The latest and greatest on CNN iReport, brought to you by Team iReport.
- EDITION: U.S.
- CNN INTERNATIONAL
- MÉXICO
- CNN ARABIC
// Blog home »
Thanks for your questions and comments! Next meeting Tuesday, March 24th at 7:00 p.m. ET.
Hi and welcome to this week's iReport Roundtable. First off, we want to thank everyone for their patience as we work through some kinks from yesterday's software deployment. It was a pretty significant upgrade to the software underneath iReport.com, and will let us build some pretty cool new features.
For now, here's a list of the things we're tracking down. If you spot something else, or have a question, please let us know in the comments:
* The map isn’t working quite yet, but shouldn’t be too long before it’s back.
* Search isn’t yet turning up results for all of the old content.
* Some of you have noted issues with comments and ratings not appearing right away. Developers are on it.
The good news, make that great news, is that this upgrade gives us the ability to do some really cool things, and we're working on some exciting new features.
One housekeeping issue before we start answering questions. From now on, our meetings will be on Thursdays at 2:30 p.m. We'll also have an evening meeting once a month. The first one will be on Tuesday, March 24, at 7 p.m. ET.
348 Comments
Categories
Recent posts
Monthly
Subscribe
- iReporters prove critical in CNN's tornado coverage
- Congratulations! The Awards go to ...
- CNN iReport Facebook roundtable Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. ET
- 2013 iReport Awards: Watch the finalists
- iReport millionaires' club: Congratulations Omekongo Dibinga!
- iReport Awards: How you can join
- Happy April Fools’ Day from iReport!
- Spring is here and looks like this
- iReport's Google Hangout: Your time-lapse questions answered!
- iReporters skywatch for Comet Pan-STARRS
- May 2013
- April 2013
- March 2013
- February 2013
- January 2013
- December 2012
- November 2012
- October 2012
- September 2012
- August 2012
- July 2012
- June 2012
- May 2012
- April 2012
- March 2012
- February 2012
- January 2012
- December 2011
- November 2011
- October 2011
- September 2011
- August 2011
- July 2011
- June 2011
- May 2011
- April 2011
- March 2011
- February 2011
- January 2011
- December 2010
- November 2010
- October 2010
- September 2010
- August 2010
- July 2010
- June 2010
- May 2010
- April 2010
- March 2010
- February 2010
- January 2010
- December 2009
- November 2009
- October 2009
- September 2009
- August 2009
- July 2009
- June 2009
- May 2009
- April 2009
- March 2009
- February 2009
- January 2009
- December 2008
- November 2008
- October 2008
- September 2008
- August 2008
- July 2008
- June 2008
- May 2008
- April 2008
- March 2008
- February 2008
© 2013 Cable News Network. 
Hello All!
Hi everybody. We're ready to start taking comments
Hi everyone! Comments are now open. Welcome to the roundtable.
Hello David. I'm here. Thank you for the upgrades and the Rountables.
afternoon
hi all!!
Hey gang! Welcome.
Hey there everyone!
Jellllow everyone
quick technical comment - i cannot submit new iReports because the "submit" button stays faded after i click on everything. is this a software bug?
Hi everyone!
Hi Everyone!
Quickie, when stories aren't published is there away to delete them from the "my stuff" field?
I have a technical question to ask
I see that you're working on the updates. My rating capability is not working.
Major issue for me is having to refresh browser after each comment but it seems it's being worked on. People have said you can rate others more than once.
Hi Millis, what is your question?
I like that the ratings have changed so that others have a chance to have their ireports acknowledged. So may good ones generate tons of hits. I am sure the bugs will work out soon.
@robjh1 -- If you have posts that failed please email the urls to contact@ireport.com and we can pull them down.
Greetings to all from Washington, DC.
It is my hope that we will have an agenda with future meetings because without one it gives cause for everyone to be on different pages in their concerns. I hate the 1 star bandit and I hope that you all will do away with the rating systme altogether because we have those that give one star as punishment against those they do not like. This is exasperating to many. Moreover, it gives reason for good ireporters to just thorw in the towel in despair.
Hi David!
Thanks again for the opportunity to give our input. I would like to address the censorship issue, specifically the banning of VotingFemale from ireports. I am concerned that our voices will gradually be supressed more and more on this forum. This is a unique site and I like that opposing views can debate the issues of the day.
Were there other ireporters besides VotingFemale to be banned today?
Thank you,
rosehips
Hi Lette, what happens when you try to rate a story?
in addition to the "submit" button not working most of the time, you have to refresh even in this forum to see comments
For me to upload video files, to which I like to upload three or four at a time, does each one have a limit of 100mb???
nsaidi-I e-mailed you some questions-But never heard back..Was I not supposed to e-mail you questions?
It appears that antagonists are being banned and still coming back with new profles!
LadysHoodJnl in the house.
VotingFemale still looks up and running to me
@davidjw, thanks for letting us know. What do you think about star rating systems, and would a thumbs-up type system work better? How to give user feedback?
@Spontaneous -- I'm not sure if people can rate stories more than once. They shouldn't be able to, so we'll double check.
I was curious about VF's banning too.
Every one of the concerns I am experiencing are already being articulated.
david - if the submit fails, do we mail you the URL on the page that died? the only thing that works after a failed submit is the "backpage" button
idistort, that happened to me yesterday when I was using Internet Explorer. I switched to Mozilla and it worked.
@Millis I believe the total upload size is 100 mb. I suggest uploading each one separately if uploading together doesn't work.
waves at nsaidi!!!
Thanks David
@Katie,
Have you been to my station recently?
nsaidi ~ when I rate a report, the stars light up as if it's working. However, the rating count and average rating doesn't change. It doesn't update.
Hello
@davidjw -- we are planning to start having a set agenda for these in the future. We didn't want to do that at first because we wanted everybody to get a chance to share what they were thinking.
Is it possible that banned ireporters already had alternate id's in place?
VotingFemale's posts are still up, but she has been banned.
@Millis let me research that. I would suggest trying to upload them together and then if that doesn't work, try it separately.
Hello one and all
@LadysHood Hi! Glad you joined the discussion. I've been checking out your iReports lately. And, we've been batting around some of the assignment ideas that you've suggested. I'll can give you more details later.
Thank you for the later times for this and the evening Roundtable as well
Hello. I am watching :)
@adriana71 Welcome!
@insaidi...
