to participate in a discussion forum where they can tailor-pick their audience.

Re: Getting rid of the Ignore functionality
 

We've found that it's one way to stop 2 posters from constantly fighting to the point where it either derails the thread or leads to one of both of them being suspended.

My advice would be to keep replying to the person who has you blocked. Even if they don't respond to you, someone else in the thread might because you made a useful point.

I'm always open to suggestions, but my first thought is that the ignore feature helps in keeping personal attacks at a minimum. Not sure how everyone else feels about this.

Re: Getting rid of the Ignore functionality
 

Short of one person who proudly boasts about their ignore list, how do you know that they aren't simply doing what you said and visually ignoring your posts? And, if it is that one person, who cares? (Plus, he reads the people he ignores anyway.)

Re: Getting rid of the Ignore functionality
 

I understand that but to me, that's what moderators are for. If two people can't get along, then action should be taken. Maybe they'll learn not to mess with each other. There are posters on this board who's very names upset me but I can still control myself.

But if I want to address their specific point, I'm talking to a vacuum. I've been choosing to not post at all instead.[/quote]

I would hope that general maturity could keep personal attacks at a minimum rather than virtually plugging your ears.

Re: Getting rid of the Ignore functionality
 

I agree that it can be useful, and I don't think removing features of the site is a good idea. However, perhaps we can put a limit to the amount of people a person can ignore. Maybe cap it at 5? That makes a person really think about who they're ignoring and why, and you can't just ignore with impunity. The ignore list should be for people whose posts make you burn with a white hot rage, not "Oh, someone made a snarky comment or I disagree with their stance on abortion".

Re: Getting rid of the Ignore functionality
 

Perfection. :thumbsup:

Re: Getting rid of the Ignore functionality
 

Agreed - that would be more acceptable. If you can't handle dozens of people on the board...maybe you're on the wrong board.

Re: Getting rid of the Ignore functionality
 

But I imagine that is how most people currently use the ignore list. Like I said, outside of one person who thrives on the ignore button why care how people use it? Most people come here to enjoy themselves and not do battle. If someone is overly sensitive then let them block away.

Re: Getting rid of the Ignore functionality
 

The point is to impress upon people that the ignore function is a last resort, not a go to move.

To that end, I also think that if you ignore someone, you shouldn't have the option to read their posts at all. Right now, if you ignore someone, you can still choose to read what they write on a post by post basis. I think, if you're really going to the extreme of ignoring someone, you shouldn't have the option to read what they write unless you go to the trouble of taking them off your ignore list, and open yourself up to everything they write.

Re: Getting rid of the Ignore functionality
 

I think the option should be left in the hand of the user whether it's a last resort or a got to move. It's freedom of choice on how to use this site, why feel the need to force folks into it? Let them be bliss in their readings. I'd imagine it's only a few who block a bunch of folks. If it's stressing the system somehow then I could understand. Granted, I find bragging about using it is silly but whatever. It's their life and ultimately it really doesn't affect me. I'd rather have someone ignore me than constantly get in my face.

Re: Getting rid of the Ignore functionality
 

I'm saying it's ridiculous to have a discussion board where members aren't interested in discussing things with the other members. Just write a blog if you want to post in a vacuum.

Re: Getting rid of the Ignore functionality
 

Me too, I hate the wife silent treatment to follow me to DVDTalk :lol:

Re: Getting rid of the Ignore functionality
 

Two problems we have here:

1) Ignore feature is getting abused.

2) Person abusing it is also bragging about it publicly.

Re: Getting rid of the Ignore functionality
 

Ignore lists shouldn't be capped. Seriously. I've run up obscene numbers in other forums, and it was good. It kept me from reading the crap from people who I felt posted nothing but crap. It kept me from mouthing off and insulting people. It kept them from being able to PM me, which became a go-to move if someone would solicit me on a sale and then disappear from the face of the Earth, or constantly lowball me. Bam, problem solved, they ain't getting shit.

OP, you got put on ignore list. Perhaps you should look into why someone would want to ignore you, rather than try to get the feature removed entirely because someone doesn't like you. Some of us have a valid reason to use the system, and it prevents us from getting warnings/infractions/suspensions/bans. You're (more than likely) an adult, so just accept it and move on, man. If someone doesn't want to talk to you, don't try to forum rape them and MAKE them. No means no, even in Spanish.

