Post 9p9LAHxl8B38WWBLQu by freemo@qoto.org
(DIR) More posts by freemo@qoto.org
(DIR) Post #9p9LAHxl8B38WWBLQu by freemo@qoto.org
2019-11-20T09:59:07Z
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So I'm realizing a big problem with allow non-englist posts in QOTO.., Me and the other mods ( @arteteco and @Surasanji ) cant moderate it proactively. We have to wait for reports and then still have trouble.It hasnt been a problem yet but worries me.
(DIR) Post #9p9LhQ4A1YcZDAySZs by mngrif@qoto.org
2019-11-20T10:05:06Z
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@freemo @arteteco @Surasanji the solution is, at least, obvious. somehow get a mod that speaks ... whatever the hell is going through the local TL. i see at least four different languages that i don't speak...we should leverage our new friends, there are a lot of well-meaning souls that have joined us.
(DIR) Post #9p9LmoM78xRHzZwVvs by johnlitt@qoto.org
2019-11-20T10:06:04Z
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@freemo @arteteco @Surasanji Is it not possible to have moderators for various languages?(*wink* i can volunteer for german if required)
(DIR) Post #9p9OwVg9jngepFdL9c by design_RG@qoto.org
2019-11-20T10:41:32Z
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@johnlitt @freemo @arteteco @Surasanji Yes, this had crossed my mind earlier even, when I saw posts that are not only a language I don't know, but in a non-Latin script, which I tried OCR'Ãng at yandex Translate and wasn't able to.John's suggestion is a good one, and I am waiting to gain experience and the qualifications needed to volunteer in that role in the future as well. But even so, there will be posts only a few users would understand, and waiting for a complaint/post report is not ideal.Opening up a discussion is a good thing. Maybe having local active and trusted users vouch for the thread early on (and follow it closely) could help, in a Contributor's role as we see in other communities (Forums I participated in the past).Eager to follow this discussion. 😉
(DIR) Post #9p9YYjqEQgITLEeM1g by Sphinx@qoto.org
2019-11-20T12:29:17Z
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@johnlitt @freemo @arteteco @Surasanji i can volunteer for Chinese if required
(DIR) Post #9p9e4V1tXCl8RO4MTY by Karthikdeva@qoto.org
2019-11-20T13:30:55Z
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@freemo @arteteco @Surasanji Indian languages, especially Tamil (which I'm seeing a lot in QOTO instance) and Hindi (barely) needs to be checked promptly.
(DIR) Post #9p9eqbXubsDqYDz2O0 by design_RG@qoto.org
2019-11-20T13:39:44Z
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@Karthikdeva @freemo @arteteco @Surasanji We will need to have people willing to offer the help and monitor them, or ban non-english posts outright.Restricting to western script, european languages only is easier, but could be seen as unfairly restrictive.
(DIR) Post #9p9f8xhqxOM0UbO2sK by design_RG@qoto.org
2019-11-20T13:43:04Z
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@Karthikdeva @freemo @arteteco @Surasanji If there's any problematic posting in one of those unfathomable language/scripts, we end up facing anger from remote instance admins, or possibly flam wars if post is political in nature.Neither an interesting perpective or productive use of admin, mod team's time and attention.I would suggest reinforcing the site's main subject / theme as well, we don't want to be another masto.social with thousands of general posting users imo.
(DIR) Post #9p9fJ2vcOdjFaHdMbQ by Karthikdeva@qoto.org
2019-11-20T13:44:53Z
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@design_RG @arteteco @Surasanji it may seem unfair. But I'm okay with whatever @freemo decides. I'm willing to help mods w.r.t Indian languages (Tamil, Hindi, etc)
(DIR) Post #9p9fVihGvZHSbOy0Mi by design_RG@qoto.org
2019-11-20T13:47:10Z
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@Karthikdeva @arteteco @Surasanji @freemo That's wonderful Karthik! Site really needs help with those.I am planning to offer my help on the next mod nominations round, when i will have enough time and experience.
