Re:Forum Concern...
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Hello all (not that anyone would know, remember or, indeed, care about this voice) - on the eve of my losing connection for a month, I thought I'd break a recent habit and quickly check the forum for any sign of 'breakthrough'. I'm saddened: I used to be enthused to frequent the forums, used to take pride in providing long and detailed thoughts; feel pride in being one of a special crowd of Knightmare fans. I joined the forum under the guise that I would 'not find a friendlier online community' (-- --- ---; dulce et decorum est...) ~ and yet I only keep my account open under the dream that something will change.
This community is fast turning into a cult, and I'm not wanting part of it. I feel a little belittled by the thought and effort I used to put into every word I posted upon this forum, and it now feels rather meaningless. More to the point, I used to feel that regular posting in this forum was a engaging and complementative part of being a Knightmare fan, and now (although admittedly, I think I've been forever put off by an argument in January), where I used to think it a necessity to prove oneself as a dedicated fan, I couldn't care less. I would never single anyone out - perhaps it was meant to happen this way; but although I can't speak any further for Robin and Forester other than that I seem to currently share a trend, I'm gutted that I'm put off doing what I so loved last year.
Said my piece and made my peace.
KaM
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I suggest something along the lines of NKTPS moderators board. For each major board such as this one 'Website feedback' a moderator should be assigned to keep an eye and then report back to other mods so that votes and fair discussion can take place over warnings and/or deletion of posts which might be biased or contentious if if based solely on judgement of one person. There are 7 such boards so a majority of 4 say would justify appropiate action being taken I nominate Kieran, Malefact, Emii, Redmage, Ringmasterrob, GG, and Pooka (ben maydon cos I think there a few of you sprites lurking around).
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I would chip in a big long piece here but I don't think its needed, the silence of some of the oldest and longest posters around here and the fact that they want to leave the forum says more than I really could. Even I have become a lurker nowadays, when I used to post so often. Appointing mods would be a good solution in my mind. I would like to nominate; Kieran & Malefact. That's what I have to say on the subject
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Okay, figured I would raise my head for the drama. I can think of a lot of people I wouldn't want to be mods because I think they would let it go to their heads and start stomping around going 'I'm a mod which makes me better' and they really don't need to be any more arrogant or have more ammunition to make them consider themselves elitist.
I think the fairest way to organise this would be anyone interested (so we don't get people badgered into the post) writes a basic summary of why they would be a fair choice then we have a democratic vote. If we make it registered users before a certain date only that should stop people making extra accounts etc (although why anyone would do that is beyond me).
I like Forester's suggestion that they can only affect posts reported by other members, but they could just report them themselves. Maybe they could only do something where there is definitely a problem and leave Illusion to the more contraversial decisions?
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Moderator powers depend on what the board is capable of. The problem can be knowing when to moderate, as if you edited/deleted/locked everything you didn't like then nobody would use the board. I would recommend that moderators only intervine when the 'Report to moderator' feature has been used, or if its obvious the something needs acting on quickly.
In regards to who should be moderators I think that rachelesque's suggestion would be a good idea. Prehaps put the moderators on trial for a month so to speak.
Not every forum needs to necessarily have extra moderators in. From looking at things the main forum that needs an extra moderator is the General Discussion, as the rest of the forums don't seem to get as many problems.
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At the moment I think it's just Illusion and mysteria for the Bring Back forum.
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I personally think Illusion should ask candidates, via a private PM or email if they want to be mods and wait for replies. Otherwise anyone can nominate themselves and if a vote happened everyone could see the results and those not voted for might be hurt or feel a little unwanted. Plus, and i'm not suggesting people WOULD do this but it's possible, people could conspire to mass vote for one candidate causing unfairness. My own opinion is should Illusion want mods then he should be able to choose them at his own leisure, and should those people not want the position they have the chance to refuse.
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Consistency is needed. Members do try to keep order themselves but it usually leads to more disputes despite the best intentions. Perhaps members, especially our stalwarts, should be encouraged to use the "report to moderator" button more often. Don't know if its possible, but maybe if a number of complaints are recieved about any one thread - it could be automatically removed until Illusion can investigate it further. If new moderators are to be appointed - maybe try them out on the off-topic forum or only in one area e.g. Knewies welcome.
In general, I would just like to appeal to members to consider carefully what they are writing - it is not enjoyable to log in and read arguments between members. Please show courtesy and respect at all times.
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Thanks for all your comments. In reply to a few points:
I would only appoint moderators for the General Discussion board, and no more than two at a time (excluding myself). The other sections of the forum I feel do not need any additional moderation.
I agree that moderators should only act upon a reported post. In the first instance, the reported member should be sent an IM explaing the problem. This IM is copied to all other moderators for reference.
The exception to this is for a blatently abusive message which clearly would need to be removed/editied straight away. A moderator would then send a warning.
As at present, I will personally remove accounts of users who continue to misuse the forum (after being warned at least once). Thankfully this is a rare occurance.
I agree that a consistant approach is necessary, but at the same time we would go mad if we had to write out moderator guidelines covering every single eventuality. I would initially invite moderators based on who I think would be good at it, based on their contribution to the forum (post history), interaction with members, understanding of the issues and are also regular users.
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I think you have approached the problem in a rational, sensible way in response to points raised Illusion and that of course sounds wonderful. A few simple guidelines would be all that was needed if sensible moderators were appointed and I trust you will make a good decision whomever you choose. Hopefully these changes will bring the forum problems to a close with some watchful eyes giving you a hand, here's hoping from me.
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Unfortunately as a board expands and becomes more popular it requires more people to control it.
Hopefully these new moderator(s) will be online at different times to yourself thus can effectively moderate the board.
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I believe that presently the forum could just be gonig through the customary 'blip' that happens to all forums. It usually happens when several new members arrive and several others disappear for various reasons at the same time. Consequently, granite-like friction can develop for a time, until something happens.
I must admit, I had forgotten about the ability to use the 'Report topic to a moderator' button. Perhaps I could use this instead of slyly putting in a subtle, yet insulting retort. This goes against the grain of my character (well, I'd like to think so anyway- I certainly don't aim to hurt without a very good reason).
Certainly, in the past couple of weeks there have been members (I know you may know who I'm talking about, but I'm still not mentioning names) who have been less than complimentary, even intimidating to regualar forum-goers. Thankfully, one has left, but others remain.
To be fair, though, it has taken the board up to over 550 members before the situation looks less than perfect, so it can't be that bad.
To conclude (yes, I did start with the intention of making a point or two), I believe moderation could be a good idea, as well as a little more use of alerting moderators with the helpful button supplied.
Thankyou for reading this far, even if you've skimmed.
FK
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In fact, since the straw has now broken my camel's back (or some other odd cliche), I'll do that right now. It's not all that often I get annoyed on a forum (usually there are dunderheads on others who are just too stupid and make me laugh), but...
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Still why would anyone want to base their username on a dodgy premiership football club?
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