What can be done about Blonde? (Mods, Snoopers, Video's n Beards)

[jjandellis]

I tapped this out last night, only to find the thread locked grrrrrr!!!!! It appears to have been locked for good, so I'll start a new thread ;-)

Well a couple of weeks is certainly a long time in poker!  I have now read 50 odd pages of this; it has confirmed alot of the initial thoughts I had when I returned to the forum a couple of months ago.  That is that namely Blonde Poker as a business, forum and a community has lost its way somewhat.

As Claypole stated previously, there is now a hazy line between a business (with few revenue streams) and a forum. This does not help as the directors/executives are expected to make shrewd business decisions – whilst at the same time explaining their actions to a community (many of whom have no investment in ‘the business’!) It also does not help that, far from being a virtual community, Tighty/Tikay/Flushy can fully expect to run into members at a casino near you!

On first inspection Tikays post can appear to be calculating – however I firmly believe we have a man trying to protect the business whilst also trying to appease forum members.  Are we shareholders? No – so do we REALLY deserve an explanation?

Something clearly needs to be done though, as it appears this situation is getting out of hand and it can only be damaging for the company and forum – and god forbid any dissent spread to the card rooms!  My take on things follows...

Board members of bigger, brasher companies commit far more severe crimes/mistakes than those of Kev.  The result?   Summary dealing in person and the ‘offer’ of a resignation.  The individual is punished but leaves with his dignity intact.  At the same time the company avoids airing its dirty laundry in public; its reputation and brand suffer less/no damage.  If brought to book at a later date, they can more easily justify their actions to shareholders.  Naturally any party wronged, receives compensation or (more suitably in this case) a letter of apology.

In my (limited) opinion the Original Post was a poor idea.  I’m sure Tikay/Tighty/Flushy have their own thoughts on this and know how they would deal with similar situations in future.

But what of the other matters that have sprung to light? To recap:
-   The money.
-   The alleged snooping.
-   The video incident.
-   The use of Bain as a messenger.
-   Bains post (that has outraged a few, but I have not seen).

THE MONEY
Ideally this should have been dealt with in a face to face manner. Ascertain the facts and take into account circumstances the individual was under at the time and now. How damaging was this to company image? How best can we limit the damage? Why did Kev spend the money? He wasn’t paid by Blonde poker – so has our negligence caused or contributed to this? What position does Kev find himself in now? Should we call the police? What do we gain by calling the police?

Personally I believe Kev should have been reprimanded and ‘asked’ to resign as a mod, with an agreement between the parties that this not be mentioned again.  If any posts were to appear or be insinuated, then they should be deleted to protect the company i.e. the company’s interests ahead of cheap forum tittle tattle.

THE ALLEGED SNOOPING
A couple of definitions:
Moderator – (a) an arbitrator. (b) a person who monitors the conversations in an online chat room for bad language/inappropriate content.
Arbitrator – someone chosen to judge or decide a chosen issue.
Snooping – a person who pries in the business of others.
Integrity – the adherence to moral principals/honesty.

Now what is interesting is that it can appear that one who moderates is very similar to one who snoops! Surely one who snoops would be ideal for a moderator? No! This is because a moderator is chosen to judge/decide on issues. Everybody knows that this is their job and is comfortable with that fact.  A snooper looks into the business of others without them knowing.  If she looks into Kevs business, what could she be doing with mine? Who is it being leaked to? By prying Ginger is breaking the moral principle of an individual’s right to privacy. As others have stated, she may even be breaking the law. Her integrity is instantly called into question; if this is the case, how can she be expected to adequately judge on the disputes/contents of other individuals posts? Naturally this damages forum member’s confidence in the company/forum. Something must be done!

In my opinion, Gingers integrity is called into question here.  I will go into the video incident later, but if she was acting as a whistleblower then perhaps it would be best to await the outcome of any police investigation OR, rather than jump the gun, suspend her MOD rights pending said investigation.

THE VIDEO INCIDENT
I won’t linger on this for too long. Not because I am devaluing the severity of its nature – but because it is a criminal matter under investigation.  Quite simply if a crime has been committed, then you do not want the perpetrators associated with your brand. Therefore, again, pending the results of a police investigation suspend all those allegedly involved – and any forum posts on the subject removed.  The forum should not be put in a situation where it can be seen to influence the outcome of proceedings – whether that is by false reporting, rumour mongering or intimidation.

BAIN THE MESSENGER
I am really not too well versed on this, but it appears to me very simply as a poor judgement call in appointing him as a messenger representing the website/company.  Why have somebody that is not on the payroll represent your company? Whoever made the decision to appoint him has had a failing in judgement.  If it was Gingers call, then clearly this is further evidence to view her as a potential liability and backs the argument for a suspension.

