Should self account deletion be instant & "self serve"?

[HighTechRedneck]

Concerns about the current requirement for administrator (Phil) approval of account deletion requests were raised in another thread.

The approval stage on account deletions was implemented earlier this year when there were several deletions after some heated discussions.  The intention was to give a cooling off period before the deletion becomes complete.  Since then I know of 3 members that initiated the deletion and then messaged me a day or two later they were glad we hadn't approved it yet because they had changed their mind.

Please note, regardless of whether approval is needed or not, deleting your account does not remove the posts made with that account.

There are several very helpful members, including one moderator and one former moderator, that have in the past deleted their account in a heat of the moment decision and then rejoined a few days or weeks later.  It always happens in heat of anger during the contentious debates that sometimes pop up. Looking back in the archives you see them marked with the guest profiles.  There are drawbacks/consequences when that happens.

• Searches using a member's forum name as a criteria won't pick up the posts under the former account
• A member looking through their own posts in their profile trying to find information they have previously posted won't be able to locate posts made under the old account
• There are no links to email or PM the member who posted it directly from the post.
• The member loses their post count.  While that may be somewhat vane and fit in the "if they are willing to give it up, let them" category, post counts also give new members some small indication of a poster's activity on the forum.

What I am a bit puzzled about is what are the advantages of immediate self deletion?  Why is that important to some folks?

So in addition to voting, if you feel strongly one way or the other, please reply with some feedback about it.  This poll will be up for one week and then the Moderating Team will review the results and the comments and make a decision on whether we keep the admin review stage or go back to instant self deletion.

[bobofthenorth]

I didn't vote Mike but as far as I am concerned as long as you have the facility for a member to delete his account that's all that matters.  Protecting people from their own immaturity shouldn't be your problem but that's your call as long as there actually is some way to initiate an account deletion.  It annoys me that my account still shows up at BNO and there's no way I can change that aside (perhaps) from begging Ian to do so.  I have my own opinions about the revenue reasons for maintaining that "feature" but I won't get into that.

[JackConrad]

I voted to leave it as is.  I have seen too many members quit and then rejoin after they calmed down. Jack

[bevans6]

I don't see a problem with instant deletion, rejoining is pretty easy if you decide you want to.

Brian

[Jeremy]

I agree with the 'cooling off period' philosophy, but at the same time I am concerned about the consequences the moderators may be creating for themselves if they attempt to intervene too much. The more the moderators intervene, the more they open themselves up for criticism....and even legal action, judging by the current pantomime.

So - to answer the question - I understand that some people may hit the 'delete account' button in a fit of pique, and later regret it - and in that case a cooling-off period is a good thing. But bear in mind that in the incident which led to this discussion, the member didn't delete his account after his very public and very embarrassing tantrum - in fact he complained bitterly when it his account was closed for him.

This board is way better run than most - I doubt many forums even have a proper 'terms of use' document that members have to agree to. Let's keep things in perspective here and not feel we have to rush to change things because of a situation caused by a single member.


Jeremy

[Len Silva]

My feelings are that the board owners control anything and everything on the board.  It is only through their good graces that a democratic solution is even considered.

I think that you read the rules, you join up, you follow the rules.  If you don't like it, don't play.

Your kids all know by now that anything you ever post on the internet is there forever, so think before you post or suffer the consequences.  I've said some pretty stupid things myself, here and elsewhere.  All I can do is kick myself and move on.

All this crap about deleting posts, or leaving the group, or calling a lawyer, is so absolutely childish as to be absurd.

You don't want to play, then take your damn ball and go home.  Chances are, you will be welcomed back with open arms should you choose to return.

[kyle4501]

I look at this site as the property of someone else. If I don't like the rules, I'll not post. I am always free to start my own forum if I so choose.

I didn't like the choices, so I didn't vote.
I think it is important to retain as many searchable features in the archives, so I'm not fond of account deletion anyway. It seems to me to be an attempt to hide from your past.
I don't like imposing on the moderators any more than necessary. Why should they have to bother with the trivial?

How is this for an account deletion procedure?
Day 1- proceed thru the steps to initiate account deletion.
Day 2- if you change your mind, you can recind your deletion request. No harm done.
Day 3- beginning on day 3, you can confirm account deletion & it is done.
Day 10- If you have not posted, your account deletion request is automatically confirmed.

Kyle

[Runcutter]

I don't have a problem with the cooling off period, and three days seems about right.  

On the other hand, if someone's that childish, I don't have a problem with them leaving - and their action helps the rest of us decide how to value their prior posts.  Not long ago, I participated (here) in a woodworking discussion, and one of the strong members took a firm stance on a detail that didn't make sense.  While those of us participating took the approach "well, you could do it that way, but it doesn't seem common."  I have seen subsequent actions that would make me revise my tone, to make a flat statement to help the poster of the original question, rather than try to avoid embarrassing the other member.    

It is (generally, but not always) sad when someone leaves.  However, sometimes it's for the good of all.  I seldom post on the other board, because of the posts of a couple of members when I started reading.  The tone set by these folks wasn't something I wished to participate in.  With squabbling here, how many other new members are turned off while they're lurking?  

However, I would suggest that the moderators have enough to do, especially now that we should start a legal defense fund for them.  The way I read this, the moderators now have to take positive action to complete the deletion.  If the cooling off period is retained, is there a way to make it automatic, UNLESS further action is taken?

Arthur  

[Dreamscape]

I voted to keep things the way they are, cooling off period is a good idea. I'm the one who deleted his account way back when, and after some thought and coaxing from fellow members, I "Joined" again!

Otherwise my numbers would be right up there with others!

Paul

[jjrbus]

This is one of the best run boards on the internet! 

I find it a tough call, I can see pro's and con's. None of which should be an issue among adults.  So I will give Jack Conrad my proxy!    JIm

[Busted Knuckle]

Well as one who has needed and used the "cooling off" period before it even existed, I kinda feel it's a good thing.
If someone wants to quit the participating on the board that is as easy as not getting on it.
If they want to delete their account altogether, well I don't see a problem with that either.
But I like the idea Kyle throws out about starting the delete process and if no action is taken from the member to reverse it with-in 10-14 days it deletes. (I mean come on if you can't cool down in 10-14 days, you really need more help than we can provide for free! )
Not that it really matters too me, or what I say. But I'd say either leave it as is or alter it toward a set up like Kyle mentioned.
FWIW   BK 

[FloridaCliff]

I voted for keep it just as it is.

If someone deletes there account, they just loose access under that name to post and edit...etc.

The posts stay right where they are at.

It just says "guest" under there name.

The only person they hurt looks back in the mirror........

Cliff

[luvrbus]

I have no concerns about the system if that is what you guys want I may not agree as some people just want to turn the page in life fwiw I turn the system on last night to see how it works and had to remove it to post to Bob's question.
On another board I was a member you had to request by PM to be removed I am a firm believer that you should control your own life should not be anyone but you to make that decision Uncle Sam told me what clothes to wear,when to sleep and where to go for a few years so I have a few problems when I have to ask permission lol one good thing it gets easier with age somewhat


good luck