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Moderating "Alternatives

Started by Amanda Hughes5 · · 👁 4 views · 11 replies

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Participants Amanda Hughes5rustydrifter10Gregory Ramirez2Brenda Gonzalez12Carol Garcia2Elizabeth JacksonLinda Moore51
Amanda Hughes5 Amanda Hughes5 MemberOP
33 messages
joined Feb 2010
#1 ·
Hey there,

just wanted to check in because, honestly, nothing makes sense anymore đŸ€”

It feels like there isn’t a single thread in the "Alternative Medicine" section that hasn't been totally spammed or taken over by conspiracy theorists. Every single one of these topics has turned into a private battlefield for certain specific users and their little fan clubs—I’m not saying for sure they’re clones, but man, the vibe and the way they talk is identical. It’s pretty easy to connect the dots, you know?
Some posts have been reported by multiple members—and yet, absolutely zero reaction from the staff.

Yesterday and today, I actually put together a couple of posts in the "proposal blah blah" section of the "Alternative" PDF, laying out my own suggestions. My main focus was just asking to wipe out all the personal bickering and clean up the PDF from that kind of nonsense.
It shouldn't matter what username someone uses or what their opinion is. Rules should be the same for everyone, period.

So, I went back to check things five minutes ago, and wow... what a sight.
Both of my posts were deleted (seriously?!?), while a mountain of posts that people specifically asked to be removed are still sitting right there! And it’s not just me either.
Now, look, I don't think anyone should feel forced to do exactly what I’m asking, not even in their wildest dreams.
But it’s pretty telling when completely innocent posts—the ones actually calling for peace and a "clean" board—get nuked, while almost all the garbage stays on the threads.
Is someone actually enjoying this chaos and the insults, or have the moderators just decided to take sides?
As mods or admins, that’s really not how you should be playing it.

The "Alternative" section is a total disaster zone. Back when I was on the "Online Shopping" board, I used to get roasted for stuff like this—it was unbelievable. With the kind of posts being made here, someone would’ve been banned for life after maybe one or two offenses.

So, yeah... I’d love it if one of the mods or admins could step up and explain to us why this is happening—why my posts got wiped while a literal pile of trash remains untouched.
rustydrifter10 rustydrifter10 Regular
693 messages
joined Apr 2011
#2 ·
Amanda Hughes5 said:Hey there,

just wanted to check in because, honestly, nothing makes sense anymore đŸ€”

It feels like there isn’t a single thread in the "Alternative Medicine" section that hasn't been totally spammed or taken over by conspiracy theorists. Every single one of these topics has turned into a private battlefield for certain specific users and their little fan clubs—I’m not saying for sure they’re clones, but man, the vibe and the way they talk is identical. It’s pretty easy to connect the dots, you know?
Some posts have been reported by multiple members—and yet, absolutely zero reaction from the staff.

Yesterday and today, I actually put together a couple of posts in the "proposal blah blah" section of the "Alternative" PDF, laying out my own suggestions. My main focus was just asking to wipe out all the personal bickering and clean up the PDF from that kind of nonsense.
It shouldn't matter what username someone uses or what their opinion is. Rules should be the same for everyone, period.

So, I went back to check things five minutes ago, and wow... what a sight.
Both of my posts were deleted (seriously?!?), while a mountain of posts that people specifically asked to be removed are still sitting right there! And it’s not just me either.
Now, look, I don't think anyone should feel forced to do exactly what I’m asking, not even in their wildest dreams.
But it’s pretty telling when completely innocent posts—the ones actually calling for peace and a "clean" board—get nuked, while almost all the garbage stays on the threads.
Is someone actually enjoying this chaos and the insults, or have the moderators just decided to take sides?
As mods or admins, that’s really not how you should be playing it.

The "Alternative" section is a total disaster zone. Back when I was on the "Online Shopping" board, I used to get roasted for stuff like this—it was unbelievable. With the kind of posts being made here, someone would’ve been banned for life after maybe one or two offenses.

So, yeah... I’d love it if one of the mods or admins could step up and explain to us why this is happening—why my posts got wiped while a literal pile of trash remains untouched.

Look, a huge chunk of posts that had no business being there have been wiped out; I just didn't go too far back because it would have been easier to just delete the whole thread rather than painstakingly scrubbing every single thing. You are more than welcome to post constructive suggestions there, as long as they aren't just complaints about moderation (like whining about warnings, deleted posts, or whatever else). If you've got an issue with how the mods are handling things or if they aren't doing enough, that needs to be handled through official reports, direct messages, or right here on the community forum, not in that document.

We're definitely short on staff right now—BAT Co can't handle everything alone—but we should have some things sorted out and the moderation caught up very soon.
Gregory Ramirez2 Gregory Ramirez2 Active Member
72 messages
joined Aug 2012
#3 ·
The alternative sub is such a specific corner of the internet (it’s got plenty of fans, but also a fair share of "haters"), so I really think it should be reserved for people who actually care about the alternative scene rather than just anyone wandering in. We need to maintain some kind of order there instead of just shutting people up—deleting posts or locking threads whenever it feels convenient. If we do that, people are just going to lose interest in joining the conversation, and honestly, I don't think that's what anyone wants, nor does it help anyone in the long run.
Brenda Gonzalez12 Brenda Gonzalez12 Member
45 messages
joined Mar 2017
#4 ·
Gregory Ramirez2, what’s the big deal with asking someone to back up their claims here on Alternative? The moderator is here for other reasons—honestly, they could be a mechanic by trade for all I care! In fact, it might actually be better if they aren't deeply involved in the Alternative scene at all; it allows them to stay objective, enforce the rules of the forum and its sub-forums, and not feel pressured to pick a "side."
If you claim that beet juice can cure something, then go ahead and prove it using an affirmative approach. For example, explain how alpha-beta cyclopentane-whatever interacts with specific cells to help achieve a certain result. That’s an affirmative statement. On the flip side, saying you shouldn't mix beets with chokeberries because it causes X or Y reaction? That’s just an alternative perspective.
Look, if someone writes that drinking nothing but carrot juice for 30 days will cure brain cancer, I’m going to head straight to my doctor on day 31. If my condition hasn't changed or if things have actually gotten worse, I’ll be right back here pointing the finger at you as a fraud. And hey, if you were the one who told me to stop my medical treatments, I’d be coming after you for practicing medicine without a license. And I’d be totally justified in doing so!

It’s just common sense. ☕
Gregory Ramirez2 Gregory Ramirez2 Active Member
72 messages
joined Aug 2012
#5 ·
If you really wanted to, you could go through a medical PDF and try to find proof that every single drug, chemo treatment, or radiation session is actually harmless, etc., etc.

I think we're ALL pretty aware of at least one thing here:
If mainstream medicine were truly successful and totally safe for every single illness out there, then an alternative wouldn't be even remotely interesting to the average person.

The "most human" and precious things anyone can own are health, love, and hope.
If someone actually uses their brain regarding all of that and looks at the various info available, they’ll be able to judge what’s best for them when it comes to health and healing.
So, let's just let everyone decide for themselves—whether they want to take any advice from this forum, whether they take it whole or just bits of it. Let's leave it up to the forum members instead of trying to play cop and judge.
Don't rob people of what's rightfully theirs—it's like taking a bone away from a dog!

I'm with you on the impartiality thing—it would definitely be better if the person handling the "dry" moderation (insults, attacks, off-topic stuff) was someone who isn't even interested in alternatives, BUT looking at it from the angle of general quality moderation, just ask yourselves this:

For example, would a pediatrician be better if they actually love kids and care about healing (like they were "born" for it), or someone who doesn't even like kids and just finished med school because it pays well or their parents pushed them into it?
It's the exact same deal with quality vs. "dry" moderation on these PDFs.

When it comes to EVERYTHING people do, the most important thing is their character.
If someone has actual character, they might make a great mod regardless of whether they're tied to the specific topic of the PDF or where they are/will be as a moderator.

