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Post by Admin on Oct 2, 2017 3:59:19 GMT
Welcome to the Forum where one can discuss the issues of the many different Electoral Systems.
Everyone is encouraged to participate in the discussions - both New User, who have never participated in a Forum before. As well as Experienced Users. New Users are encouraged to ask basic questions - there are "no stupid questions". Posting some very basic questions will not only help the poster, but other Newbies will also benefit. Experienced Users are encouraged to assist Newbies in a supportive manner.
The Forum is OPEN to ALL recognized types of Electoral Systems - FPTP, IRV (both are not a form of PR) Proportional Representation Systems - Party List PR, MMP, STV. There are NEW types of Electoral Systems that have not been tried before. These NEW types are based completely on Theory with no practical experience. These are not really a practical choice for discussion here (maybe in a "Member Group" that wants to focus on these Theories). The recognized types are what we could easily see as being implemented.
This Forum can also be used for members to organize their Community. Each community can have a "Private Board" for members that live in that community. One can create a "Poll" among their fellow citizens, organize "Events", and all done in Private with their fellow community citizens. Members joining such a community group may be required to supply their postal code to confirm they live in the community.
This thread is where quests and members alike can find the rules of this forum
and some help in navigating the Posts, Threads, and the Private Boards.
Bullying and Harassing members will not be tolerated! - define Bullying
Basic Forum Terminology - Definitions
Navigating Boards & Threads - Boards & Threads
Creating a New Topic - Create a Thread (also creating Polls & adding Events)
Navigating Posts - Posts - Sample of using "Quote" button - Sample of using "Select Post" option to include multi-quotes in Post.
Posting - Posting Resources & Links - Resources (members only)
Gifts - Badges - Gifting
Moderating the Forum - Policing
For a Fair and Honest Referendum - Petition
If one has any questions concerning these issues please post them here.
ALL recognized types of Electoral Systems - Threads:
First-Past-The-Post (not PR it is Single Member Plurality - SMP) - FPTP
Instant Runoff Voting (not PR it is Single Member Majority - SMM) - IRV or Vote123
Proportional Representation Systems (PR) - PR
Mixed Member Proportional (PR) - MMPParty-List PR (PR) - Party-List PR
Single Transferable Vote (PR) - STV
Local PR - STV in hiding Party-Proportional or Electorate-Proportional - PPR - EPRQuestions and/or Comments concerning these issues need to be Posted in the appropriate Thread.
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Post by Admin on Oct 3, 2017 16:17:05 GMT
Member Ranking Defined:
Guest are welcome to participate in the General discussions - there are advantages to being a member including more detail discussions and opportunity to organize for the upcoming referendum on Electoral Reform.
There are different classification of members
NEW member - is 0 - 50 posts.
JUNIOR member is 50 - 100 posts.
FULL member is 100 - 250 posts
SENIOR member is over 250 posts.
The "members open" board is a closed to Guests and open to Members where they can discuss issues without trolls or spam disrupting the discussions.
The "members private" board I set it to be private for FULL members and SENIOR members. |
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Post by Admin on Oct 11, 2017 0:07:18 GMT
The Forum wants to encourage participation for Newbies and for Experienced Users.
To this end the following actions are unacceptable by any USER.
Defining what "Bullying" and "Harassing" a member is. We need to have an understanding of these issues.
Bullying - Bullying is dependent on how a comment is received. The one making the comment may not intend to Bully, but the one receiving the comment may interpret it as being Bulled. This issue of "intent" and "interpretation" will vary the degree of Bullying were it may be unclear. The following are examples of Bullying that are clearly Bullying;
- When a member is responding to another member with personal comments that really have nothing to do with the Thread or Topic. (slight to sever Bullying, depending on the "Personal Comment" made.)
- Ridicule of viewpoints may at times be used as a legitimate argument tactic - it can also be seen as Bullying depending on where and how it is used. (slight to sever Bullying)
- Using demeaning comments to ridicule a member's post or viewpoint. (serve Bullying)
Harassing - when a member is constantly following another member's comments and posting contradicting comments to try and make the other member look bad to the other members.