(DIR) Post #9p9fiuYi8WTR9jFiaW by Karthikdeva@qoto.org
2019-11-20T13:49:33Z
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@design_RG @freemo @arteteco @Surasanji It's extremely complicated. My first few days in QOTO, I was indulged in political toots and conversations with members of other instances. #QOTO has a beautiful theme. But i guess, its not just limited to STEM (but primarily )
(DIR) Post #9p9fs3cXoXRRroPHma by freemo@qoto.org
2019-11-20T13:51:07Z
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@design_RG For the moment the best way to help is to report non-english posts asap and offer a translation when you do.@Karthikdeva @arteteco @Surasanji
(DIR) Post #9p9fw9I6fq12bynYBs by Karthikdeva@qoto.org
2019-11-20T13:51:51Z
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@freemo @design_RG @arteteco @Surasanji yup, duly noted :)
(DIR) Post #9p9g22qRYNMIMAfcsy by design_RG@qoto.org
2019-11-20T13:53:01Z
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@Karthikdeva @freemo @arteteco @Surasanji A light touch at the tiller is essential for good seamanship sometimes. Pointing the way without being harsh, ideal.The site has this unique focus and a talented membership acting in the STEM field, education, etc. we might lose people if it turns spammy and messy; there are many instances to chose.I hope we can find the right approach, and it's nice that things here are discussed so openly. Unusual in my past experience.
(DIR) Post #9p9gAO7gKHL8fLiC24 by freemo@qoto.org
2019-11-20T13:54:26Z
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@design_RG Thats the fear, relying on reports usually means its too late..@Karthikdeva @arteteco @Surasanji
(DIR) Post #9p9gXtE6qjCnnCvOpk by design_RG@qoto.org
2019-11-20T13:58:42Z
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@freemo @Karthikdeva @arteteco @Surasanji If we get flamed from other instances it will be hell, and denigrate this instance's reputation.Politics in India and the region can be quite passionate and inflamed from what I have seen. It doesn't belong here, that kind of discussion or conflict, so it's important to have monitoring if posts in these languages stay accepted.
(DIR) Post #9p9h7Ye6qSjyO75sp6 by design_RG@qoto.org
2019-11-20T14:05:13Z
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@freemo @Karthikdeva @arteteco @Surasanji In interest of being clear, I have blocked non-western script posts, which are totally obscure to me, via settings in mastodon web client. So I haven't seen any posts that Mastodon identifies as non-english or european languages.
(DIR) Post #9p9ibgOKiC5j3HdwG0 by freemo@qoto.org
2019-11-20T14:21:46Z
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@design_RG Yea for most users they wont see languages they dont know. I am worried for the users who can understand it and might be seeing spam.@Karthikdeva @arteteco @Surasanji
(DIR) Post #9p9lRgOI9vmI15Xz9s by sylveon@neckbeard.xyz
2019-11-20T14:49:31.855671Z
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@design_RG @Karthikdeva @freemo @arteteco @Surasanji just scrolling through the feserated timeline here but i think getting some mods that speak Indian languages would be the best option
(DIR) Post #9p9lRgs4NDb5VRTlZY by freemo@qoto.org
2019-11-20T14:53:34Z
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@sylveon The issue isnt limited to indian languages however. We have other languages used here as well.@arteteco @design_RG @Karthikdeva @Surasanji
(DIR) Post #9pACaxDRfelnZE7Ry5 by khird@qoto.org
2019-11-20T19:57:45Z
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@freemo @arteteco @SurasanjiI can read French without much difficulty, which I've seen a lot in the federated timeline. It hasn't shown up here yet, but if that community establishes a presence on this instance feel free to reach out.I'm also making progress at learning Farsi, which I see occasionally on the local timeline. Nothing's appeared offensive to me yet, but I'm not yet proficient enough to identify innuendos etc. that aren't outright insults.
(DIR) Post #9pAg8vVPQvZmmO4b6O by design_RG@qoto.org
2019-11-21T01:28:56Z
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@khirdThat's kind of you, thank you, Kyle. A service to the community, if we can spot any improper posting, no matter the language. @freemo @arteteco @Surasanji I am guilty of some Spanish practice chatter with some of our own users and visitors. I do speak Portuguese as well, although haven't met any local user here yet who speaks it.The major problem is the non-western languages which are obscure to most of us, and difficult even to try and machine transtalate - I copied one from a local post and tried Yandex Translate, but it did not auto-recognize and I wasn't sure either which it would be (appears to be Tamil).For someone who knows a language and lives overseas, a spontaneous conversation which pops up in a thread can feel homely, or be a chance to practice for someone who's learning. The Western European languages are fairly common and easier to comprehend, even if someone is beginning to learn.I keep following the Le Monde bot, and enjoy parsing the news headers and enjoying the polish and elegance of their French texts.
(DIR) Post #9pBZJqxw9DinMbdjVo by namark@mastodon.gamedev.place
2019-11-21T11:47:04Z
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@freemo @arteteco @Surasanji Most languages can be translated automatically, and while not perfect, it should be good enough for initial screening process and identifying the potentially "bad" ones, I think. Then can first ask to the tooter for an explanation, and if they don't/can't cooperate ask the community.Regarding waiting for reports being "too late", I think that's more of a growth issue, language is just another speed bump not a brick wall.
