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A question

Us 4 and Jess

By Us 4 and Jess
in United Kingdom and Ireland

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Us 4 and Jess

+Us 4 and Jess

Posted
Posted

Please could Mandarin explain to me and many others who I am sure do not understand this...

 

I have had 3 PMs about my thread being closed down and also an email

 

I did mention the PDSA in my thread is that the problem because I named a charity? :D

 

I honestly thought we were allowed to link to pages pages on this forum as long as we did not mention the charities/companies names the same as linking to Garmin/a pub menu/a company ect

 

I do feel at the moment TPTB are in the words of one of our fellow cachers "making it up as they go along"

 

I dont wish to cause any problems for anyone but I really dont understand (and obviously others dont either) what is allowed and what is not. :D

 

Mandy ;)

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Us 4 and Jess

+Us 4 and Jess

Posted
  • Author
Posted (edited)

Commerciality and postings with a larger agenda: It is Groundspeak's desire to maintain forums for the purpose of promoting the activity of geocaching and GPS usage. As a result, we intend to limit forum discussions that promote a commercial, social, political or charitable agenda insofar as the agenda does not reasonably relate to the activity of geocaching and GPS usage. Therefore, threads or posts perceived to have been made with the intent of promoting any of the above agendas will not be permitted. Please note that our Volunteer Forum Moderators are authorized to exercise their discretion in providing some reasonable latitude for forum discussion postings relating to local events and issues in local discussion forums. Notwithstanding the above, Groundspeak reserves the right to include or permit the inclusion of limited commercial content in this forum, in its sole discretion."

 

I just about understand the above quote :D

 

but I was not promoting anything, I was simply saying thank you to the people that had bought calendars, and linking to a page where I had paid the money to show people where their money had gone and to prove that I had paid. :D

 

Just Giving is NOT a charity !!

 

Mandy ;)

Edited by Us 4 and Jess
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The Hornet

+The Hornet

Posted
Posted

Mandy, from my perspective, once the link had been removed your original thread was thanking people for a caching related activity/item. IMHO you had complied with the spirit of the guidelines.

 

If TPTB object to this then the (Geocaching) World has truly gone mad. Well done for your efforts but don't bother trying to help others here again. Stick to the other local forums where you're appreciated.

 

Peter.

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drdick&vick

+drdick&vick

Posted
Posted (edited)

As a relative newcomer to Geocaching I thought I would give the forums a try but from what I have seen and read so far they are ok but being ruled by an everchanging set of rules. I have found that on most forums that if you are one of the 'in' crowd you can get away with most things but on here nobody gets away with anything, step out of line and get a ban or your thread gets closed.

Not for me thanks, I shall just enjoy my caching without the forum.

Edited by DrDick&Vick
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Michael

+Michael

Posted
Posted

If you feel that you are not getting the level of service you should be from the reviewers or forum moderators simply e-mail; reviewers@geocaching.com with your concerns.

This e-mail address is only for reporting concerns regarding Cache reviewers and Forum Moderators.

Happy Geocaching

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big_bob

big_bob

Posted
Posted

Can someone explain to me who is modding this forum? Is it the local moderator(s) or is it someone from afar who doesn't understand how people in the UK think? After all, while it is hosted on the Groundspeak servers it is supposed to be for Uk cachers.

 

We obviously have different standards and surely these should be accommodated. It seems to me that "they" have it in for certain regular posters to this forum (not me for sure).

 

Has it always been like this here? Having spent some time going through the history of postings it seems to have suddenly gone downhill over the last few months.

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Edgemaster

Edgemaster

Posted
Posted (edited)

Can someone explain to me who is modding this forum? Is it the local moderator(s) or is it someone from afar who doesn't understand how people in the UK think? After all, while it is hosted on the Groundspeak servers it is supposed to be for Uk cachers.

Mandarin's (the UK moderator) identity was made public, and certainly lives in the UK. They are bound to moderate to the Groundspeak-set guidelines.

Edited by Edgemaster
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big_bob

big_bob

Posted
Posted

Mandarin's (the UK moderator) identity was made public, and certainly lives in the UK.

