Punki, has it ever occurred to you that every member on FlyerTalk also has the ability to turn off, if you will, other members? It's called the Ignore User function. Yet in every conflict among members (and that is the overwhelming problem of any Internet bulletin board) it is exactly that simple function which could have prevented the personalization of an opinion and resulting conflict. This is yet another strong and factual piece of information that you might be missing. As for the burden of moderators being "disingenuous" - frankly ignoring the combined experiences of these members who deal daily with those who don't "turn them off" is a huge mistake, one that you seem willing to take. As for image moderators, let me guess - no current moderators need apply? You seem to be advocating more government. An image monitor - I'd rather not become the laughing stock on the Internet with FlyerTalk. Actually, i did notice that there is at least one Internet Web site that has an image moderator. It is here at this link:
http://www.insideflyer.com/link/?731
The name of the Web site - LifelessPeople.com
And there really is no conflict here. What I see is no concrete example of a emoticon image being put forth that could not easily be supported by the existing ones.
Originally Posted by
Punki
I honestly feel that assuming that any change will cause an additional burden on the moderators is somewhat disingenuous, and even if it were true (which we simply do not know), it would not be an adequate reason to dismiss the desires of whole other group of FlyerTalkers totally out of hand.
To begin with, we have in the past changed and even added to our available smilies with no adverse results as I recall. Secondly, what would be the problem with creating a group of image monitors? That would give everybody what they wanted.
The people who wanted images could see them. The people who didn't could turn them off. There would be no additional burden placed upon the existing modertors. Everybody could be happy.
I truly don't understand the source of conflict here. This is a situation where everyone's needs can be met if we are willing to work together in good faith.