I would prefer the thumbs up or down. With the star rating, if you fail to rate yourself before the Shoe Shine boy or girl gets there, you never regain the fith star even if everyone else gives you five stars.
ok, so if I upload one clip that is smaller than 100mb, do I need to start the next one as a total separate entry???? in other words, start over on a new page???
Hi ChrisMorrow
Hi All! I had lines appearing on the photos. They would come and go. I'm hoping it's not my computer?! At the moment it seems to be fine.
Thanks for the changes.
Suggestion on the one star. As others have said, you must comment to rate the post, when you comment the rating is shown next to your comment in the text of the comment. Don't know if that can be done, but that should solve the issue. I myself with as little as I post am subject to the one star bandit!
Will the "having to click refresh" for comments end soon????
Happy birthday Spontaneous!
@rosehips -- Unfortunately we do have to ban users just about every day for a number of reasons. We are not interested in blocking any particular point of view. We have bent over backwards with most users to give them a chance to behave within our community guidelines.
ok thanks Nicole!!
Thank you hhanks :)
@Spontaneous Having to refresh to see comments is definitely frustrating. It's an issue we'll bring up with our technical team. As you can imagine, there are a lot of things that need to be addressed.
@Katie,
Thank you - got to run. LadysHoodJnl signing out.
p.s. Good job on all the i.t. changes.
thank you, david,
are the banned ireporters permitted to return under another alias?
@castvee8 I might have missed your e-mail.
When you are banned, I thought your picture goes blue and would you still be on the Superstar board??
VotingFemale's profile is still up. Why are you saying she was banned?
@david williams...
I appreciate that! Here's hoping we can streamline the many concerns that the good, contributing ireporters have to offer. I make it my business to refrain from ireporters that publish hate, an offensive information in an effort to goad people into firey debates that cause for profane language.
i can't get my avatar to change is there a reason for that???
MarieSager welcome!
Why is the upload limited to 100mb? I would be able to send my 4+minute videos with a higher resolution. 150mb would help.
@iDistort -- What I meant was if you have a post make it on the site and it says something like Upload Failed, then send us the url and we can take it down. If it just fails and doesn't make it to the site, go ahead and try to post it again.
Thank you Katie
@mech126 When you go to your profile page, there's an option to edit your profile. Next to your photo should be a button that allows you to upload a new profile image. Is that not working for you?
Yes, Happy Birthday Spontaneous!
I noticed with the new format all your old post are jumbled together :(
Happy Birthday Spontaneous.
Thanks for your suggestion KarmaHD.
We're looking at several alternates to the rating system.
@Millis you can do multiple uploads on one story or do multiple stories with single uploads depending on file size. Whatever works best for you is fine, including making a new story if required. For most file compression schemes, you should be well under 100 mb for a single piece, and probably under 50 mb or less. If it's raw video or DV stream, it may be quite a bit bigger, but you'd have to compress that anyway.
Thank you ChrisMorrow :) :)
hi David, question for you, is it possible that when we are reporting from say as I do, "Second Life" that our stories be separate or our they being put to the main portion on ireport???
@KarmaHD -- We're still batting around the rating system. That's one of the things we can really start planning now that this deployment is finished.
lette, they haven't taken her down due to technical delay.
@david williams...
i am concerned that there are some good ireportes that have been banned because of unbecoming behavior they were unaware of. I confess, when I first came to Ireport the quality of language was off the hook. Now we are policing this activity while many have not made themselves abreast of the new rules. Eventhough, some never follow them...including the retained ireporters that are the primary violaters.
no it did not work last nit tryed like 8 times
Has anybody experimented with the best size / format to get he best quality video on iReport, please, or are there any specific recommendations - especially if they may go on air at CNN, too?
Alun Hill, London, UK
cool Tyson thanks
Hi there i hope i did not miss anything?
Thank you Bellydancer :)
I liked the option of html or text posting. Is HTML the only option with the new system?
@Lette -- If a banned iReporter comes back we will ban them again when we catch them. It happens. It can be like whack-a-mole sometimes, but it will be taken care of.
@mech126 Good to know -- I hadn't heard of anyone having that problem. We'll pass along to our technical team. Thanks.
OK thank you to David!
rosehips ~ so how do you know then? I'm just wondering how we know who's gone and who's still here if their profile is still available for viewing.
david - I can not edit my latest report. A window appears that says "page can not be found". I am using IE, if that matters.
@ Millis --- They are just as much of an iReport as any other iReport though there is a Second Life assignment at http://www.ireport.com/secondlife .
thanks katie
@ChrisMorrow - the 100mb limitation is tied to our back end development. We're looking at building a more robust system - we'll definitely consider increasing the size. What other improvements would you suggest?
david - its not "upload failed". when i try to click on the "submit" button its 'greyed out" and the page is frozen. i've completed all the data elements with a red asterisk which are required, but in about 3/4's of the submits, the button no longer works. its random, but apparently more of a problem with internet explorer. i dont have the problem with my opera browser at home
@AlunHill most major video formats are supported technically. Have you tried a particular kind and what experiences are you having with uploads.
ask david lette.
david, is there anyway a banned ireporter will ever be let back? Have you considered a probation period?
I think there needs to be a terminology guide. For one person, something is not considered out of line, but for the next person it may be. I may not agree with everyone, but i think everyone should get a warning first. after all, CNN owns the site, if they hear a warning from them first, there is a stronger chance they will comprehend that they need to change. A chance to change at least.
@ChrisMorrow There are two options for adding text to your story. The editor defaults to a rich-text option, but there's a small HTML link on the right-hard side that allows you to go to the old format.
That's a good question Lette, I only noticed that her avatar is no longer on the top 30 board.
@Lette - I'm not sure why the profile pages are still showing up. The developers are working on it. I've found that a lot of iReporters talk to each other outside of the site, so word about these things tends to get around.
@Lette thanks for letting us know. That's interesting... any other things you've seen?
If a person is banned how can they still be showing?
ok Nicole, if I upload say three clips, each one is less than 100mb, then I'm ok??? I use windows movie maker to compress the raw files.
Thank you David. I've seen a couple that appear to be the same atagonsits that were here before. They have profiles registered over the last two days and are making references to old reports that were created months ago!
If VF has been banned, I want proof! This has been one of ireports chief antagonist! If it is true that this person is gone, then there is a GOD somewhere. Well david williams has Voting Female been banned and if so, when will she be removed from the site?
i hope banning isn't permanent. you should maybe do it like "slate magazine". i think they ban for a week or two. there's a poster out there now (papaK) who's saying sexual things about me in his responses on other threads. i'm a big girl - i don't want him banned permanently, but he does need some "official feedback" on this.