BAINS MESSAGE
I’ve not seen it, but it wouldn’t surprise me if it was offensive! This is coming from a man who at some point has been chosen to represent the website. If his remarks are really that bad (compare an contrast to previously banned posters), then do you really want him representing your website – or do you want remarks attributed to somebody seen as a ‘Face’ of the company at some point? If not, quite simple, BAN.

Just a few thoughts, but a general rule to live by when deciding this (and future disputes/issues) could be:
‘Did the actions of the individual effect the operational effectiveness, public image or profits of the company?’
If on weighing up the probabilities it is 51% more - then impose a sanction!

Clearly if Blonde is to run as a business, things need to be looked at and frameworks put in place for dealing with future problems. If it is all too much hassle to run it like that then, is it all worth it?

All I will say, is that it’s such a shame. Blonde used to be a really fun place to post and read many varied views without too much worry for being flamed (or if you did get flamed there was usually a tongue planted firmly in cheek). Something clearly needs to be done to uphold, clean up the forums identity – another Blonde Bash perhaps ;-)

Maybe I’m naive, feel free to slate me :-D

[pleno1]

its the internet bro.

[outragous76]

comprehensive thought!

mostly valid except i dont think Bainn was ever chosen as a messenger by "blonde"

good work

[Ironside]

comprehensive thought!

mostly valid except i dont think Bainn was ever chosen as a messenger by "blonde"

good work

tb;dr

[henrik777]

 If she looks into Kevs business, what could she be doing with mine?

Did you leave your computer at her house and did she ever have access to it ? Do tell how she would get your info ??

Sandy

[Jon MW]

 If she looks into Kevs business, what could she be doing with mine?

Did you leave your computer at her house, after splitting up after a long term relationship with her, and did she ever have access to it ? Do tell how she would get your info and why she would want to??

Sandy

FYP

[henrik777]

 If she looks into Kevs business, what could she be doing with mine?

Did you leave your computer at her house and did she ever have access to it ? Do tell how she would get your info ??

Sandy

I was speaking of a general fear of members that maybe aren't quite as IT literate as others. This fear has already been voiced in the other thread. Yes, the people in the know moved to educate the individuals - however who is to say that IT illiterates believe all they are told?? (eg. How many card players in your local casino refuse to play online cus 'its fixed')

A company should want to keep it's image squeeky clean. If there are any fears or question marks against key personalities then it is obviously going to damage the company image.

I haven't read so far that any "snooping" took place online.

Sandy

[Delboy]

 If she looks into Kevs business, what could she be doing with mine?

Did you leave your computer at her house and did she ever have access to it ? Do tell how she would get your info ??

Sandy

I was speaking of a general fear of members that maybe aren't quite as IT literate as others. This fear has already been voiced in the other thread. Yes, the people in the know moved to educate the individuals - however who is to say that IT illiterates believe all they are told?? (eg. How many card players in your local casino refuse to play online cus 'its fixed')

A company should want to keep it's image squeeky clean. If there are any fears or question marks against key personalities then it is obviously going to damage the company image.

I haven't read so far that any "snooping" took place online.

Sandy

Let's not be silly and pedantic, you know what is being driven at here. An individuals computer (personal effects) were looked into without his permission. Read the OP and specifically what it says about integrity - and how snooping (actual or perceived) damages an individuals standing.

Integrity – the adherence to moral principals/honesty.


Sometimes you may need to be in someway dishonest in order to adhere to their moral principles no?

[henrik777]

 If she looks into Kevs business, what could she be doing with mine?

Did you leave your computer at her house and did she ever have access to it ? Do tell how she would get your info ??

Sandy

I was speaking of a general fear of members that maybe aren't quite as IT literate as others. This fear has already been voiced in the other thread. Yes, the people in the know moved to educate the individuals - however who is to say that IT illiterates believe all they are told?? (eg. How many card players in your local casino refuse to play online cus 'its fixed')

A company should want to keep it's image squeeky clean. If there are any fears or question marks against key personalities then it is obviously going to damage the company image.

I haven't read so far that any "snooping" took place online.

Sandy

Let's not be silly and pedantic, you know what is being driven at here. An individuals computer (personal effects) were looked into without his permission. Read the OP and specifically what it says about integrity - and how snooping (actual or perceived) damages an individuals standing.

Nobody seems to mind in Kevs alleged case.

There are huge double standards appearing.

I do wonder why people keep this kind of stuff (chat logs, pms etc).

If a partner finds something in the house that tells them their partner is cheating then who is the biggest scumbag ? The cheat or the person who finds out by looking at something they shouldn't ?

