Metatalk on MeFi mod log archive

Mod note on 'r/metafilter: Is it time to take it back?'

Fri, 01 May 2026 22:39:00 -0700

Two deleted. Seriously, folks, please stop calling each other names.

Mod Comment by mod_adrienneleigh on May. 1 at 10:39 PM to MetaTalk post r/metafilter: Is it time to take it back?

Mod note on 'r/metafilter: Is it time to take it back?'

Fri, 01 May 2026 14:40:00 -0700

plagued out moggies: "Learn to read, you fucking ignoramus"

Please do not speak to other members like this, either.

Seriously, folks, tempers are running high in here and it'd probably be good to cool things down a little.

(Also "moron" is a slur, and while it's historically not been one we've moderated out on MetaFilter, i don't love to see it.)

Mod Comment by mod_adrienneleigh on May. 1 at 2:40 PM to MetaTalk post r/metafilter: Is it time to take it back?

Mod note on 'r/metafilter: Is it time to take it back?'

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 18:11:00 -0700

dobbs: "Wow. What an ignorant, entitled, embarrassment of a post. Could your wording be any more insulting? You haven't even been a member for a year."

MeTa is deliberately moderated with a very light hand, so i'm leaving this to stand, but please do not speak to other members like this. Even if it were not the case that moggies is a longstanding user on a new-ish account, MetaFilter doesn't offer bonus points for time in grade.

Mod Comment by mod_adrienneleigh on Apr. 30 at 6:11 PM to MetaTalk post r/metafilter: Is it time to take it back?

Mod note on 'Mefites running for office'

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 15:15:00 -0700

At the poster's request, i have made a small edit to make the post less US-centric.

Mod Comment by mod_adrienneleigh on Apr. 22 at 3:15 PM to MetaTalk post Mefites running for office

Mod note on 'mo' trends, mo' problems'

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 15:51:00 -0700

Just a note to reiterate what I said in the other related MeTa thread: please do not imply that other members are mentally unwell. Saying "you need therapy" is not generally gonna be received well, and it very quickly crosses over into ableism/sanism.

Mod Comment by mod_adrienneleigh on Apr. 9 at 3:51 PM to MetaTalk post mo' trends, mo' problems

Mod note on 'How do I ask a question about my word choice?'

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 15:26:00 -0700

Hey, a quick note: it's really not appropriate to imply that other members are mentally unstable or tell them to "get help". If you're genuinely concerned about someone's welfare, that's certainly something you can convey in a compassionate way, but please do it without crossing the line into ableism/sanism.

A personal note: I am still in training and this is my first semi-independent mod note; i do welcome feedback but also please bear with me while i get the hang of things!

Mod Comment by mod_adrienneleigh on Apr. 9 at 3:26 PM to MetaTalk post How do I ask a question about my word choice?

Deleted metatalk post 'HearHere Is A Missing Stair.'

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 09:25:00 -0700

MetaTalk post HearHere Is A Missing Stair. deleted. Threads that ask “why haven’t mods addressed this?” or invite general discussion of site issues are fine, but framing a post around one specific user and labeling them a “missing stair” while making assumptions about their state of mind is ableist and inapropriate. If you want to talk about trends or problems you see on the site, please start a new MetaTalk post that focuses on the behaviors and patterns you’re concerned about rather than creating a pile‑on around a single member.

Deleted by loup on Apr. 8 at 9:25 AM.

Mod note on 'HearHere Is A Missing Stair.'

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 08:34:00 -0700

I'm going to close this thread. Threads that ask “why haven’t mods addressed this?” or invite general discussion of site issues are fine, but framing a post around one specific user and labeling them a “missing stair” while making assumptions about their state of mind is ableist and inapropriate. If you want to talk about trends or problems you see on the site, please start a new MetaTalk post that focuses on the behaviors and patterns you’re concerned about rather than creating a pile‑on around a single member.

Mod Comment by loup on Apr. 8 at 8:34 AM to MetaTalk post HearHere Is A Missing Stair.

Mod note on 'Global BIPOC Board Meeting, 17/18 March 2026'

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 18:51:00 -0700

HearHere, please step away from this thread. You are not participating in good faith and are causing derails in a thread meant for the BIPOC board and users to discuss important topics.

Mod Comment by travelingthyme on Apr. 7 at 6:51 PM to MetaTalk post Global BIPOC Board Meeting, 17/18 March 2026

Mod note on 'Board Update, Apr. 3, 2026'

Sat, 04 Apr 2026 09:22:00 -0700

Well spotted glonous keming, fixed.

Mod Comment by goodnewsfortheinsane on Apr. 4 at 9:22 AM to MetaTalk post Board Update, Apr. 3, 2026

Mod note on 'A Quick Update on Our New Mod and New Policies'

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 04:29:00 -0700

Removed a duplicate comment.

Mod Comment by goodnewsfortheinsane on Apr. 3 at 4:29 AM to MetaTalk post A Quick Update on Our New Mod and New Policies

Mod note on '[Title Removed]'

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 03:55:00 -0700

Deleted one, wrong thread.