Jumping-on - Is when a number of members jump to criticize a unpopular viewpoint posted by another member. This needs to be discouraged as many jumping-on can be very intimidating and can discourage the member from further participation.
Spam- will be deleted immediately without warning. Members that post Spam could possibly be Banned from the forum, if they continue posting Spam.
Trolling - is also prohibited and Trolls will be banned.
penalties - warnings, posted apology, posts deleted, suspensions, bans. |
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Post by Admin on Oct 11, 2017 2:51:40 GMT
Some basic Terminology used with Forms:
Category - These are where different Boards are organized - On the guest page one can see 2 Categories "General" and "Member Groups" these are different Categories.
Boards - Are where the "Threads" are organized, Boards can also be controlled with "open" or "private" settings. "General Discussion" is a Board listed under the Category of "General". The "General Discussion" Board is "open" to both Guests and Members. Under the Category of Member Group - "MR-PM Board" is for Members that live in the Riding of MR-PM and "closed" to Guests and to Members that do not live in the Riding.
Threads - Is how we focus the subject of discussion. One can create a NEW Thread when one wants to change the discussion OR if one wants to focus on a specific part of the larger topic.
Posts - This is where the action is. Posts are where Guests and Members can comment on the topic of the "Thread". If one wants to comment on another "Post" is where the "Quote" button is used.
Comments - Are attached to each Post or Thread. It permits members to ask questions concerning the Post/Thread. Make a general comment about the Post. The Author of the Post can reply to the comment with a comment of their own. Any long discussion should be discouraged, as the subject of the discussion could be made into a New Thread for a wider discussion.
PM - stands for "Private Message". Members can send private messages to other members. If you see the "PM" in the forum this is what it is referring to.
Shoutbox - Is the name given to the Forums "Live Chat" feature. Members can have live chat with other Members that are on-line.The "Shoutbox" is at the very bottom of your screen. NOTE - This is not a private chat as other members can observe and participate in the Chat. Even Guests can observe the Chat, but cannot participate in the Chat.
Trolls - In Internet slang, a troll (/ˈtroʊl/, /ˈtrɒl/) is a person who sows discord on the Internet by starting quarrels or upsetting people.
[1] by posting inflammatory, extraneous, or off-topic messages in an online community (such as a newsgroup, forum, chat room, or blog) with the intent of provoking readers into an emotional response.
[2] or of otherwise disrupting normal, on-topic discussion.
[3] often for the troll's amusement.
(- taken from Wikipedia)
Spam - Electronic spamming is the use of electronic messaging systems to send an unsolicited message (spam) that is off topic, especially advertising. It is a form of Internet "Junk Mail".
(-taken from Wikipedia)
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Post by Admin on Oct 11, 2017 7:38:29 GMT
Posting
There are 2 ways to Post a reply to a Thread;
1. At the top of the Thread and to the far right there is a button labeled "Reply". Clicking on the Reply button opens a editing window where you can easily write and format your Post.
Here one can write your response, include videos, pictures, links, email address, and many other additions.
Caution - In the editing window there are 2 views you can chose from. The choice of views is the 2 tabs that appear at the bottom left of the edit screen. 1 tab is labeled "BBCode" this displays the code needed to properly display your Post. Any messing with the code will mess up how your Post is displayed. 2 tab is labeled "Preview" Please use the "Preview" tab to write and format your Post. The BBCode view is for Experienced Users that know the coding.
2. At the bottom of ALL the Posts there is another editing option labeled "Quick Reply". This permits simple texting, but limits any real formatting or include other items - such as videos.
Replying to another Post:
There are times when you want to respond to another's Post.
1st go to the Post you want to reply to. On the top of the Post, far right, there is a button labeled "Quote". Click the "Quote" button. This will put the post you are replying to in a box to separate it from your reply. Underneath the box you can write your response. When you post your reply, the post you are replying to will appear in a separate box with your reply beneath it. see example
If one wants to quote more than 1 post in your reply - go to each post you want to include and use the "select post" option. When you have selected the post one wants to include click the "Quote" button. Each post will be inside its own box - see example.
Another method of responding to another "Post" is to use the "Link to Post" option under the "Gear Wheel" icon. This will include a Link to the Post you are responding to.