Oh I know that, but there seems to be many contributions from American based officials, such as the recent post by Michael. I was just pondering that we seem to be under intense scrutiny these days.

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mongoose39uk

+mongoose39uk

Posted
Posted

Can someone explain to me who is modding this forum? Is it the local moderator(s) or is it someone from afar who doesn't understand how people in the UK think? After all, while it is hosted on the Groundspeak servers it is supposed to be for Uk cachers.

 

We obviously have different standards and surely these should be accommodated. It seems to me that "they" have it in for certain regular posters to this forum (not me for sure).

 

Has it always been like this here? Having spent some time going through the history of postings it seems to have suddenly gone downhill over the last few months.

 

I think more precisely a Geocaching forum not a forum for geocachers....... a slight but important difference, while I may not agree with all Mrs Blorenges decisions, I know she is working hard to stick to the guidelines.

 

Perhaps its time to take a step back and allow the reviewers and moderators time to settle in and stop challenging every decision they make. ;)

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Us 4 and Jess

+Us 4 and Jess

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Please let keep this "nice" as I would like an answer to my question :D

 

I did mention the PDSA is that why the thread was closed? :D

 

And I did do a link to Just Giving, is that why the thread was closed? (If that is the reason I do not understand as Just Giving is NOT a charity) :D

 

If we dont know what we are allowed to do and what we are not allowed to do then we are going to keep making mistakes/having threads closed/get warnings/3 day bans.

 

The only way to learn is to ask questions which I have done, and hopefully on Ducky's return she will answer them. ;)

 

Mandy ;)

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Dorsetgal & GeoDog

+Dorsetgal & GeoDog

Posted
Posted

<snip> I have found that on most forums that if you are one of the 'in' crowd you can get away with most things but on here nobody gets away with anything, step out of line and get a ban or your thread gets closed.

</snip>

 

Actually, I'd be inclined to disagree, there are those who do get away with most things here, but the rest of us are subjected to Big Brothers Ever Changing Rules! ;)

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Munkeh

+Munkeh

Posted
Posted

Please let keep this "nice" as I would like an answer to my question :D

 

And I did do a link to Just Giving, is that why the thread was closed? (If that is the reason I do not understand as Just Giving is NOT a charity) :D

 

Mandy ;)

 

just giving is a commercial fund raising site, it takes a percentage of the money given

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Dorsetgal & GeoDog

+Dorsetgal & GeoDog

Posted
Posted (edited)

Please let keep this "nice" as I would like an answer to my question :D

 

And I did do a link to Just Giving, is that why the thread was closed? (If that is the reason I do not understand as Just Giving is NOT a charity) :D

 

Mandy ;)

 

just giving is a commercial fund raising site, it takes a percentage of the money given

 

Now there are some that might see that as just a tad hypocritical, pointing out an apparent commercial link in Mandys post when indeed you have one in your signature line.............

 

The difference being of course, Mandy makes calendars for purely atruistic reasons, benefits nought personally except from a load of grief here!

Edited by Dorsetgal & GeoDog
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Jacobite

+Jacobite

Posted
Posted (edited)

Mandy, It means that GSP can do what they like, when they like................then change it back if it doesn't suit them. With the wording they use, they could pull you up on anything.

Take the advice of a previous poster, and use the regionals to promote your stuff, that's where you'll find sanity.

 

Another complaint from Jacobite ? No, just an observation.

Edited by Jacobite
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Happy Humphrey

+Happy Humphrey

Posted
Posted

I know that the closed thread was meant to get the maximum exposure (for perfectly valid reasons). But in general it would probably do Groundspeak (and all of us) a favour to use the main UK geocachers forum on the GAGB website for discussing anything which might have a chance of breaking guidelines here. Or for discussing anything else, in fact.

The only disadvantage is that new cachers might not be aware of existence of the forum, so it might be worth giving a regular pointer in that direction.