Mod Comment by goodnewsfortheinsane on Apr. 2 at 3:55 AM to MetaTalk post [Title Removed]

Mod note on 'Big Mean Trans Thread'

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 04:05:00 -0700

No worries Kitteh, edited.

Mod Comment by goodnewsfortheinsane on Apr. 1 at 4:05 AM to MetaTalk post Big Mean Trans Thread

Mod note on '[Title Removed]'

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 07:40:00 -0700

Title and part of the post removed as per OP's request above.

Mod Comment by loup on Mar. 25 at 7:40 AM to MetaTalk post [Title Removed]

Mod note on 'Brandon Blatcher'

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 13:50:00 -0700

Just a quick note to acknowledge that chmmr has apologized for making this post and there have been some flags and comments asking for this thread to be closed. After talking it over with the board, we’ve decided to keep the thread open. MetaTalk is here for the community to have the conversations it wants to have, and we feel that closing the thread would cut off a conversation that people clearly do want to have. Let’s try to keep this conversation productive and empathetic.

Mod Comment by loup on Mar. 18 at 1:50 PM to MetaTalk post Brandon Blatcher

Deleted metatalk post 'Staffing Update, March 13'

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 06:12:00 -0700

MetaTalk post Staffing Update, March 13 deleted. Closed at board's request.

Deleted by goodnewsfortheinsane on Mar. 13 at 6:12 AM.

Mod note on ';'

Sun, 01 Mar 2026 09:24:00 -0800

One deleted. Poster's request.

Mod Comment by travelingthyme on Mar. 1 at 9:24 AM to MetaTalk post ;

Mod note on 'You’re Invited: MetaFilter Board Town Hall'

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 11:37:00 -0800

One deleted. Poster's request.

Mod Comment by travelingthyme on Feb. 27 at 11:37 AM to MetaTalk post You’re Invited: MetaFilter Board Town Hall

Mod note on 'AI generated content'

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 17:45:00 -0800

Updated the FAQ entry to make it clearer on how to hide and show US politics posts.

Mod Comment by Brandon Blatcher on Feb. 19 at 5:45 PM to MetaTalk post AI generated content

Mod note on 'AI generated content'

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 07:53:00 -0800

Mod here, have brought this up on the Slack, we’re discussing now to make sure we’re all on the same page/understanding of what the US politics sidebar is for. Will report back later this evening.

Mod Comment by Brandon Blatcher on Feb. 18 at 7:53 AM to MetaTalk post AI generated content

Mod note on 'Replies to comments'

Sat, 31 Jan 2026 09:37:00 -0800

Yes, tags do have RSS feeds, here’s the one for Siteupdate. Click on the tag of any post and you can access the RSS feed.

Mod Comment by Brandon Blatcher on Jan. 31 at 9:37 AM to MetaTalk post Replies to comments

Mod note on 'Replies to comments'

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 08:06:00 -0800

bitteschoen: "Just kidding, sorry, I just wanted to try out the MefiQuote thing because this is the very first time I hear about this. Très cool. And really should be the default maybe?"

Added a FAQ entry about MeFi Quote with the help of Darling Bri and frimble. It has a couple of videos showing usage and how to turn off and on.

That entry may be updated once it's decided whether it's on by default, but for now there is reference entry to link to!

Mod Comment by Brandon Blatcher on Jan. 30 at 8:06 AM to MetaTalk post Replies to comments

Mod note on 'Fanfare and Potentially A.I. Generated Images?'

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 02:40:00 -0800

Changed media images in both episodes of Starfleet Academy.

Mod Comment by Brandon Blatcher on Jan. 19 at 2:40 AM to MetaTalk post Fanfare and Potentially A.I. Generated Images?

Mod note on 'PSA: Menopause is neither gendered nor an insult'

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 17:54:00 -0800

3 comments removed from thread at the writer's request.

Mod Comment by Brandon Blatcher on Jan. 15 at 5:54 PM to MetaTalk post PSA: Menopause is neither gendered nor an insult

Mod note on 'Board Update, Jan. 13, 2026'

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 17:37:00 -0800

Was able to add a note to the public profile about his passing.

Mod Comment by Brandon Blatcher on Jan. 13 at 5:37 PM to MetaTalk post Board Update, Jan. 13, 2026

Mod note on 'How visible is the policy on LLM-generated content?'

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 10:20:00 -0800

did anyone reach out to the poster to ask them if they had used generative AI to create the question and ask them to repost, as a courtesy?

Yup, I sent them an email explaining the decision more in detail and pointing out to the relevant guidelines.

Mod Comment by loup on Jan. 9 at 10:20 AM to MetaTalk post How visible is the policy on LLM-generated content?

Mod note on 'DTMFA considered harmful'

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 14:59:00 -0800

This thread has derailed and no longer productive. After many flags requesting a closure, it is now closed.

Mod Comment by travelingthyme on Jan. 7 at 2:59 PM to MetaTalk post DTMFA considered harmful

Mod note on 'A B C D E F G H'

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 11:04:00 -0800

Just remember if the thread closes and y'all want to continue, contact the mods who can reopen it so it stays open.

This can only happen in MetaTalk, fyi

Mod Comment by Brandon Blatcher on Jan. 1 at 11:04 AM to MetaTalk post A B C D E F G H

Mod note on 'Changing all posts to anonymous?'

