Uh-Oh. Jarhead999 76 65 Has Been Thinking Again.

I know it's dangerous, but I did it anyways. What do you guys think about adding the ability of deleting your own posts? I mean, you can delete posts if yours is the most recent, but what about all the other posts? I would like to have the ability to do such a thing. Mods, Admin, fellow forum members, what do you think?

It sounds like a good idea. But take into account that every forum eventually does get one or two trouble users.

Now image if a user was swearing at everyone, making rude comments, etc.

Now imagine what would happen if they were capable of deleting their post before a moderator or Admin came on to see the offending post in question.

Take into consideration the process it takes to ban a user (And the process is originally hard for a good reason, and even when a banning is necessary, it should be taken very seriously and given a lot of thought).

Allowing people to delete their last post allows for someone to delete a post soon after they changed their mind. But allowing someone to delete any of their post at any given time. . . well, it would probably lead to more problems than it is worth. But if you have a good reason for wanting that post deleted, you can always PM the correct level moderator and let them determine a course of action.

Well, I thought about that. What if people who had seen the offender's post were required to take a screenshot?

Do you know how easily I could create a fake screenshot?
Screen shots go a long way to prove something about an offender, but they are still not hardcore proof.

Well, AFU, couldn't an offender also do the same with editing a comment? They could say (just using TheOneNamedMike as an example) "TheOneNamedMike is a stupid idiot who should go die." Then, if somebody told a mod, they could edit it into "TheOneNamedMike is so awesome, he should get an award." Just saying.
And Mike, I'm not insulting you, just using you as an example!

They could, but editing a comment isn't as foolproof as deleting a comment. A lot of room for mistakes.

In the end it is Admin's decision. He'll read both sides and make a choice based on what he sees/knows.

But let us see what others think about this before we continue to post. (Otherwise there will be too many new post for everyone to read).

Sounds good to me, AFU.

Is there any sort of record of deleted or edited posts? If a post was saved somewhere at the time of deletion or editing, it could be reviewed later if there was a problem like this. I've only taken very basic web design, idk if there's even a way to do this, just wondering.

It's a good thought Jarhead, but unfortunately we can't allow people to delete their own posts. There's simply too much risk in allowing users that much power. There could be a very valuable thread that hosts a lot of good information for members (or non-members), and due to whatever reason (he/she gets embarrassed, frustrated, etc. within the topic) the person who began the thread could delete the post and erase all the valuable information.

Also, I've heard many people on this forum ask a question, get it answered, then request that a moderator delete the thread b/c the question was answered. If those threads would have been deleted, the initial poster would have had his/her question answered, but all the people searching on the web/forum for a similar answer to a similar question would miss out on the opportunity to see the responses. Does that make sense?

We have to allow either ALL members to have the ability or NO members. And unfortunately those members who simply don't know better, or those who get hot-headed and start pressing delete buttons at the first sign of conflict, prevent me from allowing everyone to have that power.

I appreciate the feedback though. I hope you and everyone else continues to think up new ideas for the forum! If you ever need a thread deleted due to a valid reason, please don't hesitate to contact me or a Moderator.

I understand, Admin. It makes sense.

I'll let you (and the forum) know if there's anything else I can think of!

Thread Lock Requested.