subscribers Neowin's 'Club Orange' - a dying breed?

[Nick H. Supervisor]

For me, I didn't subscribe because - while the perks were viewable - I tend to have the mentality that you can't miss what you never had.

When I won my subscription back in June (thanks again to Whitebread for that!) it was as good as game over for me, I would renew my subscription. But before I got the chance, I was contacted about the position of moderator.

Thinking back, I've tried subscribing a couple of times. Sadly the only option (other than writing a cheque) was PayPal, and while I have tried to use PayPal I don't have a credit card, effectively closing down that route.

Reading through this thread I notice that several users are criticising the mods and their moderation choices. I can understand the frustration of your post being edited/removed, but as you are aware there is a process that we follow. No one moderator (including supervisors and admins) make a decision without discussing it in our personal forum. We give our input in the decision, and a decision can be overruled. However, there are rules that you agree to when signing up to Neowin, and if your post violates those rules we take action. This is not to say that you can't contact a moderator and make an appeal.

I'm on my phone right now so it isn't easy to read back through the thread, but I know that someone on the team has already said that you can PM them if you think a decision was unjust, and I echo that invitation, as should every staff member.

It makes me sad to learn that some users would not subscribe because they think the moderators are unfair and moderate posts based on their personal opinions. This is not the case, and I urge anyone who thinks that to let myself or another member of staff know via PM if they have a problem with a decision that we make. We're not bad people, we're not robots, and we are happy to listen to your suggestions or problems if you want to help us make a difference to our (yours, mine, everyone here) community.

Now if you'll excuse me, writing that on my phone has taken it out of me. :)

[TCA]

I have been wanting to Sub but, I get only so much a month. Maybe I'll go and check it out and if it's reasonable and nothing else comes up, I'll shoot for it. Been here since the day's of XP and hell I remember when ChaNinja, B0se, KoL would be regular posters. I've had my share of warnings, deleted posts etc. Except banishment. The rules have changed a bit since I registered, It's pretty much the standard with any online forum. Bigger it gets the more rules their will be placed and priors updated...I haven't really seen too many sub badges though, not like I used to see...(Pre-Bush era)

i'll say this much. When it comes to contacting a mod or reporting a post. If one mod doesn't get to it another will...I feel they are prompt in dealing with things and use their best judgement (even if you don't agree) Neowin has an open door policy with members. Been that way since the beginning I'm sure. Would they agree and work out some kind of deal? not sure it's a toss up. If the staff feel it's not up for discussion. Leave it alone. It's not easy doing what they do with numerous topics/posts being created daily....I am speaking of experience. I was a mod during TPCC, Admin of my own board TCCW (both wrestling) one closed and I let mine go bc of internet issues and working all the time. Things just tend to get really nuts...I do agree the front page new reports have been lacking some, idk if it's just me? maybe years ago their was all kinds of really exciting good news posts..today not so much few and far between. Some of them I do like to read even the ones most don't care for and are crap....Then if something goes wrong in comments it turns into civil war (I REALLY enjoy reading those)<--- okay I admit, I'm just wierd.

[AJerman]

Eh, I've been a paid subscriber once, and won subscriber status once, but I'm probably not going to do it again. I don't mind helping out, but I just don't use Neowin all that much these days. Just when I'm bored at work. Plus the news section has gone for the dumpster, poor forum moderation, and too many annoying trolls on the board don't really make it worth it to me. I don't want to sound ungrateful for the service provided, but it's just not the same site I subscribed to years ago.

This is not to say that you can't contact a moderator and make an appeal.

I say this is not true though. I got a baseless warning the other day, replied to the PM from the moderator, and was ignored. Of course, I'd have to care about my warning level to pursue it anymore. Hell, I don't even know where to see what my warning level is at the moment, but I've only gotten probably 2 or 3 warnings in my 10+ years here, so I'm not too worried they are going to add up to anything that matters.

[Dinggus]

Don't see a point.

[Nothing Here]

I had been thinking of subbing, but when you get ridiculed, bashed and demeaned over posts you make and staff not doing anything over it. I decided not to. This site and the staff used to be great. Once Upon A Time. Now, it's full of trolls/bullies. I can spend my money on other things.

[shinji257]

I sub because I support the site but don't always have the funds.

[shakey]

Too many trolls as of lately. Threads that get out of hand and nothing is done about it. Threads and articles seem to only get worse over the years, with more biased attitudes and such rising through out them.

Everything is just not as good as it used to be. There are less tech topics showing up, less tech discussions, and more just berating each other. Political and religoius topics are raging through the minispy, with less and less actual "meaningful" topics that help us understand the world, the science, and other things that had initially drawn me in.