Thu, 25 Dec 2025 15:18:00 -0800

lapis: "The moderators delete comments all the time without notice and seemingly without recourse."

This should not be happening and if anyone does see it happening, I am asking that you use the contact form to send an email that goes to every mod about and/or report it to the Moderation Oversight Committee. Again, this should absolutely not be happening and moderators should be called out if it does happen.

trig: "Given that a huge discussion about this happened 2 months ago, which like every discussion about this complicated issue that has no drawback-less solution was really contentious, and that there doesn't seem to be an appetite to do it all over again quite so soon, and that the poster of this thread said they were okay with deleting it, and that this is a week when mods and the (brand new) board might have less time than usual to read and weigh in and, in the board's case, assess policy - maybe this one could be closed up."

Agreed, closing this thread up.

Mod Comment by Brandon Blatcher on Dec. 25 at 3:18 PM to MetaTalk post Changing all posts to anonymous?

Mod note on 'Tiny first comments'

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 20:34:00 -0800

Ok, i got an example of this happening with this comment of mine, as the first comment and only comment in the thread, https://www.metafilter.com/211567/LEON, on mobile, using the Classic theme. On desktop, the problem does not appear when using the Classic theme.

Anyone seeing the small type in the first comment when it's the only comment?

Mod Comment by Brandon Blatcher on Dec. 24 at 8:34 PM to MetaTalk post Tiny first comments

Mod note on 'Changing all posts to anonymous?'

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 16:26:00 -0800

Members can ask for their account to be deleted. Currently when that happens, the mods ask if the member would be ok with making their posts and comments anonymous to preserve the history of that information while removing the attachment to their account.

If the member says no, that's fine, then we remove all of their posts and comments.

If the member says yes, then we make the author of their posts and comments anonymous.

That rationale is that people should have control over their content and be allowed to redact or remove it for any reason.

Hope this helps clears this up!

Mod Comment by Brandon Blatcher on Dec. 24 at 4:26 PM to MetaTalk post Changing all posts to anonymous?

Deleted metatalk post 'Issue with posting 2 in a row'

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 11:18:00 -0800

MetaTalk post Issue with posting 2 in a row deleted. Reaching out to the member to offer assistance.

Deleted by loup on Dec. 22 at 11:18 AM.

Mod note on 'Baseless Conspiracy Theories'

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 15:54:00 -0800

Yep, closed

Mod Comment by Brandon Blatcher on Dec. 19 at 3:54 PM to MetaTalk post Baseless Conspiracy Theories

Mod note on '2025 Gift Swap Thank Yous'

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 15:24:00 -0800

Thread permanently reopened by request, which is something mods can only do in MetaTalk.

Mod Comment by Brandon Blatcher on Dec. 19 at 3:24 PM to MetaTalk post 2025 Gift Swap Thank Yous

Mod note on 'MeFiCoFo Financial Update, Dec. 18, 2025'

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 14:46:00 -0800

Added to site banner

Mod Comment by Brandon Blatcher on Dec. 18 at 2:46 PM to MetaTalk post MeFiCoFo Financial Update, Dec. 18, 2025

Deleted metatalk post 'Test post'

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 07:15:00 -0800

MetaTalk post Test post deleted. -- frimble

Deleted by frimble on Dec. 16 at 7:15 AM.

Mod note on 'board members posting as board members posting as board members'

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 02:12:00 -0800

Deleted one at the user's request.

Mod Comment by goodnewsfortheinsane on Dec. 9 at 2:12 AM to MetaTalk post board members posting as board members posting as board members

Mod note on 'board members posting as board members posting as board members'

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 04:14:00 -0800

Fixed link, thanks for pointing out GeckoDundee!

Mod Comment by Brandon Blatcher on Dec. 8 at 4:14 AM to MetaTalk post board members posting as board members posting as board members

Mod note on 'Does the example Ask seem a bit dusty?'

Sun, 07 Dec 2025 19:56:00 -0800

Here’s the correct link to the contest!

Mod Comment by Brandon Blatcher on Dec. 7 at 7:56 PM to MetaTalk post Does the example Ask seem a bit dusty?

Mod note on 'board members posting as board members posting as board members'

Sun, 07 Dec 2025 10:16:00 -0800

Two comments deleted at poster request.

Mod Comment by travelingthyme on Dec. 7 at 10:16 AM to MetaTalk post board members posting as board members posting as board members

Mod note on 'Board Update, Dec. 3, 2025'

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 17:07:00 -0800

Added to site banner.

Mod Comment by Brandon Blatcher on Dec. 3 at 5:07 PM to MetaTalk post Board Update, Dec. 3, 2025

Mod note on 'Mathowie's Community Blog (and others?)'

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 15:59:00 -0800

HearHere: "flagging: mods, can you fix above as requested?"

Can you please message or explain exactly what you want done? Thanks!

Mod Comment by Brandon Blatcher on Dec. 3 at 3:59 PM to MetaTalk post Mathowie's Community Blog (and others?)

Mod note on 'Blue is down?'