Btw, a mod for any PDF—no matter their profession—can still be biased toward certain members or pick on someone specifically. So, neither their expertise nor a lack of it determines how good they moderate; it all comes down to character first and foremost.

Thanks, I'll pass on the coffee 😉
Carol Garcia2 Carol Garcia2 Member
13 messages
joined Mar 2014
#6 ·
Gregory Ramirez2 said:If you really wanted to, you could go through a medical PDF and try to find proof that every single drug, chemo treatment, or radiation session is actually harmless, etc., etc.

I think we're ALL pretty aware of at least one thing here:
If mainstream medicine were truly successful and totally safe for every single illness out there, then an alternative wouldn't be even remotely interesting to the average person.

The "most human" and precious things anyone can own are health, love, and hope.
If someone actually uses their brain regarding all of that and looks at the various info available, they’ll be able to judge what’s best for them when it comes to health and healing.
So, let's just let everyone decide for themselves—whether they want to take any advice from this forum, whether they take it whole or just bits of it. Let's leave it up to the forum members instead of trying to play cop and judge.
Don't rob people of what's rightfully theirs—it's like taking a bone away from a dog!

I'm with you on the impartiality thing—it would definitely be better if the person handling the "dry" moderation (insults, attacks, off-topic stuff) was someone who isn't even interested in alternatives, BUT looking at it from the angle of general quality moderation, just ask yourselves this:

For example, would a pediatrician be better if they actually love kids and care about healing (like they were "born" for it), or someone who doesn't even like kids and just finished med school because it pays well or their parents pushed them into it?
It's the exact same deal with quality vs. "dry" moderation on these PDFs.

When it comes to EVERYTHING people do, the most important thing is their character.
If someone has actual character, they might make a great mod regardless of whether they're tied to the specific topic of the PDF or where they are/will be as a moderator.

Btw, a mod for any PDF—no matter their profession—can still be biased toward certain members or pick on someone specifically. So, neither their expertise nor a lack of it determines how good they moderate; it all comes down to character first and foremost.

Thanks, I'll pass on the coffee 😉

That isn't quite the right comparison,
Brenda Gonzalez12 Brenda Gonzalez12 Member
45 messages
joined Mar 2017
#7 ·
Gregory Ramirez2 said:If you really wanted to, you could go through a medical PDF and try to find proof that every single drug, chemo treatment, or radiation session is actually harmless, etc., etc.

I think we're ALL pretty aware of at least one thing here:
If mainstream medicine were truly successful and totally safe for every single illness out there, then an alternative wouldn't be even remotely interesting to the average person.

The "most human" and precious things anyone can own are health, love, and hope.
If someone actually uses their brain regarding all of that and looks at the various info available, they’ll be able to judge what’s best for them when it comes to health and healing.
So, let's just let everyone decide for themselves—whether they want to take any advice from this forum, whether they take it whole or just bits of it. Let's leave it up to the forum members instead of trying to play cop and judge.
Don't rob people of what's rightfully theirs—it's like taking a bone away from a dog!

I'm with you on the impartiality thing—it would definitely be better if the person handling the "dry" moderation (insults, attacks, off-topic stuff) was someone who isn't even interested in alternatives, BUT looking at it from the angle of general quality moderation, just ask yourselves this:

For example, would a pediatrician be better if they actually love kids and care about healing (like they were "born" for it), or someone who doesn't even like kids and just finished med school because it pays well or their parents pushed them into it?
It's the exact same deal with quality vs. "dry" moderation on these PDFs.

When it comes to EVERYTHING people do, the most important thing is their character.
If someone has actual character, they might make a great mod regardless of whether they're tied to the specific topic of the PDF or where they are/will be as a moderator.

Btw, a mod for any PDF—no matter their profession—can still be biased toward certain members or pick on someone specifically. So, neither their expertise nor a lack of it determines how good they moderate; it all comes down to character first and foremost.

Thanks, I'll pass on the coffee 😉

Look, we all know how it goes—every single medication has to go through rigorous testing to prove it’s actually safe before it ever hits the pharmacy shelves. It's non-negotiable! Plus, they are legally required to list absolutely every single reaction, consequence, or side effect in the fine print of the packaging. That is just how the system works. Honestly, that’s exactly why it takes so incredibly long to get certain drugs approved; the safety checks are intense for a reason!

Gregory Ramirez2 said:If you really wanted to, you could go through a medical PDF and try to find proof that every single drug, chemo treatment, or radiation session is actually harmless, etc., etc.

I think we're ALL pretty aware of at least one thing here:
If mainstream medicine were truly successful and totally safe for every single illness out there, then an alternative wouldn't be even remotely interesting to the average person.

The "most human" and precious things anyone can own are health, love, and hope.
If someone actually uses their brain regarding all of that and looks at the various info available, they’ll be able to judge what’s best for them when it comes to health and healing.
So, let's just let everyone decide for themselves—whether they want to take any advice from this forum, whether they take it whole or just bits of it. Let's leave it up to the forum members instead of trying to play cop and judge.
Don't rob people of what's rightfully theirs—it's like taking a bone away from a dog!

I'm with you on the impartiality thing—it would definitely be better if the person handling the "dry" moderation (insults, attacks, off-topic stuff) was someone who isn't even interested in alternatives, BUT looking at it from the angle of general quality moderation, just ask yourselves this:

For example, would a pediatrician be better if they actually love kids and care about healing (like they were "born" for it), or someone who doesn't even like kids and just finished med school because it pays well or their parents pushed them into it?
It's the exact same deal with quality vs. "dry" moderation on these PDFs.

When it comes to EVERYTHING people do, the most important thing is their character.
If someone has actual character, they might make a great mod regardless of whether they're tied to the specific topic of the PDF or where they are/will be as a moderator.

Btw, a mod for any PDF—no matter their profession—can still be biased toward certain members or pick on someone specifically. So, neither their expertise nor a lack of it determines how good they moderate; it all comes down to character first and foremost.

Thanks, I'll pass on the coffee 😉

When someone is dealing with a serious illness—especially when things get heavy or even feel terminal—they tend to grab onto anything that looks like a lifeline. It’s a vulnerable place to be. Unfortunately, that’s exactly where all these moral monsters swoop in. They masquerade as "alternative" healers, peddling these "quick and easy" cures and miraculous salvations that have zero proof behind them, all while charging an absolute fortune. There is a massive distinction between a legitimate "alternative" approach and those fake "Alternative" scams. Real complementary therapies can help ease discomfort, maybe even trigger a placebo effect, or contribute to healing in some small way, but they should *never* be treated as a substitute for actual medical treatment. Yet, that’s exactly what some people here are trying to push. They want folks to ditch modern medicine entirely and go live like shamans from the Middle Ages! The perfect example is that idiot Pavlovic. He spent his time harassing people out in rural Nebraska during the winter and dragging them around Chicago, acting like he knew everything. But the second he had a heart scare? He was suddenly quiet as a mouse, tucked away in a hospital bed in Miami, dutifully taking his prescribed medications and following his doctor's orders to the letter. He hasn't said a word since. Those are exactly the kinds of characters I'm talking about.
Honestly, these people are just monsters. This kind of forum is basically a playground for cowards who want to act tough by attacking others from behind a screen. They love nothing more than riding high on someone else's misfortune, all while hiding behind fake usernames so they never have to answer for their actions. It’s just a bunch of people peddling empty promises, half-baked ideas, and total nonsense.
And honestly, they wouldn't even bother using them!

Gregory Ramirez2 said:If you really wanted to, you could go through a medical PDF and try to find proof that every single drug, chemo treatment, or radiation session is actually harmless, etc., etc.

I think we're ALL pretty aware of at least one thing here:
If mainstream medicine were truly successful and totally safe for every single illness out there, then an alternative wouldn't be even remotely interesting to the average person.

