chessgames.com: <DcGentle>
About the problem that when you ignore a user you cease the possibility of a peaceful resolution (apology, explaining themselves, etc.) This is true, in my estimation.
<I wonder whether there would be a technical solution. Make users think twice before putting someone on "ignore"! How? Well, I would limit the effect of the ignore-list entry temporarily, say 2 weeks or a month. After this period of time has passed, the system automatically removes the person from the list, without [notifying] the list owner.>
That's not a big technology challenge.
<The list owner will start to see messages of the ignored user again, and is free to put this user on "ignore" again, but can repeat this action only say 2 times. After this the concerned user cannot be ignored again.>
Wait, so you are saying that no ignoring is ever permanent?
Keep in mind the ignore-list serves multiple functions. There are many users who do not antagonize others but simply offer posts of an unusual nature, of which people have mixed opinions. I hate to name specific members, but you can imagine who I might be talking about.
So sometimes we get an email, "Why don't you ban user XYZ their posts offer nothing constructive to your site!" And in this case XYZ is a sincere chessgames fan, who other members actually like. Of course I won't ban XYZ, but I hate to tell a member "Tough, you have to live with them."
Ignore list to the rescue! I simply email them back, "If you don't enjoy their posts just put them in your ignore list and they will be invisible to you forever." Usually this is accepted as a good solution. That word "forever" is the deal clincher. If you substitute "for the next two weeks" it doesn't have the same impact.
<As a last resort and defense against trolling one could implement a system request, that would remove the limit of ignore-list renewals, if more than 3 other users (no sock-puppets) have the concerned user on "ignore".>
It's virtually impossible to enforce a "no sock puppet" rule with voting of this type. We could make it so that only premium ignores count for purposes of voting, but even this is subject to manipulation through cliques.
Perhaps the real concern here, is that often the ignorer is being very wrongheaded, much like the child with fingers-in-ears singing "la la la, I can't hear you". However I don't see it as our job to make judgements about that. We give our members the power to ignore, and we hope they use it wisely.
So in conclusion: I don't like the idea of limiting people's ignore power. However the notion of making a time frame when you ignore somebody is not a bad one, as long as it's still in the user's control. Perhaps one day you go to ignore somebody and you have a choice: <• One day • One week • Two weeks • One month • 6 months • 1 year • Forever>.
Kibitzing
