Spreading disinformation on a forum?

[MrDawn]

When a member goes around on your forum repeatedly spreading disinformation about someone or a subject that may not be true.

Do you look into their claims, do you trash the thread, do you warn or ban that member, what do you do?

 

[vans]

I'd give him a kind of verbal warning privately prior to do any further actions. If after this polite verbal warning he keeps doing it, then I'd officially warn him (maybe even suspend him, depending on how major is the issue). If he keeps doing it, I'd increase a new warning with more cooldown suspension up until ban the member after few warnings, depending on your policy.

I tend to be lenient, as I believe people can learn from mistakes when they realize they care enough on being a member of your forum.

 

[Katrina]

Well since I run a Christian forum I just throw it in their face that they shouldn't bear false witness and that generally does the trick to stop them from continuing.

 

[Shawn Gossman]

Well since I run a Christian forum I just throw it in their face that they shouldn't bear false witness and that generally does the trick to stop them from continuing.

I think you should be able to do that with a non-Christian forum as well, show people they're being irresponsible and that should be enough. Sadly, it doesn't always work out that way.

For me, I'd nip it up right away and explain in a PM that the behavior isn't welcome and for them to stop immediately.

Trolling is best dealt with an iron fist.

 

[Page]

It's knowing what they are doing and getting the proof to also say that they are doing it. And then take the right action without making a big issue about it. Evening banning them doesn't resolve it, as they still can go around saying false facts.

 

[DudeThatsErin]

What is disinformation?
Don't you mean misinformation?

 

[MrDawn]

What is disinformation?
Don't you mean misinformation?

I mean all 3. There's 3 categories.

Misinformation is when you're spreading information in the form of rumors, claims, & stories that is wrong without knowing it. So it is unintentional.

Disinformation is when you know you're doing it via gossip, rumors, and unsubstantiated claims. You're doing it with the intention to cause harm.

Mal-information is directing false allegations, lies, at not only a particular someone but at an organization, a business, or a group of people based on race or their sexual orientation.

 

[DudeThatsErin]

Did not know there were 3 categories. Learn something knew everyday.

It depends on what warnings do for the user. I would warn them first before doing anything drastic.

 

[simonweb]

My rules are simple: You will not post any content which is knowingly false or inaccurate.
Warning and then a ban if it continues.

The problem is that most people don't post misinformation willingly, they are just ignorant on the subject.