A serious question about the forum rules

ReggieCleveland · January 17, 2013 11:41AM

I know there's a lot of wisecracking going on but I have a serious question about one of the rules that I don't understand. I tried to ask in the thread the mod created but it's locked.

Rule 7) This is a PSA forum. Posts promoting or bashing other grading companies or services are not allowed. Those posts will be removed and your posting privileges may be removed as well.

Does this mean that we're not allowed to discuss hobby related issues in regard to other grading companies? Are we allowed to post scans of cards in other grading companies' holders?

I realize some might think my questions are a bit stupid but I genuinely don't know the answer to them. Thanks in advance.

llafoe · January 17, 2013 11:48AM

These rules came from the PCGS side of the house... where we slammed NGC a LOT... and I mean a LOT!!!!!

Card collectors seem to be a little more accepting of PSAs competitors. The take-away from the new rules is to be respectful... of every one and every thing.

PCGS forum members seem to attack things that they perceive hurt their hobby and are very loyal to PCGS. PSA forum members seem to attack each other.

Does this mean that we're not allowed to discuss hobby related issues in regard to other grading companies? - NO

Are we allowed to post scans of cards in other grading companies' holders? - YES

Dboneesq · January 17, 2013 11:51AM

I think this is a great question. If you take all of these rules literally I don't think there would be many of us left on here. As most of you know, based upon the amount of posts I have on this forum, I enjoy this forum very much. However, I think these rules were posted without rereading them for a 2nd and 3rd time. I would be grateful to the Moderator if he would reread the rules and see if he believes a few changes/clarifications should be made.

tsalems1 · January 17, 2013 11:53AM

llafoe,

Wondering if you are a Mod here?

If not, not sure you can give these answers.

PSA may say otherwise

llafoe · January 17, 2013 11:57AM

<< llafoe,

Wondering if you are a Mod here?

If not, not sure you can give these answers.

PSA may say otherwise >>

Tom you know I'm not a Mod... I lived through these identical rules on the PCGS forum. The rules are there to "manage" those that can't manage themselves. The key it to not see them as black-and-white rules, but to see them as what they are... a tool for the Mods to enforce when enforement needs to be enforced by the enforcers toward the enforcees.

Frozencaribou · January 17, 2013 11:58AM

Not a stupid question at all. I will add:

Can we still discuss realized grades and their merit?

It seems to me that TPG's have conditioned us to critically analyze cards on a minute and subjective manner. 30 years ago we would all be talking about how many Ron Kittle rookies we had, not the pop of his Fleer rookie in PSA 10. There is an inherently critical side to the premise of collecting the perfect example of any card. Logically it then extends to realized grades and the merits of certain TPG's.

sportscardtheory · January 17, 2013 12:00PM

Kinda seems like if everyone followed the "new" rules to a T, there would be nothing to talk about other than positive aspects of PSA. People don't come to this message board to focus solely on positive aspects of PSA. I know, I know... it's not a democracy. lol This place could very quickly turn into the Beckett boards... and that would be a shame.

otwcards · January 17, 2013 12:00PM

Can one lose their posting privileges for offering a post that is negative about themselves and involves a non-hobby related topic involving another grading service?

tsalems1 · January 17, 2013 12:02PM

<< 

<< llafoe,

Wondering if you are a Mod here?

If not, not sure you can give these answers.

PSA may say otherwise >>

Tom you know I'm not a Mod... I lived through these identical rules on the PCGS forum. The rules are there to "manage" those that can't manage themselves. The key it to not see them as black-and-white rules, but to see them as what they are... a tool for the Mods to enforce when enforement needs to be enforced by the enforcers toward the enforcees.

>>

LOL,

I get that and hope thats the case.

PeteZaria · January 17, 2013 12:03PM

"Rule 2) Anyone posting crude or vulgar pictures or language will no longer be allowed to post. No more warnings."

I think this means the Veronica Belmont gif is OK, since it's not even a picture.

llafoe · January 17, 2013 12:12PM

grote15 · January 17, 2013 12:23PM

Larry is correct in that there is definitely a tighter ship run over on the PCGS boards..

