How real can you keep it?

graidawg · Post by **graidawg** » Wed Mar 09, 2011 8:25 am

once again i am reminded that england and america are two countries seperated by a common language, usually in my experience admin just do admin and its the mods who kick arse and take names. Seems to me you've got the shitty end of the stick Aunty em, doing the admin (deleting spam etc) and having to take names but damn it you cant kick arse. Thats really not fair on you, i mean mods are picked for there ability to do the job and you have shown remarkable restraint - i vote you get some arsekicking powers other than simple deletion.

still think you are great Aunty Em and I respect you immensly

spectabillis · Post by **spectabillis** » Wed Mar 09, 2011 8:28 am

AntiM wrote:There's a reason I remind the community that the mods are very limited in what we can do... Patience is essential, and one of my primary goals is to get users to cooperate in not escalating bad situations.

unfortunately for you, patience runs against people's experience that nothing is going to get done. you can only expect so much, obviously not when problems persist for years. once again, not your fault.

Another thing about seemingly doing nothing... when PMs are sent, we must wait for a response. That invisible lag time, and a desire to conduct warnings and discussions in private instead of public reprimands make sit seem as though noting is happening when indeed, it is.

big problem i had with establishing a private discussion area for mods, there's no transparency provided to the community. but that proved to be required anyways because when those things were discussed openly, it was an immediate magnet to those prone to conflicts and quickly escalated things across the entire board. just cant do it with people like dvd around.

not an easy situation to deal with, not at all. but now that its been done, you should start to see an improvement in community involvement and relations - which used to be our grand goal because thats what its supposed to be all about, community. we just keep loosing that perspective when involved in conflicts.

Post by **AntiM** » Wed Mar 09, 2011 8:34 am

The mod area has uses. While we can strive for transparency, I don't think it hurts to have a place where mods and admin can discuss and make decisions without just anyone commenting and throwing in extraneous bitching and snark. Personally, I never thought majority rule here was any kind of a good idea. I know your opinion differs from mine on that.

What we do not have, which I have tried to address, is an area for official moderator to board communications. There are the feedback forums, but they are only read by a limited number of users. Many of the announcements and requests which need to be made simply do not fall within the categories.

graidawg · Post by **graidawg** » Wed Mar 09, 2011 8:39 am

AntiM wrote:The mod area has uses. While we can strive for transparency, I don't think it hurts to have a place where mods and admin can discuss and make decisions without just anyone commenting and throwing in extraneous bitching and snark. Personally, I never thought majority rule here was any kind of a good idea. I know your opinion differs from mine on that.

What we do not have, which I have tried to address, is an area for official moderator to board communications. There are the feedback forums, but they are only read by a limited number of users. Many of the announcements and requests which need to be made simply do not fall within the categories.

Again a missing feature on the forums i used to frequent mods could mass pm everybody - that way you can be sure everyone reads it (and there socks)

spectabillis · Post by **spectabillis** » Wed Mar 09, 2011 8:39 am

graidawg wrote:Thats really not fair on you, i mean mods are picked for there ability to do the job and you have shown remarkable restraint - i vote you get some arsekicking powers other than simple deletion.

oh man you just zero'd in on something, i had a big fight with actiongrl over that. worse than what you observe, because it puts mods into a position where they are subjected to abuse because people like dvd know they cant do anything, and then target mods with the worst of their behavior.

graidawg · Post by **graidawg** » Wed Mar 09, 2011 8:44 am

spectabillis wrote:
graidawg wrote:Thats really not fair on you, i mean mods are picked for there ability to do the job and you have shown remarkable restraint - i vote you get some arsekicking powers other than simple deletion.
oh man you just zero'd in on something, i had a big fight with actiongrl over that. worse than what you observe, because it puts mods into a position where they are subjected to abuse because people like dvd know they cant do anything, and then target mods with the worst of their behavior.

well i for one would simply delete every single post of the offender and replace with a simple i deleted this because he is a twat and i cant ban him. I dont think many people would argue with this - near everybody agrees one person can ruin everyones fun, so dont let him.

Post by **AntiM** » Wed Mar 09, 2011 8:49 am

I've been abused by worse than DVD. Even through the worst of his behavior, he never held my reprimands and requests against me. Now he does. That's sad.

Comes with the territory, if you put yourself out there in any capacity, someone will take exception to your words/actions/eye color.

The really crazy ones worry me, as I am easy to find at the event. Usually they can't get it together enough to go to the playa, so I'm not overly concerned.

spectabillis · Post by **spectabillis** » Wed Mar 09, 2011 8:57 am

yeah im a bit worried about you over it, theres a history of stalking and its happened to me, happened to others. turns something you love so much into something you fear, and eventually... dont like.

sorry.

and people wonder why i get so negative over these things now, guess they wouldnt wonder if they really knew whats up

Post by **AntiM** » Wed Mar 09, 2011 9:08 am

I've had friendly lurkers show and say hi, which startled me. But I have resources, so I will continue to invite folks to my art project.

