Complaint regarding moderator Fishkal

The moderator over on the Cars subforum is clearly playing favorites.
Basically, his buddies can talk absolute trash and insult everyone's mothers without getting their posts deleted or facing any penalties. Meanwhile, if anyone else even thinks about swearing, they get hit with an immediate ban or a deleted post.

For instance, as I'm sitting here typing this, there are still posts up where IBM is just going off on everyone's families:

And right here:

Not to mention all those other garbage posts where he calls people idiots, morons, and every other slur imaginable just because they don't agree with him.

His constant, antisocial bickering almost never gets flagged, yet regular users—and I’m not the only one here—get sanctioned just for asking why this is allowed to happen.

My own post asking that question was deleted, obviously. And I got sanctioned for it. But the moderator's little protégé is still out there insulting everyone in real-time while I write this complaint. Even the moderator himself is active in that thread, so he can't claim he missed all the insults and verbal abuse.

So, I have to wonder: does this specific subforum operate under some different set of rules than the rest of the site?

Look, I already gave you the short version in a few private messages.

Commenting on the moderation process itself isn't allowed here—that’s why your post was pulled.

As for everything else on the forum, there is a specific option to report any post that bothers you or seems to violate the rules.
I am certainly not the only moderator on staff, nor am I the head moderator, for that matter.

You honestly can't know what we mods actually do behind the scenes to steer these discussions—trying to keep things engaging and dynamic, just like how car enthusiasts have always talked.
Personal insults directed at other members result in immediate sanctions.

restlessmason4 said:Look, I already told you briefly in a few private messages.

Talking smack about moderation isn't allowed. That’s why your post was nuked.

As for everything else on the forum, there's a report button for anything you think breaks the rules.
I'm not the sole mod here, nor am I the head moderator, for that matter.

You have no idea what we mods actually do behind the scenes to keep discussions interesting and moving, just like how car enthusiasts have always talked.
Personal insults toward members get flagged immediately.

"Look," my issue isn't really about you giving me an infraction for "commenting on moderation."
I wasn't commenting on moderation. Moderators can see deleted posts, so I'm asking for someone else to take a look at what I actually wrote.

Because I didn't say a single word about the staff in that post. I was simply asking why you and that other user don't mind that your little pet IBM is being a total jerk to everyone.

That's one thing. The second thing is that I'm also requesting a review of your overall conduct because I'm claiming in this appeal that your moderation is biased. This isn't just a one-off; it happens constantly. Not just with me, but in your interactions with others too.
People have already complained about it. You have your favorites who can do whatever they want, while everyone else walks on eggshells. The other moderators can see this, and that's what I want them to investigate.

And third, when I asked why I got an infraction, you basically told ME not to mention your mother and not to comment on moderation if I want things to be fine. Well, that's exactly why I want SOMEONE ELSE to review your moderation—because I believe you're playing favorites.

So, I'm asking the moderators who have access to all my posts to check if I've ever brought up anyone's mother or used profanity. I haven't been on this forum for a day or two; I've been here for 11 years, and in all that time, I've never cursed out or insulted anyone. The mods can verify that. So, telling me not to bring up mothers is barking up the wrong tree. That's an issue for your little protégé, for whom insulting people seems to be standard communication.

I'm asking because if different rules apply to that specific sub-forum, then I'll adjust. If it's acceptable to write "f*** everyone" in that section, then let me know.

In my 11 years here, I've never had a problem in any sub-forum I've participated in. I'm not some kid you can try to play games with. The other moderators can see my history.

wiredcanyon94 said:In all my 11 years here, I've never had an issue on any subforum I've participated in—and I'm certainly not some kid you can just mess with like this. The other mods can verify that if they want.

And now suddenly you do, just because one of your posts was removed for talking back to a moderator?

I’m just going to reiterate what I already told you four separate times via PM regarding why your post was deleted—it’s because we were having a debate in that thread, plain and simple.

So, no, I didn't penalize you just because you disagree with me. I don't have a problem debating someone until sunrise; honestly, I joined this forum specifically to engage with people I don't agree with.

Feel free to tell me I'm full of it or that I'm talking nonsense. Whatever. Just... please, DON'T go bringing up someone's mother or attacking the moderation team in the future, and we'll be fine.

My intention was simply to let you know that your claim—that I nuked your post because of a difference of opinion—has zero basis in reality. Beyond that, I wanted to explain that I actually enjoy debating, provided there's a line. For me, that line is insulting family or bad-mouthing the staff.

