Hello internet.
As there has been some confusion over my leaving the room, I thought I'd just clarify my point of view on this.
First off,
- I'm not leaving SOCVR, but I'm leaving SO. This has nothing to do with the room, its mission nor its users.
- I'm not 'angry', nor because of some hundred-whatever imaginary unicorn internet points I lost yesterday. (Yes, because I did get asked that: No, the answer was not old enough for the reputation to stick, but that is not the point at all)
Having said that, this is why I am turning my back on SO and heading over to security.SE:
- I took the time to answer (and shape that answer to really be good) a security related question (deleted, ask you favorite 10k) with basically "you're doing it wrong, here's why".
- While I can see that the question is not a perfect fit for SO, the reality is that if those questions do not get answers on SO, the users will leave without even knowing problems exist.
- When I went meta on this problem, I expected a lot of disagreement.
What I didn't expect was the question being deleted altogether, as with its (+16 and accepted) answer, it seems to hold at least some value for the site. It especially does no harm to SO whatsoever and maybe even another uneducated, inexperienced user stumbles upon the answer and realizes problems of his/her own.
As there were at least three mods in the picture regardin the (afaik delete-vote resulting) deletion, the question remains deleted. This leads me to the conclusion that the deletion of the question was justified, acceptable and generally deemed 'useful'.
Thing is: This is an example for a general problem with SO: moderation rights that are given to users (which is generally a good thing) get used to 'fight' in disputes without trying to educate others.
I'm motivated to volunteer my time and effort to a community that is set up to help one another (maybe even despite the lack of a general understanding of a topic). SO does not seem to have that goal, mindlessly deleting (already settled, not harmful) posts (that would not get roomba'd for a good reason).
I do not see an argument that could justify the deletion, nor has one come up in any discussion yesterday. I see (mod-approved or -supported) abuse of moderation rights.
I do disagree with that 'SO-Way' massively, even with some anger. And that is why the good people of SOCVR have 'lost a guy', and I am sorry for that, but I do not see my time going into a (good part of) a community that I disagree with fundamentally.
So, especially to @Kyll, @Ms Yvette ǝʇʇǝʌʎ sW and @Drew, but also all other fellow people in SOCVR, especially in the ministry:
Feel free to ping me in the DMZ, use Facebook or Threema (tid://XU88FMYP) to contact me whenever you feel like it, I'd be happy to hear from you, despite my leaving SO.
Jan