I have a serious question to ask, do you block someone or ignore someone? Second question you get 20 pts taken away as

[debm55]

I did, is it hard to get them back? I am very nervous about it. Thank you

[elleng]

1. I may have blocked one person,

in all my years @ DU. I don't recall who or why, so No Big Deal.

[debm55]

2. Thank you

[PJMcK]

3. I've never blocked a DU member

I simply don’t click on their posts.

[debm55]

6. Thank you PJMcK

[Aristus]

4. I once had around twelve or thirteen people on block.

A couple of years ago, I unblocked all of them. Nothing happened. I think they had left DU in the interim.

[debm55]

7. Thank you Aristus

[TwilightZone]

5. Hidden posts drop from the count after 90 days.

It usually takes five hides in 90 days to get put in the time-out corner, so there's really nothing to be nervous about.

I don't think I've ever put someone on ignore, though the 2004 campaign was a madhouse here, so I might have.

[debm55]

8. Thank you TwilightZone.

[Kali]

67. 5 hides is rarely a time out corner

it usually means you are banned. the time out from a hide is being blocked from posting whatever forum you got your hidden post in for some period of time. and no more posting in the thread you were in at all.

[debm55]

68. Thank you Kali

[TwilightZone]

74. I should have been clearer. My apologies.

I was being somewhat facetious with the time-out corner comment. Five does usually result in a suspension, though it's not always permanent. Hidden posts can be appealed, and it's up to the admins whether or not one is allowed to return. I've seen a lot of posters be reinstated over time, often after particularly contentious primaries.

I'm pretty sure, though not certain, that a banned post does not ban one from the forum in which it was posted for any length of time, but it does eliminate one's ability to post in the same thread.

[Kali]

78. I think it does keep you from posting in the particular forum for some hours

or maybe a whole day. and correct, can not post in the thread again at all.

[Silent Type]

9. Don't block people, but scroll by some. I've Alerted only once, on myself when I thought

better of it later.

[Niagara]

10. I have 37 people placed on ignore

It wasn't that long ago it was only 27 people.



You're points should return to normal in an extended amount of time.

[Doodley]

11. What is all this time out and 20 points stuff? I've never heard of it, but blocked many.

[TwilightZone]

75. There's a calculation that goes into how likely it is for one to be called for jury duty.

If one has a post hidden, 20% is deducted from the calculation. That's what the OP is referring to.

You can find the jury calculation under Statistics on one's profile. Click on "explain" next to "Chance of serving on Juries".

[RoadRunner]

12. Ignore includes block

I never heard anything about the 20 points. New one on me. If you lose 20 points for putting someone ignore then I’m about at minus 500.

[debm55]

14. No I got 20 points taken off because I couldn't let things go.

[CincyDem]

53. I'm honestly trying to imagine what you could have done...and I've figured it out.

You asked the question “what was your favorite cstyoon show growing up? Mine was the Jetson’s”.

Someone replied “mine was The Flintstones”.

It all spiraled from there with the two of you arguing for control of narrative…the future or the past. And then came the breaking point. They said Dino was a better house pet than Astro…and you lost it…you just couldn’t let that slide.

That’s how I imagine it went down.



Seriously….lose no sleep on this one. Happens to the best of us and, as with all things, it’s a learning experience.

PS - I’m an Astro guy all the way !

[debm55]

58. I always wanted the flying car.

[debm55]

16. RoadRunner, I got 20 points taken off for not letting it go.I have not put the person on block yet.

[RoadRunner]

19. That happens sometimes

Don’t let it get you down, your question posts would be hard to get along without.

[debm55]

21. Thank you, I didn't post at all yesterday as I was ashamed to have done that, But I made up for it today

[canuckledragger]

25. Careful, there's a few that try to bait you into posting something that breaks DU rules

So they can report you and try to silence your opinion if they don't like what you have to say.

[Think. Again.]

30. ⬆⬆⬆THIS⬆⬆⬆

That's very true and it's wise to be careful about how you respond so that you can still stand firm yet not post anything that when it's taken out of the context of the discussion, it could be considered offensive.

[debm55]

33. Thank you. I thought my posts were fine. I thought people liked them, Oh well, will be careful to control myself. I was

Triggered.