The "most human" and precious things anyone can own are health, love, and hope.
If someone actually uses their brain regarding all of that and looks at the various info available, they’ll be able to judge what’s best for them when it comes to health and healing.
So, let's just let everyone decide for themselves—whether they want to take any advice from this forum, whether they take it whole or just bits of it. Let's leave it up to the forum members instead of trying to play cop and judge.
Don't rob people of what's rightfully theirs—it's like taking a bone away from a dog!

I'm with you on the impartiality thing—it would definitely be better if the person handling the "dry" moderation (insults, attacks, off-topic stuff) was someone who isn't even interested in alternatives, BUT looking at it from the angle of general quality moderation, just ask yourselves this:

For example, would a pediatrician be better if they actually love kids and care about healing (like they were "born" for it), or someone who doesn't even like kids and just finished med school because it pays well or their parents pushed them into it?
It's the exact same deal with quality vs. "dry" moderation on these PDFs.

When it comes to EVERYTHING people do, the most important thing is their character.
If someone has actual character, they might make a great mod regardless of whether they're tied to the specific topic of the PDF or where they are/will be as a moderator.

Btw, a mod for any PDF—no matter their profession—can still be biased toward certain members or pick on someone specifically. So, neither their expertise nor a lack of it determines how good they moderate; it all comes down to character first and foremost.

Thanks, I'll pass on the coffee 😉

You really ought to keep in mind that this bone was actually given to the dog by a person—it wasn't something he just went out and earned on his own. So, technically speaking, while it belongs to him, it still ultimately belongs to the owner!
Look, let’s be real about how this works: the healthcare system is a framework built within the country. When you opt into the national insurance program and carry that coverage card, you’re making a voluntary choice to participate in the system and reap all its benefits. If you don't want in, hey, that's your call—you certainly don't have to join. But you can't really expect the government to tolerate choices that actively undermine everyone else's right to health. I'm talking about things like refusing vaccinations, spreading misinformation to get people to drop their treatments, or swapping proven medical therapies for some "woo-woo" esoteric nonsense. Your rights are yours to exercise right up until the moment they start infringing on someone else's rights. Once you cross that line and start affecting the well-being of others... well, sorry, but that's where the freedom ends!

Gregory Ramirez2 said:If you really wanted to, you could go through a medical PDF and try to find proof that every single drug, chemo treatment, or radiation session is actually harmless, etc., etc.

I think we're ALL pretty aware of at least one thing here:
If mainstream medicine were truly successful and totally safe for every single illness out there, then an alternative wouldn't be even remotely interesting to the average person.

The "most human" and precious things anyone can own are health, love, and hope.
If someone actually uses their brain regarding all of that and looks at the various info available, they’ll be able to judge what’s best for them when it comes to health and healing.
So, let's just let everyone decide for themselves—whether they want to take any advice from this forum, whether they take it whole or just bits of it. Let's leave it up to the forum members instead of trying to play cop and judge.
Don't rob people of what's rightfully theirs—it's like taking a bone away from a dog!

I'm with you on the impartiality thing—it would definitely be better if the person handling the "dry" moderation (insults, attacks, off-topic stuff) was someone who isn't even interested in alternatives, BUT looking at it from the angle of general quality moderation, just ask yourselves this:

For example, would a pediatrician be better if they actually love kids and care about healing (like they were "born" for it), or someone who doesn't even like kids and just finished med school because it pays well or their parents pushed them into it?
It's the exact same deal with quality vs. "dry" moderation on these PDFs.

When it comes to EVERYTHING people do, the most important thing is their character.
If someone has actual character, they might make a great mod regardless of whether they're tied to the specific topic of the PDF or where they are/will be as a moderator.

Btw, a mod for any PDF—no matter their profession—can still be biased toward certain members or pick on someone specifically. So, neither their expertise nor a lack of it determines how good they moderate; it all comes down to character first and foremost.

Thanks, I'll pass on the coffee 😉

At the end of the day, people are people; some will vibe with someone, and others won't. But my point is that a moderator needs to be someone who knows when to be tolerant and when to be firm—especially when they see posts that are totally unhinged, inaccurate, harmful, rude, or just straight-up trolling. They shouldn't be closed off to an alternative viewpoint, but they definitely need to draw a sharp line between a legitimate alternative and just plain old nonsense. Honestly, I think that would go a long way in making the discussions here much higher quality!
Elizabeth Jackson Elizabeth Jackson Member
38 messages
joined Nov 2012
#8 ·
Gregory Ramirez2 said:The alternative sub is such a specific corner of the internet (it’s got plenty of fans, but also a fair share of "haters"), so I really think it should be reserved for people who actually care about the alternative scene rather than just anyone wandering in. We need to maintain some kind of order there instead of just shutting people up—deleting posts or locking threads whenever it feels convenient. If we do that, people are just going to lose interest in joining the conversation, and honestly, I don't think that's what anyone wants, nor does it help anyone in the long run.

I have to agree with the OP; the alternative subforum has become a total mess lately. Since there hasn't been any active moderation, it’s been flooded with useless spam and trolls who constantly resort to insults and personal attacks, mostly coming from the same handful of individuals.
That’s why I feel it’s vital to appoint competent moderators immediately to get things back under control.
And I am completely aligned with what Gregory Ramirez2 suggested—that it would be highly ideal for the moderators in that section to be users who are actually familiar with alternative lifestyles and who embrace those values themselves.
In my view, such people would moderate most effectively because they could contribute meaningfully to discussions given their knowledge, which helps them better understand the pulse of the subforum. Of course, an alternative mod doesn't strictly have to be an "alternative" person through and through, but it seems completely illogical to appoint someone whose worldview is diametrically opposed to everything the community stands for.

I think we can all agree that if you had a thread about grilling or eating meat, it would be an absolute absurdity to have a moderator who has been a strict vegan for twenty years and finds the very idea of meat repulsive. đŸ€Š
I doubt any sane person would even want to moderate a section like that, but if they did, I suspect they might end up acting like a typical stubborn contrarian, using their position just to obstruct whatever they disagree with.
Also, as far as I know, the natural sciences or medical sections don't have moderators drawn from "alternative" circles.
So why on earth should the alternative section be policed by people from "mainstream scientific" circles?
It would make much more sense to have a moderator who understands the subject matter, lives that way, is genuinely interested, and brings actual ideas and insights to the table. Such a person would naturally be more fair and effective in their moderation.
However, if a moderator has no clue about the topic they are overseeing, fundamentally disagrees with it, and shows visible hostility toward it—then what is the point of them moderating something that is clearly an eyesore to them?
They'll ruin the subforum, traffic will plummet, ad clicks will drop, and the admins will see less revenue.
Basically, nobody wins if you pick a moderator like that.

Anyway... my suggestion is to please appoint new, capable, and fair moderators as soon as possible—people who actually know what they are looking at and whose personal views won't clash with the community's core principles. Otherwise, you'll just finish off a subforum that is already struggling.
I believe the regular users who follow this site closely could offer some really solid, practical suggestions for potential candidates.
Though, I've heard rumors that mods are selected through a different process altogether....

Gregory Ramirez2 said:If you really wanted to, you could go through a medical PDF and try to find proof that every single drug, chemo treatment, or radiation session is actually harmless, etc., etc.

I think we're ALL pretty aware of at least one thing here:
If mainstream medicine were truly successful and totally safe for every single illness out there, then an alternative wouldn't be even remotely interesting to the average person.

The "most human" and precious things anyone can own are health, love, and hope.
If someone actually uses their brain regarding all of that and looks at the various info available, they’ll be able to judge what’s best for them when it comes to health and healing.
So, let's just let everyone decide for themselves—whether they want to take any advice from this forum, whether they take it whole or just bits of it. Let's leave it up to the forum members instead of trying to play cop and judge.
Don't rob people of what's rightfully theirs—it's like taking a bone away from a dog!

