What can we do, as Yahoo! Answers Hockey contributors (regular and new), do to make this forum better?

• For the past few weeks, the quality of content here on this forum is creeping to "Beverly Hills Cop 3" territory: it has some good points, but the overall picture is not good. In fact, two valuable contributors have decided that it's not even worth their time or trouble to join in on questions and answers, while some of us do not frequent as often as before (yours truly included). Let's face it: we all love hockey here, and there just needs to be an overhaul of garbage that has plagued this fun spot on the internet for all of us. What can we do as a small community to better this forum?

• Answer:

  I think folks who are new to this forum bring with them their experiences from other forums. I had to adjust to this place as I'm sure many others had to do. What I see is an attitude of trash talking, internet tough guys, and a general lack of respect for others especially fans of other teams. What I can do is NOT to feed that "animal" when it comes here. Most animals are attracted to food and lose interest when they realize none is available. The other element that we have very little control over is Yahoo's policy of moderation. There is no way in the world I can be convinced that the general community is in any way capable of enforcing the rules of conduct on a consistent basis. If that were possible, then all citizens in all countries throughout the world would be allowed to brandish guns and a badge. The fact that where people can and do walk with weapons and carry out their own law, is indicative of how such a policy gives life to anarchy. I often chastise Yahoo about this but I'm either ignored by them or ostracized by like minded, pie-in-the-sky sympathizers, or both. I know that the longer tenured a user becomes, the more aligned they become to the mindset that has evolved from basic human respect. That's due in large part to our longevity. The fact that Yahoo Answers is freely accessible makes it possible for anyone to come here, start some crap and take advantage of the other exploitable features (reporting) to exercise their disdain for others. In other words, if they have no interest in being a part of the community, then they do what they can to fracture the community. Other factors can have some say in any persons decision to leave. I know from experience that I say that there is nothing more I can get out of this place. But when I stay, or return from some away time, I find it as refreshing as it ever was for the people that I have grown accustomed to. If someone wants to leave, perhaps that desire began a long time ago and all one needed was the "push" of something negative to throw in the towel. That's understandable. But they always have the option to return. I'll close with some suggestions that may seem like I'm pointing fingers. The truth is that's the last thing I want to do. I respect 90% of all folks that post here on a regular basis and any critique is of what I see and not of any single person. 1) Treat others as if you are responsible for the site. 2) Be open to guidance and criticism from other tenured users. 3) Understand that some criticism may come out of frustration and that not all people can say what they mean without hurting someone else. 4) Serve the purpose (answering) of any legitimate question before injecting your opinion. 5) Keep your questions hockey related. Stay on topic. 6) Don't bring drama. Take any controversy you have with someone and deal with it via e-mail or IM. 7) Protect the newcomer from repeat abusers. 8) Treat people like they are sitting right next to you, instead of the other end of the line. 9) Understand that we don't have to agree on anything here. We all have our opinions. 10) Don't start trouble in other categories and then bring that trouble back here. I will post more if they come to me. Great question Snoop. It's users like yourself that make coming back to this forum again and again that much easier.