[Easterncedar]

43. People DO like them! You know that, right?

[hlthe2b]

50. YES. THIS!

[hlthe2b]

49. Yes.. There are some subjects where we have some very determined individuals seeking to silence opposing opinions...

That includes really middle-of-the-road comments when things get too heated. Obviously I am referring to all things Israel-Palestine right now but in the past in may have been other issues.

I don't want opinions to be silenced, but if you find a hoard rushing to respond in an opposing manner, well, be forewarned, frame your arguments, and word your posts carefully. It is the issue you disagree with. Don't personalize it.

Specifically to debm55, every one of us has had a post or two or three or even four hidden, losing as you term it "points"... It is a reminder to remain more dispassionate or to word your posts very carefully so as not to be mistaken for attacking others. But, they drop off in 90 days, and in some cases--perhaps where a post was misunderstood--appealing to admins might work. A jury hide stings, but just use it as a reminder to try to make your thoughts and posts as clear as possible when the issues might be controversial.

[debm55]

54. Thank you.I will keep that in mind. I have had attack me in my fun threads and never alerted. I did go to the Help

Center and asked why said post was allowed to stand. I won't deny saying it , I can't because I did say it.Oh well I will be more careful Thank you

[Lulu KC]

79. Ditto!

Points? I've been paying no attention. Why would the blocker lose points?

[msongs]

13. no blocking, I prefer an open discussion board and have no desire to suppress people who disagree with me nt

[debm55]

15. Even in your mail. I feel the same, but had some about open discussion. That is why I am asking because I don't want any

more points taken off.

[JMCKUSICK]

18. Where do you see points etc...?

[debm55]

20. On you home page, under juries, it will state points taken off. In all honesty,

Last edited Sat Oct 5, 2024, 09:06 PM - Edit history (1)

it was my fault.

[Niagara]

22. Dear Debbie, you may want to self-delete this one my friend

[debm55]

24. This thread or that post?

[Niagara]

29. Post 20 my friend...you got it!

[canuckledragger]

26. Why?

[Niagara]

28. Go back and read the original post, I don't want Debbie to get another hide

that's why

[True Dough]

27. Just posting here

to see if you now have me on ignore, deb.

[debm55]

36. HAHAHAHAH. You have a unique sense of humor. I have no one on ignore. But I know of someone who has me on ignore. I like

you True Dough.

[True Dough]

37. I'll take "unique"

Sure beats "icky" or "dreadful"!



Thanks, deb. The feeling is mutual.

[debm55]

42. I never called you icky or dreadful. It makes me sad that I was a virgin here for 20 years. and now-----

[1WorldHope]

31. I don't know what points you are talking about.

I think you can probably just ask Earl or someone. But it doesn't sound reasonable for there to be any points given or taken away. Also, you have mentioned before that you were a teacher for many years. I'm under the impression that teachers can take away points. But didn't think you could ever take points away from the teacher. 😜 Give yourself a hold star, and go out to recess for the rest of the day. 🏅🧘🏼⛹🏼🤸🏼🏊🏼🪂🍎

[anciano]

32. Good advice 👍

[debm55]

41. I was asked. I can't deny I did it because I did. So full block.on poster.

[debm55]

38. Yes, for 42 years I taught. And I was fired for falling down 2 flights of steps at the school and getting a concussion,

having to learn to walk and use reasoning skills. Not able to make it teachers rooms on time(they lost part of there 40 minutes free time; Hard to use a cane and carry books and supplies. up and down those stairs. I had the most experience and the most education and I was fired.after I put in a full day. As I left her office I turned an called her an asshole.It felt great. It was not a union school, so no UC bennies or WComp bennies. And I felt free. Thank you for your great post. I would give you an A plus.

[LakeArenal]

34. Oh yes. I have probably 6 on full ignore.

I currently have a hide. Yes 20 points. Appeal it if you want. Sometimes that happens.

Otherwise for hides, wait 90 days and you get your points backs.

It’s cool. Some people you really like probably have hides. Some I have liked might have four.

If you are worried than watch your words. But I have never read anything you said I thought was alertable.

[debm55]

39. I can't believe you have a hide. You a very sweet person. I like you very much. I will just watch myself. TY

[LakeArenal]

59. You will be surprised what might give you a hide.

But we are nt allowed to discuss why or gripe so the only thing you can do is appeal it or wait 90 days. No biggie if you aren’t an international trouble maker.