TNP777 · January 17, 2013 12:49PM

<< PCGS forum members seem to attack things that they perceive hurt their hobby and are very loyal to PCGS. PSA forum members seem to attack each other.

>>

I lol'ed, then I nodded my noggin.

jwgators · January 17, 2013 12:53PM

Doesn't this just mean that the people here on the board are such small potatoes that we are willing to alienate you because the revenues you bring to our company are lost in the rounding?

llafoe · January 17, 2013 1:03PM

<< Doesn't this just mean that the people here on the board are such small potatoes that we are willing to alienate you because the revenues you bring to our company are lost in the rounding? >>

So if your parents or you as a parent provided your child(ren) reasonable rules for your household (this is PSAs household), are you trying to alienate your child(ren) by communicating those rules?

TNP777 · January 17, 2013 1:10PM

In all seriousness, the rules are all fine and good. Thanks for recognizing our rational requests.

I think.

Actually, what rational requests were actually recognized? I asked in JO's thread who it is we contact for questions/concerns/complaints. That hasn't been addressed. The overwhelming majority still don't know who is taking care of this place. A few do, though, and it appears that those special few are allowed to complain/tattle when their Spidey Sense tingles. Yeah, we realize this isn't a democracy. If that's the case, though, why are some pigs more equal than others?

Once again, I believe the moderators need to be identifiable, visible and most importantly accessible. The situation here is unlike any other I have ever experienced. CU isn't the only sports card and memorabilia company message board out there. It is, however, the only one I know of that doesn't have a well-defined moderation staff.

TNP777 · January 17, 2013 1:12PM

Stupid McCarran Airpot wifi edit #1

TNP777 · January 17, 2013 1:14PM

Stupid McCarran Airpot wifi edit #2

TNP777 · January 17, 2013 1:18PM

Stupid McCarran Airpot wifi edit #3.

TNP777 · January 17, 2013 1:23PM

It was the Dukes! It was the Dukes!

llafoe · January 17, 2013 1:24PM

TNP777 - Ok, ok... we get your point(s)!

Here's a thought, the forum rules were posted by SportsModerator1... if you enter that thread (which will always be on top), you can send SportsModerator1 a PM.

cpamike · January 17, 2013 1:27PM

Hey Geordie,

Did you get any peanuts? I used to love the honey roasted ones. Too bad they don't give those ones out anymore.

llafoe · January 17, 2013 1:33PM

<< Stupid Airpot wifi >>

I agree... Stupid AirPOT

TNP777 · January 17, 2013 1:37PM

<< 

<< Stupid Airpot wifi >>

I agree... Stupid AirPOT

>>

negative, Ghost Rider. No whacky tobaccy for this kid.

SportsModerator · January 17, 2013 1:53PM

Response to ReggieCleveland:

1. Does this mean that we're not allowed to discuss hobby related issues in regard to other grading companies?
Answer: Discussing hobby related issues in regards to other grading companies is permitted. There is huge difference between merely discussing another company’s services and outright bashing. True, it is not a huge problem on the PSA side, but it was worth leaving in to ensure that this area is likewise covered on this forum. In essence, we’re trying to emphasize that PSA likewise does not support the bashing of anyone – be it a fellow member or a competitor. Bashing of other companies, in general, is just not condoned here.

2. Are we allowed to post scans of cards in other grading companies' holders?
Answer: Yes, you can still post scans of cards in our competitors’ holders. However, it all depends on the context in which you post them. As long as you are respectful and are keeping the post informative as opposed to simply derogatory, you will be fine.

Response to Dboneesq: Be assured, the rules were read and re-read before posting. I stand by the rules and will be happy to clarify any additional questions you may have directly via email. I am happy to elaborate wherever need be.

Response to Frozencaribou:
1. Can we still discuss realized grades and their merit?
Answer: Analyzing and discussing your realized grades is permitted as long as it is done in a respectful manner. Having open discussions about the merits of a particular card and arguing why you feel a certain grade was deserved/not deserved is fair enough. Outright bashing of PSA, its graders and its grading process is quite another. Everything revolves around respect – if you cannot be respectful of this forum’s host, then you do not belong here.

