We've talked a lot recently about spite polls, and I feel like people don't understand what I'm trying to say, and I feel like that's led to a certain part of the community feeling forgotten. So I'm going to explain this a little more so you understand exactly what I'm trying to say.
First off, the reason why many of us disagree is due to our definition of what a spite poll is. The thing I'm trying to protect is the user's rights to express themselves, including protection to allow users to post about things that are considered hyper fixations (and before you ask, there's nothing wrong with hyper fixations. I am among those who get hyped by something and talk about it a lot. Rn I'm hyper fixated on Undertale/Deltarune and there's no shame in that). But simply because a user wonders if a character can win, or even wants a character to win, is not against the rules. And to certain degrees, I have seen polls labeled as "Spite Poll" even when that was clearly not the intention. I will show an example.
The above had at least one comment calling it a spite poll. But this is not so. In many communities, Archie Sonic is scaled to levels close to Heroes Xenoverse Goku. But in this community, he has been scaled relatively low. And so the user matched him up against Namek Goku, because I believe they're trying to be more fair. This is when the question comes to my mind "what qualifies a poll as a spite poll?" Due to how hard it is to determine, how can we even enforce it? If it's simply because a user likes one character more, does that make me a spite poller because I like GT more or scale it high? Must a user be in agreement with the masses to not be labeled as a spite poller? In the end, I'm attempting to protect a user's personal belief that is being expressed. This is part of guideline 1 in which we ask users to be open-minded to all opinions, and that includes opinions that might even seem ludicrous. There's a reason someone thinks some way, and having followed this issue for a while, the "spite poll" dilemma is also on the heels of many users speaking out about how many users do non-Dragon Ball characters against Dragon Ball characters, which caused me to wonder if this spite poll issue is a mask for exclusion. While I understand people disliking anti-Goku sentiment, I also feel like there's an over zealous pro-Goku movement, in which users also spite poll or spite vote for Goku against characters who might logically win. So why do we judge if we're the same? This is indeed a Dragon Ball forum, so if you can't be biased towards Goku here, where can you? I'm not saying you can't. You may. You may spite vote and spite poll Goku vs. Luffy or Naruto if you desire. But trying to stop others from doing the same shouldn't fly. Allow me to explain with an example.
Goku vs. Luffy
In the above match up, if the OP voted Goku, it's considered okay or a joke poll. But if they voted Luffy, it is labeled a Spite Poll.
In the above poll, it's Curious George vs. Goku. Despite that, this is a funny post. But if someone who loves Curious George posts it and votes George, it's considered a Spite Poll. And then there are times it's a Dr. Who character, or JoJo character vs. Dragon Ball, and it can lead to an interesting question as these characters don't fight with physical force. The question is, can their smarts or hax overtake Goku. These polls to me are fine, and even if the intent of the user was negative, that doesn't mean WE can't have a good conversation about it. I'd love to debate Dr. Who vs. Goku. How can Dr. Who win? How can Goku win? What do they need to succeed? That's okay to ask.
But then there are polls that SHOULDN'T exist. For instance, a poll specifically designed to bait someone into a reaction. Such as the earlier "Glazing" poll followed there after by the "Goku vs. all of fiction" poll. That poll was designed to insult users here. There's no place for that here. Not to say a "Goku vs. Fiction" poll can't be made, it's got to do with the reason it's made. If the poll is a legit question, make it. If it's a joke poll (Like Shaggy vs. Goku) that's okay too because it's like an interactive meme. But if it's made to call someone (or a group of people) out based upon their opinions for the sole purpose of insulting or getting a negative response, THAT'S an issue and worth locking or deleting. In fact, users can and have been blocked in the past for doing that. But the difference between those polls and other polls using the same options is intention. And simply having bias based on a hyper fixation isn't enough. While it may be slightly disingenuous, it isn't necessarily an offense to people as much as simply an expression of something people are in love with at that moment. Whether it beats Goku or not, they do have certain protections that ensure they can make that post if it is indeed on topic, and being on topic is something determined by moderators on a case by case basis. We really fly by the seat of our pants sometimes with judgements. It's why we need a chat. It's very loose, but designed to provide a modicum of order, with priority being given to simply being nice. This wiki's mod team is VERY forgiving of things so long as kindness is maintained, because that's the #1 thing. And even WE fail to do that sometimes, as do we all. But it CAN'T become an accepted path on the fandom, which is why I react so negatively towards the Spite Poll Movement, because while you see it as attempting to create good content, I see it as muzzling users and a restriction towards things that will soon grow boring. I cannot think of even one Dragon Ball only character poll that hasn't been done to death. That's why other franchises are required. Without them, this place becomes boring and dies due to a lack of content.