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mongoose39uk

+mongoose39uk

Posted
Posted

I know that the closed thread was meant to get the maximum exposure (for perfectly valid reasons). But in general it would probably do Groundspeak (and all of us) a favour to use the main UK geocachers forum on the GAGB website for discussing anything which might have a chance of breaking guidelines here. Or for discussing anything else, in fact.

The only disadvantage is that new cachers might not be aware of existence of the forum, so it might be worth giving a regular pointer in that direction.

 

Good idea, well put ;)

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Munkeh

+Munkeh

Posted
Posted

 

Now there are some that might see that as just a tad hypocritical, pointing out an apparent commercial link in Mandys post when indeed you have one in your signature line.............

 

The difference being of course, Mandy makes calendars for purely atruistic reasons, benefits nought personally except from a load of grief here!

 

the other difference being that what Mandy posted is not allowed and my signature line is

 

I also resent being called a hypocite, that comes down to a personal attack for simply pointing out a reason why mandys post might not be allowed

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Jacobite

+Jacobite

Posted
Posted

 

the other difference being that what Mandy posted is not allowed and my signature line is

 

I also resent being called a hypocite, that comes down to a personal attack for simply pointing out a reason why mandys post might not be allowed

 

Fair enough, you were only pointing out that the "just giving" site is commercial to a degree. But GSP has to employ some kind of level playing field here. Personally, I couldn't give a monkeys about your siggy, but if Mandy can't post a link to "just giving", how can you be allowed to advertise your business in evey post you make?

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studlyone

+studlyone

Posted
Posted
the other difference being that what Mandy posted is not allowed and my signature line is
Mandys post not being allowed is barkingmad but you are wrong about the siggy, its definitely against the Gpsk rules thats why I changed mine. You are just lucky that whilst the put rules out they only enforce them when it suits them ;)
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Dorsetgal & GeoDog

+Dorsetgal & GeoDog

Posted
Posted

 

the other difference being that what Mandy posted is not allowed and my signature line is

 

I also resent being called a hypocite, that comes down to a personal attack for simply pointing out a reason why mandys post might not be allowed

 

Hmmm, well I wonder why some others were asked, no, told, to remove commercial links from their sig lines then?

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The Birches Head Hunters

The Birches Head Hunters

Posted
Posted
I know that the closed thread was meant to get the maximum exposure (for perfectly valid reasons). But in general it would probably do Groundspeak (and all of us) a favour to use the main UK geocachers forum on the GAGB website for discussing anything which might have a chance of breaking guidelines here. Or for discussing anything else, in fact.

The only disadvantage is that new cachers might not be aware of existence of the forum, so it might be worth giving a regular pointer in that direction.

I agree, this seems like a solution. If the GC.com UK forum isn't really delivering what the UK caching community wants, then perhaps we should use a UK based forum for all our UK discussions? Makes perfect sense.

 

I do feel very sorry for Mandy. I don't come into these forums as regularly as other people, but I have seen some of the comments in the past month or two regarding bans etc.. As others have pointed out, Mandy has done something charitable, for no personal self gain. Very commendable. (Mandy - give yourself a big pat on the back <insert back-patting smilie>).

 

I know this has also been said before, but perhaps TPTB might sit up and take notice of the UK community's unique needs if suddenly less of us were members? For them, it's all about the numbers money.

We could divert the subscription fees to a needy UK charity (charity not named here for fear of a ban).

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Donmoore

+Donmoore

Posted
Posted

not sure if this is relevant but when browsing the coin forum my eye keeps catching a thread about EBAY and raising money on it by selling coins for some poor soul(who may deserve funds being raised) who died in a motorbike accident and they want to pay for his funeral.

 

Now I don't know what the difference is with that thread.

 

http://forums.Groundspeak.com/GC/index.php?showtopic=201370

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Pengy&Tigger

+Pengy&Tigger

Posted
Posted

I'm sure we've all read this thread before, it was just called something else!

 

Precisely. The rules haven't changed, charities are still not allowed to be mentioned. The fact that the charity still keeps getting mentioned again and again in this thread ("Is it because I mentioned ****?") makes me think this is yet another stirring thread.