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 15:21:00 -0800

Thanks for the post, frimble has been alerted!

Mod Comment by Brandon Blatcher on Dec. 2 at 3:21 PM to MetaTalk post Blue is down?

Mod note on '1,000 True Fans'

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 08:24:00 -0800

One comment removed. Let's avoid sexist comments, saying "she was basically asking for it" is definitely against our Content Policy

Mod Comment by loup on Dec. 1 at 8:24 AM to MetaTalk post 1,000 True Fans

Mod note on '1,000 True Fans'

Sun, 30 Nov 2025 13:09:00 -0800

One comment removed for pulling information from a member's profile and posting it in a thread, which is not ok per this FAQ entry, please don't do that. This may not have been meant maliciously, or the info was viewed as being on topic, but either way, avoid pulling information from a user's profile.

If anyone wants to do this, they'll need to explicitly asked for permission to do so and the member has to give explicit permission for you to share the information in a thread.

The comment has been removed and the text of it has been emailed to the writer of it, in case they'd like to rewrite it.

Mod Comment by Brandon Blatcher on Nov. 30 at 1:09 PM to MetaTalk post 1,000 True Fans

Mod note on 'What is MetaFilter's policy on piracy?'

Sat, 29 Nov 2025 12:38:00 -0800

What does 'promoting piracy' mean in that context?
Can you explain to me how saying "I went back to pirating" is "allow[ing] it on the site"?

Posting a comment that says "Honestly I just canceled everything and started pirating again", having that deleted and asked to not promote piracy, then posting a second comment that says "You should just pirate" is the line we're drawing here. Don't explicitly suggest/tell/advise others to pirate stuff and don't announce that you're pirating.

'Cause while the chances of the site being investigated for promoting piracy are small, we think it's a good idea to make those chances even smaller by having members avoid advocating piracy.

Mod Comment by Brandon Blatcher on Nov. 29 at 12:38 PM to MetaTalk post What is MetaFilter's policy on piracy?

Mod note on 'Mathowie's Community Blog (and others?)'

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 15:23:00 -0800

Post edited, link added!

Mod Comment by Brandon Blatcher on Nov. 27 at 3:23 PM to MetaTalk post Mathowie's Community Blog (and others?)

Mod note on '1,000 True Fans'

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 15:48:00 -0800

extramachine: "I lurk there sometimes, but seeing the comments on other Ask-ers has dissuaded me a few times from putting personal questions on AskMe. "

Hey, you can ask a question anonymously or create another account to ask questions. The latter might be a better choice, as it allows you respond or clarify anything if need be.

Mod Comment by Brandon Blatcher on Nov. 25 at 3:48 PM to MetaTalk post 1,000 True Fans

Mod note on 'Board Update, Nov. 20, 2025'

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 16:25:00 -0800

Added to site banner.

Mod Comment by Brandon Blatcher on Nov. 20 at 4:25 PM to MetaTalk post Board Update, Nov. 20, 2025

Mod note on 'Board Update, Nov. 18, 2025'

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 15:46:00 -0800

Changed date in post to 18th, updated staff box.

Mod Comment by Brandon Blatcher on Nov. 18 at 3:46 PM to MetaTalk post Board Update, Nov. 18, 2025

Mod note on 'Board Update, Nov. 14, 2025'

Sun, 16 Nov 2025 07:27:00 -0800

Board tags should be showing up correctly now, and the error loading new comments should also be fixed.

Mod Comment by frimble on Nov. 16 at 7:27 AM to MetaTalk post Board Update, Nov. 14, 2025

Mod note on 'Board Update, Nov. 14, 2025'

Sat, 15 Nov 2025 14:15:00 -0800

One comment removed and account deleted due to the account being an obvious troll one that targeted a specific member and dragged off site happenings onto MetaFilter.

It should be noted that the troll account was directed at me as a mod and that I'm currently the mod on duty. After consulting with the new board they were in agreement that the comment and account should be removed because there was no need for it be left around for a different mod to deal with.

Mod Comment by Brandon Blatcher on Nov. 15 at 2:15 PM to MetaTalk post Board Update, Nov. 14, 2025

Mod note on 'MeFiCoFo Board Update, Nov. 8, 2025'

Sun, 09 Nov 2025 18:51:00 -0800

Two comments by Didymus have been removed, the reasons are summed by donnagirl in this comment.

Didymus has been put on an open-ended ban while mods discuss whether the ban should be permanent. This information has been emailed to Didymus along with a note that we'll have a final decision within 72 hours (Wednesday evening, eastern time).

Mod Comment by Brandon Blatcher on Nov. 9 at 6:51 PM to MetaTalk post MeFiCoFo Board Update, Nov. 8, 2025

Mod note on 'The MeFites debate each morsel in minute detail'

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 16:53:00 -0800

There’s a post about this on the front page, closing this up.

Mod Comment by Brandon Blatcher on Nov. 3 at 4:53 PM to MetaTalk post The MeFites debate each morsel in minute detail

Mod note on 'Anonymous Comments'

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 14:54:00 -0700

Mitheral: "It is unclear whether it is anonymous to MeFi admin accounts."