[LakeArenal]

35. Oh yes. I have probably 6 on full ignore.

I currently have a hide. Yes 20 points. Appeal it if you want. Sometimes that happens.

Otherwise for hides, wait 90 days and you get your points backs.

It’s cool. Some people you really like probably have hides. Some I have liked might have four.

If you are worried than watch your words. But I have never read anything you said I thought was alertable.

[hlthe2b]

40. It serves a function... If you post about controversial issues or opinions, it may be very helpful to

temporarily block those who have either become really combative or have misunderstood your point (and despite your best efforts, continue to do so).

Or the days when you might be in a bad mood and unfortunately encounter someone feeling similarly. Temporarily ignoring them can help prevent you from posting something that could get you in trouble.

Usually, if I keep someone on Ignore for over a few days or weeks, it is because I forgot. Still, I often find that they have gotten themselves in trouble with others and have been at least temporarily banned.

Honestly, we can all be misunderstood from time to time, leading to friction or even a jury hide. At some point taking a short break, or putting one's short-term opposition on "ignore" seems like a good way to let the fury die down and live to post another day.

[debm55]

48. Thank you hIthe2b for your advice

[Mister Ed]

44. My best advice: depersonalize replies by leaving out words like "you" and "your".

If I were to reply to someone by saying, "That's a foolish proposal!", then my post shouldn't be hidden. If instead I posted, "You're a fool!", then I would certainly have earned a hide.

On the subject of putting someone on ignore: well, I've only tried it one time, and that was with a DU member whom I actually like very much. That member brings a great deal of happiness to others on the board with her frequent posts about caring for feral and semi-feral cats. At times, the posts have been so numerous and so widely recommended that they have tended to crowd out other posts on my Latest page and my Greatest page.

Well, I love cats too, and animals in general. Not for the world would I rain on the picnic being enjoyed by the poster and her followers. But my own mother is also heavily involved in the care of feral and semi-feral cats, and so I get to hear plenty about the topic outside of DU. So I did try blocking the poster, but surprisingly , I still continued to see her posts. I'm not sure why. The Ignore function seems to work for other people. I don't know why it didn't work for me, but I gave up and just decided that hearing frequent news about the kitties was really no great cross to bear.

[debm55]

47. Good idea Mr. Bill Thank you

[Kali]

71. I think this is the exception area for "ignore"

you wouldn't see the posts in regular forums, but on those pages they still show up.

[Mister Ed]

72. Ah, that would explain it. Thank you! n/t

[Lulu KC]

80. Because if that person gets a lot of kicks, it will appear even if they're blocked

I have learned that the uncomfortable way.

[XanaDUer2]

45. You'll be okay

I know its hard not to react sometimes. You'll be fine

[debm55]

46. Thank You XanaDUer2

[WestMichRad]

51. Points?

No idea what these are for.

Are they like S&H green stamps?

[TwilightZone]

76. Jury duty calculation.

https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1018&pid=2074860

[WestMichRad]

85. Thanks

I had no idea. Running an online forum is way too complicated for my poor brain!

[ColinC]

52. "Points?"

[TwilightZone]

77. The OP is referring to the jury duty calculation.

https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1018&pid=2074860

[multigraincracker]

55. I would like see this rule...

Only allowed one alert on an individual by the same member. OK I may get a little paranoid. Worry about revenge alerts. If the name of the who’s alerting was listed rather than not known, I’d feel better.

[debm55]

62. Thank you multigraincracker

[IrishAfricanAmerican]

56. I never block people.

I do have some threads muted.

[debm55]

61. I never did ever,but in this case i will do my first block. On my breakfast thread this morning I had a joker, I thanked

him and moved on.

[Jilly_in_VA]

57. I think I've blocked a couple

I know I have several on Ignore

[debm55]

60. Thank you Jilly_in-VA

[Paladin]

63. Never have understood the reluctance to put people on "Ignore."

I've been a DU member for a long time, and I have more than 60 individuals on "Ignore." Every one of them earned that status, by their offensive comments and behavior. To allow them to continue being part of my DU experience would have been an insult to my own cherished standards, something I was unwilling to allow. I remain grateful to DU management for allowing its members the "Ignore" function.

