Infractions for Misinformation?

[GoodRevrnd]

This thought has been nagging me for quite some time now. Since this isn't a "report post" thread I won't be naming names, but I have witnessed several people post the same things that are just flat out wrong even after being corrected over and over again. I obviously don't expect anything to be done about this in social forums, but I see it too often in the technical forums and I honestly feel it is a massive detriment to these boards. It wastes space, it often starts arguments and flames and it confuses novices. Obviously people shouldn't be getting banned just for being wrong, but being habitually wrong about the same thing over and over in technical advice forums is really unacceptable and should be dealt with. Thoughts?

 

[Soundmanred]

I totally agree.
kthx, gl, gb, tgif

 

[ViRGE]

Our directive from above is that so long as someone is not posting dangerously false information and they're not trolling (that is, they seriously believe what they're posting), then we're to let them go. The idea is that everyone is here to learn, and it's okay to be wrong as part of the learning process.

Ultimately being factually wrong and/or stupid is not an offense of any kind, and other than pointing them in the right direction our hands are tied.

 

[GoodRevrnd]

I completely understand that, but there really are a few key people who are posting unquestionably false information despite being corrected about it numerous times AND making recommendations to others based on that information. I sometimes wonder if they are trolling. Anyway, I realize it can get a little grey area, but it's frustrating to watch the most extreme examples continue unchecked.

 

[Gillbot]

I completely understand that, but there really are a few key people who are posting unquestionably false information despite being corrected about it numerous times AND making recommendations to others based on that information. I sometimes wonder if they are trolling. Anyway, I realize it can get a little grey area, but it's frustrating to watch the most extreme examples continue unchecked.

Reply in the thread and show why they are wrong, that way if anyone reads it they have the whole story. Otherwise, use the report post function and explain why they are wrong.