Whose Problem is it Anyway!

@thesids (22180)
Bhubaneswar, India
November 16, 2015 8:42am CST
Hello all Back in the older days, there was no block feature here at MyLot and the world seemed to be good. Yes, "seemed to be" - because you never knew if anyone really disliked you. A few days back, I was on some discussion that I needed to participate because it was about an illness and its recovery. I have the same illness thanks to the constant medications since 2005 that I have been into due to another ailment. And I could not find any "Respond" link either on the discussion or even on the responses of all those who were on the discussion. I realized, the OP has me blocked. Never mind, I respect his/her opinion about me and really have no issues about me being blocked. Why should I have a problem! MyLot is still a really big and lovely world and it barely matters if anyone has blocked someone around. Though there is another side to this blocking thing - I knew I could add some real value to that discussion because I have faced the very same issue, read the large volumes of pages on Internet and even found out an immediate solution to the problem (though for the short term). And I knew if I could respond to it, it might have been helpful in easing the pain during the time they take you to the hospital for further treatment. This is just one aspect. The problems arising out of blocking someone can be much more complex and help that could have been easily accessible might never be found. So please think twice, if not more, before you block anyone. Have a great Day at MyLot. Cheers, Sid.
32 people like this
33 responses
• United States
16 Nov 15
I have never blocked anyone, and have no clue if anyone ever blocked me.. I simply don't lose sleep over such things. It does however sound like they lost out on the blocking of you. So not only did they lose money for your attempt to post to them, but they lost some valuable information.
9 people like this
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
16 Nov 15
I simply don't lose sleep over such things. These are too small things to get worried about. And these are common on Internet - the social media. I do not have issues about that aspect. But how these things can be a loss is my point. I only hope that the person did find some help at the right moment when there was a need.
8 people like this
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
18 Nov 15
@Marty1 Many a times, we know that it is out there on the Internet, but still we are unable to find the right page. It could have been good as I had surfed for months and when I had found, I had it tested on me. Anyways, I do hope the OP is doing good and better in health. As Jessa mentioned on her response, I might try posting it as a discussion and maybe a common friend can let him/her know of it... if the OP still is in need.
2 people like this
• United States
16 Nov 15
@thesids Yes, it's a minor thing when it comes to 'social media'. And not something I will fret over. I do understand your point, and have to agree with you on it. You can only hope. Just keep in mind, you did try to help. (which is admirable of you).
7 people like this
@LadyDuck (458584)
• Switzerland
16 Nov 15
I have blocked one user, he was rude and vulgar and I disliked his comments.
8 people like this
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
16 Nov 15
That is quite understandable. I would have reported that kind content and let admin decide if he was to good to be around. Sadly, with this person, I dont recall any incident where we had interacted.
7 people like this
@Marcyaz (35316)
• United States
29 Nov 15
I have block a couple who were like that also.
4 people like this
@artemeis (4194)
• China
3 Dec 15
You should have used the report function and have this member held accountable for being rude and vulgar.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (157623)
• United States
16 Nov 15
I have blocked one person, and reported them because they were making me uncomfortable with things they were requesting in private messages. On the other hand, I can see where it would be helpful for you to be in this discussion or start your own. Could it possibly be a glitch? Those things do happen.
7 people like this
@Marcyaz (35316)
• United States
29 Nov 15
It very definitely could be a glitch.
1 person likes this
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
20 Nov 15
@GardenGerty and @stringer321 Sorry for the delayed response here. GG, I think you took the right decision to report them as well because of their spamming your inbox. In my case, initially, I thought it was a Glitch, so I had asked GAA about it. When they said the OP has blocked me (which I could sense too), I went on to the profile and realized that we had never got into any interaction. On this discussion, I realize that this has probably to do with my Avatar of Casper. I am told that there used to be one called Casper on the B site (from where this OP arrived). Maybe the two did not go good at the other site and now I face the heat... Definitely a weird logic but that is what seems to be the cause.
