Forum Topic

We seem to have more and more Post again that are copied/Pasted or 100% Highlights of the hole original Article without even an introduction, or any effort of following NP guidelines.

Further we had some Post being doubles and the double making the front page, not the original.

The Forum is still a mess and next to impossible to find any thing in here.

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Johnny Summerton

at 08:18 on September 26th, 2008

Yes I've noticed the doubling up of posts today (September 26) and on both occasions it was editors posting stories that were already on site. And in neither case was there an attempt by them to add the second to the first (as we're requested to do).

I understand that editors have to keep abreast of posts coming in from all quarters and the wonderful job of deleting spam. But daytime today (Friday) here in Europe hasn't exactly seen a deluge of posts or spam, plus the original of one repeat story was even on the front page when posted for a second time by an editor.

There was time to take action.

I've no idea whether anyone will actually read my response to Uwe's topic here. But I'm pretty certain those who were on the main site - members and the just curious - will have seen the "double posts" and thought "what on Earth is this place all about" (that's the polite version).

It is a problem that cannot and should not be allowed to happen. There's no excuse and in the end reflects badly on NP. Editors need to be on top of it, especially when other members point it out (as was the case today).

As for copying and pasting. There's still far too much of that going on. Even when other members point it out in "comments" it takes an eternity for anything to happen (if at all). I PMd a new contributor today to suggest that he use the highlight tool, say where his material had been sourced or at least ask an editor for help and all I got back was a "thanks" followed by a post later on which was a simple copy and paste job.

amyjudd

at 08:47 on September 26th, 2008

First of all, I understand the forum is so hard to find anything. Believe me, it's no easier for me! We are overhauling our forums soon so that they will be much easier to use and find things. Until then I apologize for the disruption.

Now to address, the issue of double posts. There is no way that editors should be posting duplicate stories. I myself have in the past, posted a duplicate story that a member has already posted, but when brought to my attention I have removed my post. This is what should be happening. However, as you say sometimes it's hard to see all the stories that have just come in, so a friendly PM or comment will be welcomed and the issue should be dealt with. However, if it is not, please send me a message and bring it to my attention and I will deal with it.

Double posts make the site look messy and disorganized and I agree with your 'what on Earth is this place all about' comment. In our new story creation process, we will have a section that will pick up duplicate stories so hopefully the chances of this happening will be very slim. However, until then, feel free to bring it to my attention if you come across it.

Copying and pasting is another issue that we are always having to deal with. We try hard to be diligent about it, but yes that can get away from us as well. We want our members to help us out so again, if a comemnt on the post does not work, and that member continues to ignore an offer of help with the highlight tool, we have steps in place for account suspension if the rules are not followed so I can take care of that as well.

I check my PMs often and hate copying and pasting posts myself, so I am more than willing to lay down the wrench to give that member a chance to either ask for help, or decide they don't want to attribute the correct source where it is due.

Vinny

at 11:11 on September 26th, 2008

Perhaps the editors who constantly post news already covered by unpaid members, should stop telling members not to duplicate stories until they are prepared to take their own advice.

PEP

at 13:00 on September 26th, 2008

Timeliness counts, too.

http://www.nowpublic.com/world/clouds-clear-jetman-yves-rossy-retry-channel-crossing#comment-200212

Long track record here of paid contributors re-posting material given for free by unpaid members, then updating the members" stories to hide them, while putting the paid contributors' stories up on the front page. Long long history. And those same "editors", who have site-wide access, are sure to reprimand members who accidentally post material the editors did hours earlier, and tell the members to add their material to the editors' posts.

Among the latest knocked off the front page by paid contributors promoting themselves: mettacarra. Being talked about, too.

René

at 04:28 on September 27th, 2008

You mean editors are updating my stories to knock them off the front page? I wondered where all those anonymous updates that I didn't do were coming from. That's really mean.

amyjudd

at 12:12 on September 27th, 2008

We are not doing that. We don't have some kind of secret conspiracy to knock your stories off the front page. 'Anonymous updates' can come from anywhere - from comments to pictures to videos.

