General Chat

I sent an email to GR today, and have had a reply. See below.

To Genes Reunited feedback I am becoming increasingly concerned that Threads are being censored and removed without any explanation. As a long standing member I have noticed that some people on here enjoy causing trouble. If I complain about a thread's content then I am quite happy to put my hand up publicly and say why I objected. This does not seem to apply to others. This is not name and shame, but rather treating fellow members with due respect. Several members now have complained about receiving abusive emails. Isn't it time you stood up for the Good Guys and barred the troublemakers? Jim Dear Jim, you may be aware that here at Genes Reunited we are only a very small team. This means that we are unable to watch the message boards constantly. It also means that if do remove a message from the boards we do not usually offer an explanation to all the members as to why we have done it. We often remove messages for various reasons and to offer an explanation each time would just be too time-consuming. If someone reports an offensive thread to us we will go and have a look. If we feel it is offensive and does not fit in with our message board guidelines then we will remove it. If someone has received an abusive email from another member then they must report it to our abuse administrator who can then investigate. Any threads shown to be 'naming and shaming' will be removed from our message boards as they just cause further arguments. This is a family history website and we like to see the happy community spirit on our message boards, rather than arguments. I am sure you will agree with me on this.

Jim you sent an email today, and got a reply........today? I sent an email a few days ago asking for help, and I am still waiting for an answer. If they can spend time deleting threads and getting involved in the arguments, but not answering members pleas for help. Then I feel their time is not well spent. This is not your fault and I am not infering that it is, so please dont take offence Jim. I am just making a point about GR. Deanna

Jim - glad you received a reply, but I have to say I dont think it's very conclusive, do you? I agree with you, if someone finds something offensive and feels the thread should be removed, then why (at the time GR decides to delete the thread) can't they post a title saying 'Such and such and thread deleted - objected to by Whoever'. Most people who profess to be responsible adults are just that, and will take the responsibility for their actions (and hold up their hands and say................T'was I' If they are not prepared to do so then GR should think twice before deleting threads willynilly. The above is my opinion only Jacqui

Jim I'm glad you took this matter up with GR and, like Deanna, I am amazed that you had such a prompt response. Do you feel it addressed the concerns you raised? Jan

I'd prefer it if they simply said how many objections they'd had.

And I'd prefer if they told us by whom. Wishful thinking again. Jan :-)

I felt the reply was a little unsatisfactory, but at least they did say they made their own decision after reading the Thread and didn't just delete it on someone's say so.

Good for you Jim,and getting such a quick reply. I do not agree with nameing the person who objects to every thread,but we should be told how many members objected every time. If you see what i mean===)))) Val ptfg

From my point of view it would be interesting to know whether it is always the same person or persons who do the complaining. Just a thought. Jan

Val, I agree with you. Someone may complain about a thread that touches a nerve for a very personal reason, and may not want their name associated with that (example. someone may complain about a thread about abuse, but not want it known, for obvious reasons). Paul

Would you not reconsider that if you found it was always the same one/ones. Surely every thread that is removed cannot hit the same nerve all the time, after all they're on different subjects. Just my opinion. Jan

I do see your point Jan, I guess we'll agree to differ. I've spoken to the GR people a few times (yes, I've made a fer complaints, have no qualms in admitting that ), and they've always been very fair. They're not daft, they know whats what (mostly).

jim i asked about a member a few months back and my thread was removed.wheres the offence there.maybe a member complained because they didn't like the member,but that is there problem not mine or my thread.love and hugsxxxxx(:

By naming people who complain every time, GR would be breaching confidentuality. If someone or some thread upsets you, its your right to complain to gr. If Gr think the complaint is valid, or there have been many complaints then its GRs right to take the thread off, as its GRs right not to name names. Elaine x

Hi Paul, I personally have never made a complaint. That is not to say I wouldn't if I couldn't resolve on a personal basis what I saw as a serious issue with someone. However, because of the huge volume of threads that disappear off here with alarming regularity I am not sure I agree with your last comment (LOL). But as you say, we'll agree to differ. Jan

elaine can i ask your opinion.would you complain about another member asking about another member when they haven't seen them for a while.the explanation which was given to me is that a member foud it offensive.wheres the offence.would like your view on that.love and hugsxxxxx(:

I would never put anything on here to diliberatly hurt or injure anyones feelings or just to be controvesial, but i would hope that if i did inadvertantly upset someone then i hope that they would do me the courteseyof giving me a polite reason for asking for a thread of mine to be deleted, and then if a compromise coudnt be reached both parites could put their case to Genes to be judged on its merit, all this underhand stuff just causes more trouble

I think people do far too much complaining - I've been on the site two years and have found many things offensive in that time but have only complained once - that was because of what I saw as the unfair treatment of one person by several others. When I did complain I posted on the thread to say I was doing so which I think is the right way to do things. I don't approve of anonymous complaints and the circumstances where it would be too personal for someone to voice their complaint are rare - often it's just people being cowardly and snidey. If I object to something I believe what I'm saying and am proud to voice it. We are all supposed to be adults and we have the choice to avoid a thread we don't like or to join in the discussion/ argument.

I agree David. If a person has a legitimate complaint, then post a thread saying that they have, and are considering complaining about it; the person generating the thread then has the option of replying privately if they want and the parties can sort the matter out as adults. If anyone objects to my views then they are at liberty to say so, and I wont complain either on the board or to GR but would be happy to talk with anyone who feels I have stepped out of line. If I have a complaint about a particular thread (which fortunately has never really happened as I take the view that I can switch threads if I dont like the content) then I will do just as I say above - post a thread saying I may complain to GR, and then take the matter up with the originator of the thread. I do not like anonymous complainers, and feel that if they feel so strongly about an issue they should perhaps stand up and be counted. Jacqui