I thought I would bring this up in feedback, it seems to be feedback material afterall.

It seems fairly evident that there are some boards (in the Members run) section that have no moderator present anymore. Whilst a mod is named on the boards, in some cases the named mod has not been online for more than a year.

We have already seen some of these boards previously used for trouble making.

I thought to put this thread up, before any more extreme trouble making was stirred up again.

It seems to me that there are two simple solutions (well, three if un-moderated boards are to become the dumping grounds I suppose).

Firstly: The obvious one - if the moderator is no longer interested either lock the board and save it for posterity or, delete the board all together.

Second: Go through the boards that do not appear to have a mod and see is someone will mod them....

Not too hard I would think.

Given there might not be an abundance of members who would step forward to mod - nuking might be the best option. Although I am pretty sure I have seen both Red and Grap indicate they would be mods - I am not sure if they would prefer global or a members board.

Or, perhaps leaving things as they are might be the easiest option that takes the least amount of effort. For now at any rate.

I would also be interested in modding a member's run board.

Unlike a lot of others, I have this idea that modding a board that I am not particularly interested in the subject matter would be the smarter way to go. I think it's demonstrable that those with a vested interest do not make the best moderators.

I also do not support the idea of bans - they do not work and all too many posters do the ol' work around so they can not only keep on posting, they make a mockery of the idea of there being any rules in the place.

To be upfront - it seems the biggest issue cause angst is abuse - and rightly so, it should not be facilitated, tolerated or ignored as it often presently seems to be.

People's time (including moderators) is also worth something. Therefore, it seems to me that if people want to make abusive posts or entire threads, the practical response would be to demonstrate the time waste and delete, delete, delete....

Pretty simple stuff - if comments, and/or entire posts target an individual in anyway - gawn....

No bans, no debates, no come back. The onus is entirely on the poster - if they think their time is worthwhile - then they will put effort into how they frame their comment....

So, if I were to moderate a board, I would personally refrain from posting there.

Anyway - that's me.

Its the net, I think only spam should be removed.

Phemanderac wrote on Dec 15^th, 2015 at 6:40am:

I would also be interested in modding a member's run board. Unlike a lot of others, I have this idea that modding a board that I am not particularly interested in the subject matter would be the smarter way to go. I think it's demonstrable that those with a vested interest do not make the best moderators. I also do not support the idea of bans - they do not work and all too many posters do the ol' work around so they can not only keep on posting, they make a mockery of the idea of there being any rules in the place. To be upfront - it seems the biggest issue cause angst is abuse - and rightly so, it should not be facilitated, tolerated or ignored as it often presently seems to be. People's time (including moderators) is also worth something. Therefore, it seems to me that if people want to make abusive posts or entire threads, the practical response would be to demonstrate the time waste and delete, delete, delete.... Pretty simple stuff - if comments, and/or entire posts target an individual in anyway - gawn.... No bans, no debates, no come back. The onus is entirely on the poster - if they think their time is worthwhile - then they will put effort into how they frame their comment.... So, if I were to moderate a board, I would personally refrain from posting there. Anyway - that's me.

Ah, the problem with that Grasshopper, is that you have the He Mans of the world who are night owls, and think it is great game to play with a Mod to post, you delete, post, you delete, post, you delete....and then you look at the clock.  You go to bed.  He then leaves a swathe of posts for you to administer next morning.

"Been there, done that."

The constant calls for banning posters stems from a select few 'special' posters driven by their agendas (schilling biographies, promoting the parties of which they work or
are members, defending the unions they make their livings from etc). The administrators should only allow posters driven by the simple desire to voice an opinion. You can tell the 'special' posters; they are online for about 16 hours a day, they contribute to EVERY topic, they're largely progressives and they never get banned regardless of how much they abuse and troll.

Thanks for  your responses guys, they are more than welcome.

That said though, I did not put up my opinions on this matter for debate per se... I deliberately chose the feedback section of the board, because the only feedback that would matter in this would be FDs - if and when he is willing to respond (not that there is any obligation or expectation of course, just the invitation).

