That moderation quandary

precipitate · Post by **precipitate** » Wed Mar 24, 2004 11:44 pm

So this brings up an interesting question (one which probably should not be
asked) in regards to moderation.

Moderators need to be above criticism, to a certain degree. They must be
perceived to be impartial, regardless of their personal preferences.

Is it possible that Badger, or I, could be effective moderaters were it done
with another login? Is it possible that such personas could attain enough
credibility to guide the eplaya community?

I ask because the personalities that now have both enough time on the
boards and enough impartiality are limited to technopatra. And I know
she doesn't have enough time to do the job.

So how do you handle it?

precipitate · Post by **precipitate** » Wed Mar 24, 2004 11:57 pm

Oh, and I'm really not asking to be a moderator. I am, in fact, posing the
hypothetical question.

technopatra · Post by **technopatra** » Thu Mar 25, 2004 12:09 am

As suggested in the Policies section, I am warm to the idea of establishing the "erangers" who have not admin privileges (no ability to edit, delete, move or lock any posts or threads) but will be given a chance to establish themselves as thread moderators/vibe patrol and gain the community's trust.

Once that is established, in my book they have earned the right to some admin privileges. They will be accountable to the community, each other, and me. ANY abuse of privilege would carry the penalty of immediate deactivation upon review.

I already have a couple of eplayans in mind to tap on the shoulder to be this first wave of community moderators. Their (admittedly subjective) qualifications are:

1 - first and foremost, an ability and willingness to be friendly with some consistency. They have proven themselves by their behavior so far that they are not out to start or fan flames.

2 - they have exhibited a demonstrable ability to debate responsibly. They have responded to some heated threads with integrity and fairness. They are able to clearly illustrate their points and accept it when others don't agree with them.

3 - their presence on the boards is consistent enough that they seem to not only tolerate but embrace the diversity of style and opinion that this community offers. They have been engaged in a variety of different types of threads - informational, cultural, political. They are willing & able to spend the time needed to more effectively moderate the boards.

These may be subjective but they are not vague. I'd like to hear all of your deas about what you think makes a good moderator, and what you feel you need to see before accepting one.

precipitate · Post by **precipitate** » Thu Mar 25, 2004 12:14 am

Aw, hell, this makes me want to create a socially responsible sockpuppet.

I think you've nailed the criteria head-on. Well done. Not that I ever
expected anything less, but well done in any case.

technopatra · Post by **technopatra** » Thu Mar 25, 2004 12:59 am

Here are some observations I've made about being an admin that I think will apply to the experience of beign a moderator, as well. These are not rules written in stone, but rather some things that have affected my approach and I feel are worth considering.

1 - Your personal opinion on a particular topic is not relevant, and in fact, is counter-productive to your job as a mediating presence.

2 - Swallowing said opinion can take practice and many deep breaths.

3 - Never, ever, ever, ever post your first response to any issue. give yourself the leeway to write a rant and get any emotion out of your system - then DO NOT POST IT. Toss it and start another one. This is a good approach even when you think you are being cool right off the bat. (I kind of wish more people would do this all the time)

4 - Most people are receptive to constructive feedback about their behavior. It is always worth approaching someone to see where they are at before making any judgement - internally or externally. If they are not receptive, well, just so long as they're not breakin' any rules, leave them and their attitude alone. The community is smart and sensitive enough to support who they want.

5 - Be aware of your effect on a conversation. As a person of authority, people to take your words with a certain amount of weight, and you have to be conscious that you are not blithely throwing that weight around. What may seem like mild statements to you can come across as final words, which kills conversation. Sometimes not contributing to a conversation is the best thing you can do to keep it alive.

juanicoheal · Post by **juanicoheal** » Thu Mar 25, 2004 1:04 am

Seems like a double edged sword.

DVD Burner · Post by **DVD Burner** » Thu Mar 25, 2004 1:14 am

technopatra · Post by **technopatra** » Thu Mar 25, 2004 1:19 am

juanicoheal wrote:Seems like a double edged sword.

It is. But the positive emails and PMs I've received make it worth my while. I am dedicated to supporting this community. Your need to have a (relatively) safe and stimulating environment outweighs any desire I may have to mouth off.

And you can bet your last nickel that I want to mouth off. ohhhh.....

juanicoheal · Post by **juanicoheal** » Thu Mar 25, 2004 1:22 am

maybe someone could lend you a sock......