But hey, you're already worked up about me, so I guess you're just interpreting my messages through your own lens. That's your right, just like it's your right to be unhappy with how things are moderated.

It really goes to show that the other mods were right when they warned me that trying to settle things amicably through PMs might be a dead end. Maybe they were right, maybe not—but I haven't been burned enough times yet to stop believing that a few messages can clear up a misunderstanding.

I spent quite a bit of time last night trying to figure out what was bothering you, hoping to share some of my thoughts on the forum and how we handle moderation.

Now I see that it's mostly pointless when someone comes in with a predetermined grudge and refuses to listen to what I'm saying in good faith.

restlessmason4 said:So now you’re claiming I targeted you just because you got a post nuked for talking back to a mod?

I’m just going to reiterate what I told you four separate times in your DMs: that specific post was removed because we were in a heated debate where we clearly didn't see eye to eye on the topic.

Look, no, I didn't penalize you just because you disagree with me. I can go toe-to-toe with someone until sunrise if needed. Honestly, I joined this forum specifically to talk to people I don't agree with.

Feel free to tell me I’m full of it or that I'm talking nonsense. Whatever. Just don't come at me with the "hey, don't mention my mom" stuff or start nitpicking the moderation, and we’ll be fine.

I was just trying to make it clear that your theory about me censoring you out of spite is totally baseless. I also wanted to let you know that I actually enjoy a good debate—the only lines I think shouldn't be crossed are bringing family into it or attacking the mods.

But hey, you’ve already decided I’m the bad guy, so you’re reading everything through that lens. That’s your call, and you’re allowed to be unhappy with how things are moderated.

It turns out the other mods were right when they warned me that trying to settle things nicely via DM was a waste of time. But I haven't been burned enough times yet to stop believing that a few messages can actually clear the air.

I spent a good chunk of my night last night trying to figure out what was bothering you, hoping to share some perspective on how the forum and the moderation work.

Now I see that's pretty pointless when you come in with a preconceived notion and refuse to listen to anything said in good faith.

And of course, you conveniently skipped the part where you asked me not to bring up your mother. That's irrelevant here. I'm asking for someone else to look into this because you're obviously biased.

By the way, regarding that bolded part—you aren't actually following the advice you claim people gave you. At least, not when dealing with me. Not that it matters right now.

wiredcanyon94 said:And, of course, you conveniently left out the part where you basically asked me not to bring up your mother in the future.

Exactly! That is what I have been trying to hammer home this entire time—that specific topic is the only thing that seems to be "off-limits" in any debate with you. I honestly don't see why that isn't clear enough yet.

wiredcanyon94 said:Anyway, regarding what I bolded—this advice you claim people gave you—it just doesn't happen. At least, not when dealing with someone like me. But, I suppose that's neither here nor there right now.

Yeah, well, in your case, I was actually attempting to clear up the things bothering you through our messages last night. But clearly, it’s a lost cause, and there's really no point in putting in the effort anymore.

restlessmason4 said:Feel free to tell me I'm talking out of my ass—tell me I'm just posting complete nonsense.

A dictionary fit for a moderator, I see! 👏

So, does this mean the rest of us have a free pass to go off the rails too? Like, am I allowed to tell you straight up that you're full of it during a debate without getting banned? ☕

By the way—about 30% of IBM's posts in the automotive section are massive off-topic tangents, yet I don't recall seeing them get any bans at all.

restlessmason4 said:Exactly! That’s what I’ve been trying to hammer home this whole time. That’s the one thing that seems to be rubbing you the wrong way in this debate. I don't see what part of that isn't crystal clear.

Yeah, well, last night I actually tried to break things down for you via DM to help clear up whatever was bugging you. But clearly, it's a lost cause if you aren't willing to listen.

You didn't even bother to show up until I actually asked for an explanation. First, you go out of your way to get an infraction flagged just because I asked how you could handle someone talking trash about your mother, and now you're working overtime to tell me everything is fine as long as *I* don't bring her up. Give me a break. This is how toddlers argue.

You've completely lost the plot.

I'm requesting a moderator change on this one.

ruggedcobra8 said:A real masterclass in moderation right here. 👏

So, what I'm hearing is the rest of us can basically talk trash too? Like, if I tell you you're full of it during a debate, am I going to get banned on the spot? ☕

Besides, about 30% of CDRWa's posts on the car threads are pure off-topic nonsense, and I don't recall seeing anyone pull the ban hammer on him.