The admins can see who gives guest accounts, yes.

away for regrooving: "Wait, any non-logged-in person can send themself a gift account? Seems potentially exploitable! "

Nah, if the email already exists, no account is made and if a different address is used, someone still has to pay the $5 for the account, so there's no secret about who it is.

Mod Comment by Brandon Blatcher on Oct. 31 at 2:54 PM to MetaTalk post Anonymous Comments

Mod note on 'Is NPH in the house?'

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 08:25:00 -0700

1. Is Metafilter policy, "do not say 'Fuck x' where x is anyone."

Yes, in most cases. Allow me to explain, historically there has been no prohibition on non-hateful cursing into the void on the site, but cursing at another person (be it a member, staff, or other people). However, we always try to lean towards leniency, there are exceptions when it comes to public persons, and the subject at hand. Saying fuck [x] in an obituary post about said person is not the same as in a post about their work, or some terrible thing they have done, and even then there are, and will be exceptions.

Admittedly, that mod note, could have used more context. On top of the name calling it was early threadshitting and also a potential derail. Now, if there's a desire to set policies that are clearer and less obscure in their application, that is something I think we all support and can work towards with the new board once seated.

Mod Comment by loup on Oct. 30 at 8:25 AM to MetaTalk post Is NPH in the house?

Mod note on 'Anonymous Comments'

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 16:11:00 -0700

With a new board being seated in about 20 days (eta of November 18th), this is certainly something that could be brought up again sometime soon.

Mod Comment by Brandon Blatcher on Oct. 29 at 4:11 PM to MetaTalk post Anonymous Comments

Mod note on 'MeFiCoFo Board Update, Oct. 25, 2025'

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 11:35:00 -0700

Just coming to clarify because this comment is getting flagged: Actually, saying "fuck someone" does fall under the "Be considerate and respectful" section of the guidelines and the "Name calling" section of the content policy.
However, this is also why we maintain lighter moderation on MetaTalk; it's the place where you can voice concerns, frustrations, and disagreements freely. So while this does technically go against our guidelines, we're probably not going to delete it.
That said, we do hope members can keep in mind that the people being called out here are fellow community members volunteering their time to help.

Mod Comment by loup on Oct. 27 at 11:35 AM to MetaTalk post MeFiCoFo Board Update, Oct. 25, 2025

Mod note on 'Is NPH in the house?'

Sat, 25 Oct 2025 14:22:00 -0700

Do we, as a community, think that cursing public figures for their public actions should be forbidden? And do we know where the line is dividing people like NPH from people like JKR?

Speaking as a mod, these two questions are the most important ones to decide upon, IMO.

Because ause "fuck bernie sanders" and "fuck trump" and "fuck gen z" will probably have different reactions on MetaFilter.

Mod Comment by Brandon Blatcher on Oct. 25 at 2:22 PM to MetaTalk post Is NPH in the house?

Mod note on 'Anonymous Comments'

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 09:17:00 -0700

tivalasvegas: "Yeah, AFAIK you can simply contact the mods to request that they post your contribution anonymously to the relevant post."

Yes, this is currently the only way to post anonymously on any MetaFilter site.

Mod Comment by Brandon Blatcher on Oct. 24 at 9:17 AM to MetaTalk post Anonymous Comments

Mod note on 'Mystery [REDACTED]'

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 12:53:00 -0700

Bottlecap: "I already did. And it is my understanding that you can read all memail anyway."

Mods can not read memail. We have to get frimble to check it out. I

f something is going on in MeFiMail please let us know by sending examples of it to us via the contact form or have the person receiving them send us examples.

Anytime that happens, for any member, send us the MeFiMail.

Mod Comment by Brandon Blatcher on Oct. 21 at 12:53 PM to MetaTalk post Mystery [REDACTED]

Mod note on 'Mystery [REDACTED]'

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 12:43:00 -0700

Bottlecap: "Hey everyone, and mods especially, “the moon and I” is sending weird doxxy memails about zarq. I think this behavior merits a time out at the very least."

Please use the contact form to send the mods examples of this behavior, and we’ll take it from there.

Mod Comment by Brandon Blatcher on Oct. 21 at 12:43 PM to MetaTalk post Mystery [REDACTED]

Mod note on 'Mystery [REDACTED]'

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0700

No comments removed as MetaTalk has slightly lighter moderation, but please let's avoid calling other members names (dick, in this instance).

Mod Comment by loup on Oct. 21 at 9:00 AM to MetaTalk post Mystery [REDACTED]

Mod note on 'Mystery [REDACTED]'

Sun, 19 Oct 2025 15:55:00 -0700

brook horse: "I don’t know how mods feel about their job...

It's neat and interesting, but It can be difficult at times, of course, but any job can be. From waiting tables to graphic design freelancing to delivering mail to MeFi mod, people can be brutal with their comments, or as I like to say "The people are definitely peopling today". In these instances it's best to focus on what the actual problem or request and deal with that, as opposed to negative attitudes. It's the other person's choice to be how they are and isn't a reflection on me..

But for MeFi, I do think having mods spend a lot or even most of their time in MeTaTalk isn't great and ideally they'd be spending more time on other parts of the site, encouraging more conversations in the various posts. I described the job as a "facilitator of fun" during one conversation with the interim board and I like that idea.