I'm with you on the impartiality thing—it would definitely be better if the person handling the "dry" moderation (insults, attacks, off-topic stuff) was someone who isn't even interested in alternatives, BUT looking at it from the angle of general quality moderation, just ask yourselves this:

For example, would a pediatrician be better if they actually love kids and care about healing (like they were "born" for it), or someone who doesn't even like kids and just finished med school because it pays well or their parents pushed them into it?
It's the exact same deal with quality vs. "dry" moderation on these PDFs.

When it comes to EVERYTHING people do, the most important thing is their character.
If someone has actual character, they might make a great mod regardless of whether they're tied to the specific topic of the PDF or where they are/will be as a moderator.

Btw, a mod for any PDF—no matter their profession—can still be biased toward certain members or pick on someone specifically. So, neither their expertise nor a lack of it determines how good they moderate; it all comes down to character first and foremost.

Thanks, I'll pass on the coffee 😉

That’s a fair point. 👍
And while we're on the subject—everyone should have the right to express their own opinion. That's actually what the forum rules establish.

Any persistent attempts to call out people with different views as ignorant or accusing them of posting "nonsense" is really nothing more than trolling.
We all know why sanctions are handed out—it's for violating the clearly defined rules of the forums and sub-forums, which are visible to everyone.
Making a statement like Brenda Gonzalez12's, claiming someone is writing things that are "insane, inaccurate, and harmful," is just a waste of time. It's essentially just repeating the same argument over and over because they aren't actually breaking any specific rules—it's merely one individual's subjective perception.

Brenda Gonzalez12 said:Look, we all know how it goes—every single medication has to go through rigorous testing to prove it’s actually safe before it ever hits the pharmacy shelves. It's non-negotiable! Plus, they are legally required to list absolutely every single reaction, consequence, or side effect in the fine print of the packaging. That is just how the system works. Honestly, that’s exactly why it takes so incredibly long to get certain drugs approved; the safety checks are intense for a reason!

When someone is dealing with a serious illness—especially when things get heavy or even feel terminal—they tend to grab onto anything that looks like a lifeline. It’s a vulnerable place to be. Unfortunately, that’s exactly where all these moral monsters swoop in. They masquerade as "alternative" healers, peddling these "quick and easy" cures and miraculous salvations that have zero proof behind them, all while charging an absolute fortune. There is a massive distinction between a legitimate "alternative" approach and those fake "Alternative" scams. Real complementary therapies can help ease discomfort, maybe even trigger a placebo effect, or contribute to healing in some small way, but they should *never* be treated as a substitute for actual medical treatment. Yet, that’s exactly what some people here are trying to push. They want folks to ditch modern medicine entirely and go live like shamans from the Middle Ages! The perfect example is that idiot Pavlovic. He spent his time harassing people out in rural Nebraska during the winter and dragging them around Chicago, acting like he knew everything. But the second he had a heart scare? He was suddenly quiet as a mouse, tucked away in a hospital bed in Miami, dutifully taking his prescribed medications and following his doctor's orders to the letter. He hasn't said a word since. Those are exactly the kinds of characters I'm talking about.
Honestly, these people are just monsters. This kind of forum is basically a playground for cowards who want to act tough by attacking others from behind a screen. They love nothing more than riding high on someone else's misfortune, all while hiding behind fake usernames so they never have to answer for their actions. It’s just a bunch of people peddling empty promises, half-baked ideas, and total nonsense.
And honestly, they wouldn't even bother using them!

You really ought to keep in mind that this bone was actually given to the dog by a person—it wasn't something he just went out and earned on his own. So, technically speaking, while it belongs to him, it still ultimately belongs to the owner!
Look, let’s be real about how this works: the healthcare system is a framework built within the country. When you opt into the national insurance program and carry that coverage card, you’re making a voluntary choice to participate in the system and reap all its benefits. If you don't want in, hey, that's your call—you certainly don't have to join. But you can't really expect the government to tolerate choices that actively undermine everyone else's right to health. I'm talking about things like refusing vaccinations, spreading misinformation to get people to drop their treatments, or swapping proven medical therapies for some "woo-woo" esoteric nonsense. Your rights are yours to exercise right up until the moment they start infringing on someone else's rights. Once you cross that line and start affecting the well-being of others... well, sorry, but that's where the freedom ends!

At the end of the day, people are people; some will vibe with someone, and others won't. But my point is that a moderator needs to be someone who knows when to be tolerant and when to be firm—especially when they see posts that are totally unhinged, inaccurate, harmful, rude, or just straight-up trolling. They shouldn't be closed off to an alternative viewpoint, but they definitely need to draw a sharp line between a legitimate alternative and just plain old nonsense. Honestly, I think that would go a long way in making the discussions here much higher quality!

A moderator absolutely shouldn't, and indeed must not, be someone who judges from their own personal standpoint about what qualifies as "insane, inaccurate, or harmful." Instead, they should be moderating according to the forum rules, which are clearly laid out.
Gregory Ramirez2 Gregory Ramirez2 Active Member
72 messages
joined Aug 2012
#9 ·
Elizabeth Jackson said:I have to agree with the OP; the alternative subforum has become a total mess lately. Since there hasn't been any active moderation, it’s been flooded with useless spam and trolls who constantly resort to insults and personal attacks, mostly coming from the same handful of individuals.
That’s why I feel it’s vital to appoint competent moderators immediately to get things back under control.
And I am completely aligned with what Gregory Ramirez2 suggested—that it would be highly ideal for the moderators in that section to be users who are actually familiar with alternative lifestyles and who embrace those values themselves.
In my view, such people would moderate most effectively because they could contribute meaningfully to discussions given their knowledge, which helps them better understand the pulse of the subforum. Of course, an alternative mod doesn't strictly have to be an "alternative" person through and through, but it seems completely illogical to appoint someone whose worldview is diametrically opposed to everything the community stands for.

I think we can all agree that if you had a thread about grilling or eating meat, it would be an absolute absurdity to have a moderator who has been a strict vegan for twenty years and finds the very idea of meat repulsive. đŸ€Š
I doubt any sane person would even want to moderate a section like that, but if they did, I suspect they might end up acting like a typical stubborn contrarian, using their position just to obstruct whatever they disagree with.
Also, as far as I know, the natural sciences or medical sections don't have moderators drawn from "alternative" circles.
So why on earth should the alternative section be policed by people from "mainstream scientific" circles?
It would make much more sense to have a moderator who understands the subject matter, lives that way, is genuinely interested, and brings actual ideas and insights to the table. Such a person would naturally be more fair and effective in their moderation.
However, if a moderator has no clue about the topic they are overseeing, fundamentally disagrees with it, and shows visible hostility toward it—then what is the point of them moderating something that is clearly an eyesore to them?
They'll ruin the subforum, traffic will plummet, ad clicks will drop, and the admins will see less revenue.
Basically, nobody wins if you pick a moderator like that.

Anyway... my suggestion is to please appoint new, capable, and fair moderators as soon as possible—people who actually know what they are looking at and whose personal views won't clash with the community's core principles. Otherwise, you'll just finish off a subforum that is already struggling.
I believe the regular users who follow this site closely could offer some really solid, practical suggestions for potential candidates.
Though, I've heard rumors that mods are selected through a different process altogether....

That’s a fair point. 👍
And while we're on the subject—everyone should have the right to express their own opinion. That's actually what the forum rules establish.

Any persistent attempts to call out people with different views as ignorant or accusing them of posting "nonsense" is really nothing more than trolling.
We all know why sanctions are handed out—it's for violating the clearly defined rules of the forums and sub-forums, which are visible to everyone.
Making a statement like Brenda Gonzalez12's, claiming someone is writing things that are "insane, inaccurate, and harmful," is just a waste of time. It's essentially just repeating the same argument over and over because they aren't actually breaking any specific rules—it's merely one individual's subjective perception.

A moderator absolutely shouldn't, and indeed must not, be someone who judges from their own personal standpoint about what qualifies as "insane, inaccurate, or harmful." Instead, they should be moderating according to the forum rules, which are clearly laid out.