I agree with you 100% KarmaHD. I think anyone that rates should comment. That would end the problem of the 1 start bandit immediately.
I always welcome constructive criticism and would like to hear what was good or bad about my article or picture.
Anyone can hit a button!
idistort
i have been having the same problem with my storys the butten just fads away
VotingFemale is still on the SuperStar board
I'm very concerned that ireporters are being banned. I know there's been a big problem, but now this creates another. Who else have we losted this week?
Hello Every one! Good Afternoon
Concerning your technical issues, if we can't answer them all in this forum, please know we will pass them along to development team who are working hard to track down bugs.
I would like to know what it takes to get a person banned? So many violation reports?
Is it possible to get folders in our PMs? Like save, trash, etc?
Hello, Why did votingfemale get banned?? Is there any chance she can return?
Hello Tyson::
+If you want the posts to be digg'd then I would suggest the option to be given when someone makes a comment. No one seems to want to just digg but will when commenting.
+I'd love more tags. Also, what kind of seo do you have for each post? Do I need to have redundant tags or is Ireports seo smart to use title and text?
+Full screen option for video/pictures would be GREAT!
Thanks.
Thanks HHanks!!!
I see her now..just moved down that's all.
instead of banning - maybe create a new "stupid star" category, LOL. Put all their posts under a special "discretion advised" tab, so people no where to go for obscenity, hate speech, and religious/ethnic intolerance. you don't wipe out hatred by "outlawing it" you do it by shining a spotlight on it, so everyone can tsk tsk
@Spontaneous That's a good idea - it's not on our immediate to-do list but we'll certainly keep it in mind
Guys lets be real. VF is a baiter, but she deserves to be warned by the officials. Yea sure we would have booted her long ago if it were up to us, but sometimes it takes a higher athority. I mean after all... who are we, to them? If we are no one to them they wont listen.
i agree with iDistort. people can call me a porker and I wouldn't care.
@Katie...
I made an assignemt suggestion on "Should the Nations Capital get a vote on the Houswe Floor. What is the chance of that becoming an assignment. I ask because I would like to get a gauge on the sentiment of the people around the nation on this issue because it takes 3/4th's of the states to ratify the measure... Any answers?
@davidjw -- We work very hard to be fair when we have to deal with bad behavior. Unfortunately, for many people, behavior that is bad when someone else does it is perfectly acceptable when they do it.
We have worked very hard to get members of the community to settle their difference without our involvement. That hasn't worked so we've been more involved.
@nsaidi - indeed, thanks, but the quality varies, so I'm wondering if an "ideal" has been found - what size, what compression etc, for best resultant quality.
My recent report on "UK for sale" has embarrassing quality problems, but, of course, I can't delete it and try a different compression.
Any thoughts from anyone would be most welcome!
Alun
Please clarify the new guidelines for "to give them a chance to behave within our community guidelines."
thanks.
Thanks Rachel8
@castvee8 - I found your questions and will respond to them shortly.
David,
Is there any way you could change the site to where you have auto updates on post. Having to re-send each time is problematic.
I'd like to know why iReport allows others to create posts that are obvious attempts to defame and ridicule other ireporters?? I had at least six reports that labeled me a terrorist, radical, dangerous, and polarizing. Everyone knew who they were talking about without them mentioning my name. I received several e-mails to let me know about them!
I like iDistort's suggestion about banning them temporarily.
i agree with davidjw - statehood for DC would be an excellent assignment.
David
Question
1. Words written in comments are running together and I noticed to that some are struck thru?
2. Also, did we loose font "Markups' on the upgrade?
3. Do we have to refresh the page each time we post now?
4. The Report Violation under the BIO---hmmmm....how will you know what they are doing or not? I mean, what if someone just out of spite flags them and they are not doing anything wrong? Can you track and go to the report the person is on and judge for yourself IF a violation is taking place? Just wondering how that is gonna work???
Was able to pop back in for a minute. On back in for a min. On the banning issue, seems to me that many want others from the opposite side of their own political, religious, or moral stance to be banned. I'm in favor of no banning, with the exception of someone using grossly obscene language, threats, or violence. I would also make this an 18yo or older site to prevent some young kids seeing how their parents/other adults act towards each other.
@davidjw Tell me more about what you'd like from the assignment: What should we ask iReporters? Is there a broader question we could ask that could apply to all U.S. and/or world citizens?
If it's an issue that interests you, then I'd definitely suggest making a video sharing your opinion and asking for others -- you'd probably get a good gauge in the comments field.
Any more news on meet-ups?
Happy to arrange in London / across UK anytime - and I travel regularly (Singapore and Indonesia next weekend!) so happy to meet other iReporters.
Alun
I like how you explained that DavidW. Makes sense to me.
@akagiggles36, Freedomc75 -- Users are banned for violating the community guidelines. You can also look at section 7(A) of our terms of use for more specific guidelines.
We have generally tried to warn people to let them know that they are violating the rules, but sometimes the behavior is just unacceptable and they don't get a warning.
@david williams...
Thank you and stay on the case. I like what we have here and I will not stand idly by and watch others denigrate the site. I have a lot of wonderful friends here I don't want to lose contact with via this site.
I have another question, would it be possible that in the future that say there would be a place here at ireport we could meet at the times listed and use like a chat system???
@ChrisMorrow
Thanks for the sugestion - we too have noticed that iReports don't tend to get a lot of diggs!
Which is too bad, because there's a lot of great content!
Our seo reads headlines, text and tags - but lease tell me more about your idea for more tags.
And I'm pleased to say that fullscreen is on our to-do list.
In fact- you should know that yesterday's deployment laid the groundwork for our development team to start work on some exciting new improvements. We have a long list - but your suggestions are always welcome.
OOPS! I gotta go. Just got the call - The mysterious whale has been spotted in the San Diego Bay. Need to cover.
Thanks iReport - You guys are doing a GREAT job!!
Chris.
when I get email notifications it does not include a live link to the post.
katie - How about an iReport on the border issues? The drug violence, mass murders, beheadings, etc. Hell, it's safer in Iraq than it is is some border towns.
lette - i think you're polarizing (same as me) but not a terrorist. but please remember you took the lead and called people attending the tea party tax protests "terrorists". i've never called you one, but you're not being treated any different than you treat others.
