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A proposal and query concerning a moderator here.

Do we finally need a moderator in this forum and/or chat room?

  • Yes

    Votes: 22 38.6%

  • No

    Votes: 35 61.4%
  • Total voters
    57
WebSlave

WebSlave

The sunset is coming.
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This one particular forum is getting enough traffic (with attendant problems) that perhaps it is time that I consider adding a moderator here. This would possibly be extended to cover the leopard gecko chats in the chat room as well. So let's treat this as step one of three.
  1. Do we need a moderator here and in the chat room?
  2. Who would you LIKE to see moderator here?
  3. Vote for ONE or MORE from the list provided in the step above.

So this post should be considered as step one: Do we finally need a moderator in this forum and/or chat room?
 
I don't see the need. People in the leo chat can keep there cool and there are not usualy people in there but 2 times a month and sometimes weekends.

I see no need in it. But it would not hurt anything.
 
Ok, I voted NO. It's really just the one particular sensitive subject that is causing everyone to misbehave. Generally we leo folk are mild tempered and pretty darn good at mod'ing ourselves. From now on, if we can all remember to post any feelings regarding that particular subject, only on the BOI or maybe in HELL, that gives us an outlet and we can keep the leo forum civil. I particularly don't want to see the chat moderated except with the option of moderating during guest chats.
 
Isn't there some way to put someone on "ignore" or am I wrong? It's like someone who doesn't like cigarette smoke but will walk through the smoking section then complain about it.... if someone has a problem with someone, put them on ignore!

The policing of anything stiffles creativity and everyone suffers!
 
I agree with Montezuma, except for the stiffling creativity, I mean if it was just bleeping cusswords, it would make people more creative because they would have to find a good word to use instead of relying on ignorant language.
 
Rich,
I applaud the restraint you have shown in not just slapping a moderator on this forum. From a time constraint standpoint I am sure it has been more than tempting. For the most part since I have been an active member here, there have been very few issues. And, generally with the experienced keepers that frequent the forum the forum really does moderate itself in terms of general information that is being distributed. I realize the current atmosphere in the leopard gecko section is less than peace love and happiness; however I attribute that mostly to one very well documented issue. I also noticed that there was seemingly a small period of peace love and happiness for the last couple weeks on the forum that actually brought about some GREAT discussions. I don't think this forum needs a moderator. I do however think this forum needs to show a little restraint from discussing the current hot issue. I also believe that the individuals that are involved in "hot" topic need to realize that this is a community and just like any community issue just don't go away and impressions last a long time. Just my thoughts.
 
Maybe there is some confusion about what a "moderator" around here really is. On this site, a "moderator" is a keeper of the peace. No heavy handed stuff. No "my way" or the "highway". No "shoot first, ask questions later" kind of therapy.

That is why I offered a three step process. YOU all would delegate the candidates and then vote on them. I would not just pick someone for you. If I wanted to do it that way, I could just ask one of the current moderators on this site to go park in the leopard gecko forum, man the stun gun, and be done with it.

But this is completely up to you all. This may have been a single issue, but as the population of participants grows here, they may become more frequent. It took three threads and two warnings on my part before I had to suspend and fine four people in this group. I really don't like to play the heavy hand, and perhaps someone able to be HERE most of the time could have more easily down played the situation with a few well placed and timely hand slaps. It is not in anyone's best interests to boot people out of here, so what I am searching for is a more long term solution to keep it from happening in the future.

Hope that explains my reasons a bit better about this proposal.
 
Okay,

I'm probably going to get roasted just for suggesting this. I really think the forum/chatroom should be moderated. The one topic that fires some people up, usually gets brought up and it really makes people mad. I have a few people that i would love to vote to be moderators of the leo forum/chatroom and hopefully if this moderator is added they will show up on the poll. Also people in the forum post just to get the extra posts. There are also some knowitalls on the forum that post comments that are really UNnecessary. If someone is trying to tell a funny story there is no need for someone to come in and ruin it trying to be a know-it-all. This is just my opinion and i think a moderator would really be a good addition to the leo forum/chat.

PS: Don't bother roasting me...theres really no need. My opinion is my opinion and if i want to express no one here has the right to put me down because of it.
 
I'll vote yes.

I would think the chat could use one. Had to leave the other night due to some statements of a sexual and vulgar nature.
 
In all honesty, I don't think a moderator of that type would have much of an effect on this community. I think there are a lot of people here who would ignore such a peacekeeper, and without any "real" power, the moderator would be left helpless.

I feel that in order for such a system to work, perhaps the actual job description would have to be more specific. What happens if it does get really out of hand? Does the moderator have the power to suspend people, give warning points, lock threads, delete posts, ect? I think needs to be clarified before I can vote.

I like the idea of having people who just kind of calm down the community in the event of a topic-gone-bad, but they need to have some power in able to do that, especailly with this community. As you said, it took three warnings and 4 suspensions just to calm down that one topic, and in all honesty, I don't think hand-slaps would have done anything to prevent it. The leo community is very quick to blow up, and people have proven that they will say what they want to say regardless of the consequences.

I guess I'm still undecided if we should have a formal moderator (with power). On one hand, it would likely clean up some of the chat that goes on over here. On the other, it could just create problems for the new moderator. I know I would NOT like to be the moderator. I feel that this person will have to defend themselves for any and all action they take, and thus are bound to create a few enemies. That and I don't really have the time to keep a constant eye on this place. I think I'll let everyone else kind of decide for now and jsut see how it plays out...
 
