Moderators moderating discussions they're involved in? (and other mod issues)

[kindlekitten]

Originally Posted by zelda_pinwheel

*snip*

As for the specific question of moderators participating in discussions, I joined the liseuse thread with the hope of avoiding a conflagration similar to previous ones over the same topic. I attempted to keep my few moderation interventions light-handed and light-hearted, the way *any* member might post a friendly reminder if they see a conversation becoming unnecessarily heated, because there was an attempt at some interesting and respectful discussion which i would have liked to see continue. I am sorry if a few of you found that to be unclear. I do not personally like to resort to overly repressive interventions at the first sign of trouble because I think that our members are adults and I prefer to give everyone the opportunity to resolve any disagreements as adults, which many are able to do with the occasional friendly reminder. However as demonstrated by the stronger messages posted later and finally the closing of that thread we are sometimes forced to take stronger actions, and we do this after discussion amongst the team.

I appreciate the very interesting discussions that can arise here thanks to the participation of people from different backgrounds and cultures, and I'd like to thank everyone for that. I look forward to more of them, and I hope everyone feels welcome to participate.

I moderated another board for a long time. our policy was similar to something that has already been stated here. if a thread is actionable, the moderator calls in someone else and has them do it. if that is not possible, they say; "I am speaking as a moderator here." you were wearing both hats Zelda. not to mention I specifically made a complaint in that thread that you chose to ignore while both jumping on Kenny and goofing around.

now, I have a question... most other boards I have been at there is the ability to delete a specific post, make a statement about the thread getting out of line, and even *warning* the people who are pot stirrers.

I know I am kind of passionate about the stuff that I am wellll passionate about, but I tend to try to stick to the discussion rather than having a continual; "you're lying, you're a racist, you're a bigot...." (you get the drift). there seem to be some folks that just like to argue for arguments sake. there have been some good conversations that have suffered from premature evacuation because of them. it would seem that there should be other ways of handling these issues.

and.... last but not least. I would still like my question about moderator hiring and firing answered

[obs20]

Just in a helpful mood.

https://www.mobileread.com/forums/faq...b3_mods_admins

[HarryT]

Originally Posted by kindlekitten

and.... last but not least. I would still like my question about moderator hiring and firing answered

To answer your question, the site owner, Alexander Turcic, is in complete charge of such matters, and you should address any concerns on the matter to him, by PM.

[kindlekitten]

Originally Posted by obs20

Just in a helpful mood.

https://www.mobileread.com/forums/faq...b3_mods_admins

I'd already found and read that. as it doesn't answer my question I asked here.

Originally Posted by HarryT

To answer your question, the site owner, Alexander Turcic, is in complete charge of such matters, and you should address any concerns on the matter to him, by PM.

you guys don't discuss in the mod forum who to add? who may need to move on as mods?

I know you discuss problems posters and threads.

and I understand Alex is MIA, so asking him would be difficult

[HarryT]

Originally Posted by kindlekitten

and I understand Alex is MIA, so asking him would be difficult

Nope. If you click on Alex's name under any one of his posts, you'll see that he's been logged on, and posting, earlier today.

[kindlekitten]

Originally Posted by HarryT

Nope. If you click on Alex's name under any one of his posts, you'll see that he's been logged on, and posting, earlier today.

I suppose rumours of his demise are pre-mature then.

anyway... I had figured that moderators could answer modly questions

[pshrynk]

We have discussions about whom we feel might be a good fit, but Alex has final word.

[kindlekitten]

Originally Posted by pshrynk

We have discussions about whom we feel might be a good fit, but Alex has final word.

ok.

what about the bit regarding treating threads differently?

[GeoffC]

I haven't read all of this thread, so please forgive me if this suggestion has been made ....

When a moderator posts in their capacity as a moderator, would it not be clearer for them to type in green ? - or in CAPITALS .... ? RED as a final warning ?

Just for for the sake of clarity, and may help clarify when the moderator is commenting as a member, in 'normal fashion' and in the context of the flow, or not ...

I, for one, has been "caught" out ....

[kindlekitten]

Originally Posted by GeoffC

I haven't read all of this thread, so please forgive me if this suggestion has been made ....

When a moderator posts in their capacity as a moderator, would it not be clearer for them to type in green ? - or in CAPITALS .... ? RED as a final warning ?

Just for for the sake of clarity, and may help clarify when the moderator is commenting as a member, in 'normal fashion' and in the context of the flow, or not ...

I, for one, has been "caught" out ....

it would certainly make them think about the impact of their words!

[GeoffC]

I meant it in a well meaning way in order to clarify their position when they post ....


heaven knows they have a difficult enough job as is .....

[kindlekitten]

Originally Posted by GeoffC

I meant it in a well meaning way in order to clarify their position when they post ....


heaven knows they have a difficult enough job as is .....

I completely understood how you meant it. color shifting would let the mod and the public know which are modly words and which are lay person words

[omk3]

I think all moderators already sign as username(moderator) when they are wearing their mod hat. But the colour idea might be good too - anything to avoid silly misunderstandings.

In general I appreciate the "light hand" of many moderators here very much. As pshrynk said, I do think we have a better forum for it.

Originally Posted by pshrynk

Might I add that of all the moderators, Zelda has the "lightest hand" when it comes to intervention. She is quite frequently in a small minority when it comes to approaching members who are straying. And because of that influence, I feel we have a much better forum for it.

[kindlekitten]

Originally Posted by omk3

I think all moderators already sign as username(moderator) when they are wearing their mod hat. But the colour idea might be good too - anything to avoid silly misunderstandings.

In general I appreciate the "light hand" of many moderators here very much. As pshrynk said, I do think we have a better forum for it.

afaik if it's in green, they are signed in as a moderator. the color differences in the text would be the deal that shows us the words are modly

[Sparrow]

Originally Posted by kindlekitten

it would certainly make them think about the impact of their words!

I really believe they all do that already - imho we're very lucky to have such high calibre mods, lets not take what they do for us for granted.