Maybe a new Moderator or 2 for OT?

.Shane. · Feb 5, 2008

While I have no power of enforcement, let me offer a few "rules" I'd like posters to respect if they want to post in this thread.

1. This is not the thread to discuss what you think is wrong w/ OT.
2. Do not criticize people suggestions. Let your silence be your critique.
3. That said, be positive. If you can't say anything nice, say nothing.
4. Focus on people who are active in the forum. If someone has left or is not around, don't bother. Inactive mods are a waste of time. See my note below about "engaged".

<If the topic is considered verbotten, just lock it and I apologize for the trouble. I did a read through the forum rules and it seemed ok. But, given the nature of a discussion like this, if you feel the need to close it, I, unfortunately, understand>

If anything I think that OT could use a couple more mods. A good moderator should above all be:
*engaged: they actively participate and are interested in the forum they're charged w/ policing
*objective/fair
*calm
*firm
*consistent

What other qualities do you think are needed?

.Shane. · Feb 5, 2008

Didn't want the OP to also be an advocacy post, so I'm putting the people I think would be good mods right here:

*Masquerouge
*VRWC
*Lucy Duke

I'll also offer another quality I think is good for mods, but, unlike those in my OP, I can see where this quality has room for disagreement. And that quality if "aloofness". I think a good mod should try to put themselves above the pettiness of a forum like OT, even at the cost of being buddies w/ a lot of people. Just a thought.

dutchfire · Feb 5, 2008

Mature, above the level of partisan hacks and childish jokes.

sirdanilot · Feb 5, 2008

Guys, the members are not in charge of nominating moderators. Even Moderators aren't (I think). The only one who is in charge of recruiting new mods is TF, and we shouldn't need to do that job for him.

This is going to be locked sooner rather than later so I won't report, but just so you know.

philippe · Feb 5, 2008

this ain't a democracy on the internet, else ron paul would be moderator of all

dutchfire · Feb 5, 2008

Even though this isn't a democracy, I think user input is appreciated. (That's the entire point of this sub-forum)

.Shane. · Feb 5, 2008

philippe said:
this ain't a democracy on the internet, else ron paul would be moderator of all

Don't over-react. Did I say this was an election or anything of the sort? If you have nothing to contribute of use, please don't post here.

sirdanilot said:
Guys, the members are not in charge of nominating moderators. Even Moderators aren't (I think). The only one who is in charge of recruiting new mods is TF, and we shouldn't need to do that job for him.

Didn't I address the validity of the thread in the OP? Yes. I checked the rules. That said, I'm ok w/ them closing it if need be. Now, do you have anything positive or useful to contribute?

Which is part of what I was hoping to do w/ this thread... Rather than complain about "OMG OT IS SOOO BAD", I thought it could be useful to offer some names of people for consideration. Obviously, we all know the buck stops w/ TF. But, isn't the purpose of this sub-forum for site-feedback? He and the mods who mostly are not familiar w/ OT might actually like a few names to sift through, should they consider the idea of more more OT mods... Would we have the science-technology forum if someone hadn't suggested it here?

So, going forward, I ask politely, please stick to the OP and if you disagree w/ the thread, just report. Thanks.

downtown · Feb 5, 2008

I think Shane.'s suggestions are fine ones. Erik Mesoy would also make a fine moderator.

sirdanilot · Feb 5, 2008

downtown said:
Erik Mesoy would also make a fine moderator.

There is one, and only one, smilie that really fits with Erik Mesoy as a mod:

:old:

In all seriousness, Erik Mesoy is very fine as a user and high quality poster but I wouldn't exactly nominate him myself. But TF should decide.

Erik Mesoy · Feb 5, 2008

sirdanilot said:
There is one, and only one, smilie that really fits with Erik Mesoy as a mod:

Since I aspire to be an old and wise person, possibly with a white beard, whom people listen to (hopefully because they're genuinely interested), I'll take that as a compliment.