I've been stalked. It was taken care of. LOL, Now I sound like DVD....

ygmir · Post by **ygmir** » Wed Mar 09, 2011 9:26 am

please, excuse my confusion here, or, lack of knowledge:

Spect:
are you a mod? Admin? associated with the ORG?

just wondering.
you've got lots to say, and, lots of knowledge.

and, as sometimes required, can be quite abrasive.

Not that it's my business, or, anyone needs answer.
Just a query...............

Post by **mdmf007** » Wed Mar 09, 2011 9:47 am

Sometimes we do what we can, other times we need some support upstream. There is a lag there obviously but all in all I think we have a good forum.

Have to boot people now and then, but that is only after we issue warning after warning.

The mod folder that the public does not see is where we keep notes, talk policy and figure out game plans. Nothing sinister about it. Almost all of the Eplaya enhancements are being looked at, some are feasible some are not.

So stay tuned, and as always - pm a mod if you notice something awry.

later.

ibdave · Post by **ibdave** » Wed Mar 09, 2011 9:48 am

DVD Burner wrote:P.S. I really am a good guy!

(I can be a bad boy at times, but for the most part..............................)

DVD, what you seem to be doing these past few weeks, is begging for the eplaya to like you.. The Eplaya doesn't have a "like" button...

And why on earth are you begging for us to like you I have know Idea..
Your long term experiment here on Eplaya is coming to the end and now for you Facebook will be you new media..

Begging?? Really??? move on....

ibdave · Post by **ibdave** » Wed Mar 09, 2011 9:51 am

Trishntek wrote:Okay Charlie,,,, admit it,,,,, IT'S NOT ALL ABOUT YOU!

+1

Post by **Elderberry** » Wed Mar 09, 2011 9:51 am

AntiM wrote:The mod area has uses. While we can strive for transparency, I don't think it hurts to have a place where mods and admin can discuss and make decisions without just anyone commenting and throwing in extraneous bitching and snark. Personally, I never thought majority rule here was any kind of a good idea. I know your opinion differs from mine on that.

What we do not have, which I have tried to address, is an area for official moderator to board communications. There are the feedback forums, but they are only read by a limited number of users. Many of the announcements and requests which need to be made simply do not fall within the categories.

My two cents:

1. Mods and Admin need an area to discuss private issues. Behind the scenes talk is nobody's business.

2. At least one trusted Mod needs to be given ALL Admin privileges in managing the board that has anything to do with end users, which includes the power to delete or suspend an account. It is ridiculous to have to "escalate" those types of decisions to "Admin" who's job should be primarily IT related to keeping the board up and running.

ibdave · Post by **ibdave** » Wed Mar 09, 2011 9:53 am

AntiM wrote:Basically, you talk at us, not to us.

Since 2003 DVD...

Post by **AntiM** » Wed Mar 09, 2011 9:54 am

ibdave wrote:
AntiM wrote:Basically, you talk at us, not to us.
Since 2003 DVD...

He's not here anymore, no use speaking to him.

ibdave · Post by **ibdave** » Wed Mar 09, 2011 10:15 am

AntiM wrote:
ibdave wrote:
AntiM wrote:Basically, you talk at us, not to us.
Since 2003 DVD...
He's not here anymore, no use speaking to him.

I'll believe it when I DON'T see him......

Details??

ibdave · Post by **ibdave** » Wed Mar 09, 2011 10:18 am

AntiM wrote:Sorry, not really, that's the color of pissed off.... I don't do it often.

Besides this is all moot now, The deed is done. Stay tuned.

This deed??

Post by **AntiM** » Wed Mar 09, 2011 10:25 am

ibdave wrote:
AntiM wrote:Sorry, not really, that's the color of pissed off.... I don't do it often.

Besides this is all moot now, The deed is done. Stay tuned.
This deed??

That deed, indeed. We don't announce it, as that is declasse.

theCryptofishist · Post by **theCryptofishist** » Wed Mar 09, 2011 11:44 am

ygmir wrote:please, excuse my confusion here, or, lack of knowledge:

Spect:
are you a mod? Admin? associated with the ORG?

just wondering.
you've got lots to say, and, lots of knowledge.

and, as sometimes required, can be quite abrasive.

Not that it's my business, or, anyone needs answer.
Just a query...............

former mod

Post by **Elderberry** » Wed Mar 09, 2011 12:22 pm

theCryptofishist wrote:
ygmir wrote:please, excuse my confusion here, or, lack of knowledge:

Spect:
are you a mod? Admin? associated with the ORG?

just wondering.
you've got lots to say, and, lots of knowledge.

and, as sometimes required, can be quite abrasive.

Not that it's my business, or, anyone needs answer.
Just a query...............
former mod

I can see why.

Sic Pup · Post by **Sic Pup** » Wed Mar 09, 2011 3:10 pm

AntiM wrote:What we do not have, which I have tried to address, is an area for official moderator to board communications. There are the feedback forums, but they are only read by a limited number of users. Many of the announcements and requests which need to be made simply do not fall within the categories.

FWIW, back in the day (early-to-mid 80s) when the Internet was primarily used by govt/edu I was the SYSOP of a modem-based BBS. The software allowed for a "news" screen that would greet all users bar none.