Re: Getting rid of the Ignore functionality
 

Sorry, if you are having to ignore a bunch of posters, you're on the wrong board.

I couldn't care less about being on someone's list. I do think it's a dumb feature for a discussion board since it limits discussion.

Re: Getting rid of the Ignore functionality
 

I opened this thread and don't see a single post, except Mallet's. Hrm.

Re: Getting rid of the Ignore functionality
 

Seconded. If you can't handle being on a forum without having to ignore numerous posters, you're doing something wrong.

Re: Getting rid of the Ignore functionality
 

If this site wanted to fix the ignore feature, it could do so by making it so people do not see ignored users' posts when they are quoted by non-ignored members. I've seen extensions on browsers that do that nicely, though I've not seen it on any VBulletin site. Or, it could do like other VBulletin forums and add the ignore option to the dropdown options when you click on a user's name, instead of having to go into your control panel.

Ed, some people are on forums for information, and block people who habitually post bullshit that has nothing to do with the thread. Some users grow reputations, too, and I know people have Manzana on ignore. Personally, I love his rants, it's like he has the world's worst karma, it makes me feel better about my own experiences with stores, but I can see how others would block him.

If I could boil my point down to one sentence, I'd take the classic take of the needs of the many over the needs of a few. No one else is complaining about the feature.

Re: Getting rid of the Ignore functionality
 

I ran across someone a couple months ago I wanted to hit the ignore button on but then saw it doesn't exist. First time at any forum I've ever been to where I wanted to do that and I've been on the internet for 20 years.

I'd rather give people the option to ignore how they want instead of not giving them the ability, or capping it, since it'll just give them a reason to leave the forum. Based on how slow the activity has been getting over the last couple years, it makes sense to try and keep people.

Re: Getting rid of the Ignore functionality
 

Why would you want to force someone to read posts that they don't want to read? What if they can read it but still choose to ignore you, should they also be forced to respond to you? Should lurkers be forced to post or else be banned since are not contributing to this discussion forum? People use forums in their own ways and limiting these ways will certain drive them off to different forums without such restrictions.

Re: Getting rid of the Ignore functionality
 

What important things are you posting that the other person must read? What's to stop them from skipping over your posts? The ignore list is a nice option if somebody chaffs your hide but isn't breaking any rules...and if you don't have the self-control to just ignore them manually.

Re: Getting rid of the Ignore functionality
 

The ignore function can also be useful to block posters who monopolize conversations. Sometimes you just get sick of these people who constantly post the same stuff back and forth or clutter up conversations.

Like the "Man of Steel" thread, for example. Or having Supermallet and Vibiana battling valiantly against the champions of traditional values. After a while, the signal to noise ratio falls off the cliff.

Re: Getting rid of the Ignore functionality
 

So this is the "fuck Spottedfeather over thread" eh?

Re: Getting rid of the Ignore functionality
 

1) why is it last resort? why should it matter how someone else chooses to read the forum? they could ignore your posts without the button, should they be forced to respond to your posts?

2) I have had people on ignore as a reminder to me, the extra step in clicking to view their posts reminds me not to take their bait.

I'm really at a loss as to why some of you feel so strongly about how other people should be allowed to read the forum. Are you going to tell them how to post, too? Should we limit the length of their posts, or force them to post replies to your posts?

the evidence says otherwise. :lol:

Re: Getting rid of the Ignore functionality
 

It could be that the ignore function is well a pussy move. And from the looks of it appears to be abused cuz people are bitches. Also it seems to be a pain when you're in a discussion and one side can't see the other.

Why the fuck would someone get so riled up over some anonymous fuck on the Internet? Suck it up and move on, motherfuckers.

Re: Getting rid of the Ignore functionality
 

I haven't had to use it because no one has pissed me off enough to not want to read their posts.

But, it's definitely useful for those who don't want to read uninformed opinions or people who talk shit about say movies or TV shows they have never seen.

Re: Getting rid of the Ignore functionality
 

You have a way with words. :lol:

Re: Getting rid of the Ignore functionality
 

What evidence? This thread?