Also, I've got more of a life than I had in previous years, and just spend my time here during the lull hours of work. And the time I am here, honestly, I'm enjoying myself and others less and less.... as can probably be seen in the change of my sig and such :p

[Nick H. Supervisor]

Eh, I've been a paid subscriber once, and won subscriber status once, but I'm probably not going to do it again. I don't mind helping out, but I just don't use Neowin all that much these days. Just when I'm bored at work. Plus the news section has gone for the dumpster, poor forum moderation, and too many annoying trolls on the board don't really make it worth it to me. I don't want to sound ungrateful for the service provided, but it's just not the same site I subscribed to years ago.

I say this is not true though. I got a baseless warning the other day, replied to the PM from the moderator, and was ignored. Of course, I'd have to care about my warning level to pursue it anymore. Hell, I don't even know where to see what my warning level is at the moment, but I've only gotten probably 2 or 3 warnings in my 10+ years here, so I'm not too worried they are going to add up to anything that matters.

Sorry for quoting the whole thing, my phone isn't playing nice...

I'll make it short and sweet: contact me via PM. This is an open message to everyone. You say that you PM'ed a mod and they didnt get back to you; that is wrong. Simple as.

I stand by what I have said (ref: written), we are accountable for our actions, and if something seems unjust then you should let us know. If you think a mod is abusing his or her role then you should let us know.

I never leave a PM unanswered, regardless of my status on Neowin. If anyone has a problem, PM me and I guarantee a response within 24 hours (randomness and what not aside) so that you guys have a solid line for your voice.

I love this community, hands down. Personally I am proud to consider myself a member, and I use it as a source in day to day conversation. As I said, it makes me sad to think that people are disappearing because of moderation. Once again, PM me and I will get back to you, no exceptions.

[+Majesticmerc MVC]

I had been thinking of subbing, but when you get ridiculed, bashed and demeaned over posts you make and staff not doing anything over it. I decided not to. This site and the staff used to be great. Once Upon A Time. Now, it's full of trolls/bullies. I can spend my money on other things.

Best thing you can do is stay the hell out of the domestic politics forum. Seriously. Neowin is a much friendlier place outside of there.

[remixedcat]

Best thing you can do is stay the hell out of the domestic politics forum. Seriously. Neowin is a much friendlier place outside of there.

This..., I prefer to stay out of politics cuz most of it's BS anyways....

[Nothing Here]

Best thing you can do is stay the hell out of the domestic politics forum. Seriously. Neowin is a much friendlier place outside of there.

Now that's a crock. Neowin hasn't been friendly in a very long time. I post in the help sections and I get demeaned. Now that I see how Neowin works, I will give out what I have gotten.

[Noir Angel]

As much as I admire what you're trying to say Intrinsica, not all staff members seem to be as fair as you. If you want to look for something telling, a thread was started with something like "Are you happy about your iPad being obsolete". When the same kind of thread was started about the Surface, it was closed almost immediately. There's a very obvious pro Microsoft bias here. Not all staff buy into it by any means, but a lot do. And a lot of reports that I make of trolling in threads about Google stuff do get completely ignored.

[Nothing Here]

As much as I admire what you're trying to say Intrinsica, not all staff members seem to be as fair as you. If you want to look for something telling, a thread was started with something like "Are you happy about your iPad being obsolete". When the same kind of thread was started about the Surface, it was closed almost immediately. There's a very obvious pro Microsoft bias here. Not all staff buy into it by any means, but a lot do. And a lot of reports that I make of trolling in threads about Google stuff do get completely ignored.

I agree with you about that Javik.

[Rappy Veteran]

This..., I prefer to stay out of politics cuz most of it's BS anyways....

That's an area I have never visited and never intend to

[Glassed Silver]

That's an area I have never visited and never intend to

Smart boy.

Unfortunately I'm way too interested and enthusiastic about politics and generally care about conversing and reading about US politics, which a forum with lots of US members is ideal for.

Problem is, I also get easily annoyed by bad habits, lack of respect and other unfavorable traits very common in that area of Neowin, so I'm always torn/hesitant or angry. :laugh:

Glassed Silver:mac

[+jamesyfx Subscriber²]

I subscribe so I don't have to deal with ads, and I guess I don't mind contributing a tiny fraction of my worth to a website I like to browse. The bonus forums are a perk but I don't really do much in them. :0

[chconline Veteran]

Blue badge ftw :D

[Shaun N.]

Blue badge ftw :D

Great badge but it means nothing since warwagon has also had one of these

[Jeston Veteran]

I subscribe because I have gotten so much from this site over the years and like to give something back. I don't post too often, but I spend probably 90% of my time online (which is a lot) here and when I do post, I try to only post something helpful pertaining to the topic. I'm currently on my 4th year of subscribing and don't plan on stopping soon :)

Blue badge ftw :D

I've got to agree with that one!

Edit: I need to get my sig badge working properly again...

[Steven P. Administrators]

We gave out a lot of subs up until around a year ago, so most of the current subscribers actually paid for it :p

[-T- Member]

While the badge doesn't mean much to me, I'm happy to continue subscribing just to avoid the ads

[Hawk999]

I have been a member for ten years now. And I have been a subscriber a few years back. Maybe it's nostalgia, but I remember the old Neowin as a much friendlier place. I used to love Neowin. Then there were a lot of tech geeks sharing desktops and lots of tech information. The Mac and Linux sections were more prominent en better moderated and kept up to date.

