Continuing the discussion from Scrutiny of Moderator actions:
The use of flags was an emerging theme in this category. I for one though am not completely clear on what happens with flags but thought a discussion on the matter might be a bit off-topic “over there.”
I recall there was some discussion on this from a thread last September which resulted in some changes but for me at least there is just generally more confusion particularly what does or does not happen when a post is flagged.
For instance earlier today I sent what I thought was a private message through the flag option. I didn’t see the need to involve the moderator but have subsequently found out the moderators were informed. That this would happen is not clear.
So I do wonder if the FAQ for flagging could be beefed up a bit? Or perhaps this may become a way to demystify the process. Some questions I’ve had based on the FAQ include:
If enough flags accrue, action will be taken, either automatically or by moderator intervention.
- How many flags must be accrued or is this subjective?
- What number is needed to automatically collapse a post?
- Do flags have to be of the same category (spam/off topic)?
- When do moderators interact with flags?
I also get the sense that mods would like the flagging system to be used more than it is. If I might suggest, the current layout does little to flag the flagging option is usually out of sight on posts, hidden behind the …