@Lette -- A lot of people have been posting reports that appear to be designed to bait or provoke other iReporters. This really does need to stop. I really think that this is something that members of the community should handle on its own. It would not be good if I have to do it.
NCAA socre update. LSU 75 Butler 71
I agree with mab91c people should not be banned for being on the other side of the issue. They should be banned for threats, language, obscene pictures.
@ChrisMorrow -- good luck finding they whale. Can't wait to hear about it.
@AlunHill I'm not sure if an "ideal" has been found, but I think a general guideline is, the better the quality to start with, the better it looks after conversion. Since the file on the site that you see is an .flv, the quality may not be as good as it was when you sent it.
I'll try to find out if there is an ideal upload. A 4:3 size ratio is usually a good rule of thumb, with or without letterbox. HD video may be too big sizewise so standard definition is probably a better way to go. It all depends on the encoding you use, really. .mov gives good results and it's a pretty standard format, but MPEG is probably the best. No hard and fast rules on this.
@MAb
The concern mab is that for one person curse words are ok, but bieng called a facist is not or any degree of language. That is what i would like clarity on too. I know its hard, but i know that for me, there are many words out there that some use out of context. And to be frank, when someone uses the "alphabet letter in quotes" it still puts the word in your head...
Also there needs to be something to say upon DEFENDING oneself or others... the whole text needs to be in place not one post.
Rosehips, I never saw a problem with votingfemales post. I hope she is allowed to come back.
davidjw, I have friends that I don't want to lose either. If they are banned, then they are lost and I feel that denigrates the site. What do you mean you won't stand idly by? What are you suggesting you will do?
@mab91c Good topic. What should we ask iReporters for? What kind of assignment would you like to see? The best assignments are tied to something in the news and ask a question or give a challenge that a wide variety of people can respond to.
iDistort ~ the community guidelines are supposed to protect "iReporters" from that. Those people put on a public display and I expressed my views. That gives no one the right to create a post about me. It's in the rules!!! I have many opinions of you. However, my manners prevent me from telling you about the negative ones!
@AlunHill
I haven't heard of any new meetups. I encourage you to lead the charge!
As a suggestion - instead of posting strictly to antagonize, perhaps we all should remember some basic rules of civility, conduct, demenor, speech, etc. Way to much "he said, she said" "they called me XXXXX so I called them XXXXX back". It's frustrating at times trying to keep your head when all about you people are losing theirs.
What will the rule be then. Some are banned and can't come back but ok for some?? Is that fair?
david - let me thank you and your team for generally doing a good job with iReports. we espeically like the ability to use photos or video to draw a attention to an otherwise staid "letter to the editor". this is a wonderful forum, and is more interactive and rewarding than the dying practice of writing letters to the NYT, WaPo, or WSJ. You have created a wider forum, for sure.
@Idistort... i agree... or a rating, for these types of post/reports. For example, maybe the Ireport star gets different colors off of a code of ethics.
@nsaidi
Really appreciated - thanks.
My pieces to camera are via an Apple Mac webcam, but reports from the field are filmed on HD cams - amazing difference in quality, of course1
Alun
@davidw, I have individuals who leave the issue I presented to castigate me: Talk about my old van, I am on medications, racist. It is so ridiculous; I am from a British former colony-English is my first language, I speak some Spanish, French. When you try to immerse self in foreign language it affects your Mother tongue. Could the Community just stick to the issue and ignore the language or person?
Just need to commend CNN on a great forum. This platform does give the feel that the media is giving an ear to some of us who sometime wonder about the direction of the news.
@everyone in regards to the 100 MB issue -- I'm told you can upload multiple attachments on a story of up to 100 MB each. BUT the general rule of thumb (posted in the guidelines on the upload page) is to keep the total upload under 100 MB. Anecdotally, I've seen that smaller file sizes tend to go through faster and with fewer problems so long as they don't have complicated encoding schema.
@obamasux -- I can say that really don't care what side of the political spectrum users are on. None of us do.
What we are concerned about is people using politics as an excuse to berate, abuse and attack each other.
Thanks for the score. We haven't been able to watch any games.
@katie...
I did the post last week. Titled... Guns for a VOTE in DC, Constitutional or not? This is important to the 600,000 plus residents that live in the city without representation. This is a big deal and srory because no one should have to surrender their 2nd ammendment rights for a vote. No DC resident should have to beg a congress or senate for the right of democracy. If the founding fathers did not want this problem, then they should not have allowed homesteading in the Nations Capital... This is a great assignment that should be embarked upon by this site.
There are certain ireporters that I just ignore because I typically do not agree with their stances on certain things. Instead of outright banning, why can't you just ignore them?
lette - i feel your pain. i was depicted in someone's iReport as a gun toting maniac shooting at him. i gave it 5 stars so that others would be drawn to it and see how immature he was.
Colored text would be nice
@davidw and davdjw, you two need to really do something about your names!!! this can confuse an ol' man like me!!! LOL
@davidW
so how do they get a chance to change or know if they done wrong. one person may think its ok, another may not. And what about the entire context of the conversation it is in? Is that used?
thanks
mab ~ I agree with that. Even though it was done to me, I didn't create any posts to offend them!
@EWillies1961,
Thanks for your comment. We glad to have you on iReport.com!
Hi, all! De-lurking temporarily...
I have four things to mention. Answer any/all/none, as you see fit
1. Could we post some rules about what the stars mean? Is it for agreeing/disagreeing? Or is it purely a "grade" on the quality of the writing/presentation of the report? That might help if people knew.
2. Can we have a page with the markup keys for the non programmers among us? I keep accidentally getting
marked thrucomments because I put double hyphens in like grammar says to do! :)3. Could those whose posts are pulled be given a sort of rejection notice briefly stating the item failed to comply with Community Guideline #3b or something?
4. I saw a post this week where someone got a ticket for doing something illegal while trying to get something to post on iReports. Is there a "don't do something dumb" warning anywhere that covers that base?!
Thanks. I'll just lurk some more now!
On iReports not getting Diggs, for those with websites and blogs, why not embed the videos in blogs and add the diggs button below it.
a threat should def be banned.
Have you resolved the survey emails issue??
see why can't everyone do like iDistort and let the water roll off your backs?
@akagiggles36 - we are balancing a wide variety of tastes and personalities on here and it can be a bit of a tightrope walk. What do you think about the philosophy of this community, and what suggestions do you have? What content thresholds do you think might work?
