Possible User-Blocking Bug or... Not?
TappedOut forum
Posted on Aug. 10, 2021, 10:38 p.m. by Gattison
Quick backstory: A user blocked me, apparently. I was disappointed at first, because I assumed it was due to some lame joke that I thought was funny, but instead probably came off overly and needlessly sarcastic. Like I said, disappointed, but it wasn't that big a deal, I just checked my language and such and moved on. I was blocked before by a guy who didn't like my card suggestion, so, I figured, eh it happens.
The final puzzle-piece: Every now and then I would check to see if the user still had me blocked. Mostly because the user has cool sounding deck names that I would want to check out, without even looking at the creator's name. Well, a few weeks ago, the user seemed to have unblocked me. I was glad. I clicked on some of their decks and looked at them. I wanted to ask why they blocked me, but I didn't want to remind them that I offended them, so I said okay, and moved.
The actual problem: Well, the user actually STILL continuously commented on my decks, gave them +1s and even saved them to his folders, the whole time I was blocked. They are all positive comments, mind you. This user is never critical and always supportive, even thankful sometimes. And then they blocked me again. AND continued to like and comment on my decks! I'm not mad, by any means, in fact it's actually a puzzle that has been driving me crazy.
This has been going on for a long time actually too, and now I honestly have to wonder... did this user mean to block someone else whose name begins with G, and accidentally click on me? Or is this some weird new bug? Did this user actually block me? Twice? And they're just not holding a grudge? What is actually going on here?
I'm truly curious about this now. If that user could just, you know, please randomly notice this thread, figure out that I'm referring to them, and then give me an answer, that'd be really cool of them.
Btw, it's you, Balaam__, if you see this.
seshiro_of_the_orochi says... #3
I've been on the other side of this maybe. I've tried to follow users before and accidentally blocked them. I'm not exactly sure how it happened, but here's my theory: I'm using t/o on my phone 99% of the time, and I seem to struggle with buttons sometimes. And there has to be a "block user" option that is localized close to the "follow" button. The rest is a story of fingers too big for a phone.
August 10, 2021 11:18 p.m.
The same thing happened to me, and with the same user! If you can see this, hi Balaam!
I’m thinking it was an accident. As seshiro_of_the_orochi pointed out, I have almost blocked other users accidentally because the buttons are really close together on my cell phone. It would be great if the block system was redesigned to address this problem.
August 11, 2021 12:52 a.m.
Well the good news is the mystery is solved and the case is closed.
I actually just spoke with Balaam, and they very kindly explained to me the misunderstanding. It sounded like Balaam was off to bed a few minutes ago, but I'm sure they'll have the same conversation with you soon enough.
For now let's just say that just because someone uses the "block" feature, doesn't mean they hate you. And also yes, close buttons seem to definitely be an issue. =D
August 11, 2021 1:11 a.m.
TypicalTimmy says... #6
I was blocked by a user in the past after s/he and I got into an argument over XYZ and not MTG. If I would go to their profile, search their name or make an attempt to even interact with them it said that I could potentially be banned.
Conversely, I blocked someone once and was freely able to interact with them as I saw fit. Whether or not they could respond with or without the same warning I received, I do not know.
I wonder if there is a difference between blocking to sort of stifle interactions, and specifically going to a Mod / Admin for reporting and having it elevated.
No idea if that's a thing, but I have two personal accounts of handling blocking issues and both played off very differently.
August 11, 2021 1:21 a.m.
TypicalTimmy says... #7
Yes, Balaam_ is a very nice user. Great content and suggestions.
August 11, 2021 1:22 a.m.
Yeah, T/O seems to assume that if you block someone you don't want to interact with anymore, then you will choose to not interact with that someone anymore. And reasonably so. And if someone blocks you then starts trolling you, then T/O assumes you will then simply block them back and be done with it. And reasonably so.
It makes sense if you think about it, but at first I was like, "really, you can block a person and potentially troll them?"
And no, of course Balaam never trolled me. Balaam is an extremely pleasant human being, and like TypicalTimmy said, they are a great contributor to this site with new deck ideas, deck advice, and even simple positive support. Lol, that's what confused me so much. I was like, c'mon, this person won't leave my decks alone... and they're helpful! Something's fishy. I can't stop thinking about this, lol!
Back to the point, however, these are not the only reasons a person may attempt to block content from being viewed on their computer. With great customization, comes great responsibility. And I'm comfortable with that. ;D
August 11, 2021 1:56 a.m.
See, now I'm confused. It looks like I am also blocked but I can't say I remember interacting with this user really at all. It's no worries, I'm just sorta lost ... :-/
August 11, 2021 3:34 a.m.
RNR_Gaming says... #11
I had this happen too lol but like I became unblocked randomly. Maybe it is a bug or maybe they decided they like me again. Who knows but its probably a good idea not to press the issue 9/10 times. Its surprising what makes people angry these days and tonality doesn't translate well on forums.
Omniscience_is_life says... #2
Intriguing
August 10, 2021 10:56 p.m.