5 people like this
• Kiryat Ata, Israel
17 Nov 15
I remember I blocked some users in another website because of the block button was under their profile picture and near the view photo button. It is sometimes a problem of the website design. Ui Ux... :-)
6 people like this
@marguicha (215584)
• Chile
18 Nov 15
I don´t even know how to block anyone. If I am not interested on post I don´t participate. If I don´t like a person, I don´t follow him/her.
4 people like this
@Marcyaz (35316)
• United States
29 Nov 15
That is how I feel now we don't have to respond to anything we don't want to.
1 person likes this
@marguicha (215584)
• Chile
18 Nov 15
@thesids Probably! We don´t have to answer to EVERY post or relate to EVERY mylotter.
4 people like this
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
18 Nov 15
This is exactly what I feel and do. Blocking is no solution to any problem and in my opinion, it is only running away from the problem. Maybe we think alike because we are old school...
4 people like this
• United States
16 Nov 15
As far as I know, I have not been blocked on here, but I have been ignored by a few people. I actually would prefer it if they blocked me rather than just ignoring my responses on their discussions or comments in their response area. If they block me, then at least they are not earning for my comments/responses. If they ignore me, then I have to try to remember who they are as I am not earning anything for my efforts and they are the only ones benefiting. I am lazy, so I would rather be blocked than ignored.
5 people like this
@Hatley (163781)
• Garden Grove, California
20 Nov 15
@thesids I do not lijke the blocking thing myself but I will tell mself its their loss if they do not want my resonses as Ih aveplednt of other fri ends here. I jusst think blocking is sort of mean m yself.
3 people like this
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
18 Nov 15
I had no intentions to ignore you for sure. But yes, I kept you and some others waiting here. Sorry for that. My take is - blocking should be removed. But I know, they wont go by my views. There are MyLotters who start discussions and never return back to them. I remember this thing used to happen on the older version too. Luckily the newer lot that has arrived - many are good enough to respond back.
5 people like this
@much2say (53953)
• Los Angeles, California
27 Nov 15
@purplealabaster I hope you don't think I'm ignoring you . . . I'm not, I'm not! I'm just not here a lot a lot and I don't get to all my notifications - and I am BEHIND on getting around to everyone. I know I have all those long conversations to go through but haven't had the time. I'm sorry if you ever felt ignored by me . . .
2 people like this
@Jessicalynnt (50525)
• Centralia, Missouri
16 Nov 15
I suppose you could start your own discussion, with personal experiences, and maybe at least reach others who were interested. I cant think of a person I have blocked on here yet
6 people like this
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
16 Nov 15
Yes, probably that is one way out. I can still post my own discussion on the illness and the pain relieving medicine with some other stuff. Somehow, I do not seem to appreciate the idea of blocking people here because somewhere it kills the purpose of this website. The earlier version were we could report and admin would be the judge seemed better. At least, no one knew who dislikes whom. Now, things are moving towards other ends and people know who blocks whom (eventually, it gets found).
6 people like this
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
16 Nov 15
@Jessicalynnt That is exactly how I would handle the things. I had been misinterpreted many times here, but I always ignore, unless it comes from a friend - where I do clarify and try to get things sorted out. I know we have different backgrounds and so I accept that. And again, there are so many other discussions to hop on and interact with so many great people.
4 people like this
• Centralia, Missouri
16 Nov 15
@thesids unless someone gets super nasty (in which case I would report) I tend to ignore rather than block
4 people like this
@allknowing (130064)
• India
18 Nov 15
I look at the Block feature differently. Some get sadistic joy doing it not realising if they have done it only to get that satisfaction then they are the losers There is another side to it. You buy peace by keeping those away who make you uncomfortable. It does not mean the one who is blocked is hated it is just you are better off without their interaction.
4 people like this
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
18 Nov 15
I have just stated the third dimension to it. The one who blocked me never knows about this discussion and s/he is not worried... instead I am (at least I felt worried that moment).