Hi everyone. What I miss?
my suggestion is if someone is banned is to allow their PM to continue for x amount of days, say one week, so there is a way for friends to contact each other.
I see about six specific iReporter here that are very informative and entertaining that I am about to start adding to my blog.
@Spontaneous -- Actually the rules are the same for everyone. If a banned user comes back and we find them we will ban them again. If it becomes a repeat problem we can take other steps.
@Davidw,
Why don't you just do away with the star rating system.
@Artboy! Hiya!
Katie - How about Coping with Border Violence. Our company has a regional office in McAllen Tx (right on the border) and in the past 14 days, the bridges between Mx and the US have been closed for hours d/t violence, running gun battles, etc. Our CEO has banned any of our employees going across to the border towns. Many in the US go to these towns for relatives, pharmacuticals, business, pleasure, etc. but with the rising tide of the drug lords killing at their leisure with impunity and with the protection of local law enforcement and corrupt military. Scary times.
iDistort ~ In my opinion, a post like that should be taken down. I would never even think to do something like that!
As to VF being "banned", I fail to see why? Is posting and directing comments about someone outside Ireport now grounds for violation of the TOU?
@rosehips...
I mean that to state that I will work feverishly with people like you in an effort to preserve what we have come to enjoy. I did not mean to imply that violence was the order of the day...LOL Whom do I go after? LOL
Love you rose!
Why aren't people that are banned blue and still accessible?
@davidjw Ah, yes you did. I just watched the video (great job, buy the way, we love all of your commentaries!) It's a good topic, and I love your passion. I'll brainstorm some ways to broaden the assignment to iReporters living beyond the D.C. borders. If you've got any additional suggestions, please feel free to drop me a private message!
ok THANK YOU NICOLE!!! wOOt!!!!!
I thought that VotingFemales criticism of Meghan McCain's weight was a great opportunity to rally for Meghan and all women with weight control problems. I even challenged VF on her own weight issues. that's the beauty of ireports, in my opinion. We can express the issues of the day, which this certainly was.
I am just going to ask that CNN allow votingfemale to come back. I don't think she should have been banned and I for one will miss her post.
Please bring her back.
k, thanks davidw :)
@ studenlawyer
i speak 4 languages, and i get them mixed up or backwards or spell something in the wrong language. But you know what, the human spirit can look past that if you have a summary at the end. Just incase you get a little turned around. i do it all the time, and if someone wants to focus on me not capitolizing my "i", then don't worry about their feedback dear....
they are not going to leave a good comment or constructive comment anyways.
I have to go, but the rest of the team is sticking around for a bit longer. Thanks for coming, everyone!
rose..I agree with that..threats are different.
@idistort...
Thank you honey! I know we do not always agree on the issues but I must state that you are quite judicious in your assessment of the plight of the people of DC.
There is a GOD somewhere! Idistort and myelf agree on another issue... Two in one week...progress.
davidjw ;)
nsadi...I love this forum and all the different points of view. I have had a couple run in's with some ireporters but we tend to "fix" it ourselves and I've become friends with them (right lette). I have seen on other sites where you can have an "ignore" list, where anything that person puts up, doesn't show up when you're logged in? Is that possible?
Idistort
It seems that some insist on taking criticism personally, yet fail to see that what they may be doing is the very thing they are claiming is being done to them.
@mab91c It sounds scary! Why don't you share some photos or video of your border town and let us know what it's like to live and work there? I think a lot of people would be interested in many of the issues you've raised. Please stay safe, of course!
@akagiggles36 - I think an "ignore" button is an interesting idea. Very cool suggestion!
@LisaInTX -- I would again point you to Section 7(A) of our terms of use.
You agree not to post or transmit through iReport.com any material that is grossly offensive to the online community, including blatant expressions of bigotry, racism, abusiveness, vulgarity or profanity.
You can read the rest here: http://www.ireport.com/terms.jspa
Texas a&m 79 BYU 66
Memphis 71 CSU North 70
All final scores
ignore button would be a compromise so those who get offended can ignore the commenter.
I'm thinking of a couple ideas I like to see implemented, so maybe next week I'll bring up then.
Wooo hoo brownie points for me...hehehe Now can we have VotingFemale back please?
You're right giggles... you're a okay with me! :)
David said: Actually the rules are the same for everyone. If a banned user comes back and we find them we will ban them again. If it becomes a repeat problem we can take other steps.
So david please clarify, a banned person can not come back if they stop the behavior? Or are they never allowed to come back period? And if they are banned for one or multiple behaviors, how do they know how to change.
I guess i am just worried that people are banned when they may be 1. naive, 2. not norm behavior, 3. antagonized.
Please answer.
@mab91c
Do film / photo that and iReport it - sounds amazing - I certainly had no idea that was happening!
Alun
nsaidi...isn't an "ignore" button the same as censoring? There would be reports with no dialogue left other than, "Gee, nice report," and "Wow! Great job."
...boring and useless.
@Millis looking forward to seeing your ideas. Please feel free to share whenever you are ready.
oh!! Scores!!!
@akagiggles -- I think you're making a good choice by not getting involved in the various flame wars on the site. Unfortunately a lot of people don't do that.
The problem is that when new users come to the site and see this sort of behavior they either think "That's what iReport is all about" and start flaming people to fit in, or worse they don't come back because they think everybody's mean.
ok thanks Nicole, like I said, next week :):):)
Rosehips, I am with you on this one. People need to have thick skin to survive ireports. VotingFemale was attacked more than she attacked. She stood by her post no matter how bad people treated her.
Please bring her back.
Thanks for de-lurking @Talheure
I'll apologize in advance for the quick nature of these replies. Just know we appreciate your suggestions and will take them back to our development team.
1. I think we figured the star rating was inherently tied to the quality of the iReport. What's become apparent it that it has too often become a tool of school-yard bullying. We're going to get rid of it just as soon as we can. We might replace it with a better system. We might not.
2. We're working on creating better editing tools for you - and maybe even a preview option that would allow users to see their iReport (and make adjustments) before posting.
3. I think this is a good suggestion - I'll let our community manager lead the charge on that.
4. We do have warnings/guidelines to the effect written in our terms of use. But perhaps we should make it more clear, thanks again for your thoughts.
Thanks. I'll just lurk some more now!