I am not convinced though that there are "constant calls for bans" but even the few that occur can be annoying... Simply put, in my opinion, bans just don't work....

As to who calls for bans - there is no limitation on whether or now one is progressive or regressive, they all call for bans when the moment suits them... Only the myopic would consider it a one sided effect.

Please note, I am not calling for or suggesting bans though, I am also stating clearly that, in my opinion, no board should be carte blanche either. It's that simple.

Whilst I am also aware that removing posts has been tried to varying degrees, I have this idea that by not entering into any of the debate, not being an active participant in the board one moderates will also make it that much more pronounced if posts containing abuse (even entire threads for that matter) simply go to the ether at some point has to have an effect.

Oh, did I mention, I am a stubborn bastard when I need to be....

I think PA could do with an Admin to mod that place for a while? You would be a great candidate, Phem.

Jovial Monk wrote on Dec 15^th, 2015 at 4:17pm:

I think PA could do with an Admin to mod that place for a while? You would be a great candidate, Phem.

Thanks for the vote of confidence (I think...), however, in all honesty I am not that interested.

I would put my hand up for one of the member boards here as a starter, however, my time is valuable to me. Further, I doubt I would be welcomed, let alone be able to register at PA even if I was interested. Then there would be the whole dodgey vote by online poll (or whatever other dodgey system is in play) election system. I would never ever know if I legitimately won or lost the vote, ever.

Nah, thanks but no thanks.

Well, PA needs someone to set it to rights!

I was not talking you go there and fight an election, I was meaning more an appoitment by FD to put you in charge there and clean the cesspit up.

The process of elections there has not given a good outcome. Time for a change.

Jovial Monk wrote on Dec 15^th, 2015 at 4:17pm:

I think PA could do with an Admin to mod that place for a while? You would be a great candidate, Phem.

Do you think Phem an older female, Monk? You seem to be attracted to that type.  ;)

Political Animal doesn't just  "appoint" an Administrator, as you well know.  The next Election is in September, 2016.  Meanwhile, SKIPPY, was voted in, unchallenged, for his 2nd term and he is doing a GREAT JOB.

Jovial Monk wrote on Dec 15^th, 2015 at 4:31pm:

Well, PA needs someone to set it to rights! I was not talking you go there and fight an election, I was meaning more an appoitment by FD to put you in charge there and clean the cesspit up. The process of elections there has not given a good outcome. Time for a change.

To be perfectly honest, PA needing to be set to rights is subjective at best, some after all love it the way it is apparently. Now, you and I might both agree that moderation could be done differently (whether better or worse again would be subjective after all), but that would be our opinion.

As to FD simply appointing me per se. Whilst that would clearly be his choice, if I were to try and walk a  mile in his shoes, I have to say honestly I would not make that call... You have fought with members there, I get that, I have been effectively abused by some of the membership there, that is also not lost on me, however, we are two individual posters and that is all. I think FD would shoot himself in the foot simply making what, at best, would be an arbitrary call - further, FD has his own relationship with these posters, I have no insight into whether that is good, bad or indifferent, BUT, making the change you suggest would very likely destroy it.

I don't disagree with the system for elections currently being very flawed, but, it seems evident, that is not up to you, me or anyone other than FD and his PA members.

So, by all means speak your peace and bring your idea to FDs attention, but, respectfully I would suggest, don't be too disappointed if he simply refuses to even consider the idea - I reckon I can fully understand why that might be and it's nothing to do with you, me or any personality specifically.

Oh, and whilst we are here and with all due respect, I would like this thread to remain being about unmoderated boards at Oz Pol - I think there is already enough PA interest boards for this board don't you?

hehehehehe PA could be considered an unmoderated board in many ways.  ;D ;D ;D

Just my little joke Phem.