If the issue raised in another member's Post is felt to need a bigger discussion. One can make the issue into a New Thread where everyone can join in the discussion.
Attachments:
The "Attachments" button lets the Author add files from their own computer to their Post. |
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Post by Admin on Oct 11, 2017 15:28:58 GMT
Sample of using the "Quote" button:
Member Ranking Defined:
Guest are welcome to participate in the General discussions - there are advantages to being a member including more detail discussions and opportunity to organize for the upcoming referendum on Electoral Reform.
There are different classification of members
NEW member - is 0 - 50 posts.
JUNIOR member is 50 - 100 posts.
FULL member is 100 - 250 posts
SENIOR member is over 250 posts.
The "members open" board is a closed to Guests and open to Members where they can discuss issues without trolls or spam disrupting the discussions.
The "members private" board I set it to be private for FULL members and SENIOR members.
I fixed it so the box is back. I had to move the code for ending the Quote, as the tag had been misplaced.
If the box for the Quote does not appear, insert a horizontal line at the end of the quote with your reply underneath, send me a message and I will check the coding. |
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Post by Admin on Oct 11, 2017 18:39:20 GMT
Moderating the ForumThere are Moderators and Administrators that are responsible for policing the Forum. However, these individuals are volunteers and we are unable to be on-line 24/7. There will be times when the Forum has no Moderators on-line. If a member has a complaint on posts or actives of other members - send me a Private Message with the username and possibly a link to the post that is questionable. We ask the members to be patient, we will respond as soon as we are able. Every message will be replied to.
Moderators and Administrators are able to enter any Board, be it a "open" Board or a "Private" Board. Responsible for policing the Forum we need to be able to access ALL Boards. The Private Board can be enticing for someone to try and control the Board through Bullying and Harassing (with "Private" Boards having limited members), this we cannot permit. The forum members are solely responsible for their own actions and comments.
The Administrators and Moderators are not responsible for any members' actions and/or comments. |
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Post by Admin on Oct 12, 2017 4:49:03 GMT
Private Boards
To create a "Private" Board requires the Administrator. One needs to send me a "PM" with the Particulars and I will create the Board. Once the Board is created send me a "request" to join and I will accept the request.
Joining a Private Board
Members that wish to "Join" a Private Board the member needs to request to join the Group. The Group can ask for information that confirms the member meets the prerequisites of the Group. The Group can deny the request if the member does not fit the prerequisites.
Groups that deny a "request to join" needs to explain the reason for the denial to the member requesting to join. The Group must have a justified reason for the denial.
Members that are denied to join a Group and feels the denial was not justified can send a complaint to the Administrator of the Forum to investigate. If the Administrator decides the denial was justified - the denial will remain. If the Administrator feels the denial was not justified the member will be classified as a member of the Group with full access.
Personal conflicts will not be grounds for denial.
A member's past posts that may be borderline behavior (Bullying, Harassing, Trolling, Spam) may be grounds to be accepted on a "probational" basis.
"Probational" members of a Group that have any more behavior issues will be banned from the Group. |
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Post by Admin on Oct 12, 2017 6:21:52 GMT
Creating a New Topic
To change the topic or create a new topic one needs to create a New Thread.
First one needs to go to the Board that the New Thread will be added to. In the Board's window at the top, far right, is a button labeled "Create Thread". Click this button will open a "Edit" window.
Create the topic you want and then click the "Create Thread" button on the bottom, far right, of the Edit window.
You have created a New Topic for discussion - it is just that easy.
Attachments:
This button is how one can add files from the member's own computer to be added to the Thread.
When creating a New Thread one can also add a "Poll" by clicking the "Poll" button.
Poll:
- One can set the Question of the Poll,
- One can set a list of Answers options,
- Set date of the Poll being closed,
- Display the Poll results live or after the Poll has closed.
One can also add a New "Event" to the Event-Calendar by clicking the "Event" button.
Event:
- One can set the Date of the Event.
- To the right of the Date is a small check-box that sets the Event as "All Day Event". With this box checked the Date is all that is necessary. With this box "unchecked" there are start Time and a end Time to be entered.