@ lisa
When you call someone a murderer, or if you say that they are nothing but welfare leeches, it is hard not to take personaly. It does not mean you are a bad person but maybe that person is naive. WE have to be sure to say "some" because we can not say the majority or most when we have not met them. In addition, you and i have both taken things personaly, so i am not seeing how that comment works for you at the momment. Sadly, many have considered you an antiginizer, but you still have a right to speak.
suggested topics for future assignments:
"what government programs should be cancelled outright?"
"should there be a means test for social security, so that millionaires don't get funded out of Walmart workers taxes?"
"what's your favorite foreign car that doesnt meet US highway safety standards?"
"Spring vegetable gardening - your tips and tricks"
Tal....an "ignore" button I would think to be an individual thing. Say I saw a particular ireporter I didn't like say something I didn't care for, I (myself) could "ignore" that person...but that doesn't mean that everybody ignores them as well...just me.
So true davidw or they join in the flame
@katie...
Thank you for your time and attention to this most pressing matter to me and countless others in DC. My next posting on this issue should you all undertake the cause will be about the inscription on our liscense plates that read "Taxation without Representation.
@Freec75 -- If a user is banned, we really don't want them to come back. We don't make these decisions lightly. I will go through every comment that a user makes to see if there is a pattern before banning a user.
Katie - I always play safe and I'm always armed (unless I'm inside a hospital). I'll see what I can do in reference to the pics. I'm based out of San Antonio, and fly to the Rio Grande Valley stirctly for organ recovery. Thankfully I don't live here 24/7/365.
As to VF being banned; unless they bring back GVSCMR (and wow, did he and I have words...I just stopped going to his sites) then they should not bring back VF. There can be no favorites; personally, I'd like to see them both back.
@Talheure - the idea is that YOU can choose what you see, methinks. All about giving you a choice about the content you are seeing, so if something bothers you, you don't have to see it.
Spontaneous, color text is doable. you just have to know the HTML coding. Maybe they can provide a HTML cheet sheet for people.
Thanks for that ban insight davidw
@ davidw, I agree, these flame wars tend to drive possible future reporters like me away be cause of sometimes intense behaviour that gets a wee bit out of hand.
I also find it childish and insulting, even though not against the rules, for others to engage in conversations about others when they're not around. Why not address the person directly in a mature and respectful way?
Thanks Freec75
just back in at the end of the dsay- hopefully not oot late.
I would like to say that I appreciate david w's judicious review - I have seen posters on both sides almost brag about getting noted from him warning of their behavior and contiune with obscene language or attacks regadless. I would not assume they have not been warned. I would assume in most cases, s he said- they have ben warned repeatedly. And we have seen posters on both sides booted. His answers have been very consistent.
David
Thanks for the reminder, and I understand all but one. Can you please explain what determines "Grossly Offensive to the online community"?
David writes:
You agree not to post or transmit through iReport.com any material that is grossly offensive to the online community, including blatant expressions of bigotry, racism, abusiveness, vulgarity or profanity.
I prefer ireporters who are outspoken on the issues of the day. I have learned a lot about how others think about our politicians. I find it very informative. I don't want to always listen to those I agree with. I'd prefer to debate issues with those on the opposite side of the spectrum. I have had few issues with antagonism.
@iDistort Thanks for sharing the assignment ideas! Spring gardens is one we've tossed around a bit, and government programs is another topic we've tried to open to the iReport community. You're right on track!
Would you be likely to respond to any of these? We'd love to see some original photos and video from you!
I agree Lette but would that open the flame box?
@ Lisatx
Lisa, please take a look at her posting of Natzi signs and Natzi comments. I can send them to you if you like. There was a reason she Cher, Dr.Jazz, and other well known racist (in my opinion) were friends dear. Sometimes ppl dont know they are one, and sometimes they may not be one but think it is acceptable behavior and promote others to behave that way "race bating"
@iDistort -- Sorry for taking so long to get to this one, but a penalty box may be a good idea. I think that would be a way to settle disputes before they get out of hand.
I'm not sure when that would happen, but we're thinking about it.
Sometimes people report m just for my screen name or avatar. I think that is wrong.
@davidjw You're welcome. And thanks to you, as always, for all your video commentaries. Keep them coming!
I repfer uotspoken and knowledgeable posters- and we ahve many. I do not aprecaite thos whow use grossly obscene language- or threats - we know those have happened here. they have regrettably pushed david to do his job.
@LisaInTexas...
I wish I shared your sentiment about the possible banning of Voting Female...but I don't! There has been far better and more likeable ireporters that have been banned for less than what VF, was banned for. Heck, I wish people could act accordingly with the rules but... they don't...
Ok everybody, enjoyed it!!! this is really neat to be able to do this and I assure you I will be here next week as well, no, wait a minute, the 24th????? EEEEEEEEEEK THATS MY BIRTHDAY!!! Oh no!! what am I gonna do!!!!!
thank you davidw for considering the penalty box idea. I appreciate your consideration.
Freec75- you have been on ireports long enough ot know aobut cher etc. yet your profile looks new and no posts? why?
Spontaneous ~ that's why I said respectful. We don't have to like each other. However, if you have an issue with someone, why not debate the issues? Why make snide remarks about people when they're not around to defend themselves? It creates a hostile environment!
When I try adding individuals to follow nothing happens?
instead of havign a Follow report can we have a fave report button? you know... so we can just bookmark ppl we like or want to watch. Not necessarly their reports.
Also, can we have a black list button? that way when people who are posting things that make a person feel uncomfy, they dont have to deal with them on an individual basis.
A video game i play has these options
Thanks for your answers, Tyson! I'm trying hard to figure out what I'm doing wrong when I comment on someone's story and it comes out looking like the printer's drawer tipped over! I'm thinking of checking out a book on the markups until then!
nsaidi...thanks for the clarification...it would just keep the POSTER from seeing it, not the community at large? My point: I've learned the best lessons from people I most hated to hear from. It sharpens our positions to be honed against an opposite point of view, however stated. Ouch, but okay!
ireport folks- thanks for your patience, your creative abilites and your time. I ahve to get out.
katie - i'm technologically impoverished. i dont own a digital cam or a vidcam. thats why i tend to use google images. but be assured i have some gardening tips (and recipes) and would love to do the proxmire "golden fleece" thing about programs that waste money. most of my posts are made at my day job (i work some evenings as a waitress) and i don't have personal stuff on my work pc anyway
One thing I've seen repeatedly is that "You need to have a thick skin to be on iReport." I could not disagree more strongly.