Yes I know, the name of this place is neo*Win*.

But Linux news has almost completely fallen by the side and there are trolls abound in the Linux section of the forum. Then there is, IMHO, the complete overexposure on the front page of everything Microsoft. Taken to the absurd height that I am told that a new packaging of Microsoft Office, not the release of the software itself, but the leaking of the image of the package, is news worthy of a write up on the Neowin front page.

Btw I use Windows 7 and have bought Windows 8. I do not dislike Microsoft or Windows but with the attitude of this site the last few years, boy, its tempting!

I still follow the tech news, in that Chris Pirillo is a great source, but I visit Neowin just a few times a week now. I have no hope of things getting better. It's not my site and its up to the owners what they want to do with it. It just means Neowin will lose me more and more as a regular visitor.

[+jamesyfx Subscriber²]

I actually think Neowin has gotten friendlier over the years. Or maybe I've just become desensitised to the nonsense that does go on sometimes. :rofl:

[ahhell]

As much as I admire what you're trying to say Intrinsica, not all staff members seem to be as fair as you. If you want to look for something telling, a thread was started with something like "Are you happy about your iPad being obsolete". When the same kind of thread was started about the Surface, it was closed almost immediately. There's a very obvious pro Microsoft bias here. Not all staff buy into it by any means, but a lot do. And a lot of reports that I make of trolling in threads about Google stuff do get completely ignored.

I'm going to call bull **** on this. Check out ANY MS thread and it's full of pointless and blatant trolling. NOTHING is ever done about it. Don't even get me started on John and his "articles".

If threads are going to moderated, it needs to happen evenly across the board.

[articuno1au]

As much as I admire what you're trying to say Intrinsica, not all staff members seem to be as fair as you. If you want to look for something telling, a thread was started with something like "Are you happy about your iPad being obsolete". When the same kind of thread was started about the Surface, it was closed almost immediately. There's a very obvious pro Microsoft bias here. Not all staff buy into it by any means, but a lot do. And a lot of reports that I make of trolling in threads about Google stuff do get completely ignored.

I agree with the sentiment but not the example. That thread was intended as troll bait >.> There is something of a pro-Microsoft moderation policy here, but it's greatly increased by the amount of hardcore trolling against Microsoft here.. /shrug

(To preface the following, a forum is 99% about it's community. If the community is a pain in the arse, the forum is not going to be a fun place to be >.> So yeah, I'm railing against the community as much as the moderation direction.)

Honestly, I am just sick of all the people calling out Windows 8 (and I don't think I am alone..). Everyone who uses it knows that they not everyone loves it, but I'm ****ing sick of people coming and telling us AGAIN how much you hate it.

It's gotten to the point of narcissism. There's a member on here who has a user tag like: "Windows 8 (With start 8 OTHERWISE UNUSABLE)". There's a half dozen members who have said things like "We need to keep pointing out how **** it is otherwise Microsoft will think it's ok". It's like they think this forum is Microsoft's user feedback forum.. There are other members running from thread to thread saying the same thing repeatedly and not engaging in a discussion; but instead continuing to fire off cliches with little interest in discussing it and a lot of interest in just getting their **** out there.

I originally came to Neowin after cracking the ****s with another tech forum because their journalists had lost the plot. I stayed because I found intelligent people with different opinions who could justify them with something other than "**** YOU MICROSOFT BOY". Unfortunately this isn't the case anymore. The people interested in serious debate have been driven away by the stupidity on the forums (or occasionally dragged into it) and the moderators have all responded differently with differing and inconsistent reactions.

Whilst there are a collection of decent and dedicated mods, there have been numerous occurrences where in their actions have been markedly inconsistent or disingenuous. This is compounded by a self review system that is markedly against the posters appealing moderation actions (by way of mods all (ha) being friends or the global mods being busy/uncaring about the request/query).

These are issues I raised a number of times and got nowhere with. After a particularly pointed statement by my oh so subtle self, someone asked if I hated the place why I didn't just leave. I subbed about 5 minutes later :\ I subbed to support the site and to make my position on my support known.

I want a "home" where I can talk to like minded people about technical and interesting things. I want to learn from other peoples opinions and experiences and I want somewhere I can ask questions and get serious feedback. Neowin isn't really that place anymore, but at the moment I blame Windows 8 (and the members who can't pull their heads out of their asses) and hope that in a couple of months things will sort themselves out.

Would I sub again? Perhaps, but only to support Neobond and the site. All I really gain from my subscription is the ability to edit my posts for an extended time after posting (I tend to clean up my posts after posting).

I just hope Neowin (the community that is) comes around and gets back to what it was before the retards gained a divisive target to call out with their loud and repetitive voices :\

In b4 someone calls me pro8.