- With the info filled out the "Event" will be added to the Event-Calendar.
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Post by Admin on Oct 12, 2017 18:11:52 GMT
Navigating Boards & Threads
There are different tools to navigate for Guests & Members, Navigating Boards:
Guests - The "Action" option allows 2 options - Select All or Select None.Members - Members have 2 options - "Select" and "Action":Select: - All - will select all the Threads on the Board
- None - will remove all the "Selections" made
- Read - will select only the Threads you have already "Read"
- New - will select only the "New" Threads that you have not yet Read.
Action:
The "Action" options change depending on your "Select" options.
Select "None" will give you;
- Mark Board as "Read"
- Notification - this allows you to set when you wish to be "Notified" on any actions on the board. Too many options here to list.
Select "All" will give you;
- Mark as Read
- Mark as New
- Mark Board as Read
- Notification - see above.
- Bookmark - Bookmarks allows one to mark for future reference. With "All" selected it will mark ALL of the Threads with a bookmark.
Note - Members can also select individual Threads by hovering one's mouse-pointer over the desired Thread and a small box appears in front of the Thread. Place a check mark in the box will select that Thread and using the "Action" options you can "Bookmark" that single Thread. Navigating Threads:
Different options for Guests & Members; Threads only have 1 option - "Action" Guests - again with 2 options - Share - one can "Share" the Thread with a lot of different "Social Media" sites, too many to list here. One can also "Share" through Email.
- Go-To - this allows one to jump to another Thread with the option of "Previous Thread" or "Next Thread"
Members - have 4 options - Mark as New - Marks the Thread as New
- Bookmark - marks the Thread with a "Bookmark" for future reference.
- Share - one can share the Thread with many different "Social Media" sites. One can also "Share" the Thread with Email.
- Go To - allows one to jump to another Thread with options "Previous Thread" or "Next Thread"
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Post by Admin on Oct 13, 2017 5:37:40 GMT
Navigating Posts
There are buttons on the far right at the top of each Post. These buttons gives us options concerning this Post. Again the "Guest" and the "Member" have different options.Guests;
1. First button is labeled "Quote". The Quote button will embed the Post inside your reply see example.
2. Second button a "Gear Wheel" icon gives you 4 options
- Select Post - One can select multi-post to Quote - the "select post" also works across multi-Threads.
- Link to Post - allows one to include a Link to a Post in one's Post. If one does not want to embed the whole Post it is another method to reply to a Post.
- Member - this gives one option of giving the Author of the Post a "Gift".
- Back to Top - this will let you jump back to the top of the page and back to the Tread-post.
- If the member is the Author of the Post - The 2nd button is titled "Edit" and allows the member to edit his own posts.
- If the member is NOT the Author of the Post - There is no "Edit" button.
3. This button consists of a "Thumbs-up" icon. The button can be used if the member "Likes" the Post.
4. The last button has a "Gear Wheel" icon.
- Select Post - One can select multi-post to Quote - the "select post" also works across multi-Threads.
- Link to Post - the member can include a link to this post in their reply Post.
- Report Post - this is when a member wants to "Report" a Post that they feel is inappropriate.
- Delete Post - this option only appears on Posts that the member has authored - members can only delete their own post.
- Member - has 2 options - 1. send the member a "message" or 2. give the member a "gift".
- Back to Top - jumps back to the top of the Posts and to the original Thread.
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Post by Admin on Oct 15, 2017 8:48:17 GMT
Gifts & Badges
Members can send a Gift of a different Badge to other members. These Badges can be purchased at the Badges Store. The Badges range from $1.00 to $5.00. For $3.00 one can obtain 10 "snowballs" or 10 "water balloons" that one can throw at different members. For $5.00 one gets 3 "apple pies" that can be shared with 3 other members. Most are in the $2.00 price.
One can also find the "Badges Store" by going to the Profile Page and click on the "Gift" tag. Giving a member a "Gift" one goes to the member's profile and click on the "Gift" tag.
At first I was doubtful as just another way of freeforum to raise money. However, on thinking more about it I like the idea. Now when one receives a "Gift" one can value it more - it actually cost someone to give you the "Gift". The "Like" button gives free praise and ALSO has value, however, a "Gift" is a different type of value. The 10 "snowballs" and "water balloons" also add some social FUN to the sight.