You should not have to be thick skinned to to be a part of the community.
We should be able to disagree without being disagreeable, or at least treat each other with respect.
Great posts everyone. What are the chances of having competitions. Cash or Scholarship awards, CNN stuff, tours etc.. maybe even spend the day with an anchor? I know the anchors would love that. I think the quality of Reporters is apparent. Why not award quality? Just a thought.
I still agree Lette but I don't find respectful around here a lot lately. Debates should be about the post, subject not the poster. Just my opinion. Sorry, thanks:-)
Sorry for coming in late, but has a rule been established yet that people should not post links in the comment sections of reports that they did not write without first receiving permission?
I agree Lette. I usually send the person a PM and invite the person to come back to my posting to debate the issue.
@Millis happy early bday, we'll have a virtual cake for you at the Tuesday SL meeting. :)
waves Bye all, see ya Tuesday!!!
@iDistort That's good to know. We'll know to look for your iReports when spring gardens are starting to bloom!
Where is the harm in posting a link in comments?
obamasux ~ I have to agree that your profile name and avatar is extremely offensive. However, I've found that you're actually pretty likeable when you stay on topic.
freedom
Again, taking comments made in general reflection PERSONALLY is your own doing. I've never called another ireporter a murderer on this site nor have I called them PERSONALLY a leech. This is yet again, another Mis-Quote taken on as being personal when it is not stated as such.
idistort- i very much aprpecaite your good discurse on things we do and do not agere on and more than anything, we apprecite your tolerance of CC. I think you have challemnged him to do more informativ eposts along with his funny ones. Thanks.
@Spontaneous...
Happy Birthday Doll Face! Here's hoping you have many more. Stay Sweet.
sorry, discurse = discourse, my apologies.
davidw - i think its the nature of the online world that people feel emboldened to use insulting language that they KNOW would get them beaten to a pulp in public. its the anonymity of the medium. slate has the same problem. you need a thick skin to live life in general, not just online.
LOL, ok great!!!!!
Yes, assignments on Spring, warmer weather, our pets would be a change of pace
robjhi, some people post links to distract from the subject matter of the report, or to lead others from the ireport to one of their own that has an opposing view.
@Artboy we do on occasion have contests like the iReport film festival, but putting one together is a complicated affair and we don't do them too often. Lots of rules and red tape. But we do like to have challenges and fun assignments, like this week's economic challenge where were asking people to do something new each week.
That being said, we're always looking to try something cool and new and different. Did you have any ideas for challenges that we could try? I think spending the day with an anchor would be tremendous if it could be arranged. And, dare I ask, what kind of rewards would you appreciate?
A loaded question, I know. @everyone can respond, so please jump in.
Thank you davidjw!! :-). You are dressed sharp today
@davidW
thank you and i appreciate that, i just think the community should have a say on it too. I mean what if there is a "click" that is trying to get rid of someone alone.... though i have been part of that, I first try avoiding the person's indiv post. If they then pertrude into my post, just to make a vulgure or unkind statement about others in it, then i flag the post, after so many post flagging, i then flag the reporter. I guess i just have a patient line, and when you deal with gazillions of ppl, its harder to be flexible.
@LisaInTx -- The community and the iReport staff decide if something is a gross violation. Anytime someone reports a violation, we look at it and see if the comment violates the community guidelines. If it does, we'll look at the users' history to see if it's a onetime thing or if there is a pattern.
If there is a pattern, I usually will send a warning, and if the users has had multiple warnings they will be banned.
If the violation is really bad, we will just ban the person.
@Artboy Those are great ideas. We couldn't agree more that the quality of many iReports is outstanding. We're always looking for ways to acknowledge quality material, and noting good work in the comments and showcasing them on CNN are just a few ways we're currently doing that.
We've been throwing around some ways we can reward iReporters beyond the Superstar status -- we'll add your ideas to the list!
hi david and everyone i don´t understand anything with this new changes how are we rated and who will be in the top 30 every week according to what the times people have seen it or the rates or HELP me please, and where are some ireporters like butterfly1 and many others, well hope i learn today
best wishes answer my questions please, thanks david kisses larena
Thanks Lette,
I like you as well. If I could change my screen name I would but they told me it was impossible. The only way is to cancel and start new. Which I may do that so I can have a good conversation with others.
I have been thinking about stuff from HS 1973. I tried to create some new prospective based on academics. Individuals who might not have been good student are not familiar with it would just switch to attack my writing, grammar, iam racist, idiot, very childish. I ignore them, what I feel is that I can join them and discuss their alternative life style them I would get busted.
@davidW
but isnt a penalty box just like a warning?
I love the idea, and i think you should be in the penalty box for a certian time frame. but, i still see that as a warning to a sense.
Can anyone explain the whole concept on the story "Inside Africa"? I see it every week.
butterfly1 is taking a break but still with us. Hi butterfly1 and OCGirl!
obamasux ... ;)
in the penalty box you could not post or comment, correct?
@everyone
We need to wrap up the discussion. Thank you again for your great comments and suggestions. See you next week!
@auntiebjw -- There is no rule requiring people to ask before posting links in the comments of another person's iReports.
However if someone is consistently posting off-topic links in people's posts to try to drive traffic to their own stories, we will treat that as spam.
robjh1, Yes. I see double post all the time back to back at times AND why is extra sexual pictures allowed???
@davidw, in your response to Lisa, you said that "the community" decides. I'm grateful to know that your staff goes through comments and posts to verify the acceptability of that ireporter. What if there's a pack of like-minded ireporters who collude to flag someone? I've seen groups get together and chat about anything under the sun as an apparently coordinated attempt to run up view/comment numbers to achieve "newsiest." It's not out of the question that a similar group could gang up on someone they didn't like!
Thanks all see you next time!
Heya everyone, I'm signing off. Thanks for the insightful ideas and comments!
@lisa
I was not saying necessarly you. But you talk of people taking things personaly, when you and i are both guilty of it too. Thats all, you can not ask others to do something you have a weakness for sometimes too. And once again i was not directed it at you. I feel you are an antiganizer, but i deal with you in other ways. I don't own the site. But in this case the response i did was more so to say (as it says) "someone" .
A lot of iReprters post sexual pictures for shock value but they don't get viewer discretion but something other pics do. I don't get that.
