Reporting answers, is action ever taken?

[JonnoGenie]

Since my time on AB, I have reported 4 or 5 posts, which have been profane, misleading (intentionally), or irrelevent/chat... the typical work of a troll.

None of these posts have subsequently been removed.

Do reported posts ever get moderated? What does a poster have to do to get something moderated/deleted?

[B00]

In order for a post to be removed, it needs 2 other people to agree with you and report it as well. So if you're on your own in thinking that post shouldn't be there, it'll stay.

[ummmm]

They certainly get removed it certain users take a dislike to you and decide to use their multiple user names to report every answer you bother to type.....

As for reporting, I think it has to be reported three times for the same thing. ie. three people report it as abusive.

[efc]

think I may qualify as a troll!!

[jno]

I'm not sure B00 is right (the first time since 1997) - I think 3 reports and a post will be automatically suspended, but even one report ought to get it looked at by the Ed or one of her assistant monks, usually quite soon, though they don't work weekends because they are too busy with their devotions, golfing tournaments etc. Chat isn't always removed, but the Ed's said she takes a hard line on profanity, so I don't know what's happened in the cases you're referring to

[JonnoGenie]

I don't know either, the perpetrator I have in mind (and it is one person), is a classic troll, sitting in front of his PC late at night, probably getting drunk and posting like an idiot, and trying to wind people up.

The trouble is, it misleads newbies, and can be a bit 'over-bearing'. Shame.

[JonnoGenie]

Can we use the previous reply, as an experiment on exactly how a post get's deleted please?

I.e. If you found it a waste of time, miselading etc., please report and let's see what happens.

[enigma]

I saw two posts removed a short while back where I was called the most disgusting names imaginable by another Aber (who has since apologised) only to find them returned a few days later. With careful use of asterisks and tweaking their swearing , the Aber in question was able to make their intent abundantly clear. The words slapper , slag , jezebel are some of the more printable names I was called. I also find it wholly unacceptable to see the term 'mongo' used as a derogatory insult and find it deeply offensive that that has been allowed to stand too. So yes , it seems to make a whole mockery of the reporting facility when such posts are removed only to be reinstated. I didn't report the comments about myself but obviously others did , hence it's removal and yet it was still considered fit to stand. How exactly is that constructive to anyone seeking answers on AB and isn't it a blatant breach of the terms and conditions pertaining to being civil and respectful to other Abers ? It Beggars belief.

[jno]

I see the Ed has added a blog on this subject today. It doesn't answer your question, though.

[ummmm1]

That's good. I sent the Ed an email regarding the report button and suggested she put something i her blog about it.

[JonnoGenie]

Shame the blog does not seem to allow comments, because I'd ad one!

The blog article seems to focus on bad language and links. It does not make a reference to 'misleading' answers or 'chat' both of which are options you can pick when saying why you are reporting a massage.

Only towards the end does the article suggest that posts that do not contribute to the resolution of a question are worthy of reporting.

So, I'm still left confused. Oh and Enigma what you describe sounds almost beyond belief! Considering how 'light' the moderation is, it is a wonder this board seems to remain so 'clean'.

[JonnoGenie]

qed