General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Why is DU's popularity waning? (Title edited, explanation within.) [View all]LostInAnomie
(14,428 posts)Last edited Wed Dec 3, 2014, 10:56 PM - Edit history (1)
... and most of the country doesn't buy what "pure" DUers are selling.
Like it or not, DU has very little tolerance for dissent. The jury system became a tool for enforcing orthodoxy, and was used to target DUers that had differing opinions. This drove long time DUers away because they used to be free to post whatever they wanted on here as long as they didn't violate the TOS. Now, not only do they have to not violate the terms of service, but they have to make sure they don't post anything "disruptive, hurtful, rude, insensitive, over-the-top, or otherwise inappropriate" which can literally mean anything. Get suspended for 90 days for petty nonsense and even long time DUers won't want to come back.
MIRT serves to make sure that we don't get any new posters on here that aren't "pure" enough. If you ask them they'll say they keep trolls off DU. In actuality, they target new DUers and set up a bar for entry. Post something that doesn't follow orthodoxy = PPR. Post something that a well connected DUer doesn't like = PPR. Take a differing view on a current event from the DU zeitgeist = PPR. If you have to spend your first 100 posts watching what you say, and hoping no one takes offense there isn't much reason to stay.
Essentially, what that admins have set up is a good way to drive away old members and keep new members from joining. It's no wonder the site is dying.
Go back to moderators and enforcing the TOS.