POLL: What should the mods do with the new block feature?

[jgraz]

Poll question: POLL: What should the mods do with the new block feature?

Please keep this kicked so we get a decent sample...thanks.

[Jim Sagle]

1. I voted to modify it.

As it stands, if some jagoff who's blocked you starts a thread, you can't reply to ANYONE in that thread. That should change.

[pnwmom]

8. The problem is

that someone who may be "stalking" you, is then free to do so under the guise of replying to someone else in your thread. For example, the stalker may "reply" to the last link in the thread, insulting the OP. He's not really replying to the last post; he's just throwing darts at the person who posted the thread.

[orleans]

2. can you put up the link that explains it? i glanced at it but i didn't

really pay that much attention.

however, i was tempted to vote for the tingly part (but i didn't)

[Divernan]

3. It seems to result in Home Shopping Network type threads.

At least, when it comes to these cheerleader threads for some candidates. As an example, the thread starts with something like, "Won't it be great when (candidate x) is in the White House?" Then you get a series of replies reminiscent of Home Shopping Network dialogue. (And I've only caught a minute or so of Home Shopping Network at a time; never bought anything from it).

What I mean is you get a series of comments euphorically praising to the skies Candidate X, and with all the scripted, non-spontaneous quality you'd fine on Home Shopping. There are no doubts expressed, or comments offering qualified support, let alone a comment (rational or irrational) criticizing said candidate. These well organized supporters' groups have easily figured out that to block all DUers known to prefer other candidates, or to oppose Candidate X is to turn DU forums into Pimp My Candidate/Home Shopping Network promotional forums. I don't bother to read ANY of them - and have not selected a candidate yet. I'd like to read some intelligent, fact-based, unemotional debate comparing and contrasting potential presidential/vice-presidential tickets. These blatant promotional threads insult my intelligence.

I know that when I volunteered on a congressional campaign last year, the professional staff were really psyched about finding local blogs where they could push their candidate and attack the opposition.

There have even been DUers who have admitted in passing that they "came to DU" to push "their" candidate. No way to stop this, but why enable basically free advertising with all debate or disagreement blocked?

[crispini]

7. I'm curious, do you have examples

where this has happened?

[sanskritwarrior]

4. Keep it please

It allows those of us who aren't in the mood for bloodsport battles to post in peace........

[pnwmom]

9. I agree. n/t

[donheld]

5. Keep it for those who want it

Nobody's forced to use it.

[Eurobabe]

6. Keep it, I like blocking Opposition Researchers

[H2O Man]

10. Keep it.

I think it has value.

[Violet_Crumble]

11. I hope they keep it...

I don't care if they make modifications to it, but in general in the little part of DU I mostly post in, it's substantially lowered the number of deleted posts in a thread, and there's still plenty of healthy argument going on. I'm using it to block someone who was abusive (and this was personal abuse as I'm so sissy that thinks merely disagreeing is abuse) to me over a long period of time and showed no signs of changing...

[Adelante]

12. Keep it through the primaries

I haven't used it. I only even looked at it yesterday when somebody else mentioned it. I don't mind having the option there, though.

[EarlG]

13. Locking

We're still evaluating the new function and mulling additional programming. We'll let you know when we have any news about it.