I'm hoping this helps you understand why it is important to me that I nip in the bud the Spite Poll Movement. It's not entirely wrong, and there is a place for the movement. There are points that are good to mention and talk about. But like all movements, there will be those who weaponize it. No, before you ask, I'm not pointing at anyone. It hasn't really happened yet. But it is showing signs that this idea is spreading, and users coming in from the outside will not understand the true purpose and just label anything they disagree with as Spite. That turns this place into a user run opinion driven site, which I don't want. I disagree with those who say DBS is better and stronger than GT. But despite that, I recognize people have the right to vote that way in my polls (even if it's spite), and I recognize their right to live DBS more. I respect those who think Naruto could beat it. I respect users who use different scales than I do as well. For instance, I have in the past been accused of preferring Vs Battles Wiki, and many others have as well. I think they have merit, but it's not perfect because scaling isn't always one-size fits all, and I realize that this is an attempt to form a guideline (imperfect, especially with feat assessment) to determine what's better, due to there being so many Universal structures in fiction. I don't think they're always right, and I don't think they should be trusted blindly. But I also don't blame people for trusting whole heartedly in it, nor do I judge those who refuse them. But I don't like it when a side, whether it be Pro-Vs Battles or Anti-Vs Battles to force their opinion on another or shame a user for disagreeing. The OP is the one who determines standard assumptions and what scales can be used.
What the point of this is, I'm attempting to protect users right to opinion, even if it's ludicrous. And further, it's not wrong to ask questions. But you gotta put yourself in the other person's shoes first. Don't just ask a question. It isn't always enough to say you don't mean to be offensive. Sometimes you need to rearticulate your question in a way that doesn't unintentionally offend someone. The biggest issue is that most statements that start with "no offense" are offensive. And if you feel you need to say that, then you already recognize that it could be offensive. The important thing is asking questions must not become a grilling, and sometimes if someone is obviously uncomfortable, you need to have mercy. Not because you don't deserve an answer, but because somethings are more important than an answer.
I know many users reading this are going to think I'm talking specifically about them, and that's because I don't know how to explain many of the issues within the current forum without mentioning these things. I promise my intention isn't to harm. I am offering as much of an explanation to everyone as I am to the individual. To those who feel like I'm talking straight to them, and both of us know, I'm sorry you feel like I'm not listening to your concerns. I am. But I'm in the precarious position of trying to decide how to protect people's rights without damaging the rights of others. It's a delicate balance that must be maintained, and sometimes I need to say no to things that appear to be really good. Because I know why you feel it's a good idea. I recognize all the good points. But there are negative points too, such as the feeling of setting a precedent. If this kind of poll can be banned or openly condemned with the shaming of users, what other polls or posts can be? So I'm sorry for making you feel like I don't care what you're feeling and saying. I do. My own reactions have not been professional and I know that as well. Not that I have any excuse, but the past few days have been really tough for me IRL. Really stressful. And my emotions are hard to keep in check during these times and so my mind defaults to a "Protect yourself first" mentality which results in my mind allowing myself to be disrespectful to convince myself that those things don't matter. A coping mechanism. And that's not professional nor is it what this fandom's guidelines dictate. But we're all mistake makers. And so a long with this explanation, take also my apology. I'm just trying to keep everything and everyone together. This is a volunteer job. I do it not because I crave dominion, but because a lot of BAD users show up. And sometimes I'm forced to face NSFL so you don't have to. NSFL, death threats, attempts to hack. This job isn't easy. I do it for you. Because you shouldn't have to see that shit. I want us all to be the best we can be. The things you learn here can be used in real life as well. I want to help you build your character. And so sometimes I can be harsh. But I do so because I care for you. You're all more than just people on the Internet to me. I want you to be the best you you can be. I just need... help. You have to help me. This is why I'm asking you to be mature in certain situations. If you cannot handle a certain post, walk away. I know that's hard. I'm a debater too. But notice I've mostly left that behind. Because it always draws out the worst in me. The mature thing for me is to avoid it. So I ask this too. If you think a post is made disingenuously, then ignore it and make one that IS made right. Learn to see the best in users and ignore the worst. Remember we're all sinners. Be kind and understanding to one another. Thank you for reading.
