Updated: October 19, 2024
Dear Forum Users!
Since we transitioned to Discourse, we have noticed several questions and concerns about the flagging system in replacement of the reporting system on the old forum. This topic will briefly explain the flagging system, and addresses the main concern we have seen.
What is the Flagging System?
The flagging system utilizes community-based moderation to regulate posts on the forum, while also allowing moderators to review flags and take appropriate actions if needed. It is basically a form of partial reporting, partial self-moderation.
How does it work?
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You can flag a post by clicking on the “. . .” icon at the bottom right of any post you wish to flag / report. Click the Flag icon. Once you click on it, a box will pop up with several different options. Select a reason that will be shown to staff, and click “Flag Post” to send it.
Show Example
First, click the “. . .” icon
Then, click the Flag icon.
Finally, select a preset reason or choose Something Else and write your reason.
Once the flag is sent into our queue, we can review it with options to agree, disagree, among other things. Additionally, if a post is flagged enough times, it can be automatically hidden and the user who was flagged will receive a message by the @system account to edit the post. The post content will not be visible to other users, only staff members, while it is hidden. Users can take this opportunity to edit the post and make it un-hidden, but bear in mind that moderators can still take action if the post still violates the rules after an edit. We strongly encourage taking a few moments to think about why it was flagged and hidden, and anything you could change.
Since it incorporates self moderation, can it be abused?
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No.
The only effect of self moderation this system incorporates is the ability for a post to be hidden until it is edited by the user, or reviewed by a moderator. While this may cause some concern, be assured that any actual moderation actions (warnings, silences, and bans) are issued only by Forum Moderators.
We review every single flag, and can deal with them as if they are reports made to us. We have the ability to un-hide posts if the flag is deemed to not require action, which will not require the author to edit the post. If we deem a flag to be valid, we have the ability to take further action where and when necessary. We will never act on flags that were falsely made, and will only act when there is a violation of our Community Guidelines.
Questions?
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to a Forum Moderator via private message. Simply visit their profile, and click the blue “Message” button. We will be happy to answer your questions or concerns!
~ The Forum Moderation Team