(DIR) Post #9pBZWT7u5oLRByJjcG by freemo@qoto.org
2019-11-21T11:49:26Z
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@namark @arteteco @Surasanji Fair points, for now I prefer to rely on translations. But its tricky since it isnt automatic. Also tone and subtle context is important a lot of times.
(DIR) Post #9pBb8Vzty0er3RHQps by namark@mastodon.gamedev.place
2019-11-21T12:07:29Z
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@freemo @arteteco @Surasanji hmmm... quick search for a browser plugin yielded nothing automatic... shame on UI
(DIR) Post #9pBbGmm9TBTVPLnC7s by freemo@qoto.org
2019-11-21T12:08:59Z
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@namark TL;DR Gargron, why not automatic translation in mastodon? I am kinda surprised @gargron hasnt implemented this feature. I'd also be curious as to why if he is willing to share.@arteteco @Surasanji
(DIR) Post #9pBySD9e21oNLsCLhY by johnlitt@qoto.org
2019-11-21T16:28:51Z
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@design_RG @freemo @arteteco @Surasanji I would suggest something like limited-permission-moderators., its worked well for reddit for instance
(DIR) Post #9pCGAklW7wHXYYjo8G by design_RG@qoto.org
2019-11-21T19:47:24Z
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@johnlitt That is a good idea.I am getting a bit worried about the impact on the instance of too many general, "spammy" posts, while the site's clientele might have joined originally due to the focus it has.@freemo @arteteco @Surasanji
(DIR) Post #9pCH1AeT7xjktqR4MK by freemo@qoto.org
2019-11-21T19:56:43Z
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@design_RG I agree I have the same concern and I'm worried that may be flourishing in other languages where I cant really offer my usual guidance (like directing non-stem users to more relevant instances via suggestion)@johnlitt @arteteco @Surasanji
(DIR) Post #9pCHlqLORs2hWjlhPk by design_RG@qoto.org
2019-11-21T20:05:12Z
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@freemo I was going to suggest spelling out the meaning of the acronym STEM in full words in the entrance area, maybe in the text that ends up showing in the joinmastodon.org website (and brings lots of new users looking for a home).Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics are intense and interesting subjects, this instance is unique in offering a home for users who are into those, or just want to learn.We need to keep the focus, or we lose relevancy, disgruntled users, etc.Spammy posting originating from an instance also diminish the instance's street cred and reputation. This instance is well run, hosted on stable server and with a focus that I find quite unique and important.Too bad we don't have the "Pinned Threads"or Posts we had in Forums - that would be a good place to have general guidance information to keep things more or less in focus.@johnlitt @arteteco @Surasanji
(DIR) Post #9pCJDqZ9JiaIHH7TYO by freemo@qoto.org
2019-11-21T20:21:29Z
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@design_RG Its a good start I agree.@johnlitt @arteteco @Surasanji
(DIR) Post #9pDk1bKP2M91SoZEIa by johnlitt@qoto.org
2019-11-22T12:56:32Z
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@freemo @design_RG @arteteco @Surasanji I asked some indian friends to translate some of the toots here, i was told that most of the tweets are about family and politics and stuff. People from some specific countries see to be using qoto as a baby-facebook-insta-twitter hybrid with no accord to "science-tech-eng-math". I thnk this trend would hurt this instance in the long run
(DIR) Post #9pDkD5GS4i2fUkC7zU by freemo@qoto.org
2019-11-22T12:58:36Z
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@johnlitt I agree, I have no interest in enforcing all posts be STEM related, that would be harmful too. But I do wish to see people here who are either STEM professionals or at least wish STEM to be what they want to surround themselves with.@design_RG @arteteco @Surasanji
(DIR) Post #9pDkLXDk1BE2W4xMW0 by design_RG@qoto.org
2019-11-22T13:00:11Z
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@johnlitt That's what I think too, John.We need to act to change course, before it gets out of hand.There are many "General" instances, we could compile a list of suggestions maybe.STEM and related content probably will come in English, I imagine. Even if in other European languages, we can easily translate them.The non-western scripts, we can't, so it just flies by unchecked.@freemo @arteteco @Surasanji
(DIR) Post #9pDkmjlNUdvJEdf21I by design_RG@qoto.org
2019-11-22T13:05:03Z
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@freemo It could be like the different areas on an office or school/college.There's the lecture hall, the professor's offices, and the water cooler where everyone hangs out and chats general topics.As long as the crowd is formed by people with interest in the instance's theme, it can work.It's not really a good thing to have general posting by users who just needed a home in the fediverse.Occasional banter, chit chat on a thread is ok; if that's all a user has to contribute, I am afraid we suffer from sheer dilution.@johnlitt @arteteco @Surasanji