3 people like this
@Marcyaz (35316)
• United States
29 Nov 15
I was very uncomfortable with some remarks made by a certain person and that is why I blocked that person.
1 person likes this
@allknowing (130064)
• India
18 Nov 15
@thesids Admin could do something about letting users know when they are blocked and even when a post is deleted. But the one who has blocked you can read your post by going to your profile.
4 people like this
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
18 Nov 15
Hmm , what could have made that person block you ? I am wondering because you throw jokes that are not below the belt . You write and explain beautifully .
3 people like this
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
19 Nov 15
@thesids We just have to remember , we can't please everybody .
2 people like this
@stringer321 (5643)
• Kiryat Ata, Israel
17 Nov 15
I feel you, bro, it feels like real when being blocked online. If you wanted somehow to add your information and knowledge to the person who was ill, maybe you could contact people that he knows... His illness can be a keyword he might search on the search box and like others have said, you could open a discussion and tag it with some keywords he might look for...
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
18 Nov 15
Yes, this is what I have planned as I read the response from Jessa. I can start a discussion and hope that a mutual friend reads and informs the OP about it. That is all I can do as of now.
3 people like this
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
19 Nov 15
@hereandthere As you are someone from the past, I mean, earlier MyLot, we did see many of these medicinal discussions facing the axe because they were not discussions and looked more like blog posts. Binthu, Kalyani and the late Professor had many of them axed. I am unsure of such a rule at the moment as I do see many blog-type posts around.
2 people like this
• Philippines
19 Nov 15
@thesids good to know you'll write your own discussion. that way it'll be more detailed and more people will get to read and learn about it.
3 people like this
@cahaya1983 (11121)
• Malaysia
17 Nov 15
I haven't had a need to block anyone so far. I don't think I'd worry too much if anyone had blocked me either and I doubt it's going to affect how I write or interact here. So in your case, I guess it's the person's loss.
3 people like this
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
18 Nov 15
I felt sad because help could have been easily accessible. Now that something else has been mentioned - about my having the Casper Avatar, it has baffled me more. The Casper at Bubs may be the reason. Now I get a first hand of what it feels when someone else does the shopping and uses your credit card to pay
3 people like this
@cahaya1983 (11121)
• Malaysia
19 Nov 15
@thesids Yeah if you can't find any possible reason for the person to block you then that might be it. Is the other Casper here anyway?
2 people like this
@boiboing (13153)
• Northampton, England
16 Nov 15
I've also had times when I've had that happen and I've thought "Pah! You've just missed out on my words of wisdom because you got in a snit weeks ago and blocked me. Your loss!"
4 people like this
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
16 Nov 15
This case in particular seemed weird to me. I mean, I and this MyLotter never evr had any interaction. And this was the first time I wanted to interact as I did read some of the posts from this OP. Maybe, s/he got some misreadings and misinterpretations of my responses to others. But at the end of it, I am unsure what followed after that discussion. I only hope that the person is feeling better and in good health.
4 people like this
@poehere (15126)
• French Polynesia
17 Nov 15
I have never once thought about blocking anyone on this site. I don't see the value is blocking a person and their comments from my discussion. I feel in doing this it would cause a lot of hurt and bad feeling that can spread throughout the site. This is not a very professional act on this site. I enjoy everyone who interacts with me. At times a few people can get personal but that is up to me to answer or to stop. Other than this all people on this site are respectful, professional, and I enjoy reading everything they write whether it is on my discussion or on another person's.
3 people like this
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
18 Nov 15
You changed your Avatar and I was confused for a second. Well, I read on another discussion, when a feature is there why not use it. Some may be experimenting. However, reading one of the responses above, clarifies my worries (though some more get added). The response says - it might be Casper from Bubs who might be responsible. And as we (Me and the one who blocked) never interacted, maybe I was mistaken as Casper from the other site.
2 people like this
@poehere (15126)
• French Polynesia
18 Nov 15
@thesids Yes I did change it for a joke or just a change. I decided why not try a new one for a few days. Wow block a person without even knowing them is sad. I guess people who come here and understood user names from the other sites just automatically blocked people before realizing they weren't the same.
