An update for readers on the future of our ‘Blantyre Telegraph Live Chat Group’. As you’ll be aware, the group was recently suspended due to abuse of admin, other readers and persistent rule breaking. All this week we’ve put how the group should be run ENTIRELY back with you, the readers in a series of polls.
We now have all the results and pleased to say, we will 100% honour what YOU have decided including entirely how the group will be managed! Here are the results.
Group Name, Affiliation & Identity
1. You overwhelmingly asked for the group to be kept open (91%), so we confirm, it will be activated as live again tomorrow (Sunday 19th May).
2. You decided overwhelmingly that Telegraph name is affiliated to the group. We’ll do this, but in a more subtle way as host only rather than splashing the name across the group graphics. (86%),
3. You decided the Group should be called ‘Blantyre Live Chat‘, rather than ‘Blantyre Telegraph Live Chat‘. So we’ll tweak the name before reopening and of course this will get a brand new look. (63%)
Admin and Moderators
1. You asked for auto-admin to be switched on to assist moderators and admin tasks. (55%)
2. You said overwhelmingly the group needs more moderators. (98%). We agree, which is one of the main reasons things were previously too much for us. Pleased to say, we’ve now secured FIVE moderators, as well as admin, to react to posts and approvals much faster, sharing the moderation tasks, and giving admin and existing moderators a much easier life!
4. You overwhelmingly voted all new members should be approved by admin or moderators. (95%)
Posting to the Group
1. A close call, but we’ll ensure Posts will appear right away, except for those from people who have warnings or previously broken rules. New posts from those profiles will be queued for moderated approval. (51%)
2. Selling household items and vehicles will be permitted, but only if they’re being given away for free, just as it was before. You decided you don’t want to see things from houses being sold. (64%)
3. You overwhelmingly voted that Newest Posts should appear at the top of the feed first. (98%)
4. You have chosen 3 shortcuts below the posting box, which are Photos, Polls and Requesting Help.
5. Our automatic reminder about Supporters Group will be posted just once a month. (68%)
6. Our automatic reminder about our other Groups will be posted once a week. (63%)
7. You have overwhelmingly voted that ‘Today’s Daily Topic’ posting a random story from around the world should continue as it is. (76%)
Rulebreakers, Limiting Activity & Bans
1. Rule breakers will get a strike with the broken rule explained, then simply removed from the group if they break that rule again. (59%)
2. Reported Posts. A tie at 50%. We’ll make the call then that reported posts will be removed automatically by auto admin features, but will be held for further review by admin or moderators. (50%)
Advertising & Business
1. You overwhelmingly voted that Blantyre businesses should only post once a week to the group, as it was before. (94%)
2. You overwhelmingly decided that businesses outside of Blantyre should not be permitted in this group as before. Therefore only businesses who put ‘Blantyre based‘ in their ad will be permitted as it was. (85%)
3. You would like to see a new, downloadable Business Directory in the group to make it easier to find reliable tradespeople. (86%).
All of YOUR final decisions above will now be implemented and the group will be made LIVE again tomorrow, Sunday 19th May. Meantime, we’re adding the new moderators who we previously have been in contact with.
Thank you for your patience. Over the last fortnight it’s become clear how many people RELY on Blantyre Telegraph Live Chat and with the changes implemented above, and additional moderation in place, we hope this Community group…..YOUR Community group can continue to grow and thrive in a friendly, helpful and inclusive manner. Results attached for full transparency. Thanks.
