This is from a different thread but it belongs better here.
With all due respect Charles, that's not true. Yes, the majority of P&Ners voted to rescind Idontcare's trial of a no-insults rule. That was in part because the rule was capriciously enforced, in part because a large segment of P&N (myself included) never felt insults were the real problem here, and in part simply because the rule never really delivered on its promises. Yes, overt insults were down, but the noise level was at least as bad as before thanks to a handful of prolific misfits dedicated to being as disruptive as possible while remaining just barely, arguably, within the lines. Some are still quite active here, with predictable results.
The bottom line is simple: given an opportunity to reform this sewer, and also given an alternative, most people have chosen to keep this place as it is, and remain here. Thus, this is the way most of them want it.
If a majority of people wanted change here, things would change. They don't. In fact, the people actually interested in rational debate on non-technical topics probably amount to less than 10% of this forum's population, based on the irrationality and childishness on display here daily. OT is just as bad, just in a different way.
It seems to me that with the rejection of the no-insults rule, management here threw up its hands and said, "Screw it, we tried. Give them the cesspool they want."
That does appear to be the case. But it's at least in part because the people here have also given up, because they really don't care. So why should the admins exert the effort?
To be clear, I can't blame moderators for that. They are volunteers, and trying to moderate this place has to be one of the most thankless jobs on the face of the planet. Everything you do to try to improve quality and reduce disruption will be immediately challenged by one half of a small, but vocal group of perpetual crybabies (as you saw in DC). This is especially true for trying to moderate content, which is inherently subjective. Who needs that hassle?
It's worth the work if there are a lot of people who value it. Not otherwise. The DC is a failed experiment primarily because most people prefer garbage over meaningful discussion.
I doubt that's what he wants. To whatever extent it's on his radar at all, I imagine it's what he's resigned himself to accepting.
Resigned himself? He's in charge. He could implement any policies he wanted and get this place cleaned up in a week.
It's the way it is either because he wants it this way, or because he doesn't care. There are no other options.