2 people like this
@Auntylou (4264)
• Oxford, England
16 Nov 15
I haven't blocked anyone yet as I have seen no reason so to do. I have come across some though whose one sentence posts I will no longer bother to look at
4 people like this
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
16 Nov 15
I haven't blocked anyone yet as I have seen no reason so to do. This is exactly how I feel. I understand some of us get into disagreements - but that is just normal - even in a family we do have them. And nowhere it means that we block things.
3 people like this
@Lucky15 (37346)
• Philippines
17 Nov 15
It was just now that i have learned about blocking someone. I just do some blocking in social media :(
3 people like this
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
18 Nov 15
You can block anyone here at Mylot. Blocking will prevent the (user whom you block) from participating on any of your discussions. The blocked user cannot message you and even cannot suggest you anything. Though he can read what discussions you start. Your responses too will not be visible to the one you block. But why are you worried about this feature. I hope no one will use it to block you. The cute avatar that you have should stop anyone from blocking you.
3 people like this
@Lucky15 (37346)
• Philippines
18 Nov 15
@thesids ahaha, thanks for noticing that cute baby i have there :))
3 people like this
@artemeis (4194)
• China
20 Nov 15
Under the current algorithm, I find this Block feature to be rather odd and impractical especially since the post (thread) does not have any earnings until there is some interactions. Obviously, this OP is gonna earn 1 person less since he/she had you blocked. Instead I feel that the site should bring back the "Best Response" feature so as to encourage more active responses and interactions. Maybe you could request this with @GoAskAlice BTW, my discussions are opened for your responses any time. So when you are blocked the next time do look up for mine to response, will ya?
2 people like this
@Hatley (163781)
• Garden Grove, California
20 Nov 15
so that is why I could not respond to some discussions here I wonder why io was blockaded b ut thats okay I have a lot of fri ends here and she is the l osere as my comments would have helped her but Im not hurt just a tad bewildered as ik didnot even know this lady much I met her on the old mylot but was never close to her.
3 people like this
@artemeis (4194)
• China
20 Nov 15
@Hatley That's really her lost and not ours. However, I have to ask why the animosity when this is a social site where the main aim would be for us to socialize. Anyway, you know where to go if you receive another blocking bum.
2 people like this
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
20 Nov 15
@Hatley It is funny to see how people create ways to ensure their loss of - knowledge and also some cents. I feel bad that someone has blocked you - who are so loving and caring. Anyways, on the other hand, it looks good that you are still one of the favorites of many of us here at MyLot and we will never have to use the block feature for anyone around
2 people like this
@much2say (53953)
• Los Angeles, California
27 Nov 15
Good point @thesids . I like to keep the channels open - keeping an open mind - one just never knows where important information can come from. We could all even learn a thing or two from an enemy! Not to say a blocked person is an enemy - they block for whatever reason (it may have even been by accident!). But in this case, this person could have received some life saving/changing information from you. Remember too, that even if you gave someone some great advice, it is up to them where they take it from there. You are a good person in trying to help people.
1 person likes this
@much2say (53953)
• Los Angeles, California
27 Nov 15
@thesids Ah, that's very possible. I do recall seeing a Casper avatar there, but do not recall too much about that person (I guess then we weren't really "friends" there?). If I am not mistaken, this person gave short nothing comments - and certainly you give much more meaningful comments. One cannot assume that all Caspers are alike
1 person likes this
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
29 Nov 15
@much2say Definitely - One cannot assume that all Caspers are alike - Even I am nowhere as magical as the Original Casper...Reincarnation took away some of the Magical powers
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
27 Nov 15
You are a good person in trying to help people. Thank you for such generous words. I am told (on this discussion) that it can either be a mistake on his/her part or it can be my avatar. The one who mentioned the avatar comes from the B site (same from where the OP blocked me) and says it might be because of the Casper there. I wonder what Casper was upto on that site - as this is not the first time anyone brought this across.