Come to thing of it I'm on a private board currently that is running phpBB that has this feature, in fact, it's better in that the "news" is visible on the top of the screen even when within a message thread. I know that board is running software that's several years old. Basis the info on the bottom of both boards I believe it even predates the ePlaya software:

Private board:

Powered by phpBB Â© 2001-2004 phpBB Group

ePlaya:
Powered by phpBB Â© 2001, 2005 phpBB Group

Since that board has a mere 40 users, of which only 20 or so are active, we use it for lame graphics usually changed seasonally (if someone bothers to do it). Perhaps admin can take a look at that to allow for broad communications (even PMs en masse doesn't guarantee users will bother reading them). Of course it goes without saying it would be nice if they allowed the people running the day-to-day access to changing that content (hey Im a dreamer).

BTW, when they get under the hood they might also look at unclicking the default setting for the "Disable the BBCode " radio button so users quotes and such appear automatically without users messing with individual profiles (or worse yet each message).

All that mumbo jumbo aside, AntiM, you show great patience and do a suburb job of herding pussy cats (or dicks as the case may be), always with respect and aplomb given your limited power. Kudos, on excelling in such a thankless task.

Im curious, if it's not privileged info, are there any other mods other than AntiM, BBS and 007? Only AntiM is marked as such.

Post by **AntiM** » Wed Mar 09, 2011 3:17 pm

I have no clue why I show up as a mod and the others do not. That happened when Dork restored my mod powers the day I accidentally deleted them.

We have Dork now and then who is a mod/admin crossbreed, but he's on call, not on board daily. You will see Scotto in mod green but he's here infrequently. I've seen him delete spam, but only when it has been sitting neglected. We just don't leave much for him to do. There's Trilobyte, who I've not seen online in ages, and a couple others who I just can't recall. Many were recruited before Dork stemmed the spambot flood. I'm the only one left who doesn't have enough of a life to keep my day occupied.

Post by **mdmf007** » Wed Mar 09, 2011 4:42 pm

AntiM wrote:I have no clue why I show up as a mod and the others do not. That happened when Dork restored my mod powers the day I accidentally deleted them.

We have Dork now and then who is a mod/admin crossbreed, but he's on call, not on board daily. You will see Scotto in mod green but he's here infrequently. I've seen him delete spam, but only when it has been sitting neglected. We just don't leave much for him to do. There's Trilobyte, who I've not seen online in ages, and a couple others who I just can't recall. Many were recruited before Dork stemmed the spambot flood. I'm the only one left who doesn't have enough of a life to keep my day occupied.

HEY OVER HERE!!!

Post by **AntiM** » Wed Mar 09, 2011 5:57 pm

Sorry, I wasn't ignoring you... ooh , look shiny....
You do a lot more than anyone here knows. I couldn't stay sane without your backup. thanks and smoochies.
You should have the mod thing on your avatar too. Can Dork do that for you?

Post by **mdmf007** » Wed Mar 09, 2011 7:00 pm

AntiM wrote:Sorry, I wasn't ignoring you... ooh , look shiny....
You do a lot more than anyone here knows. I couldn't stay sane without your backup. thanks and smoochies.
You should have the mod thing on your avatar too. Can Dork do that for you?

Sweet.

Post by **Elderberry** » Wed Mar 09, 2011 7:04 pm

I didn't even notice that "moderator" title in your avatar before you mentioned it.

ibdave · Post by **ibdave** » Wed Mar 09, 2011 7:09 pm

jkisha wrote:I didn't even notice that "moderator" title in your avatar before you mentioned it.

from the looks of it JK, you've got other things on your mind....

spectabillis · Post by **spectabillis** » Wed Mar 09, 2011 7:11 pm

ygmir wrote:are you a mod? Admin? associated with the ORG? ... and, as sometimes required, can be quite abrasive.

not for a while now. the org once pulled the plug on the entire eplaya to try and stem a huge boardwide conflict that no one could handle. thats when i chose to be the main firefighter because it required gentle patience on one hand, but also someone willing to dig in and work things right.

not something i ever enjoyed, im just not afraid of people when theres important work to be done. besides, you can still see plenty of people being petty just because they once got rubbed the wrong way or someone bothered to stand up to them. you never want to please those people, that just feeds thier selfishness and resentments.

unfortunately all that burned into some people's memories including a couple in the org/tech team, so i still get contacted when certain things happen, especially with dvd. i was asked to stay on as a transition and guide to other volunteers, but i was tired of that some time ago while the present team has been at it for some time. this is the last loose end to tie up, because i let those few know i got nothing to do with fixing their problems anymore and no longer involved in the eplaya other than everyone else - a member of the community.

now, i just hope this place gets that strong community involvement again, been way too long.

tamarakay · Post by **tamarakay** » Wed Mar 09, 2011 7:36 pm

spectabillis wrote:
ygmir wrote:are you a mod? Admin? associated with the ORG? ... and, as sometimes required, can be quite abrasive.
now, i just hope this place gets that strong community involvement again, been way too long.

wow, that's an interesting statement coming from you. i don't get a warm community sense from your posts.