It’s both off-topic rambling and straight-up insults, wrapped up in all those "creative" nicknames.

ruggedcobra8 said:So, does that mean the rest of us can also fight and talk absolute nonsense? Like, am I allowed to tell you you're full of it during a debate without getting banned? ☕

Is that an insult directed at me personally? No, it’s just a critique of my opinion—and as such, it's completely fair game.

I didn't create the site's guidelines, nor did I write the rules or anything like that; I've just been participating here for years, much like all of you. These standards haven't changed in ages.

People argue heatedly here—this isn't some high-brow academic symposium. There are specific sections of the forum meant for those kinds of polite discussions, and anyone is free to head over there if they want to participate

...and that's how it's been since I joined back in 2009, and it hasn't changed one bit in the nine years since.

Look, I wasn't born a moderator, and I don't plan on being one forever. We have super-mods and admins who oversee everything we do.

If the consensus is that this entire policy needs a complete overhaul regarding moderation—good grief, I'll be the first one asking to step down from my position.

restlessmason4 said:Is this an attack on me personally? No. It’s just your take on my opinion, which makes it perfectly valid.

I didn't start the Car Enthusiasts sub-forum, I didn't write its rules, and I haven't done anything besides hang out here for years, just like the rest of you. These guidelines haven't changed in ages.

People are arguing heatedly here; we aren't having some high-brow academic seminar. There are specific sections of the forum for that, and anyone is free to head over there if they want to play philosopher.

That’s been the vibe since I joined back in 2009, and nine years later, nothing has changed.

Look, I wasn't born a moderator, and I don't plan on being one forever. We have supermods and admins who keep an eye on what we're doing anyway.

If the argument is that the entire Car Enthusiasts section needs a complete overhaul regarding moderation—good grief, I'll be the first one to volunteer to step down.

There are two main issues we need to "settle" here.
First off. I’ve looked everywhere in the rules and I can't find anything stating that the Car Enthusiasts section is exempt from the general site rules or follows some different set of laws. If that's the case, please point me to where it says so. Because I can't find it.
What I'm asking for is for it to be explicitly stated that in the Car Enthusiasts section, everyone is allowed to act like total jerks (or whatever else is banned on other sub-forums).

Or, just enforce the rules. That would be much more acceptable to me, considering this is a major US site where kids can browse too.

Secondly, if we're going to hand out sanctions, why is it so selective and biased? Why does your inner circle get a pass while everyone else gets flagged?
For instance, someone can turn around and call "everyone supporting electric vehicles a bunch of idiots and morons," and it doesn't get a warning or a ban. But if someone else said it, they'd be gone.
And it's always the same group. Your buddy IBM and a few other regulars.

That's what I'm looking for an answer to.

restlessmason4 said:Is that an insult directed at me personally? Not at all! It’s just your take on my opinion—which, in my book, makes it perfectly legitimate.

So, does that mean I can also get away with calling them "idiot moderators"? Because if we're following that logic, it's still just my honest opinion—and therefore, totally fair game, right?

ruggedcobra8 said:So, am I actually allowed to use the phrase "idiotic moderators"? Because, at the end of the day, that’s still just my honest opinion—and I honestly feel like it should be considered a legitimate take.

So, let me get this straight—are you actually here because you have a legitimate problem you’re looking to solve, or... what? I mean, I guess there's a difference between someone genuinely seeking a solution and someone just blowing off steam, but I can't quite tell where you stand right now.
Since wiredcanyon94 is throwing around claims that I find frankly unacceptable—it’s just not right—I’m attempting to present my own perspective on this as a fashion matter. How exactly are you interpreting what you're promoting here?

wiredcanyon94 said:There are really just two fundamental questions that we need to "settle" here.
First off—since I’ve combed through the rules and haven't found anything stating that the Ford sub-forum is exempt from the general guidelines or subject to some separate set of regulations—could someone please point me in the right direction if that's actually the case? I honestly couldn't find any mention of it anywhere.
If they’re going to set it up this way, then they might as well just be upfront about it—tell us clearly that everyone is allowed to go absolutely ballistic on the forums (or whatever other profanity-laced nonsense is banned on the rest of the boards).

