Board Thread:Game Discussion/@comment-35745775-20191124112354/@comment-32545704-20191220201551

Some people already know, maybe some don't, I was added as a moderator at r/realracing a few months ago after a long period with no active moderation. My link to u/DLF6 was never a secret, I used to cross-post here from Reddit. Lately I kept it lower profile due to unwanted attention from an admirer.

I originally introduced a rule similar to the Wiki that discussion about cheating was allowed, but no specific methods should be revealed. This hasn't changed, but recently a clause was added to not allow direct accusations of cheating. I explained the rationale behind this:

The intention of [the rule] is that discussion about cheating/hacking is allowed, with two exceptions: The second point (direct accusations) is the recent addition, and there are three main reasons for its inclusion.
 * no naming/describing/linking to specific cheating methods
 * no direct accusations of cheating

Volume/quality of posts

Discussion around cheating is possible without making direct accusations. These posts are encouraged and often promote good discussion.

The posts in question are mostly screenshots of alleged cheaters. Sadly, we know there are a lot of cheaters in RR3. Posting screenshots for every one generates a large volume of posts and can drown out other conversation. Multiple similar posts does not help promote quality, focussed discussion.

Role of the sub

There is little evidence that FM relies on user reports to detect cheaters. If they do, it is up to them to create a system for reporting, not for Reddit or any other community to be the de facto Cheat Report Tool. I would support calls for the introduction of an in-game reporting mechanism.

False accusations

Although a lot of cheating is blatant, not all allegations are obvious and in some cases have been disproved. This has also led to arguments on the sub.

Only FM have the data to conclusively prove allegations of cheating, "Trial by Reddit" is not a fair practice. The idea is not to stop discussion about cheating, but to avoid the sub being overrun with cheat reports and encourage a different type of post. The aim is to promote quality discussion over quantity, enhancing the argument rather than detracting from it. Volume of posts is more of an issue on Reddit than here, due to the platform format. Reddit doesn't allow images in comment replies, while here everything can be contained within one thread.

If they really are checking this thread and taking action, that has to be a positive. But it shouldn't be up to us, and it seems like an easy option with the wider issue being swept under the carpet. If FM needs our help to detect cheaters they should provide a proper in-game tool for reporting them. Anyone who wants to request that on Reddit would have my full backing.

Mathijs, sorry your post was removed, but hopefully this gives some clarification. People can see for themselves how the sub is run. There's already a healthy "shared membership" between the Wiki and Reddit and I hope that continues.