(DIR) Post #9pDlG1XKUVimkx3SFM by freemo@qoto.org
2019-11-22T13:10:19Z
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@design_RG I think the key point there I agree with is the nature of the crowd formed. As long as everyone who joins is explicitly a STEM enthusiast as a central point of interest for them, that is enough.But I see a lot of people who come here who have never made a single STEM related post and doesnt seem to comment much on STEM related topics. That's an issue.To me if your bio lists a few STEM related interests, profression, or study that would be enough for me to say someone is a fit for the community. @arteteco @Surasanji @johnlitt
(DIR) Post #9pDlkxlUZ0gy2IQqbg by design_RG@qoto.org
2019-11-22T13:15:55Z
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@freemo Agreed. We see a problem, and it's time to reflect and decide how to handle it.For new users coming in the future, and for the ones already here. This part might be the harder one, as we would need to suggest, request or direct changes in the posting style.If it is done with care, and explaining the reasons, the impact on a unique instance, maybe it can gain cooperation from them.Acting asap is needed, though. The user and post count just posted by users bot shows the number of daily average posts tripling, from September (~300 a day) to November, after the new users spike (~900 a day, many very short, one liners, etc).@arteteco @Surasanji @johnlitt
(DIR) Post #9pDmQGRs0HhJr3wq4u by Ytrezar@fedi.absturztau.be
2019-11-22T13:16:35.916004Z
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@freemo I don't really understand why someone not interested in this kind of subject would choose an instance based on this tho...At lease even if they don't talk about this they may be reading everything.But in the same time if their main goal is to read STEM Related stuff they could do it from any other remote place...
(DIR) Post #9pDmQGl0r70goQu7uq by freemo@qoto.org
2019-11-22T13:23:22Z
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@Ytrezar Well i think its because they dont pay attention. We are in the #1 spot on the server list duue to our growth % right now and i think most people just pick the first instace and dont read up on it. Moreover if they are posting in another language they probably ignore the bulk of the feed
(DIR) Post #9pDmUSm47QL7EzOdea by freemo@qoto.org
2019-11-22T13:24:09Z
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@design_RG Agreed@arteteco @Surasanji @johnlitt
(DIR) Post #9pDmlW1XI3lWF3lQ12 by Ytrezar@fedi.absturztau.be
2019-11-22T13:26:13.173161Z
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@freemo I've seen similar stuff yeah.. Some people just use any instance as long as it's connected to the rest of the world.I think they are missing one of the main advantage of the fediverse tho. Being in an instance is really comfy if you choose if well.The tools that help people to choose an instance still need to be improved,Good luck in the meanwhile !
(DIR) Post #9pDmlWY9KnqxsD1Sqm by freemo@qoto.org
2019-11-22T13:27:12Z
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@Ytrezar Thanks, I welcome any insights you might have on this, otherwise thank you for your input so far.
(DIR) Post #9pESRM7EcBAjnOUzxI by design_RG@qoto.org
2019-11-22T21:14:12Z
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@freemo I have just sent a DM to someone posting a new topic, along the lines we have been discussing here.Sent via Direct Message, so it's private and not embarassing. I used the following text:" (user handle(s) at the top)Hello, good afternoon.We have been discussing some issues in a thread here, could you scan thru it? It's relevant and important.Thank you!https://qoto.org/web/statuses/103181749788422818"...the URL links back to this thread. 🤔 @arteteco @Surasanji @johnlitt
(DIR) Post #9pIVkPF6I3c9USnFbM by arteteco@qoto.org
2019-11-24T20:10:08Z
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@design_RG @johnlitt @freemo @Surasanji I was trying to check out report #480... utterly impossible. We can't mod on this kind of content.I see 3 main topic interlacing here though:Modding foreign alphabets and how to focus more on the STEM aspect.Both, I feel, should be discussed in the forum, I easily lose the thread using mastodon =D
(DIR) Post #9pIWvKjDVx0Id4ediS by freemo@qoto.org
2019-11-24T20:23:16Z
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@arteteco Agreed forumn is better.@design_RG @johnlitt @Surasanji
(DIR) Post #9pIZhSZzpIkAmuPxzM by johnlitt@qoto.org
2019-11-24T20:54:27Z
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@arteteco @design_RG @freemo @Surasanji Is there a forum?!?!?!!?!