Has anyone here actually been directly insulted by someone else without any kind of moderation kicking in? I mean—has there been an instance where you were targeted personally, yet the mods just sat on their hands? It’s hard to say, I guess... maybe I'm just being overly sensitive about how this community is run, but it feels like the rules are applied whenever they feel like it. Has it happened to you? Or am I just shouting into the void here?

wiredcanyon94 said:And another thing—if you’re going to hand out sanctions, why on earth are you being so incredibly selective and biased about it? I mean, seriously... why is it that your little favorites get a free pass while everyone else gets the hammer? It just doesn't add up.
Why is it that someone can just jump in and claim that "all environmentalists are nothing but morons, idiots, and complete fools who are obsessed with banning diesel engines"—and they don't get sanctioned, given a warning, or even a slap on the wrist? Meanwhile, if anyone else says something slightly different, they’re immediately silenced. It feels like there's this blatant double standard where one group gets a free pass to be as toxic as they want, while everyone else has to walk on eggshells. I guess it just goes to show how inconsistent the moderation rules really are around here.
It’s always the exact same group of people. You and your little circle of IBM enthusiasts and a few other "old guard" types.

This is exactly what I've been looking for in this place.

It seems to me that my "favorites" consist of everyone—well, except for you and ruggedcobra8, I suppose.

Look, let’s not beat around the bush here. Those two previous posts were, to put it mildly, incredibly tasteless. There is already an ongoing discussion among the moderators regarding this—they're trying to draw a more concrete line when it comes to those "general" complaints, like venting about "idiots on the road." While such comments don't directly insult any specific member of this forum, they are still exactly what they seem to be: just plain obnoxious.

You should probably take a second to reflect on how many times you’ve thrown around terms like "daycare" or "psychological abuse" just to make a point. Honestly—if anyone ever dares to disagree with you, even slightly—it seems like your immediate reflex is to just dismiss them as trolls and wave them away. It’s becoming a bit of a pattern, I guess.

Look, you really ought to think twice before assuming the moderators are the scapegoats for every single one of your problems. As I’ve mentioned before—and I know this because I’ve been around this community for years—the core of this site hasn't changed much in a long time. We basically try to strike this delicate balance between letting people have a bit of fun and engage in heated debates, while also making sure people can actually find the answers they need about cars without crossing some invisible line. Sometimes we step in immediately, sometimes none of the three of us react at all, and yeah—sometimes we mess up. To be perfectly fair, I should say that I’m usually the one who makes the mistakes here; there's no reason to drag my colleagues into my own errors.

Personally, I never signed up to be a moderator—truth be told, I was much better off before I found myself typing out private messages until 1:00 AM to some forum user who didn't even deserve the attention, or was just obsessing over these kinds of topics. If the administration thinks the current direction of this sub isn't working—well, I’ll be the first one to step down, and they can find someone else to steer things in a different direction.

restlessmason4 said:Look, did you actually come here because you're dealing with something real and want to fix it, or what?
Since wiredcanyon94 is bringing up things he thinks aren't okay, I'm just trying to offer my perspective as a mod. What exactly is your angle here?

Where is the proof that someone insulted you—or anyone else—directly without being sanctioned for it?

Clearly, everyone except ruggedcobra8 and you are on my side.

Look, let's not drag this out. Those two posts mentioned are tacky, at best. There’s already a discussion happening among the mods about setting a firmer line on those "general" comments—stuff like calling people "idiots on the road." It doesn't target a specific user, but we all know how they land.

And think about how many times your own "kindergarten behavior" or "psychological abuse" claims have popped up. If someone actually had an issue with you, like you seem to think, you could easily just brush it off as trolling and call it a day.

So, maybe think twice before assuming the moderators are responsible for all your problems. Like I said, this car forum hasn't changed in years; I know that because I've been here for years. We try to strike a balance: letting people have fun and debate, letting them argue occasionally, helping them find answers to their car questions, and making sure nobody crosses the line. Sometimes we react instantly, sometimes none of the three of us say a word, and yeah, sometimes we mess up. To be fair, it’s usually me messing up, so I won't drag my colleagues into that.

Personally, I didn't sign up to be a mod. Honestly, life was much better when I wasn't stuck sending private messages at 1 AM to some user who didn't deserve it or was obsessed with these kinds of topics. If administration thinks this version of the car forum isn't working, I'll be the first to step down and let someone else take it in a different direction.

The higher-ups can check all my posts—sanctioned or not—with zero effort.
They can also easily review everything IBM has posted, whether it was flagged or left alone. Even the deleted stuff.

And they can look at everything you've done too, including every single sanction or lack thereof.

The mods and super-mods have access to all of it. I'm not asking for anything more than that.