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Simply Paul

+Simply Paul

Posted
Posted

Good luck with your request Maddy, and you have my sympathies. I can relate to your confusion. Remember, whatever TPTB's attitude to your money-raising efforts, the majority of forum users think you do very worthwhile 'stuff' and as for the rest... Well, you can please all of the cachers some of the time, and some of the cachers all of the time...

 

Personally I'm going to add a link to the GAGB forum to my signature and pray this is not against Groundspeak rules (yet?) ;)

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Us 4 and Jess

+Us 4 and Jess

Posted
  • Author
Posted

I'm sure we've all read this thread before, it was just called something else!

 

Precisely. The rules haven't changed, charities are still not allowed to be mentioned. The fact that the charity still keeps getting mentioned again and again in this thread ("Is it because I mentioned ****?") makes me think this is yet another stirring thread.

 

If I knew what I had done wrong I would not do it again, it is one of two things so I asked a civil question.. asking what I have done wrong, so I will know for next time.

 

I am not the one arguing/being sarcastic ect. which is becoming the "norm" in here ;)

 

I am waiting for Mandarin to come in to answer my question then that will be the end of it for me

 

M :D

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Jacobite

+Jacobite

Posted
Posted (edited)

I'm sure we've all read this thread before, it was just called something else!

 

Precisely. The rules haven't changed, charities are still not allowed to be mentioned. The fact that the charity still keeps getting mentioned again and again in this thread ("Is it because I mentioned ****?") makes me think this is yet another stirring thread.

 

I think that Mandy does have a valid question, and hopefully will recieve an answer.

As for "this is yet another stirring thread", I think threads like these atract GSP critics, simply because they feel the guidelines are unfair, or are seen to be apply in an unfair manner. And until these issues are resolved, you're always going to have this type of reaction, sadly. ;)

Edited by Jacobite
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rutson

+rutson

Posted
Posted

Especially as the OP went to the trouble of getting GS permission for a thread very recently...

 

I have never gotten (is that a word ;) ) permission for a thread..........calendars yes but not threads :D

 

M :D

 

Please do not call me a liar:

 

I have spoken to Groundspeak again lately to make sure I was OK to advertise The Mega Event Calendars on these forums
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Simply Paul

+Simply Paul

Posted
Posted
Good luck with your request Maddy, and you have my sympathies. I can relate to your confusion. whine whine whine
Feel free to help yourself to some of that cheese further up. You might need it to soak up the excess of whine.
That's practically personal. Would it be unreasonable of me to ask you to stay on topic? ;)
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Pengy&Tigger

+Pengy&Tigger

Posted
Posted
because they feel the guidelines are unfair, or are seen to be apply in an unfair manner. And until these issues are resolved, you're always going to have this type of reaction, sadly. ;)

 

Fair or unfair, the rules have been made clear. Groundspeak own the website and make the rules - it really is that simple. mentioning charities over and over again when the rules have been made clear is not going to 'resolve any issues'.

 

Groundspeak is a company, who charge for advertising from commercial and charitable organisations. Is it fair on these organisations who pay, if some are allowed free advertising (for example charities or people's own printing businesses)?

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Geo.Kitten

+Geo.Kitten

Posted
Posted
because they feel the guidelines are unfair, or are seen to be apply in an unfair manner. And until these issues are resolved, you're always going to have this type of reaction, sadly. ;)

 

Fair or unfair, the rules have been made clear. Groundspeak own the website and make the rules - it really is that simple. mentioning charities over and over again when the rules have been made clear is not going to 'resolve any issues'.

 

Groundspeak is a company, who charge for advertising from commercial and charitable organisations. Is it fair on these organisations who pay, if some are allowed free advertising (for example charities or people's own printing businesses)?

 

Agreed

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Matrix

+Matrix

Posted
Posted

Oh dear pedants to the left of me pedants to the right of me stuck in the middle with free speech stifled in the name of commercialism ......

 

 

 

charity does not begin overseas or so it seems ;)

 

But it does look like I will be £15 better off come December :D

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