DVD Burner · Post by **DVD Burner** » Thu Mar 25, 2004 1:25 am

juanicoheal wrote:maybe someone could lend you a sock......

sounds like it's time for that solo chilli pepper sock ......cover thingie.

heck you know what I mean.

technopatra · Post by **technopatra** » Thu Mar 25, 2004 1:29 am

lol. I've had that discussion with another eplayan. If I could manage multiple personalites I would. But as a Gemini I'm generally working to integrate my multiple selves - giving them different names & voices will simply amplify the din in my already crowded psyche.

Besides, I don't trust myself to not make a huge, embarrasing mixup - thinking that I'm posting as the sock and not myself, or vice versa. It would be inevitable.

technopatra · Post by **technopatra** » Thu Mar 25, 2004 1:30 am

precipitate wrote:Aw, hell, this makes me want to create a socially responsible sockpuppet.

I think you've nailed the criteria head-on. Well done. Not that I ever
expected anything less, but well done in any case.

High praise, indeed. Many thanks, Precip.

juanicoheal · Post by **juanicoheal** » Thu Mar 25, 2004 1:33 am

I don't trust myself to not make a huge, embarrasing mixup

Yes we've seen those mix ups - (posts 1301 - 1304) as an example.......well not exactly embarassing..... but I can see where it may go...

<nudge nudge>

technopatra · Post by **technopatra** » Thu Mar 25, 2004 1:37 am

technopatra wrote:
juanicoheal wrote:Seems like a double edged sword.
It is. But the positive emails and PMs I've received make it worth my while. I am dedicated to supporting this community. Your need to have a (relatively) safe and stimulating environment outweighs any desire I may have to mouth off.

And you can bet your last nickel that I want to mouth off. ohhhh.....

I should also add that it is a terribly interesting and enriching experience in self-discipline. I've always been pretty off-the-cuff with whatever I say. I can truthfully say that my communication style in business and on the tech teams has matured by my experience here.

For that I thank all of you.

DVD Burner · Post by **DVD Burner** » Thu Mar 25, 2004 1:39 am

juanicoheal wrote:
I don't trust myself to not make a huge, embarrasing mixup

Yes we've seen those mix ups - (posts 1301 - 1304) as an example.......well not exactly embarassing..... but I can see where it may go...

<nudge nudge>

hey hey hey there's a.......a .....wait a minute. R U talking about me?

DVD Burner · Post by **DVD Burner** » Thu Mar 25, 2004 1:44 am

juanicoheal wrote:No - I'm talking about DEFACTO. And clearly that's not you.

BBBwwwwwaaaaaaa ha ha ha hha he he e e ee......hey wait a minute.

juanicoheal · Post by **juanicoheal** » Thu Mar 25, 2004 1:44 am

No, I'm talking about DEFACTO. And clearly that's not you.

<<< OK - so where should we take this thread drift? >>>

DVD Burner · Post by **DVD Burner** » Thu Mar 25, 2004 1:46 am

uh....hey,
has anyone gotten my point yet?

III · Post by **III** » Thu Mar 25, 2004 10:51 am

>>where should we take this thread drift

somewhere not in the eplaya feedback section, i think.

technopatra · Post by **technopatra** » Fri Mar 26, 2004 1:02 am

Right. Move it along.

DVD Burner · Post by **DVD Burner** » Mon Apr 17, 2006 3:00 am

ONE OF MANY MEGA BUMPS!

Hey, How dangerous is eplaya?

DVD Burner · Post by **DVD Burner** » Mon Apr 17, 2006 3:10 am

I thought this "wide thing" was solved already?

My bad!

Just trying to keep eplaya interesting.

DVD Burner · Post by **DVD Burner** » Mon Apr 17, 2006 3:20 am

60 minutes to post what you want.

i wonder what you can do in 60 minutes of posting?

spectabillis · Post by **spectabillis** » Mon Apr 17, 2006 4:33 pm

uhhh... what?

Chai Guy · Post by **Chai Guy** » Mon Apr 17, 2006 5:26 pm

i wonder what you can do in 60 minutes of posting

Is this one of those philosophy questions involving monkeys and typewriters?

spectabillis · Post by **spectabillis** » Mon Apr 17, 2006 6:45 pm

*grunts* i be modern monkey, i have keyboard

That moderation quandary

That moderation quandary

moderator qualifications

observations about moderation

MEGA BUMP!