The only question is whether anyone actually wants to bother doing it.

restlessmason4 said:we really need to draw a clearer line regarding those "vague" insults—you know, the ones like calling someone an "idiot on the road"—which don't directly target a specific forum member, yet they are clearly obnoxious.

There is a massive difference between saying "that idiot on the highway" and shouting, "all you green extremists and morons who want diesel bans are idiots" (or calling the moderators morons). That second kind should absolutely be sanctioned.

Also, a vulgar outburst like: "F*** anyone who can't even clear snow off their car," definitely violates our forum rules—and you know it—yet it somehow slipped through without any moderation at all.

"

"I swear, f*** that loser driving a FedEx van who doesn't even know how to clear snow off a high-clearance vehicle and just creates domestic chaos."

Since your post came right after that one, it’s not like you missed it.

Here are just a few more examples from this particular user:

"Look, this is exactly what pisses me off to no end—those corrupt hacks' statements:"

"What the hell are they thinking, deciding what they want to force on us and what they don't?"

"There is zero use for this liberal nonsense for people like us. You guys are nothing but snowflakes."

"Hey, you corrupt hack—do you have a problem with the FACTS regarding your incompetence? You're just low-life trash, hiring your buddies and uneducated relatives, and now you're just squirming in your own filth."

"What did they actually accomplish? Nothing."

"They can take it where they shove it; they'd probably just carry their own lube."

Now, seeing as none of these posts resulted in a ban, I have to ask: is this kind of vocabulary actually allowed on this forum? Am I also allowed to use this kind of language without being punished?

And don't even get me started on my colleague's constant off-topic rambling on almost every single thread—of course, that hasn't earned him a ban either.☕

Mimosa brunch.

ruggedcobra8 said:Since none of these posts have been banned or moderated yet, I can't help but wonder—is this kind of vocabulary actually permitted on this forum? I mean, am I also allowed to use this sort of language without facing any consequences?

I mean, honestly, maybe someone just hacked into your profile to write that? It seems more likely than you actually saying it.

ruggedcobra8 said:Idiots. Which losers are pushing 40?31 miles/h Honestly, they’re just out there looking to cause domestic chaos. 🙂

ruggedcobra8 I guess it’s worth noting that...
The sheer arrogance of that "rules don't apply to me" mentality—it’s enough to make my blood boil, honestly. You see it everywhere, doesn't it? That specific brand of entitlement where someone thinks they can just cut the line, ignore the sign, or bypass the protocol because they believe they’re somehow special. And frankly, I think it’s about time we start handing out penalties for it. I mean, if we don't penalize that "just let me slide through" attitude, what are we even doing? It creates this massive sense of domestic chaos when everyone starts thinking the laws are merely suggestions for the common folk while the "important" people get a free pass. It erodes the whole foundation of how things are supposed to work in a civilized society. If you break the rule, you pay the price—period. No exceptions, no "well, I was only in a hurry," and certainly no special treatment. We need real consequences to stop this trend before it becomes the standard operating procedure. Idiots. .

ruggedcobra8 said:Just take a look at this. I suppose I should probably mention that some people just can't seem to get it right—it’s like they’re trying to be difficult for the sake of it. It’s frustrating, really. I guess we could call it a total lack of common sense, though that might be being too generous. Anyway, whatever. It’s located right up in the top left corner.

Quote : ruggedcobra8

ruggedcobra8 said:That’s just for... Weaklings. I mean, honestly... it’s just those old-school grandmas again. ☕
Don't even sweat it—those cameras are just there to serve that one particular purpose (unfortunately). 👎

ruggedcobra8 ruggedcobra8 said:A court recording can get your ass kicked . Honestly, you could even end up screwed for unauthorized filming
.

ruggedcobra8 said:Some people are just degenerates who constantly prove it with their brainless posts. 👍

ruggedcobra8 said:This idiot in the video doesn't even have anything to do with the topic we've been discussing for the last few pages.
We're talking about those morons who flash their high beams and honk their horns, acting all outraged because they had to take their foot off the gas (or maybe just tap the brakes!!). Those idiots who mistakenly believe they have a constitutional right to hog the left lane ☕
(which, by the way, fucks up the flow of the entire intersection), bypass the line of "fools," then try to be the smart one by cutting to the front of the pack—and so on, and so forth...

That’s a bit lofty and academic coming from you. And that’s just what I managed to skim through recently—not to mention everything else I’ve read on your profile. You’re really going to call someone else out?

Posts like that really become an issue when they're aimed directly at another member or if someone just takes things way too far. The moderators will step in if a situation like that ever actually happens.