1 person likes this
@jstory07 (134443)
• Roseburg, Oregon
16 Nov 15
I have not had to block any one yet. I hope I do not.
3 people like this
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
18 Nov 15
I will not block anyone. I dont find any reason to do it. If there is a difference, I would love to attempt resolving it by discussing it out. And even after all efforts I fail, I may ignore the discussions/responses from the one involved. But knowing me, I am sure, it is not going to happen with me - I cannot continue to stay away for a long time.
5 people like this
• United States
20 Nov 15
bless yer heart, i fear that i've blocked a few folks'n here myself. 'twas fer my sanity 'n to prevent the need fer rantin' incessantly. 'tis a shame that person did such, 's ya might'a been able to shed some light their way. then 'gain, perhaps that's not what they wish, but're seekin' sympathy fer their illness? one jest ne'er knows. 'n the other hand, i've heard that some folks've blocked others by 'oops' - they hit the wrong button whilst tryin' to add 'em to follow. fer myself, i consider it a most fortunate thingy fer someone to block me. saves me time to concentrate 'n the flowers in my garden ~ big hugs!
2 people like this
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
20 Nov 15
'n the other hand, i've heard that some folks've blocked others by 'oops' - they hit the wrong button whilst tryin' to add 'em to follow. Oh no. That is scary. And I never thought on these lines. In fact I was starting to feel that the one at B site (from where the OP arrived) might have been the reason. I already had many asking me if I was the Casper from the other site. I remember at least 10 people asking me that. And even on this discussion, there is a hint on Chesmey's response. I am glad to see you back. I was wondering and even starting to get worried when I hopped on to your profile yesterday to find that you have not started a discussion since Nov 7. Hope you are all in good health and spirits.
2 people like this
• United States
20 Nov 15
@thesids one ne'er knows the true thoughts 'f some folks, hon. i gave up e'en tryin' to figure it all out. some folks jest seem to like that 'dark cloud' 'n seek others'f like minds. lookin' fer co-dependence 'nstead 'f tryin' to see others perspectives 'n that hand up 'n support 'long their journey. mercy! 's it been that long?? where's the time gone? sigh... i'll do my best to get caught up a bit more with folks 'n then spit out a dribble to hopefully tickle some's fancy. big hugs!
2 people like this
@JudyEv (325984)
• Rockingham, Australia
18 Jan 16
Surely you would block someone only for the most blatant misuse - extreme nastiness, ridicule or whatever. It seems ridiculous to block someone for anything other than really unacceptable behaviour.
1 person likes this
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
18 Jan 16
Though I do not agree with the blocking thing at least here at mylot (maybe because I come from the earlier version where we did not have anything like this here), but I cannot deny or disagree with you. Some people are nasty, some are spammy and they should be blocked. In the earlier MyLot days, all we could do was to report to the Admin and they took care of what needed to be done.
1 person likes this
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
19 Jan 16
@JudyEv As I had been an admin on a forum, I know, admin have a real hard time sorting such issues out. And here at MyLot things become more complicated - because most of us come from so many varied backgrounds, cultures etc. What may sound normal to one may be considered as being rude (or otherwise) to someone else. Now Admin has to get into the shoes of the complaint raiser which many a times is not possible. But that said, I still wonder how they did it, but in the past, things were much in control. One or two accounts were banned because they did not heed to the warnings of the Admin.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (325984)
• Rockingham, Australia
18 Jan 16
@thesids And from all accounts Admin were really on the ball with sorting people out.
1 person likes this
@funtool (246)
• Sargodha, Pakistan
17 Nov 15
There should be no feature like blocking someone but atleast a user should have option to hide feed from specific users so that others will not be able to see feed of a specific person on your posts
3 people like this
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
18 Nov 15
That will be more complicated. If you had the solution and you never knew it was needed, then, probably you might never put it across. That way, it might have be a bigger loss
2 people like this