[debm55]

65. I believe the same but thought they have a right to free speech. However as some have gotten personal, I have gotten

Tired of reading them. My posts are not political. I like to talk about everyday events in our lives . I love to see posters posting to each other and do not interfere in their conversations. I get it that some like to make an off handed comment. I had one on my breakfast thread this moring and frankly I am getting tired of it.

[retread]

73. Good points. As yet, I haven't done that. Years ago there was an individual that was extremely offensive and would pull

others into a kind of "death spiral". Turns out he did this purposely and openly bragged about it on other sites.

I came close to putting him on ignore. One day he got involved in a thread where he said something to the effect that every time he showered and looked at his genitals he got sick to his stomach. I would have missed that if I had him on ignore.

[OldBaldy1701E]

64. As far as I am concerned, that goes against the reason for the site to exist in the first place.

I suspect that I am ignored/blocked by many people here. Not my concern. (I never mean to put someone in that position, but here we are.) It is discourse that creates useful knowledge, both in terms of learning new things and learning about what crap is being slung around. Not everyone is a fluent word master. So, a modicum of restraint and consideration is necessary.

However, we are talking about humans.... American humans at that. 'Restraint' and 'consideration' are difficult to find around.

[debm55]

66. Agree' I have tried to "kill them with kindness" bit, However, it has become harder.

[Kali]

69. the lower point count slightly affects your chance of getting called to a jury

they get put back after 90 days unless you get another hidden post. you also can appeal hidden posts, occasionally they get reversed. otherwise they aren't that big of a deal like it says in the message you get with it. after 3 or 4, one might want to take a good look at one's behavior and take some steps to either change or avoid the causes. ignoring certain posters is one thing, trashing certain subjects is another. blocking private messages does just that, it prevents getting a private message from that individual. if you don't want to see them out in "public" you need to put them on full ignore. (there are a few exceptions that do allow them to show up occasionally but in general they will be gone from your view)

[NNadir]

70. My ignore list is rather prodigious.

Wait 90 days, and the 20 points off will disappear.

Don't be nervous; sometimes its fun and satisfying to get a hide to call out a fool. I say this as a long time veteran. Do utilize that ignore list to avoid getting in too much trouble. (5 hides in 90 days.) Some people are just not worth the angst.

[SheltieLover]

81. I use full ignore quite liberally. LOL

So if you happen to see the same person posting snark in response to comments I've made and I have not replied, it's because they don't know they're on my Full Ignore list.

Don't be afraid to use it. Click the person's screen name, click Ignore, all the way to the right, then choose Full Ignore.

The points will fall off of your account after 90 days.

I hope this is helpful.

[debm55]

93. Love you SheltieLover

[SheltieLover]

94. Keeps my blood pressure in the normal range. LOL

Best not to look at the offensive posts, imo anyway.

[demmiblue]

82. I have at least 50 people on ignore, for a variety of reasons...

- people I simply do not like
- people who are obvious trolls
- people who are not necessarily trolls in the RW sense, but like to be contrarian shit-stirrers/sealioners
- people who wag their finger so much that I am surprised said finger hasn't fallen off
- people who constantly post duplicate threads
- people who spam forums
- people who post fake content/clickbait

[Niagara]

88. Perfectly stated and Rec!

[debm55]

90. I feel like shit, especially now.

[Niagara]

95. Why do you feel like that, Debbie?

[ProfessorGAC]

83. We Discussed This By Pm...

...so you know how I feel about this situation & that I have your back.
I have nobody on ignore. I don't believe I ever have.
In this case, I'd appeal it. A star member in good standing like you has a chance of getting it rescinded.
Besides that, it's only a matter of time before your chance of being called for a DU jury is back to 100%.

[debm55]

84. Thank you ProfessorGAC , Also prided myself on being fair, honest and fun, I always felt once I am lied to , it;s hard

Last edited Sun Oct 6, 2024, 08:31 PM - Edit history (1)

hard to believe in that person again.

[debm55]

91. I feel like shit.

[The Bopper]

86. I was

Suspended for “personally “ disagreeing with someone, does that count. I’ve learned that if I disagree with someone, just say I disagree but don’t tell them why.

[Elessar Zappa]

87. I have about 20 people on ignore.

It helps keep my blood pressure down. As for the points question, I’m not sure?

[Rizen]

89. Sometimes brain dead trolls post here.

They were probably really Republicans. Blocking trolls keeps us sane in this digital era.

[debm55]

92. This was not a troll, but it was a horrid post,