I think the quoted parts pretty much sum up everything needed to keep this PDF section, its users, and the entire site—plus the owner!—running smoothly. It would be awesome if the admin team kept all this in mind when picking out new mods for the Alternative PDF section.
Brenda Gonzalez12 Brenda Gonzalez12 Member
45 messages
joined Mar 2017
#10 ·
Elizabeth Jackson said:I have to agree with the OP; the alternative subforum has become a total mess lately. Since there hasn't been any active moderation, it’s been flooded with useless spam and trolls who constantly resort to insults and personal attacks, mostly coming from the same handful of individuals.
That’s why I feel it’s vital to appoint competent moderators immediately to get things back under control.
And I am completely aligned with what Gregory Ramirez2 suggested—that it would be highly ideal for the moderators in that section to be users who are actually familiar with alternative lifestyles and who embrace those values themselves.
In my view, such people would moderate most effectively because they could contribute meaningfully to discussions given their knowledge, which helps them better understand the pulse of the subforum. Of course, an alternative mod doesn't strictly have to be an "alternative" person through and through, but it seems completely illogical to appoint someone whose worldview is diametrically opposed to everything the community stands for.

I think we can all agree that if you had a thread about grilling or eating meat, it would be an absolute absurdity to have a moderator who has been a strict vegan for twenty years and finds the very idea of meat repulsive. đŸ€Š
I doubt any sane person would even want to moderate a section like that, but if they did, I suspect they might end up acting like a typical stubborn contrarian, using their position just to obstruct whatever they disagree with.
Also, as far as I know, the natural sciences or medical sections don't have moderators drawn from "alternative" circles.
So why on earth should the alternative section be policed by people from "mainstream scientific" circles?
It would make much more sense to have a moderator who understands the subject matter, lives that way, is genuinely interested, and brings actual ideas and insights to the table. Such a person would naturally be more fair and effective in their moderation.
However, if a moderator has no clue about the topic they are overseeing, fundamentally disagrees with it, and shows visible hostility toward it—then what is the point of them moderating something that is clearly an eyesore to them?
They'll ruin the subforum, traffic will plummet, ad clicks will drop, and the admins will see less revenue.
Basically, nobody wins if you pick a moderator like that.

Anyway... my suggestion is to please appoint new, capable, and fair moderators as soon as possible—people who actually know what they are looking at and whose personal views won't clash with the community's core principles. Otherwise, you'll just finish off a subforum that is already struggling.
I believe the regular users who follow this site closely could offer some really solid, practical suggestions for potential candidates.
Though, I've heard rumors that mods are selected through a different process altogether....

That’s a fair point. 👍
And while we're on the subject—everyone should have the right to express their own opinion. That's actually what the forum rules establish.

Any persistent attempts to call out people with different views as ignorant or accusing them of posting "nonsense" is really nothing more than trolling.
We all know why sanctions are handed out—it's for violating the clearly defined rules of the forums and sub-forums, which are visible to everyone.
Making a statement like Brenda Gonzalez12's, claiming someone is writing things that are "insane, inaccurate, and harmful," is just a waste of time. It's essentially just repeating the same argument over and over because they aren't actually breaking any specific rules—it's merely one individual's subjective perception.

A moderator absolutely shouldn't, and indeed must not, be someone who judges from their own personal standpoint about what qualifies as "insane, inaccurate, or harmful." Instead, they should be moderating according to the forum rules, which are clearly laid out.

And then... what happens next?
Elizabeth Jackson said:I have to agree with the OP; the alternative subforum has become a total mess lately. Since there hasn't been any active moderation, it’s been flooded with useless spam and trolls who constantly resort to insults and personal attacks, mostly coming from the same handful of individuals.
That’s why I feel it’s vital to appoint competent moderators immediately to get things back under control.
And I am completely aligned with what Gregory Ramirez2 suggested—that it would be highly ideal for the moderators in that section to be users who are actually familiar with alternative lifestyles and who embrace those values themselves.
In my view, such people would moderate most effectively because they could contribute meaningfully to discussions given their knowledge, which helps them better understand the pulse of the subforum. Of course, an alternative mod doesn't strictly have to be an "alternative" person through and through, but it seems completely illogical to appoint someone whose worldview is diametrically opposed to everything the community stands for.

I think we can all agree that if you had a thread about grilling or eating meat, it would be an absolute absurdity to have a moderator who has been a strict vegan for twenty years and finds the very idea of meat repulsive. đŸ€Š
I doubt any sane person would even want to moderate a section like that, but if they did, I suspect they might end up acting like a typical stubborn contrarian, using their position just to obstruct whatever they disagree with.
Also, as far as I know, the natural sciences or medical sections don't have moderators drawn from "alternative" circles.
So why on earth should the alternative section be policed by people from "mainstream scientific" circles?
It would make much more sense to have a moderator who understands the subject matter, lives that way, is genuinely interested, and brings actual ideas and insights to the table. Such a person would naturally be more fair and effective in their moderation.
However, if a moderator has no clue about the topic they are overseeing, fundamentally disagrees with it, and shows visible hostility toward it—then what is the point of them moderating something that is clearly an eyesore to them?
They'll ruin the subforum, traffic will plummet, ad clicks will drop, and the admins will see less revenue.
Basically, nobody wins if you pick a moderator like that.

Anyway... my suggestion is to please appoint new, capable, and fair moderators as soon as possible—people who actually know what they are looking at and whose personal views won't clash with the community's core principles. Otherwise, you'll just finish off a subforum that is already struggling.
I believe the regular users who follow this site closely could offer some really solid, practical suggestions for potential candidates.
Though, I've heard rumors that mods are selected through a different process altogether....

That’s a fair point. 👍
And while we're on the subject—everyone should have the right to express their own opinion. That's actually what the forum rules establish.

Any persistent attempts to call out people with different views as ignorant or accusing them of posting "nonsense" is really nothing more than trolling.
We all know why sanctions are handed out—it's for violating the clearly defined rules of the forums and sub-forums, which are visible to everyone.
Making a statement like Brenda Gonzalez12's, claiming someone is writing things that are "insane, inaccurate, and harmful," is just a waste of time. It's essentially just repeating the same argument over and over because they aren't actually breaking any specific rules—it's merely one individual's subjective perception.

A moderator absolutely shouldn't, and indeed must not, be someone who judges from their own personal standpoint about what qualifies as "insane, inaccurate, or harmful." Instead, they should be moderating according to the forum rules, which are clearly laid out.

I honestly think you need to sit down and get your own head straight first, Elizabeth Jackson. You really need to decide where you stand on this and figure out what’s actually acceptable and what isn't. Even the moderator... No worries at all! Look, you’re more than welcome to jump into the discussions and debate whatever you like—as long as we’re all playing by the house rules of the forum and its sub-sections, of course! If you’ve got an itch to argue, go right ahead and do it just like any other regular here, following the same guidelines everyone else does. Otherwise, we’re going to end up in that ridiculous situation where the judge is also the defendant, and that’s a mess nobody wants. Honestly, it feels like you’re just trying to clear out the entire sub-forum by shutting down anyone who dares to ask a sensible question or asks for actual proof to back up what you're saying. It seems like your whole goal is to sweep away anyone pointing out when you're being a bit nonsensical or just plain wrong! Listen, if you get to have your opinion, then everyone else gets to have theirs too. But here’s the kicker: if you’re going to take a stand, back it up with real evidence. Don't just toss out random YouTube videos or cite some "research from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology" that sounds like something you made up on the spot!

Elizabeth Jackson said:I have to agree with the OP; the alternative subforum has become a total mess lately. Since there hasn't been any active moderation, it’s been flooded with useless spam and trolls who constantly resort to insults and personal attacks, mostly coming from the same handful of individuals.
That’s why I feel it’s vital to appoint competent moderators immediately to get things back under control.
And I am completely aligned with what Gregory Ramirez2 suggested—that it would be highly ideal for the moderators in that section to be users who are actually familiar with alternative lifestyles and who embrace those values themselves.
In my view, such people would moderate most effectively because they could contribute meaningfully to discussions given their knowledge, which helps them better understand the pulse of the subforum. Of course, an alternative mod doesn't strictly have to be an "alternative" person through and through, but it seems completely illogical to appoint someone whose worldview is diametrically opposed to everything the community stands for.