Mod Comment by Brandon Blatcher on Oct. 19 at 3:55 PM to MetaTalk post Mystery [REDACTED]

Mod note on 'Mystery [REDACTED]'

Sat, 18 Oct 2025 08:35:00 -0700

Have been going back and forth with Rhaomi in email this morning and here's a summary of what's going on:

The large quantity of FPP posts that zarq created would have meant removing a lot of contributions from other people who have participated in the threads. Manually removing the personal information would have required a lot of manual work.

So a new script was developed by Rhaoni (over several months) to go through a user's posts and remove the content of the person requesting an account wipe, while preserving the comments and links that were made in those posts.

Here's how that process works, explained to me this morning by Rhaomi:

The only things remaining from the original FPP are 1. the title (which is part of the URL), 2. the tags (which are a shared site resource), and 3. the raw URLs from the post. Everything else written by the user requesting the wipe is erased, including any original writing that could possibly identify them. The original post text, no matter how long or how simple, is replaced by a brief independently-written one-line description of the topic for context.

This process was developed by Rhaomi over the past few months to comply with any account wiper's request, while still keeping the links and comments of those who had commented on the post.

This new script was run last night on zarq's FPP posts on Metafilter.

That's what I know and understand as of this point.

Mod Comment by Brandon Blatcher on Oct. 18 at 8:35 AM to MetaTalk post Mystery [REDACTED]

Mod note on 'ItsHappening.jpg'

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 10:33:00 -0700

Whoot, brand new day and times for the site! Congrats to everyone on the new board!

Mod Comment by Brandon Blatcher on Oct. 15 at 10:33 AM to MetaTalk post ItsHappening.jpg

Mod note on 'Should Projects still be manually approved?'

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 05:02:00 -0700

To be clear, I'm not against getting rid of the queue.

No specific data on hand about deleting posts from un-queued sites.

Projects is different though because it's specifically for "for members to toot their own horn and link to something that they have done". Do we care if someone signs up just to post their project on Projects? If someone signs up and puts up a link to a 'One Day Bathroom Remodel' site and says they were the designer for the site, do we let it stand? Matt (the original creator of MetaFilter) thought commercial projects were fine, but things have changed in those 20 years.

Not a big concern, IMO, at the moment. If it starts turning into that, we can rethink things. Probably worth thinking about what constitutes a Project, because shockingly there isn't a firm definition in the FAQ.

Mod Comment by Brandon Blatcher on Oct. 14 at 5:02 AM to MetaTalk post Should Projects still be manually approved?

Mod note on 'Should Projects still be manually approved?'

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 03:36:00 -0700

No major spam in Projects, it's pretty quiet in general.

For submissions, I would just review them and make sure the project was doing what it said it was doing. There's only two I can think of that I rejected over the past year, one was asking for help with a game design and the other was essentially a stunt post.

If we remove the queue, I'd expect more spammy posts over time, because people, but we'll see.

Mod Comment by Brandon Blatcher on Oct. 14 at 3:36 AM to MetaTalk post Should Projects still be manually approved?

Mod note on 'Why delay anon Asks?'

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 10:39:00 -0700

glonous keming: "ren't there already gaps in mod coverage or am i misremembering that?"

There are gaps ranging from 1-6 hours during weekdays, to a 16 hour gap over a weekend evening.

Mod Comment by Brandon Blatcher on Oct. 13 at 10:39 AM to MetaTalk post Why delay anon Asks?

Mod note on 'Why delay anon Asks?'

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 09:57:00 -0700

restless_nomad: "I also don't know if literally everyone is a contractor "

Everyone is a contractor. Mods, loup, developers, all contractors,

Mod Comment by Brandon Blatcher on Oct. 13 at 9:57 AM to MetaTalk post Why delay anon Asks?

Deleted metatalk post 'treating employees well'

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 08:45:00 -0700

MetaTalk post treating employees well deleted. Not sure what the intention is behind this post and is being heavily flagged by the community.

Deleted by travelingthyme on Oct. 13 at 8:45 AM.

Mod note on 'MetaFilter General Site Update, September, 2025'

Sun, 12 Oct 2025 06:41:00 -0700

Brandon Blatcher: "Hey, just ran through some tests where I created a post for the FPP, Ask, Anon Ask, FanFare, and MeTa, that order. The system correctly posted the FPP, then has glitched where a message is posted saying an old post was deleted, but it wasn't wasn't. Have let frimble know about that, they'll look into it."

Frimble has fixed this, deleted posts are showing up in the mod log with their reason. Note that currently if the deletion reason is edited, a new entry appears in the log for the same post, which is ok, but I'd say it's fine in the sense of members being able to see everything that was done/edit differences.

Mod Comment by Brandon Blatcher on Oct. 12 at 6:41 AM to MetaTalk post MetaFilter General Site Update, September, 2025

Deleted metatalk post 'kindness'

Sun, 12 Oct 2025 06:30:00 -0700

MetaTalk post kindness deleted. Not really clear what this post is for, the post is heavily flagged by members for it not being clear what it's for, and so all we are left with a removal. Contacting member to hopefully figure out what the deal is while asking them to knock it off with what looks to be stunt posts.