Response to otwcards:
1. Can one lose their posting privileges for offering a post that is negative about themselves and involves a non-hobby related topic involving another grading service?
Answer: Although the humor underpinning your question does not escape me, I must still reiterate that we will not allow negative posts of any sort or non-hobby related topics to exist here.

Response to anyone who is upset about the rules and where they originated:
There is no reason to reinvent the wheel here. It is all very simple – respect and decent behavior is all PSA asks for as you interact with other members and post text on this forum. It was evident that this board lacked boundaries, so we adopted a template that has already proven to work. If you don’t like any of the rules, where they came from or even their tone, then you are welcome to exercise your power of free will at any time. This board aims to regain a level of respectability that has been lost and anyone not willing to participate is certainly not being forced to stay.

Again, if you have any serious questions, I urge you to simply email me, the Forum Admin / Moderator, directly: webmaster@collectors.com. You will always receive a response.

Sincerely,
Forum Admin

tunahead08 · January 17, 2013 2:00PM

I think someone has let the "Supreme Ruler" part go to their head...

JMDVM · January 17, 2013 2:09PM

Why is the identity of the Sports Moderator a secret?

TNP777 · January 17, 2013 2:14PM

<< Hey Geordie,

Did you get any peanuts? I used to love the honey roasted ones. Too bad they don't give those ones out anymore.

>>

I'm flying Spirit Air tonight. The only thing they give out free is aggravation and flight delays. Peanuts, water and legroom cost extra.

I got a nice surprise during my stay at the Rio, though. A local buddy delivered a '65 Frank Robinson and a tough '66 high number Jim Northrup. Nothing like having old cardboard greet me at the front desk.

greencrow · January 17, 2013 2:15PM

In the great words of the late Rodney King( April 2, 1965). Can we all get along.

llafoe · January 17, 2013 2:15PM

<< Why is the identity of the Sports Moderator a secret? >>

I asked a similar question at work... "Why is the identity of the person that brings the water for the water cooler a secret?" I know it's not important and that the only thing that mattered was that he/she did their job. Regardless, I still had to know!!!!!

nightcrawler · January 17, 2013 4:10PM

Where's the beer stand??

Frozencaribou · January 17, 2013 8:57PM

Moderator, thanks for the response. It was the answer I was hoping for.

-Nathanael

stown · January 17, 2013 9:24PM

+1 for a SMOtis sighting.

I can attest that he's reasonable, even handed, will respond in a timely fashion, and won't put up with extremes on either side (cry babies v flamers).

ElToroLoco · January 18, 2013 9:50AM

I feel like I am in 4th grade again. Wait, am I allowed to feel?

Foo3112 · January 18, 2013 9:53AM

I agree with the rules.

I really dislike the way the moderator came across in presenting them.

Someone obviously had a bad day.

ElToroLoco · January 18, 2013 9:53AM

The rules did seem to be written in haste with a dictator like tone but if that's what it takes to get the Old West in order, so be it!

ElToroLoco · January 18, 2013 10:10AM

<< This board aims to regain a level of respectability that has been lost >>

You should hang out at the other boards!

Bunker · January 18, 2013 10:30AM

<< The rules did seem to be written in haste with a dictator like tone but if that's what it takes to get the Old West in order, so be it! >>

PCGS Forum Rules 2010/updated Feb 2012

Not written in haste...copied over from the coin side

ElToroLoco · January 18, 2013 10:46AM

<< PCGS Forum Rules 2010/updated Feb 2012 >>

<< Not written in haste...copied over from the coin side >>

So we're like a new territory being governed by a supreme ruler. As long as I don't have to pay taxes!

dennis07 · January 18, 2013 11:35AM

"The rules did seem to be written in haste with a dictator like tone"

I'm pretty sure the "dictator like tone" was intentional. He basically said as much when posting the rules.
Even still some continue to poke the bear with the stick. I mean no disrespect to any one individual I'm just pointing out the obvious.

A serious question about the forum rules

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