I think we can all agree that if you had a thread about grilling or eating meat, it would be an absolute absurdity to have a moderator who has been a strict vegan for twenty years and finds the very idea of meat repulsive. đŸ€Š
I doubt any sane person would even want to moderate a section like that, but if they did, I suspect they might end up acting like a typical stubborn contrarian, using their position just to obstruct whatever they disagree with.
Also, as far as I know, the natural sciences or medical sections don't have moderators drawn from "alternative" circles.
So why on earth should the alternative section be policed by people from "mainstream scientific" circles?
It would make much more sense to have a moderator who understands the subject matter, lives that way, is genuinely interested, and brings actual ideas and insights to the table. Such a person would naturally be more fair and effective in their moderation.
However, if a moderator has no clue about the topic they are overseeing, fundamentally disagrees with it, and shows visible hostility toward it—then what is the point of them moderating something that is clearly an eyesore to them?
They'll ruin the subforum, traffic will plummet, ad clicks will drop, and the admins will see less revenue.
Basically, nobody wins if you pick a moderator like that.

Anyway... my suggestion is to please appoint new, capable, and fair moderators as soon as possible—people who actually know what they are looking at and whose personal views won't clash with the community's core principles. Otherwise, you'll just finish off a subforum that is already struggling.
I believe the regular users who follow this site closely could offer some really solid, practical suggestions for potential candidates.
Though, I've heard rumors that mods are selected through a different process altogether....

That’s a fair point. 👍
And while we're on the subject—everyone should have the right to express their own opinion. That's actually what the forum rules establish.

Any persistent attempts to call out people with different views as ignorant or accusing them of posting "nonsense" is really nothing more than trolling.
We all know why sanctions are handed out—it's for violating the clearly defined rules of the forums and sub-forums, which are visible to everyone.
Making a statement like Brenda Gonzalez12's, claiming someone is writing things that are "insane, inaccurate, and harmful," is just a waste of time. It's essentially just repeating the same argument over and over because they aren't actually breaking any specific rules—it's merely one individual's subjective perception.

A moderator absolutely shouldn't, and indeed must not, be someone who judges from their own personal standpoint about what qualifies as "insane, inaccurate, or harmful." Instead, they should be moderating according to the forum rules, which are clearly laid out.

Honestly, where do you get the nerve to sit there and accuse someone of labeling people, hurling insults, or trying to gatekeep what counts as a valid opinion? It’s all about the right to have a stance and participate in a democracy, isn't it? Seriously, Elizabeth Jackson, have some shame! You basically just handed yourself over on a silver platter and let yourself look foolish.

Elizabeth Jackson said:I have to agree with the OP; the alternative subforum has become a total mess lately. Since there hasn't been any active moderation, it’s been flooded with useless spam and trolls who constantly resort to insults and personal attacks, mostly coming from the same handful of individuals.
That’s why I feel it’s vital to appoint competent moderators immediately to get things back under control.
And I am completely aligned with what Gregory Ramirez2 suggested—that it would be highly ideal for the moderators in that section to be users who are actually familiar with alternative lifestyles and who embrace those values themselves.
In my view, such people would moderate most effectively because they could contribute meaningfully to discussions given their knowledge, which helps them better understand the pulse of the subforum. Of course, an alternative mod doesn't strictly have to be an "alternative" person through and through, but it seems completely illogical to appoint someone whose worldview is diametrically opposed to everything the community stands for.

I think we can all agree that if you had a thread about grilling or eating meat, it would be an absolute absurdity to have a moderator who has been a strict vegan for twenty years and finds the very idea of meat repulsive. đŸ€Š
I doubt any sane person would even want to moderate a section like that, but if they did, I suspect they might end up acting like a typical stubborn contrarian, using their position just to obstruct whatever they disagree with.
Also, as far as I know, the natural sciences or medical sections don't have moderators drawn from "alternative" circles.
So why on earth should the alternative section be policed by people from "mainstream scientific" circles?
It would make much more sense to have a moderator who understands the subject matter, lives that way, is genuinely interested, and brings actual ideas and insights to the table. Such a person would naturally be more fair and effective in their moderation.
However, if a moderator has no clue about the topic they are overseeing, fundamentally disagrees with it, and shows visible hostility toward it—then what is the point of them moderating something that is clearly an eyesore to them?
They'll ruin the subforum, traffic will plummet, ad clicks will drop, and the admins will see less revenue.
Basically, nobody wins if you pick a moderator like that.

Anyway... my suggestion is to please appoint new, capable, and fair moderators as soon as possible—people who actually know what they are looking at and whose personal views won't clash with the community's core principles. Otherwise, you'll just finish off a subforum that is already struggling.
I believe the regular users who follow this site closely could offer some really solid, practical suggestions for potential candidates.
Though, I've heard rumors that mods are selected through a different process altogether....

That’s a fair point. 👍
And while we're on the subject—everyone should have the right to express their own opinion. That's actually what the forum rules establish.

Any persistent attempts to call out people with different views as ignorant or accusing them of posting "nonsense" is really nothing more than trolling.
We all know why sanctions are handed out—it's for violating the clearly defined rules of the forums and sub-forums, which are visible to everyone.
Making a statement like Brenda Gonzalez12's, claiming someone is writing things that are "insane, inaccurate, and harmful," is just a waste of time. It's essentially just repeating the same argument over and over because they aren't actually breaking any specific rules—it's merely one individual's subjective perception.

A moderator absolutely shouldn't, and indeed must not, be someone who judges from their own personal standpoint about what qualifies as "insane, inaccurate, or harmful." Instead, they should be moderating according to the forum rules, which are clearly laid out.

Elizabeth Jackson said:I have to agree with the OP; the alternative subforum has become a total mess lately. Since there hasn't been any active moderation, it’s been flooded with useless spam and trolls who constantly resort to insults and personal attacks, mostly coming from the same handful of individuals.
That’s why I feel it’s vital to appoint competent moderators immediately to get things back under control.
And I am completely aligned with what Gregory Ramirez2 suggested—that it would be highly ideal for the moderators in that section to be users who are actually familiar with alternative lifestyles and who embrace those values themselves.
In my view, such people would moderate most effectively because they could contribute meaningfully to discussions given their knowledge, which helps them better understand the pulse of the subforum. Of course, an alternative mod doesn't strictly have to be an "alternative" person through and through, but it seems completely illogical to appoint someone whose worldview is diametrically opposed to everything the community stands for.

I think we can all agree that if you had a thread about grilling or eating meat, it would be an absolute absurdity to have a moderator who has been a strict vegan for twenty years and finds the very idea of meat repulsive. đŸ€Š
I doubt any sane person would even want to moderate a section like that, but if they did, I suspect they might end up acting like a typical stubborn contrarian, using their position just to obstruct whatever they disagree with.
Also, as far as I know, the natural sciences or medical sections don't have moderators drawn from "alternative" circles.
So why on earth should the alternative section be policed by people from "mainstream scientific" circles?
It would make much more sense to have a moderator who understands the subject matter, lives that way, is genuinely interested, and brings actual ideas and insights to the table. Such a person would naturally be more fair and effective in their moderation.
However, if a moderator has no clue about the topic they are overseeing, fundamentally disagrees with it, and shows visible hostility toward it—then what is the point of them moderating something that is clearly an eyesore to them?
They'll ruin the subforum, traffic will plummet, ad clicks will drop, and the admins will see less revenue.
Basically, nobody wins if you pick a moderator like that.