If you think an editor has done something to make your story disappear from the front page, you can message me and I will look into it.

René

at 08:45 on September 26th, 2008

Strange things been happening on NP since last nite. No matter what you may think, I did not double post my story. So maybe others are experiencing the same 'glitch.'

This is a technical problem.

As far as the highlight tool, that's what it's for, to copy and paste. and too many times, a comment or even a story or edit gets the spinning wheel of death, and the only way to see if it went through is to pull it up in another tab or window.

If newbies copy and post too much of a story, veterans need to explain that that is not a good way to do it. and to add why they brought this story to the attention of those on NP.

Many cannot use the highlight tool, because of OS or browser limitations, so point them to the 'master-class' discussion, which should be made a 'STICKY' at the top of the forums. This has some points on how to make your own highlights which I use often. It's actually easier than using the highlight tool, especially if you are quoting from more than one source.

René

at 09:01 on September 26th, 2008

And on top of all that, I'm getting double whammied in my email box on NP and on my gmail too. Whew!

This is not the first time this has happened to me, but the ones before, I got a chance to delete the duplicate story before there was much reaction, did lose some comments that way, but.... This time surprised me. and I did post fast cuz I heard the breaking news on the money channel.

Paschen

at 05:41 on September 27th, 2008

http://www.nowpublic.com/environment/brazil-unveils-deforestation-plan#comment-200697

http://www.nowpublic.com/tech-biz/chinese-astronauts-final-spacewalk-countdown

Those are just two of the Post today that made front page and where 100% copied and paste or Highlighting a complete BBC article without even a comment, mean-vile real good NP posts and first is post where left on the side lines even though comments where made to address the problem nothing happened. Then A breaking news story with comments and flags of the death of Paul Newman was left ignored until some really got upset.

amyjudd

at 12:17 on September 27th, 2008

I have addressed those on the stories themselves.

Thanks for bringing it to my attention.

Paschen

at 19:12 on September 27th, 2008

Thank you Amy, much Appreciated in deed.

billwilson2002

at 22:08 on September 27th, 2008

A Question? How can I invite a picture to nowpublic from flickr.com from one of my contacts on flickr to a article I am working on? I tryed ev erything, But, no luck. Someone invite 5 of my pictures in a article. I am trying to figure it out how. please help

Paschen

at 22:20 on September 27th, 2008

You may find your anther here. http://www.nowpublic.com/newsroom/tools/upload_photos_videos

If not, then contact over PM (Private Message) One of the Editors that are on duty, They will help you.

billwilson2002

at 22:50 on September 27th, 2008

Hi The link is telling me how to upload my own photos...I really don't want to do that. How can I find editor?? Now I wish that I didn't sign up for this site. It is so confusing :-( HELP PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

billwilson2002

at 22:11 on September 27th, 2008

this is the invite i got.......please help me.

Hi William Wilson! Comment on my pictures.,

Here's a personal note from rpshen:
___________________________________________________________

Hi there,

We at NowPublic are working on coverage of HSBC cutting 1100 jobs, and we are putting together a collection of photos. We came across your amazing photo on Flickr and it would be a great addition to our story. We would very much appreciate its use, with proper credit to you of course.

If you would like to contribute it to us, please click on the link below. Feel free to place the appropriate credit in the comments field of the story after you have approved the request. If you run into any problems, feel free to contact me at rpshen@nowpublic.com.

Sincerely,
Ruoping

please click on this link - where you can approve or reject its use:

www.nowpublic.com/import/48de420ac5ddc6.79734916
____________________________________________________________

NowPublic is a news sharing community that uses stories, photos, & videos from sources like you.

If you would like to learn more about this request, and the context in which your photo might be used, click on this link:

www.nowpublic.com/import/48de420ac5ddc6.79734916

If you do give your permission, your photo will always remain your property, and whatever license you have specified will follow its use on NowPublic.com

If you have any concerns about this, please contact our Quality Assurance Coordinator at quality@nowpublic.com