Deleted by Brandon Blatcher on Oct. 12 at 6:30 AM.

Mod note on 'Why delay anon Asks?'

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 16:59:00 -0700

Brandon Blatcher: "The queue button turns red after 48 hours, I think, still testing this part (will know this evening around 8pm ET). "

Yep, the "button" turns red after 48 hours.

Otherwise, looks like staff was approving anon AskMe's within on a much tighter time frame (a couple of hours) with no issues.

Mod Comment by Brandon Blatcher on Oct. 10 at 4:59 PM to MetaTalk post Why delay anon Asks?

Mod note on 'Why delay anon Asks?'

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 07:38:00 -0700

According to Brandon Blatcher, all anonymous AskMes are automatically delayed at least 48 hours.

There's an update to this, I was incorrect.

I wait for the queue button to turn green (as demonstrated here)before checking and approving anon AskMe's. That button turns green after 22 hours (created a test post to verify this).

So the Anon AskMe's are not automatically delayed for 48 hours. They do sit in a queue for 22 hours before the system "green lights" them for a mod to review and post. But the posts can be reviewed and published at any time once they're in the Anon queue.

The queue button turns red after 48 hours, I think, still testing this part (will know this evening around 8pm ET). I've only seen the red button once or twice, when we were checking with other mods about a problematic post, so it did sit for a while.

Apologies for confusion, hope this clarifies things

Mod Comment by Brandon Blatcher on Oct. 10 at 7:38 AM to MetaTalk post Why delay anon Asks?

Mod note on 'MetaFilter General Site Update, September, 2025'

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 06:47:00 -0700

Klipspringer: "It was launched in March 2025 as "a log of official mod comments and post deletions". However at some point recently the page title has changed to "Recent moderation comments" and it doesn't appear to list deleted posts any more. Could we be told why deleted posts are no longer listed?"

Hey, just ran through some tests where I created a post for the FPP, Ask, Anon Ask, FanFare, and MeTa, that order. The system correctly posted the FPP, then has glitched where a message is posted saying an old post was deleted, but it wasn't wasn't. Have let frimble know about that, they'll look into it.

Checked the wayback machine and the mod seems to have always said "Recent moderation comments". Can you pinpoint a time when it said otherwise?

Talked with loup, we agree it would be best if the newly elected MeFiCoFo Board (voting ends October 14) makes the decision on whether to expand the current moderation log.

plagued out moggies: "I believe there are still some questions for loup from the anon-delay thread. "

Loup was notified of this.

Mod Comment by Brandon Blatcher on Oct. 10 at 6:47 AM to MetaTalk post MetaFilter General Site Update, September, 2025

Deleted metatalk post 'meta test deletion, does this appear in log?'

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 06:28:00 -0700

MetaTalk post meta test deletion, does this appear in log? deleted. -- Brandon Blatcher

Deleted by Brandon Blatcher on Oct. 10 at 6:28 AM.

Mod note on 'MetaFilter General Site Update, September, 2025'

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 16:11:00 -0700

Klipspringer: "for the next (October) site update could we have an update on the Recent Mod Actions page?"

Checking with frimble and loup about the questions!

Mod Comment by Brandon Blatcher on Oct. 9 at 4:11 PM to MetaTalk post MetaFilter General Site Update, September, 2025

Mod note on 'Why delay anon Asks?'

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 16:27:00 -0700

Also, a delay might be a good thing, as people do write us sometimes, asking to remove their post from the Anon Queue .

The weekends have the longest time between shifts, between 12-19 hours currently. So there will be delays at times.

Mod Comment by Brandon Blatcher on Oct. 8 at 4:27 PM to MetaTalk post Why delay anon Asks?

Mod note on 'Why delay anon Asks?'

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 16:03:00 -0700

umber vowel: "
I have another question: Is it expected that moderators will read every AskMe question that gets posted? Is it up to individual mods how much they want to read of the site, as long as they're responding to flags?

It's just surprising that no one noticed those two duplicate questions before approving them. The topics were pretty memorable."

It is expected that we read most of the site, but that isn’t always possible, depending on what else is going. Something public or private might be happening that demands more immediate attention.

Mod Comment by Brandon Blatcher on Oct. 8 at 4:03 PM to MetaTalk post Why delay anon Asks?

Mod note on 'Why delay anon Asks?'

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 14:05:00 -0700

Is anything else arbitrarily delayed?

Everything else in the queues is posted as one gets to them on their shift.

Mod Comment by Brandon Blatcher on Oct. 8 at 2:05 PM to MetaTalk post Why delay anon Asks?

Mod note on 'Why delay anon Asks?'

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 13:57:00 -0700

Loup's off until tomorrow, but they touched bases on the Slack a little while ago.

It won't be a problem to approve Anon AskMe's during a mod's shift, once they've read them and verified they're not breaking any policy or law (my words). I'll start doing that later tonight.

Mod Comment by Brandon Blatcher on Oct. 8 at 1:57 PM to MetaTalk post Why delay anon Asks?

Mod note on 'Why delay anon Asks?'