I would echo Brian's reply...how would a moderator with a "stun gun" be able make a difference when threads/chats go bad? I don't think a moderator is a bad idea, especially as the FC community grows and the leo community as a whole becomes more complex. I, too, would like a little more info before I vote...thanks
 
Milwaukee Reptiles said:
In all honesty, I don't think a moderator of that type would have much of an effect on this community. I think there are a lot of people here who would ignore such a peacekeeper, and without any "real" power, the moderator would be left helpless.

I feel that in order for such a system to work, perhaps the actual job description would have to be more specific. What happens if it does get really out of hand? Does the moderator have the power to suspend people, give warning points, lock threads, delete posts, ect? I think needs to be clarified before I can vote.
Click to expand...

Yes, of course. A moderator I would assign here would have many of the capabilities that I do. That is why I would want you all to pick someone from your own group who you would feel has an even hand, high tolerance for pain and abuse, and the ability to maintain a cool head under fire. You may not know that until after the fact, but perhaps a history of past comments will be your guide. Certainly I have not been in here enough to be able to make that decision, although I do have some thoughts on who would be my first choices.

Milwaukee Reptiles said:
I like the idea of having people who just kind of calm down the community in the event of a topic-gone-bad, but they need to have some power in able to do that, especailly with this community. As you said, it took three warnings and 4 suspensions just to calm down that one topic, and in all honesty, I don't think hand-slaps would have done anything to prevent it. The leo community is very quick to blow up, and people have proven that they will say what they want to say regardless of the consequences.
Click to expand...

Sometimes it takes a few jolts with the stun gun to convince them you are serious about the penalties. Idle threats are worse then no threats. And I will back up the decisions of the moderator fully. However, this is not carte blanche for someone to become a mini-dictator. Anyone can get carried away and is subject to being removed if they prove to be causing more problems then they are fixing. One or two troublemakers moaning and complaining about being "picked on" will not impress me. Dozens or more sending me private messages will tell me that there is probably fire where I am seeing smoke.

Milwaukee Reptiles said:
I guess I'm still undecided if we should have a formal moderator (with power). On one hand, it would likely clean up some of the chat that goes on over here. On the other, it could just create problems for the new moderator. I know I would NOT like to be the moderator. I feel that this person will have to defend themselves for any and all action they take, and thus are bound to create a few enemies. That and I don't really have the time to keep a constant eye on this place. I think I'll let everyone else kind of decide for now and jsut see how it plays out...
Click to expand...

Can't argue about that. So it depends on how badly YOU and the people that may be willing to volunteer for the spot really want to try to keep this place cleaned up. If I have to come in here, I don't have time for more then a slash and burn assessment, which may cause it's own problems if I act before knowing all of the facts. That's why I think someone at ground zero most of the time may be a better solution. In a perfect world, a moderator here would have nothing at all to do and even forget they have the power to do anything out of the ordinary. But I wouldn't hold much hope waiting for that to continue on forever.

The choice is yours in the matter. At least for now. If I find I have to step in here frequently, then next time around the choice will not be offered. It will just be done.
 
Rich, we probably need one. I for one would like to see this forum community continue with the harmony it once had. There are a great many friends here - and even the one's we don't always agree with - we normally get along. There have been a couple of issues coaxed on by cyber-brawlers, but all in all it's a good community.

If you think a moderator would help - let's do it. We have a good leo community that's a little beat up now - let's get it back to health and keep a good thing going.
 
Given your responses, I'd say yes, I support a moderator. As long as the moderator realizes that some things must be let go, and really only start locking down a thread and issuing warning pts / suspensions when there is no other way.

I think another concern is that people may tend to break the rules more since they know a moderator will clean it up if it's too bad. Kind of testing the limits or something. Maybe some questionable things will be posted under the impression that "If the content is that bad a mod will remove it", where before they may have just not posted it. Ideally I'd like to see a community in which we still police ourselves as much as possible, and the moderator only steps in when they absolutely have to (Like the latest Mack snow thread).

And I do have a few people in mind for this position as well... although some of the people I would nominate are too nice... I don't know if they could put their fist down when needed and/or deal with the (possible) beatings/reputation damage that will occur anytime you carryout a punishment on someone who doesn't take it well. I completely applaud you Rich, I imagine you take a beating pretty often for such things. Thinking about it more, I wouldn't mind doing it, but I'm not around as often as some of the other folks here, but I do enjoy the time I spend here (I'm still a full time college student, part time employee, and full time reptile keeper!)
 
Milwaukee Reptiles said:
I agree. The chats are especially bad sometimes... a Mod would be very helpful in there.
Click to expand...

Make a copy of the chat log, with date and time, and I will deal with any problems that show up. Anyone intent on making the chat system unpleasant for everyone else will be shown the door out of this site.
 
I don't think one is needed in the chat room simply because people (myself) would feel like there is a babysitter in the room. What's good for you may not be good for that particular moderator. I like the chat room because of the freedom it provides.
 
I don't think there should be a "full time" chat moderator but theredoes need to be one in there when it gets crowded like on the leo gecko chat.
 
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