Members can also purchases "Ad-Free" visits to the vote123 forum. Vote123 Forum is a "Free" Forum and it is "Ads" that pay for the costs of having such a place on the Internet. If the individual member finds the Ads to be a distraction they can purchase "Ads-Free" visits to the Vote123 Forum. This "Ad-Free" service can also be given as a "Gift" to another member.
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Post by Admin on Oct 19, 2017 8:14:15 GMT
Sample of Multi-Quotes with the "select post" option
Moderating the ForumThere are Moderators and Administrators that are responsible for policing the Forum. However, these individuals are volunteers and we are unable to be on-line 24/7. There will be times when the Forum has no Moderators on-line. If a member has a complaint on posts or actives of other members - send me a Private Message with the username and possibly a link to the post that is questionable.
We ask the members to be patient, we will respond as soon as we are able. Every message will be replied to.
Moderators and Administrators are able to enter any Board, be it a "open" Board or a "Private" Board. Responsible for policing the Forum we need to be able to access ALL Boards. The Private Board can be enticing for someone to try and control the Board through Bullying and Harassing (with "Private" Boards having limited members), this we cannot permit.
Gifts & Badges
Members can send a Gift of a different Badge to other members. These Badges can be purchased at the Badges Store. The Badges range from $1.00 to $5.00. For $3.00 one can obtain 10 "snowballs" or 10 "water balloons" that one can throw at different members. For $5.00 one gets 3 "apple pies" that can be shared with 3 other members. Most are in the $2.00 price.
One can also find the "Badges Store" by going to the Profile Page and click on the "Gift" tag. Giving a member a "Gift" one goes to the member's profile and click on the "Gift" tag.
At first I was doubtful as just another way of freeforum to raise money. However, on thinking more about it I like the idea. Now when one receives a "Gift" one can value it more - it actually cost someone to give you the "Gift". The "Like" button gives free praise and ALSO has value, however, a "Gift" is a different type of value. The 10 "snowballs" and "water balloons" also add some social FUN to the sight.
Members can also purchases "Ad-Free" visits to the vote123 forum. Vote123 Forum is a "Free" Forum and it is "Ads" that pay for the costs of having such a place on the Internet. If the individual member finds the Ads to be a distraction they can purchase "Ads-Free" visits to the Vote123 Forum. This "Ad-Free" service can also be given as a "Gift" to another member.
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Post by Admin on Oct 20, 2017 3:54:28 GMT
Commenting on Posts & Threads:
This is a plug-in that I found and installed it on the Forum. Members can now leave comments on any Post or Thread.
At the bottom of each Post and Thread is a small text box titled "Edit Comment". In front of your comment will display the username of the member that authored the comment.
When making a comment, when you hit the "Enter" key on your keyboard will posts the comment. A comment can only be 1 paragraph long, a 2nd paragraph will require 2 comments.
To "delete" a comment can only be done by the Author of the comment. The Author just has to hoover their pointer over the comment and a "x" appears at the end of their comment. Click on the "x" will delete the comment. When you click on the "x" a pop-up window will open asking for you to confirm the "delete". Confirm the "delete" and the comment is removed.
Guests can read and make comments, however, if inappropriate comments by Guests become a concern - Guests will be blocked from making comments. |
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Post by Admin on Oct 20, 2017 8:48:17 GMT
Moderating the ForumThere are Moderators and Administrators that are responsible for policing the Forum. However, these individuals are volunteers and we are unable to be on-line 24/7. There will be times when the Forum has no Moderators on-line. If a member has a complaint on posts or actives of other members - send me a Private Message with the username and possibly a link to the post that is questionable.
We ask the members to be patient, we will respond as soon as we are able. Every message will be replied to.
Moderators and Administrators are able to enter any Board, be it a "open" Board or a "Private" Board. Responsible for policing the Forum we need to be able to access ALL Boards. The Private Board can be enticing for someone to try and control the Board through Bullying and Harassing (with "Private" Boards having limited members), this we cannot permit. |
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