Moderation

[Pauline]

Hahaha, there’s always a next time

[anon5422159]

In the case in point, the line between @chrisbeach as participant, moderator and owner was a little blurry. If two users are having a robust discussion and a moderator comes along and moderates the conversation that’s one thing. But in this discussion when he switched into moderator mode midflow it was hard not to see that as the owner of the site shutting down a conversation

We’ve had a little chat about this amongst the mods.

Wherever there’s ambiguity like this, we’ll aim to be clear and say “with my moderator hat on…” before doing any moderation.

Or, if there’s a major conflict of interests, we’ll do a “call to the @moderators” to ask that an uninvolved moderator steps in to take action objectively.

[oakr]

What I have seen on some forums is that you have different moderators for different areas. So without wishing to pick on him, for example Chris would never be a moderator of the politics area (though as the owner he can clearly do as he likes but assuming he was not). Others would moderate these areas which they did not themselves overly contribute (in a potentially controversial manner anyway).

What I have seen moderators who clearly have a view on some things, is either say as diplomatically as they can, or simply reply interesting points even if they disagree. The same as in work, if you are really worked up about something \ annoyed and want to email someone about it, you are always best to wait and do it with a cool head.

I don’t think you want or need to over-complicate things in the relative early days - but the mods should be the least controversial of all members in my opinion.

[anon64893700]

Fair points there @oakr
Different mods for different areas is in theory a good idea, but in its infancy, at the moment there are a limited number of mods. Some who choose not to participate in certain categories, such as Politicos for myself. However, if called upon, I am happy to review flagged posts, or comments made by others highlighted to me.

There is indeed much to learn when it comes to user vs moderator. It is simple in theory to remain objective when needed, but sometimes areas of interest conflict. For me, I am who I am, and I am quite happy to say what I see at any time.

From threads like this, we are learning, as are the users. Discussing behaviour openly, and hashing out any misunderstandings.
Would be interested on your opinions too @Lin

[anon64893700]

We’re dealing with people who haven’t read (or complied) with the existing documentation, so creating more of it is a bit like putting thousands of 20mph signs everywhere because a handful of people ignore the well-known 30mph limit (that they were taught in their driving lessons). It’s an enforcement / re-education problem on a case-by-case basis, not a lack of documentation problem. That’s just my opinion, anyway.

Classic example of taking a topic and integrating it into another discussion. Not applicable to everyones view point, so possibly not valid. *tssk

With regards of a simplification of things as @oakr suggested. A few “how to” posts on the basic functions, less on the compliance of things.
Lets be honest, who reads the T&C’s anyway? iTunes T&C’s anyone? lol
So having a few simple posts to explain how people could improve their experience is possibly a pro.

[anon5422159]

Classic example of taking a topic and integrating it into another discussion. Not applicable to everyones view point, so possibly not valid. *tssk

lol, my bad (but don’t assume malice). There are two topics here that are very similar and I put my response in the wrong one. I clearly need some re-education! I’ve split it off to the “Keeping topics on topic” topic

[anon64893700]

sigh
Sometimes I wonder about you Mr Beach lol
No worries, I will delete the mark from your name in my “annoying users” database

Like I say, much to learn, for all

[anon5422159]

So without wishing to pick on him, for example Chris would never be a moderator of the politics area (though as the owner he can clearly do as he likes but assuming he was not). Others would moderate these areas which they did not themselves overly contribute (in a potentially controversial manner anyway).

I know @RachaelDunlop and @anon64893700 prefer not to get involved in Politicos at all, although I appreciate @anon64893700’s offer to step in if required. @Londondrz is involved in Politicos and he has a diplomatic and conciliatory voice that fits the bill perfectly.

So I think when we get extreme / belligerent behaviour in Politicos, we ought to make a call to @moderators and see if @anon64893700 or @Londondrz can step in.

I know I’m not neutral, and I know I occasionally need moderating myself. I trust the opinions of the other mods and will go with their decisions.

[starman]

I’m just confused. So many threads. So many.

[anon64893700]

Happy to help if needed

[fran]

How do I remove myself from the politicos category? I muted it a while back but have no will power and can’t resist peeking and then can’t resist getting involved. What this most recent exchange led me to realise was that I don’t enjoy those conversations and they detract from community news. So I’d like to be removed from the group.

[Pauline]

Just wanted to add for newish users that right from the start of this forum @anon5422159 wanted everyone to be involved in how we shape this for the whole community. So this thread to me just proves that.

I’ve not witnessed this kind of conversation on any other local community forum so hats off for that Chris!

Chris also involved myself & @Londondrz in choosing the name for this forum & @anon64893700 was joined to the conversation

As the owner & builder of this site he could do as he wants, but is clearly more interested in what we all want as a whole.

Does Chris have strong views on certain topics - Yes
Does that make him a bad person - No

Do I have strong views on certain topics - Yes
Does that make me a bad person - I hope not

My point I’m trying to make is we all can have strong views on different things (guilty as charged) but this shouldn’t turn us against each other it should make us come together to work things out.

Anyway rant over, I just wanted to point out the input all can have on here as opposed to other forums.

I will never be a moderator on here & said it right from the start as I’m a dimwit when it comes to IT & far too opinionated for my own good which can get me in trouble quite often

[oakr]

My last comment on moderation in here, is something that possibly already happens in the politics area, but sometimes people have expressed their views and you are better off just closing it, everyone has had their say, arguments are circular and nothing is really gained from further discussion. People can read it and form their own opinions but sometimes for the sanity of users and as importantly moderators it’s best to close these things off.

[anon64893700]

How do I remove myself from the politicos category? I

@anon5422159 Not sure how to do this still.

[anon64893700]

sometimes people have expressed their views and you are better off just closing it,

Agree with that. The only issue arises when one user feels they are being muted by the closing of the thread. Very much the admin having the last word.

Chris also involved myself & @Londondrz in choosing the name for this forum & @anon64893700 was joined to the conversation

Good to know where I slotted in lol.

Does Chris have strong views on certain topics - Yes
Does that make him a bad person - No

I don’t think anyone called Chris a bad person. But the mixed messages from the combo of owner, moderator and user can cause confusion. This is the point being addressed.

[Pauline]

Was just mentioning I can have very strong views sometimes so why can’t Chris just because he is a moderator.

And regardless if we agree or disagree

[anon5422159]

Thank you for the kind words @Pauline.

I’ve removed you from Politicos on your request, @fran.

@anon64893700 - you are an owner of the Politicos group, so you can add and remove people using the group page. Likewise, I gave ownership to @Brett, @Michael, @TimLund and several other regulars so they’re able to add and remove people. Please don’t remove me - I know you want to, and I probably deserve it

[anon64893700]

Was just mentioning I can have very strong views sometimes so why can’t Chris just because he is a moderator.

I fully appreciate that @Pauline, nothing wrong with airing your views on things, heaven knows I do it enough. But there has to be a clear distinction between who making that statement, the person or the member of staff. Which is the point I have been trying to make in this thread.

All users need to be aware of the differences of when a moderator is just posting as a user, or posting in an official capacity. This helps break down any animosity between people, and also distinguishes when a post should be taken very seriously and comments adhered to.