Moderator bio

[Linton]

I think it may help a few people if we had a bio on some of the moderators especially in this forum.Is Takeda Shingen our moderator really a Japanese man of over 400 years of age? I would like to know more of the man behind the mask so that I can evaluate his moderating decisions.Sometimes he does not always walk the middle road and he has a strong Victorian idea of what is prurient.
My initial impressio is that he is also very pro-German and anti-British.

[Tchocky]

This a joke?

[FIREWALL]

Become a Moderator and everyting will become clear ... grasshopper.:rotfl:

[kiwi_2005]

Originally Posted by FIREWALL

Become a Moderator and everyting will become clear ... grasshopper.:rotfl:

...

Well i got asked on a kiwi site to be a moderator i kinda freaked out as i was not expecting it at all, they wanted a moderator that wasn't into wild debates and arguments - besides whats the point l always come out the loser in arguments anyways

Anyways abit worried about moderatoring a site with 40,000+ members but only a few hundred using the forums i thought the best place to get some good advice and tips was from the subsim moderators so thats what i did. I PM one and this is the wise words i got

KP might like to read it too.

First, let me officially welcome you to the global brotherhood of moderators. The paddling will come later. :p I had a real advantage when I started on <snip> because I had moderated for Neal on several different forums over the past few years. I knew what he liked and how he wanted his boards moderated. That should be the first thing. Either observe the webmaster in action, or ask him what how he wants things approached. Moderation is like being between two parties: The Webmaster and the members. You have to keep both satisfied while maintaining order. It is a tricky tightrope. You won't always be able to keep the members happy, but you must always keep the Webmaster on your side, as all of your authority will, ultimately, stem from him. As it relates to SubSim, I am powerless without Neal, just as you will be without your webmaster.

With the members, you have to let them get to know your style. One of the biggest problems that I have is that I had when I took over <snip> was that I approached it as though they already knew me as a moderator. This was a mistake. Everything changes when you get that little asterix next to your name. Your friends will drift away, and you will be regarded as the cop; an outsider and one not to be trusted. I did the worst possible thing: To go in there like gangbusters on my first big flare-up, and I got egg all over my face. I toned down the rhetoric and got much better results. Once they get used to you, you'll only have to post the occassional 'Hey knock it off', and the members will respond. Really, I only lock threads as a last resort.

Moderators on SubSim do not have the direct power of suspension. I can enforce a 24-hour ban, but that is it. All of our brig time and bans must be appealed through Neal. I prefer this system, but if you have the power to ban, be sure to use it only as a last, last resort, and have a clear and systematic system of warnings in place to cover yourself. No issue is more contentious.

Finally, be aware that moderation is a lonely job. As I said before, you will be stuck in the no-man's-land between the webmaster and the members. You will lose a lot of friends, and you will not be able to participate in the discussions like you used to. You have to really like the website to do the job. Otherwise, you will start to wonder what you are doing there in the first place.

[Onkel Neal]

Originally Posted by kiwi_2005

...

Well i got asked on a kiwi site to be a moderator i kinda freaked out as i was not expecting it at all, they wanted a moderator that wasn't into wild debates and arguments - besides whats the point l always come out the loser in arguments anyways

Anyways abit worried about moderatoring a site with 40,000+ members but only a few hundred using the forums i thought the best place to get some good advice and tips was from the subsim moderators so thats what i did. I PM one and this is the wise words i got

KP might like to read it too.

Yep, every board needs moderation, and no one likes to be told to ease up. The moderators here and me try to use a light touch, acting only when necessary, as best we can judge. We're not perfect and we cannot make everyone happy all the time, but with the cooperation of the members here, we've earned a solid reputation as a good, civil, and fun community.

As for moderators listing their "biographical information", I think everyone should use their real names and list their true background. What have they got to hide? I'm always amused at some people who worry their real name will get publicized So, what?

[Kapitan_Phillips]

Someone mentioned paddles *shifty eyes*

Ah you see! I'm everywhere! :rotfl:

[John Channing]

Originally Posted by Neal Stevens

I think everyone should use their real names and list their true background. What have they got to hide? I'm always amused at some people who worry their real name will get publicized So, what?

Well that's just crazy talk, I tell yah.... crazy talk.

What kinda lunatic would use their real name on the internet? You would just be askin' fer trouble.

JCC

[Letum]

I disagree.
This is not necessary, the forum is not a democracy or a public service.

[Jimbuna]

[Linton]

I disagree.I think a little biographical information is usefull especially for new joiners.

[Letum]

Originally Posted by Linton

I disagree.I think a little biographical information is usefull especially for new joiners.

Why?

So they can judge the moderators?

What kind of criteria do you think they should be judged upon?
Nationality? Age? Education?

I am happy just to judge them on their actions as moderators.

[Linton]

If I was a moderator,which incidentally I believe is the kiss of death on this part of the forum,I would have a sticky with my biographical details and a short note covering my ethos.This would allow new visitors to see something of me and my position as moderator.I would try to be impartial at all times and maintain a detachment over all the issues that are raised.I would not have a personal opinion.I would offer encouragement to those that are being unfairly flamed and douse the heat of those that try to do this.

[Stealth Hunter]

Originally Posted by Letum

I disagree.
This is not necessary, the forum is not a democracy or a public service.

And saying that to a newbie gives them the impression that it's a new Forum Reich, not a fun place to be. Can kill a web site quicker than anything, save for the old users who've always been there.