One last quick point. Is any thought being given to quickly search posts in a iReport by name? For example, if a report is receiving many posts over several days, it would be nice to see what has been written by specific posters and by yourself. I know I've gone back through 36 pages to find a specific post proving a point I was trying to make. While my mind is still fairly sharp for a 56yo, it's not as sharp as some who have total recall of every word they have every written or spoke.
davidw,
I sent a request to change my screen name but they said it was impossible. Is there any way you could change it so I don't lose my reports and all?
whew, we gotta go, but I guess I'll be keeping an eye if anything else comes up. Thanks all for taking the time to hang with us in a virtual fashion!
@everybody -- One last thing that I forgot to mention earlier.
I wanted to let everyone that when you click on the "Report this user" link on an iReporter's profile. It sends us an email so that we can check them out manually.
So you don't have to worry about getting someone in trouble if you click it by mistake or about being targeted arbitrarily.
NEranger
I am sorry i never said by to you sweetie. I came on to get an understanding. Its Freedom. But from what i am understanding. Even if you learn from your one mistake or many you can not come back. I was just about to leave, when i saw you and said i need to say bye to him!
@everyone...
What I find offensive by the many GOP supporters is that they like to take cheap shots at you for your intelligence. Such quips as... Are you stupid? Or are you a moron. It is not about taking it personally alone, it is against the rules to insult period with such mindless antagonisms. Moreover, if that person has low self esteem, the damage to the pyschy can be extensive. Not Cool...at all!
Thanks nsaidi!!
Bye CNN Team -- Thank you. Have a great day. Chat next week! :)
I found this discussion to be very productive!
Thanks Team iReport!
@nsaidi
You've started something!
"what kind of rewards?" ... easy!
A visit to the nearest CNN bureau (London, in my case) - would make a great iReport, showing all that goes on ...
Alun
Superb idea artboy. The top story could possible win a spot on one of the news show's on CNN. Better yet, why not have a ireport news hour or minutes on TV?
plus my cousin post to this, and i thought i would give her a breakdown, she can not log on atm.
NERanger is not gone.
@obamasux -- If you change your user name, your iReports won't go away, but they'll still be linked to your old account -- not your new one.
Thanks for everything you guys do, david. Take care
thank you davidw, nicole, and all the producers who addressed our issues and concerns. :)
@davidjw,
The Dem supporters do the same. LOL
iReports are shown on HLN, News to ME and CNN all the time and it's not marked "ON CNN". I see them.
Thanks for the opportunity to contribute and suggest!
...and for playing hall monitor as necessary ;) !
@davidjw -- I have found that insults and abusive behavior is not a Republican or Democratic problem.
Thanks for the heads up Spontaneous. I didn't know it was your B-day hope is was or is great!
@david,
I will have to make a new account? Like set it up and all that?
david
Thanks for the info and others insight.
Gotta run
@Spontaneous -- Actually we don't use iReports on CNN, HLN, CNN.com or any of our properties unless a member of our editorial staff has talked to the submitter and verified the information and that the submitter took the photo.
@everyone...
Minus the refreshing the page...this is a great forum and I enjoy it. Here's hoping that everyone has had their concerns addressed...
Thank you David, Nsaidi, Katie and Tyson. You all are the best.
agree with davidw re: rep/dem...even we independent females can step outta line. I've seen plenty of dems get abusive too.
2everyone,
I will be posting a report asking for new screen names I welcome all suggestions good and bad. I hve some thick skin but try and pick a good one.
I ended up at the end of the line. I really wish I could see an update on changes that will be made after these discussions.
Have a good day everybody. We'll talk to you next week.
Hi David. I would like to know if I can still copy and paste an article that I think could be interesting from another site. I had problems yesterday. The paste would not light when creating my report.
davidjw -
What I find offensive by the many GOP supporters is that they like to take cheap shots at you for your intelligence. Such quips as... Are you stupid? Or are you a moron.
Take out the DOP and put in DNC and you'll know how I feel.
Obamasux...you are sure a good sport! :)
its me again, i have another question, there is a guy i have seen that gets the red cnn tag all the time and he is not in the top 30 his name here is punjabi something
i i remember now punjabipower, and i think after so many red tags on cnn and being on tv i have seeing him my question is why he is not there, well have a great day kisses you all of you larena
The Roundtable is over guys. All updates are on the blog. See you next week :)
@DW...
OK, your right! Party affiliations have little to do with the quality of personal attacks that we have been experiencing.
Thank you rosehips...You are my Spiritual Darling!
Shoot, I was late by one minute. Missed David.
Better late- than never-
two quick notes for anyone hanging arund- Freedom - love your show! Especially the music- thanks for everything.
Second- how could I have forgotten to mention that great new additon of spellcheck on PM's and, maybe, posts, not sure yet. now I have so excuse.....rrrrrrr
(However, I will point out there is no spellcheck on this blog comment so I am safe for now. )
We started yet?? Agenda Agenda Agenda Agenda.......
Good stuff, keep it up. David, I must say, since you've joined the team, things have improved ten fold. My regards, my respect, my thanks.
TW
Are we jst gonna, let this bonus thing with AIG slid??, I dont think so. If we do, the next one on the list will pop up soon and pay more bonuses than AIG did. TRUE OR FALSE!!!!!Someone talk to me
Just getting in wanted to say Hi I`m a new one here :) going to catch up and join in
well it seems i`m to late. the time difference wont allow me to join in :( I really wanted to.
Where are our comments going?
I have tried and tried to comment, and so many times they don't make it on the posts and even though I refresh the page, still not there~!
This is the only place where things seem to work like they are supposed to as yet..
ANY issues you are having, EMAIL iReports. I do and most get fixed.
Spontaneous »
Thanks :)
I will do that.. So far not much get posted of mine..Not that I have all that much to say! :) It's kind of frustrating though
cool, roundtable)))))
Hi, When I get an e-mail that there is an I-report, I click it, but it doesn't go the the story that was in the subject line; instead there is a rectangle with about 10 different pictures. Also it says in my e-mail, if I want to see the story put in doc/232893 for example. That is too time consuming I'd just rather click like we used to . Is this going to be corrected. Thanks, charmaine
rahc57@aol.com
My computer crashed the day the changes were being made to this website..so I missed the meeting here..
My question though is ...if anyone happens to check back here, even though the meeting is well over with ...by a few days now, What are all these smiley faces doing on this site? I find them distracting when seeing them included with comments in posts where it is serious subject then suddenly these silly things appears..
Are they part of this website? If not please get rid of them as they are like elementary school level and annoying to see on serious post with serious topics. Thanks..