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 10:58:00 -0700

Posting a link to this MeTa in the mod Slack so that others be aware as they come on shift.

Mod Comment by Brandon Blatcher on Oct. 8 at 10:58 AM to MetaTalk post Why delay anon Asks?

Mod note on 'Why delay anon Asks?'

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 10:43:00 -0700

jacquilynne: "Anonymous question submitted."

Approved the test Anon post and it appeared live immediately.

Will delete the test in a minute, but here's the text from the post:

Test
1:38PM Eastern Time
posted by anonymous to Technology at 1:40 PM - 0 answers +

] So yes, Anon AskMe's could be approved any time after they're submitted

Mod Comment by Brandon Blatcher on Oct. 8 at 10:43 AM to MetaTalk post Why delay anon Asks?

Mod note on 'Why delay anon Asks?'

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 10:36:00 -0700

Hi, I'd like to do a test of the anon queue and am requesting ONE person respond to this comment. Then that SINGLE person will go and create ONE anon AskMe labeled TEST and in the text of the question will post the time they submitted it and what time zone they'rei n. That test anon question will be approved and then quickly removed and we'll see what happens.

Basically, I'm pretty sure we can approve anon questions whenever, but want to test that assumption.

Mod Comment by Brandon Blatcher on Oct. 8 at 10:36 AM to MetaTalk post Why delay anon Asks?

Mod note on 'Éirinn go Brách'

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 09:03:00 -0700

One comment deleted. Please refer to the AI Generated Content section of the Content Policy.

Mod Comment by loup on Oct. 8 at 9:03 AM to MetaTalk post Éirinn go Brách

Mod note on 'MetaFilter site rebuild monthly update: October 2025'

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 08:00:00 -0700

phunniemee: "Can we get any info on how the anon ask me queue currently works?"

Post appears in queue and stays there for 48 hours. From landing page of the backend, mods can see the number of posts in the Anon and other queues (no there is not a MeTa queue, the text was just left there, all MeTas are immediately posted).

After 48 hours (i think), the grey circle turns Green, letting us know to manually approve an Anon post.

After a certain amount of unknown time, the circle can red, letting us know a post is overdue.

Mod Comment by Brandon Blatcher on Oct. 8 at 8:00 AM to MetaTalk post MetaFilter site rebuild monthly update: October 2025

Mod note on 'Mod policy for providing ThereIsHelp link?'

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 13:05:00 -0700

Oh, the moderation team will be posting the ThereIsHelp link in suicide related posts, to remind people they don't have to face things alone, reaching out is a courageous step, and help is closer than they might think

Mod Comment by Brandon Blatcher on Oct. 7 at 1:05 PM to MetaTalk post Mod policy for providing ThereIsHelp link?

Mod note on 'Vote for the MeFiCoFo Board of Directors'

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 13:01:00 -0700

mediareport: "I've sent this request via the mod contact form as well. This should be something easily remedied during the next mod's next shift, and I'm expecting it to happen quickly, since the voting period has now begun. Thanks."

Your request has been sent to the Election Committee, who have to approve any changes. Then the changes will be communicated to frimble, who is the only one who has access to edit the particular page.

Thanks for your patience.

Mod Comment by Brandon Blatcher on Oct. 1 at 1:01 PM to MetaTalk post Vote for the MeFiCoFo Board of Directors

Mod note on 'Mod policy for providing ThereIsHelp link?'

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 06:27:00 -0700

Hey, thanks for asking about this.

My understanding is that we post or message the person directly with the ThereIsHelp link in situations when someone seems danger of committing or idealizing suicide. The most recent question wasn't explicitly either of those, so it falls in a gray area and looking at it, I think it's ok to leave it up since people are commenting about why it's not a good idea.

Being more liberal about posting the link is a good idea, so I'm mentioning it in the mod Slack to get everyone on the same page. Thanks for the suggestion!

Mod Comment by Brandon Blatcher on Oct. 1 at 6:27 AM to MetaTalk post Mod policy for providing ThereIsHelp link?

Mod note on 'The 2025 MeFiCoFo Board Election Candidates'

Sun, 28 Sep 2025 07:06:00 -0700

At the Election Committee's request, am closing up this thread. If people have any questions or concerns, they can post in the "Reminder of end of campaign period" thread.

Mod Comment by Brandon Blatcher on Sep. 28 at 7:06 AM to MetaTalk post The 2025 MeFiCoFo Board Election Candidates

Mod note on 'In the Face of Fascism'

Sat, 27 Sep 2025 04:43:00 -0700

Several comments removed by commenter's request

Mod Comment by Brandon Blatcher on Sep. 27 at 4:43 AM to MetaTalk post In the Face of Fascism

Mod note on 'MetaFilter General Site Update, September, 2025'

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 21:12:00 -0700

pro-tip: If you send a message now, it will have been done...

Good point, I scheduled an email to remind me to send one in two days. Thanks!

Mod Comment by Brandon Blatcher on Sep. 26 at 9:12 PM to MetaTalk post MetaFilter General Site Update, September, 2025

Mod note on 'Previous username Jacen | 2025 MeFiCoFo Board Election'

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 21:02:00 -0700