In fact, sigged.

Back on topic, I'm also in favor of getting new mods, possibly for Sci/Tech as well as or instead of OT.
I support Masquerouge and LucyDuke for mods, with some support for Eran of Arcadia, augurey and Irish Caesar too, based on a general impression. I've got two infractions (and a warning for sig length) listed in my profile, so I might not be the best choice.

sirdanilot · Feb 5, 2008

Erik Mesoy said:
Since I aspire to be an old and wise person, possibly with a white beard, whom people listen to (hopefully because they're genuinely interested), I'll take that as a compliment. In fact, sigged.

So you actually want to get grey hair, a large prostate and high cholestorol :lol:

Anyway, I don't think one or two infractions really matter if the general picture works. But sometimes, the general picture just doesn't. At least, in my opinion.

Ansar · Feb 5, 2008

downtown

I'm not kidding.

The Yankee · Feb 5, 2008

There is no election for Moderator. TF and the rest are quite capable in picking out whomever is deemed necessary. That also goes for the number needed, which I haven't noticed any unusual lag in getting to problem areas.

But, those are just my two shekels. It's out of our hands. And it's best that way.

LucyDuke · Feb 5, 2008

I'm incredibly flattered :hatsoff:

but even if I were asked, I don't think I'd want the responsibility.

Open discussion is a good thing, though, if only to see how people feel. I think Eran would be an ideal mod.

Ciceronian · Feb 5, 2008

I agree with most of the choices here, like Erik and Eran, but would also like to add two of my own: Birdjag (who I think already had some support for this position) and Rambuchan, though I doubt he would do it as he is quite busy these days. He would however make a good mod and enrich OT a lot.

ainwood · Feb 5, 2008

All:

I don't see a lot of value in this thread.

Firstly, it is my opinion that if the OT mods think they need more support, then they should be the ones asking for it (although general feedback is noticed)

Secondly, discussions of who would make good moderators is very poster-specific by its nature. When the moderators want a new moderator, we have these discussions in the staff forum, where people can be candid without upsetting anyone etc.

Public discussions such as these run the risk of either upsetting people, or turning the process into a popularity contest.

ainwood · Feb 5, 2008

.Shane. said:
4. Focus on people who are active in the forum. If someone has left or is not around, don't bother. Inactive mods are a waste of time. See my note below about "engaged".

Inactive mods are a waste of time? Define "inactive". You do not need to participate in OT discussions to be an active moderator. In fact, NOT being involved can be better, as it becomes harder for people to accuse you of bias.

If anything I think that OT could use a couple more mods. A good moderator should above all be:
*engaged: they actively participate and are interested in the forum they're charged w/ policing

Disagree. See above.

*objective/fair
*calm
*firm
*consistent

Absolutely.

That said - I don't agree with the need for this thread as stated above. I won't lock it, however. But I suggest that the discussions be left to:

Need or otherwise for new mods.
Qualities required for new mods.

Please keep the responses away from identifying candidates. The existing mods are capable of doing that in private.

.Shane. · Feb 5, 2008

@ainwood, time just for a quick reply, by "inactive" I mean people who have, essentially, left or no longer use hte forum. To me active doesn't mean posting all the time or much at all, just being around and keeping a watch. And, in that light, its wasteful, IMHO, adding new mods who are no longer around the forums much. Its not a comment at all on existing or legacy mods who, over time, have a tendency to come and go more.

cheers-

GenMarshall · Feb 5, 2008

.Shane. said:
If anything I think that OT could use a couple more mods. A good moderator should above all be:
*engaged: they actively participate and are interested in the forum they're charged w/ policing
*objective/fair
*calm
*firm
*consistent

What other qualities do you think are needed?

Another to add to the list, not biased.

Red Door · Feb 5, 2008

CivGeneral said:
Another to add to the list, not biased.

I think objective covers that.

Maybe a new Moderator or 2 for OT?

Take it like a voter

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Deity

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