Anyway... my suggestion is to please appoint new, capable, and fair moderators as soon as possible—people who actually know what they are looking at and whose personal views won't clash with the community's core principles. Otherwise, you'll just finish off a subforum that is already struggling.
I believe the regular users who follow this site closely could offer some really solid, practical suggestions for potential candidates.
Though, I've heard rumors that mods are selected through a different process altogether....

That’s a fair point. 👍
And while we're on the subject—everyone should have the right to express their own opinion. That's actually what the forum rules establish.

Any persistent attempts to call out people with different views as ignorant or accusing them of posting "nonsense" is really nothing more than trolling.
We all know why sanctions are handed out—it's for violating the clearly defined rules of the forums and sub-forums, which are visible to everyone.
Making a statement like Brenda Gonzalez12's, claiming someone is writing things that are "insane, inaccurate, and harmful," is just a waste of time. It's essentially just repeating the same argument over and over because they aren't actually breaking any specific rules—it's merely one individual's subjective perception.

A moderator absolutely shouldn't, and indeed must not, be someone who judges from their own personal standpoint about what qualifies as "insane, inaccurate, or harmful." Instead, they should be moderating according to the forum rules, which are clearly laid out.

It sounds like you’re totally missing the point regarding what moderators actually do and why they’re here in the first place! Honestly, it feels like you might have been raised in some sort of strict, old-school regime or an Inquisition where you weren't allowed to say a single thing out of line. This is an online forum, buddy—it's the 21st century! On a site like this, you should be able to talk about anything you want, as long as you stay on topic and follow the community guidelines. A moderator doesn't need to be an expert on every single niche subject; their only job is to make sure everyone plays by the rules. But you? You seem to be pushing for something much more extreme and dangerous... you're basically advocating for stripping people of their right to express themselves, and you're saying it out loud!

Elizabeth Jackson said:I have to agree with the OP; the alternative subforum has become a total mess lately. Since there hasn't been any active moderation, it’s been flooded with useless spam and trolls who constantly resort to insults and personal attacks, mostly coming from the same handful of individuals.
That’s why I feel it’s vital to appoint competent moderators immediately to get things back under control.
And I am completely aligned with what Gregory Ramirez2 suggested—that it would be highly ideal for the moderators in that section to be users who are actually familiar with alternative lifestyles and who embrace those values themselves.
In my view, such people would moderate most effectively because they could contribute meaningfully to discussions given their knowledge, which helps them better understand the pulse of the subforum. Of course, an alternative mod doesn't strictly have to be an "alternative" person through and through, but it seems completely illogical to appoint someone whose worldview is diametrically opposed to everything the community stands for.

I think we can all agree that if you had a thread about grilling or eating meat, it would be an absolute absurdity to have a moderator who has been a strict vegan for twenty years and finds the very idea of meat repulsive. đŸ€Š
I doubt any sane person would even want to moderate a section like that, but if they did, I suspect they might end up acting like a typical stubborn contrarian, using their position just to obstruct whatever they disagree with.
Also, as far as I know, the natural sciences or medical sections don't have moderators drawn from "alternative" circles.
So why on earth should the alternative section be policed by people from "mainstream scientific" circles?
It would make much more sense to have a moderator who understands the subject matter, lives that way, is genuinely interested, and brings actual ideas and insights to the table. Such a person would naturally be more fair and effective in their moderation.
However, if a moderator has no clue about the topic they are overseeing, fundamentally disagrees with it, and shows visible hostility toward it—then what is the point of them moderating something that is clearly an eyesore to them?
They'll ruin the subforum, traffic will plummet, ad clicks will drop, and the admins will see less revenue.
Basically, nobody wins if you pick a moderator like that.

Anyway... my suggestion is to please appoint new, capable, and fair moderators as soon as possible—people who actually know what they are looking at and whose personal views won't clash with the community's core principles. Otherwise, you'll just finish off a subforum that is already struggling.
I believe the regular users who follow this site closely could offer some really solid, practical suggestions for potential candidates.
Though, I've heard rumors that mods are selected through a different process altogether....

That’s a fair point. 👍
And while we're on the subject—everyone should have the right to express their own opinion. That's actually what the forum rules establish.

Any persistent attempts to call out people with different views as ignorant or accusing them of posting "nonsense" is really nothing more than trolling.
We all know why sanctions are handed out—it's for violating the clearly defined rules of the forums and sub-forums, which are visible to everyone.
Making a statement like Brenda Gonzalez12's, claiming someone is writing things that are "insane, inaccurate, and harmful," is just a waste of time. It's essentially just repeating the same argument over and over because they aren't actually breaking any specific rules—it's merely one individual's subjective perception.

A moderator absolutely shouldn't, and indeed must not, be someone who judges from their own personal standpoint about what qualifies as "insane, inaccurate, or harmful." Instead, they should be moderating according to the forum rules, which are clearly laid out.

I can only imagine how you view yourself! Honestly, I’d bet money you see yourself sitting right there in that moderator chair, ready to swoop in and scrub away any posts that don't fit your "perfect" little vision. You really think you're some kind of enlightened genius, don't you, Elizabeth Jackson? Well, thank goodness the moderation team actually picks people based on merit rather than ego... at least the community will actually stick around to talk about the real topics!

Gregory Ramirez2 said:I think the quoted parts pretty much sum up everything needed to keep this PDF section, its users, and the entire site—plus the owner!—running smoothly. It would be awesome if the admin team kept all this in mind when picking out new mods for the Alternative PDF section.

So, you actually agree with this, yet you’re still out here preaching about everyone having a right to their own opinion? Honestly, Gregory Ramirez2, I have to hand it to you—you’re being incredibly consistent! Especially considering all those times you used to vent and complain about how much better of a moderator you would be at a site like Reddit compared to the current staff, and all your grand plans for how you’d run the show? Remember that? Well, newsflash: the internet never forgets, Gregory Ramirez2, and some of us who’ve been hanging around here long enough certainly haven't...
It’s honestly wild seeing such petty, small-minded interests at play... but hey, I guess it’s good to have threads like this where people finally show their true colors.
Gregory Ramirez2 Gregory Ramirez2 Active Member
72 messages
joined Aug 2012
#11 ·
Brenda Gonzalez12 said:And then... what happens next?

I honestly think you need to sit down and get your own head straight first, Elizabeth Jackson. You really need to decide where you stand on this and figure out what’s actually acceptable and what isn't. Even the moderator... No worries at all! Look, you’re more than welcome to jump into the discussions and debate whatever you like—as long as we’re all playing by the house rules of the forum and its sub-sections, of course! If you’ve got an itch to argue, go right ahead and do it just like any other regular here, following the same guidelines everyone else does. Otherwise, we’re going to end up in that ridiculous situation where the judge is also the defendant, and that’s a mess nobody wants. Honestly, it feels like you’re just trying to clear out the entire sub-forum by shutting down anyone who dares to ask a sensible question or asks for actual proof to back up what you're saying. It seems like your whole goal is to sweep away anyone pointing out when you're being a bit nonsensical or just plain wrong! Listen, if you get to have your opinion, then everyone else gets to have theirs too. But here’s the kicker: if you’re going to take a stand, back it up with real evidence. Don't just toss out random YouTube videos or cite some "research from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology" that sounds like something you made up on the spot!

Honestly, where do you get the nerve to sit there and accuse someone of labeling people, hurling insults, or trying to gatekeep what counts as a valid opinion? It’s all about the right to have a stance and participate in a democracy, isn't it? Seriously, Elizabeth Jackson, have some shame! You basically just handed yourself over on a silver platter and let yourself look foolish.

It sounds like you’re totally missing the point regarding what moderators actually do and why they’re here in the first place! Honestly, it feels like you might have been raised in some sort of strict, old-school regime or an Inquisition where you weren't allowed to say a single thing out of line. This is an online forum, buddy—it's the 21st century! On a site like this, you should be able to talk about anything you want, as long as you stay on topic and follow the community guidelines. A moderator doesn't need to be an expert on every single niche subject; their only job is to make sure everyone plays by the rules. But you? You seem to be pushing for something much more extreme and dangerous... you're basically advocating for stripping people of their right to express themselves, and you're saying it out loud!