Judging by the standards being applied here you'd think only 1/2% people have ever read a partner/family members diary,texts, emails etc. I happen to think that's unrealistic even though there may actually be an even higher percentage who think it's wrong.

Sandy

[Karabiner]

After reading the OP, I have recommended you to be promoted to Lance-Corporal.

[The Camel]

Personally, I if I sent an email/text/PM to someone with a partner or husband/wife I would expect it to be read by both.

Jane said Kev routinely read her PM's and emails.

Right or wrong, it's what couples do.

[Delboy]

Personally, I if I sent an email/text/PM to someone with a partner or husband/wife I would expect it to be read by both.

Jane said Kev routinely read her PM's and emails.

Right or wrong, it's what couples do.

Very much This

[mouth]

Who died and put you in charge?

Love you breaking it all down, categorising it all while throwing disclaimers all over the place that you "don't know much about this" or "haven't seen this".

I can't respect this as a post - all it is a rehash of points you liked from other people's posts. The thread was locked, all you've done is restarted it, with no new info.

Can't see the point myself, unless you were just so annoyed your 3 hour typing marathon was in vain once you realised the thread was locked.

Read faster - type faster.

[StuartHopkin]

Wiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii

New thread! Lets go go go!

Correction for your post, Ginger decided she had the right to involve Bainn, before she told the heads of Blonde. Doubt they will be happy to confirm this but it was getting outed on the last thread and is probs why it was locked.

[Royal Flush]

My take on things follows...

Board members of bigger, brasher companies commit far more severe crimes/mistakes than those of Kev.  The result?   Summary dealing in person and the ‘offer’ of a resignation.  The individual is punished but leaves with his dignity intact.  At the same time the company avoids airing its dirty laundry in public; its reputation and brand suffer less/no damage.  If brought to book at a later date, they can more easily justify their actions to shareholders.  Naturally any party wronged, receives compensation or (more suitably in this case) a letter of apology.

That's easy for these big companies but when the person in question is on the front line dealing with customers i don't see how this is possible

He wasn’t paid by Blonde poker – so has our negligence caused or contributed to this?

In this case i am owed quite a lot of money having had to pay his and Tighty's wage myself


Her integrity is instantly called into question; if this is the case, how can she be expected to adequately judge on the disputes/contents of other individuals posts? Naturally this damages forum member’s confidence in the company/forum. Something must be done!

How does her integrity have anything to do with how well she can mod a forum? She has done nothing wrong. If we held this yardstick to measure all our mods we would have 0 mods. As far as i am concerned as the majority shareholder her integrity is looking pretty healthy.

BAIN THE MESSENGER
I am really not too well versed on this, but it appears to me very simply as a poor judgement call in appointing him as a messenger representing the website/company.  

Again you are just talking about things you know nothing of, he was not appointed as a messenger but don't let the facts get in the way of a good post.

Just a few thoughts, but a general rule to live by when deciding this (and future disputes/issues) could be:
‘Did the actions of the individual effect the operational effectiveness, public image or profits of the company?’
If on weighing up the probabilities it is 51% more - then impose a sanction!

Myself and Tikay are quite happy running the company but if for some reason we deem Tightend not to be the best person to seek council on matters of business (clearly this is very very likely given his years of experience dealing with far more complex things than our little company) i am sure we will come running to a member of the Armed Services because they are all so well known for having excellent business nous

Clearly if Blonde is to run as a business, things need to be looked at and frameworks put in place for dealing with future problems. If it is all too much hassle to run it like that then, is it all worth it?

Again I thank you for your concern over whether I am wasting my time, I hadn't put any thought into it but yeah now you mention it I'm not sure if I can be bothered any more, forum closed you can all thank jjdanellis

All I will say, is that it’s such a shame. Blonde used to be a really fun place to post and read many varied views without too much worry for being flamed (or if you did get flamed there was usually a tongue planted firmly in cheek). Something clearly needs to be done to uphold, clean up the forums identity – another Blonde Bash perhaps ;-)

It still is a fun place but occasionally we get the odd troll pop up and dig up threads a few days after they die to just re-start the arguments that are stopping us from enjoying the fun threads we are all used to.

Maybe I got the entire tone of your post wrong, in which case i will apologise in advance.


Now I'm going out for a bit to enjoy my life in the real world and not worry about whether an ex-girlfriend looked at an ex-boyfriends computer and how it effects her whole moral compass and social decency to such an extent that she can't be trusted to know the difference between flaming and banter or heaven forebid have to be able to distinguish spam from regular posts. I just hope I can stop all these dreadful thoughts from racing around in my head whilst i am trying to enjoy myself.