(DIR) Post #9pIZkrs2FfXu5xTqts by freemo@qoto.org
2019-11-24T20:54:59Z
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@johnlitt https://discourse.qoto.org@arteteco @design_RG @Surasanji
(DIR) Post #9pIaGGd8FJUvrYTwTw by johnlitt@qoto.org
2019-11-24T21:00:39Z
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@freemo @arteteco @design_RG @Surasanji Cool.. signed up there.. thanks!
(DIR) Post #9pIkD2ccs2dF5eLUjg by design_RG@qoto.org
2019-11-24T22:52:14Z
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@johnlitt Ooops, venue moving, lets place a link here once the thread has started over there. So people interested can follow.Just came back from grocery run, heading to Forum.@freemo @arteteco @Surasanji
(DIR) Post #9pIliq05QtZNAL2q80 by design_RG@qoto.org
2019-11-24T23:09:10Z
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@johnlitt @freemo @arteteco @Surasanji Been there, looked around, where is everyone? 🙊 J/k, we need a topic or 3 to discuss the pending issues, there's various.I imagine it will be a thread or threads in the QOTO area? https://discourse.qoto.org/c/QOTO...could start something up, but don't want to do something that doesn't meet with everyone's approval.Will wait for input.
(DIR) Post #9pIlpajaaeKrqVY55M by freemo@qoto.org
2019-11-24T23:10:19Z
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@design_RG Feel free to start it, we can edit. Along with any other threads you wsh to starty just for fun if you have any@johnlitt @arteteco @Surasanji
(DIR) Post #9pImHjr2H88mEvSASW by design_RG@qoto.org
2019-11-24T23:15:25Z
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@freemo Thank you, I am not shy to push the New Topic button, it's jsut that arteteco mentioned seeing 3 different issues interleaving on the current thread. Each is important, and now we have to start over, with links back to posts here if possible, summarizing each of the issues.Do we have an Exec Assistant on staff? 😅 @johnlitt @arteteco @Surasanji
(DIR) Post #9pImNvK0YLt5XgxDI8 by freemo@qoto.org
2019-11-24T23:16:30Z
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@design_RG I wish :)@johnlitt @arteteco @Surasanji
(DIR) Post #9pImfqyrQphdI7c1iK by design_RG@qoto.org
2019-11-24T23:19:47Z
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@freemo I will have to focus to be able to bridge the topics then.Will get to it soon, but it's not an easy task. Do my best.To clarify, it's on the QOTO area, not Moderation, for now, right? A lot of the issues are general site philosophy and direction, I would keep it at the upper, more open lounge level.@johnlitt @arteteco @Surasanji
(DIR) Post #9pImpjcNf0xFLuoEHQ by freemo@qoto.org
2019-11-24T23:21:33Z
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@design_RG Either would do, moderation makes sense to me as it is a rule regarding moderation.@johnlitt @arteteco @Surasanji
(DIR) Post #9pInD8ESJOyYLtm6wC by design_RG@qoto.org
2019-11-24T23:25:48Z
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@freemo Yes, I can see the relation to Moderation. My suggestion of the upper level is because so far it's been open and broadcast to all in the fedi interested in following it.But Mod area is still visible by default, no? I think it is, even for non-logged in users?@johnlitt @arteteco @Surasanji
(DIR) Post #9pIt0ASdJWopDzbkUy by design_RG@qoto.org
2019-11-25T00:30:44Z
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@freemo I just finished creating two new threads for discussions regarding the themes which are mixed in this and other threads here.1. The Site's Theme and the influx of new users; preserving focus and maintaining quality and current user's interest on a time of change.https://discourse.qoto.org/t/nov-2019-site-issues-discussions-preserving-qotos-s-t-e-m-focus-in-a-time-of-growth-steering-site/103/12. The use of Foreign languages and non-Latin character script in the Local and fediverse postings https://discourse.qoto.org/t/nov-2019-site-issues-discussions-non-english-and-foreign-script-posts** Participation in these discussions is open to all QOTO membership. The Discourse forum linked above is part of QOTO and hosted in the same facilities. You can see those and other threads, read posts at will** You can also register at the Discourse site. I suggest using the SAME username you use at the Mastodon instance here, for easier recognition.The Forum will allow the discussion to be visible and not lost in a labyrinth of different threads, as it has happen so far as this was generated by a general feeling that there are some problems and action is needed.Thank you! 🤔 ➕ @johnlitt @arteteco @Surasanji
(DIR) Post #9pJYmZGKVAeqAM3CNs by freemo@qoto.org
2019-11-25T08:18:49Z
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@design_RG @johnlitt @arteteco @Surasanji Thanks so much