I can only imagine how you view yourself! Honestly, I’d bet money you see yourself sitting right there in that moderator chair, ready to swoop in and scrub away any posts that don't fit your "perfect" little vision. You really think you're some kind of enlightened genius, don't you, Elizabeth Jackson? Well, thank goodness the moderation team actually picks people based on merit rather than ego... at least the community will actually stick around to talk about the real topics!

So, you actually agree with this, yet you’re still out here preaching about everyone having a right to their own opinion? Honestly, Gregory Ramirez2, I have to hand it to you—you’re being incredibly consistent! Especially considering all those times you used to vent and complain about how much better of a moderator you would be at a site like Reddit compared to the current staff, and all your grand plans for how you’d run the show? Remember that? Well, newsflash: the internet never forgets, Gregory Ramirez2, and some of us who’ve been hanging around here long enough certainly haven't...
It’s honestly wild seeing such petty, small-minded interests at play... but hey, I guess it’s good to have threads like this where people finally show their true colors.

Are you seriously trying to strip away my right to speak my mind?! 👍

Brenda Gonzalez12 said:And then... what happens next?

I honestly think you need to sit down and get your own head straight first, Elizabeth Jackson. You really need to decide where you stand on this and figure out what’s actually acceptable and what isn't. Even the moderator... No worries at all! Look, you’re more than welcome to jump into the discussions and debate whatever you like—as long as we’re all playing by the house rules of the forum and its sub-sections, of course! If you’ve got an itch to argue, go right ahead and do it just like any other regular here, following the same guidelines everyone else does. Otherwise, we’re going to end up in that ridiculous situation where the judge is also the defendant, and that’s a mess nobody wants. Honestly, it feels like you’re just trying to clear out the entire sub-forum by shutting down anyone who dares to ask a sensible question or asks for actual proof to back up what you're saying. It seems like your whole goal is to sweep away anyone pointing out when you're being a bit nonsensical or just plain wrong! Listen, if you get to have your opinion, then everyone else gets to have theirs too. But here’s the kicker: if you’re going to take a stand, back it up with real evidence. Don't just toss out random YouTube videos or cite some "research from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology" that sounds like something you made up on the spot!

Honestly, where do you get the nerve to sit there and accuse someone of labeling people, hurling insults, or trying to gatekeep what counts as a valid opinion? It’s all about the right to have a stance and participate in a democracy, isn't it? Seriously, Elizabeth Jackson, have some shame! You basically just handed yourself over on a silver platter and let yourself look foolish.

It sounds like you’re totally missing the point regarding what moderators actually do and why they’re here in the first place! Honestly, it feels like you might have been raised in some sort of strict, old-school regime or an Inquisition where you weren't allowed to say a single thing out of line. This is an online forum, buddy—it's the 21st century! On a site like this, you should be able to talk about anything you want, as long as you stay on topic and follow the community guidelines. A moderator doesn't need to be an expert on every single niche subject; their only job is to make sure everyone plays by the rules. But you? You seem to be pushing for something much more extreme and dangerous... you're basically advocating for stripping people of their right to express themselves, and you're saying it out loud!

I can only imagine how you view yourself! Honestly, I’d bet money you see yourself sitting right there in that moderator chair, ready to swoop in and scrub away any posts that don't fit your "perfect" little vision. You really think you're some kind of enlightened genius, don't you, Elizabeth Jackson? Well, thank goodness the moderation team actually picks people based on merit rather than ego... at least the community will actually stick around to talk about the real topics!

So, you actually agree with this, yet you’re still out here preaching about everyone having a right to their own opinion? Honestly, Gregory Ramirez2, I have to hand it to you—you’re being incredibly consistent! Especially considering all those times you used to vent and complain about how much better of a moderator you would be at a site like Reddit compared to the current staff, and all your grand plans for how you’d run the show? Remember that? Well, newsflash: the internet never forgets, Gregory Ramirez2, and some of us who’ve been hanging around here long enough certainly haven't...
It’s honestly wild seeing such petty, small-minded interests at play... but hey, I guess it’s good to have threads like this where people finally show their true colors.

Yeah, true—the internet never forgets! That’s exactly why he can't escape the truth! —not that I’d ever want to use your vocabulary! 😂

Take a good, hard look at what you just typed and really think about it—seriously! If you actually think you have the guts to back that up, then fine, go ahead and apologize... but honestly? I think that’s a total mission impossible.

On the other hand, you totally could—I mean, you’ve definitely got some serious potential there—it just really comes down to when you actually decide to go all in!
Linda Moore51 Linda Moore51 Newcomer
8 messages
joined Mar 2017
#12 ·
Brenda Gonzalez12 said:And then... what happens next?

I honestly think you need to sit down and get your own head straight first, Elizabeth Jackson. You really need to decide where you stand on this and figure out what’s actually acceptable and what isn't. Even the moderator... No worries at all! Look, you’re more than welcome to jump into the discussions and debate whatever you like—as long as we’re all playing by the house rules of the forum and its sub-sections, of course! If you’ve got an itch to argue, go right ahead and do it just like any other regular here, following the same guidelines everyone else does. Otherwise, we’re going to end up in that ridiculous situation where the judge is also the defendant, and that’s a mess nobody wants. Honestly, it feels like you’re just trying to clear out the entire sub-forum by shutting down anyone who dares to ask a sensible question or asks for actual proof to back up what you're saying. It seems like your whole goal is to sweep away anyone pointing out when you're being a bit nonsensical or just plain wrong! Listen, if you get to have your opinion, then everyone else gets to have theirs too. But here’s the kicker: if you’re going to take a stand, back it up with real evidence. Don't just toss out random YouTube videos or cite some "research from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology" that sounds like something you made up on the spot!

Honestly, where do you get the nerve to sit there and accuse someone of labeling people, hurling insults, or trying to gatekeep what counts as a valid opinion? It’s all about the right to have a stance and participate in a democracy, isn't it? Seriously, Elizabeth Jackson, have some shame! You basically just handed yourself over on a silver platter and let yourself look foolish.

It sounds like you’re totally missing the point regarding what moderators actually do and why they’re here in the first place! Honestly, it feels like you might have been raised in some sort of strict, old-school regime or an Inquisition where you weren't allowed to say a single thing out of line. This is an online forum, buddy—it's the 21st century! On a site like this, you should be able to talk about anything you want, as long as you stay on topic and follow the community guidelines. A moderator doesn't need to be an expert on every single niche subject; their only job is to make sure everyone plays by the rules. But you? You seem to be pushing for something much more extreme and dangerous... you're basically advocating for stripping people of their right to express themselves, and you're saying it out loud!

I can only imagine how you view yourself! Honestly, I’d bet money you see yourself sitting right there in that moderator chair, ready to swoop in and scrub away any posts that don't fit your "perfect" little vision. You really think you're some kind of enlightened genius, don't you, Elizabeth Jackson? Well, thank goodness the moderation team actually picks people based on merit rather than ego... at least the community will actually stick around to talk about the real topics!

So, you actually agree with this, yet you’re still out here preaching about everyone having a right to their own opinion? Honestly, Gregory Ramirez2, I have to hand it to you—you’re being incredibly consistent! Especially considering all those times you used to vent and complain about how much better of a moderator you would be at a site like Reddit compared to the current staff, and all your grand plans for how you’d run the show? Remember that? Well, newsflash: the internet never forgets, Gregory Ramirez2, and some of us who’ve been hanging around here long enough certainly haven't...
It’s honestly wild seeing such petty, small-minded interests at play... but hey, I guess it’s good to have threads like this where people finally show their true colors.

bingo 👍, that is exactly what he's aiming for. It isn't the first time someone has tried to shove him into a moderator role.
Last time, Rory was the one singing his praises and trying to push him forward, but it didn't work out.
We simply cannot have moderators who go around posting links to scams and potentially profiting from them.

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