Considering this seems to be a time where the admins are listening to the users, I thought I'd bring up discussion about a topic that's bothered me for awhile. I happened to use a specific example to justify why I'm bringing it up, but I've always thought it was a silly option. I can "ignore" someone on this board without hitting a button to do it for me.

Keep it, lose it, fine with me. I'll continue to use my own abilities to not read posts from posters who bother me. And if someone wants to put half the board on "Ignore"and just talk to themselves, well I guess it's a great idea to let them do that :thumbsup:.

Re: Getting rid of the Ignore functionality
 

And this guy isn't a site administrator, why?!

Re: Getting rid of the Ignore functionality
 

Why don't you just ignore that you are being ignored?

Re: Getting rid of the Ignore functionality
 

In your opinion.


Which statement of yours is in error? This one or the one that started this thread where you are complaining about being on someone's ignore list?

If this is a representative sampling of your participation here, I can understand why you are on so many people's ignore list. -ptth-

I'm on plenty of people's ignore lists... I don't take offense to that. If they have reached that point of feeling the need not to see my posts, then it is probably a good thing that they don't.

Re: Getting rid of the Ignore functionality
 

I miss funny Groucho. :(

Re: Getting rid of the Ignore functionality
 

Of course it's my opinion.


Christ, I give up. I think it's a dumb feature. I also think other features on this board are dumb (like avatars or a search function that doesn't actually work). Feel free to take it that I'm somehow offended, but I'm not. I just won't bother addressing points in a discussion thread from users who are ignoring me. Guess we don't want people to actually interact with each other on this board. But I don't make a habit of jamming my fingers in my ears when I hear something that bothers me, as I think that's a counterproductive way to run a board. Also my opinion.

Re: Getting rid of the Ignore functionality
 

Look, when you were in high school, you didn't get to go with the hottest gal in the school because of some rule dictating everyone interact with each other. Said gal had a choice on who she could or would go with, and, by attrition, who she would not or could not go with. This is the same god damn scenario. It doesn't hurt the site that one person will not reply to another one for whatever reason he has chosen. If every thread had 0 posts in it, then maybe you'd have a point, but that isn't the case. Interaction happens, and sometimes, it doesn't happen the way someone would like. For those cases, they have the ability to prevent future butthurt.

Quit with the passive aggressive cause and effect bullshit just because you got put on one person's ignore list. This thread alone ensures you'll be on many more, some for the irony, some for the LULz, and others because they don't want to hear anything from someone who thinks people HAVE to read their posts.

Re: Getting rid of the Ignore functionality
 

:gah: :gah: :gah:

Re: Getting rid of the Ignore functionality
 

An, I see you have completely missed the point.

Re: Getting rid of the Ignore functionality
 

Cuz apparently this place doesn't like Mexicans in a position of power. Well fake power cuz it's an Internet forum.

Re: Getting rid of the Ignore functionality
 

You should start your own forum! With hookers! And Blackjack!

Re: Getting rid of the Ignore functionality
 

Groucho slash porn fiction

Re: Getting rid of the Ignore functionality
 

if it's going to bother you to respond to someone who you know has you on ignore and then get irked when they don't see your response, then not responding in the first place is probably a good policy.

We do want people to interact with each other as a general matter and that is in fact what happens. But just like in real life, if people can't say anything nice then they shouldn't say anything; if they can't get along then perhaps they shouldn't interact.

I'm a member of 2 ski forums. On both forums, there is one member who is just a complete and utter jackass to lots of people and seems to have a particular hard on for a few members in particular, me included. One of the forums has an ignore feature, the other doesn't. I have him on ignore where I can, and where I can't, I still ignore him. Haven't responded to a single one of his posts in 2 or 3 years. How does the "ignore" feature have any relevance? he could make the same complaints you are (at least on one of the forums), but it wouldn't get me to respond to him. What difference does it make if the feature exists or not, users can still ignore you. You just want to make it harder for people to do something that they want to do and can do, but perhaps don't always have the self control to do? That seems lame.

It's like you're this guy, and it just drives you crazy that the guy on the other end refuses to be the same.
http://imgs.xkcd.com/comics/duty_calls.png