Phemanderac wrote on Dec 15^th, 2015 at 4:29pm:

Jovial Monk wrote on Dec 15th, 2015 at 4:17pm: I think PA could do with an Admin to mod that place for a while? You would be a great candidate, Phem. Thanks for the vote of confidence (I think...), however, in all honesty I am not that interested. I would put my hand up for one of the member boards here as a starter, however, my time is valuable to me. Further, I doubt I would be welcomed, let alone be able to register at PA even if I was interested. Then there would be the whole dodgey vote by online poll (or whatever other dodgey system is in play) election system. I would never ever know if I legitimately won or lost the vote, ever. Nah, thanks but no thanks.

Are you registered as PHEMANDERAC at PA?  There is nothing stopping you.  Voting at PA has the usual restrictions. You need to be a CONTRIBUTOR for some time before being eligible to VOTE.  Check the Rules.  ;)

You could ALSO do what Aussie suggested.  Create your very own POLITICAL FORUM. Set it up, pay for it and then ADVERTISE it here and everywhere.   

Just ask Aussie and Monk how they run a SUCCESSFUL Forum.  They are the experts.  ;)

Thanks, but I am not registered at ALL at PA.

Pretty sure I would be considered too "dangerous" by decision makers at PA and apart from that, I simply chose not to join.

Thanks again though.

Phemanderac wrote on Dec 15^th, 2015 at 5:00pm:

Thanks, but I am not registered at ALL at PA. Pretty sure I would be considered too "dangerous" by decision makers at PA and apart from that, I simply chose not to join. Thanks again though.

TICKETS PLEASE? You really do think you are "special", don't you?

This is a FORUM, nobody cares who you are. Should you want to NOMINATE yourself for the Administrator of Political Animal (PA) ... first join up, post to show that you are interested in the site, then nominate, next SEPTEMBER.

Neferti wrote on Dec 15^th, 2015 at 5:10pm:

This is a FORUM, nobody cares who you are.

Yep sure, that's a totally consistent position...


Neferti wrote on Dec 15^th, 2015 at 4:35pm:

Phemanderac wrote on Dec 15th, 2015 at 4:25pm: Neferti wrote on Dec 15th, 2015 at 4:19pm: Is there a reason why you are seemingly, trying to get involved with personalities from another Forum, people who have absolutely NO IDEA who Phemanderac is?  Are you a sock? OWN UP if you are. Haaaaaaaaaar! I am posting on the board that I am a current member of, firstly and foremost, as such, I can comment quite freely on any thread I so chose to. Secondly, I was, in effect, invited by one (or possibly more) of your own membership to participate...I am surprised you had forgotten, I am sure you have access to the hidden board, it's all there for your edification. Otherwise I would have less than no interest to be honest. You were at Debate & Relate, weren't you? Back in the Boondocker and Nicole days? I was a member there but didn't post much. I'm trying to place you, is all.

Neferti wrote on Dec 15^th, 2015 at 5:10pm:

first join up

I think I already covered that.

Now, I am pretty sure I am done here. The only response I am at all interested in with this thread would be from FD, regarding the Unmoderated boards...

Should he chose to respond that is.

Thanks again very much for your interest.

;)

Neferti wrote on Dec 15^th, 2015 at 5:20pm:

;)

Cool edit...

Thanks for your input.

Over to you FD (if you are interested  :D :D :D)

Why would Freediver jump when you rattle the bucket, Phem?  :P

Why don't you take up Aussie's idea and create your OWN REAL FORUM and invite (selected?) Oz Pol Members to join? You might get more "traffic" from Oz Pol members than Aussie and Monk combined get from their respective DEAD Political Blogs.  ;D

Political Animal might have a SELECT bunch of long-term Members who still post there.  The FACT that we all get along (and still have "debates") is purely because NOBODY calls anyone names.

Neferti wrote on Dec 16^th, 2015 at 3:49pm:

Why would Freediver jump when you rattle the bucket, Phem?  :P Why don't you take up Aussie's idea and create your OWN REAL FORUM and invite (selected?) Oz Pol Members to join? You might get more "traffic" from Oz Pol members than Aussie and Monk combined get from their respective DEAD Political Blogs.  ;D Political Animal might have a SELECT bunch of long-term Members who still post there.  The FACT that we all get along (and still have "debates") is purely because NOBODY calls anyone names.

Indeed.....this....just taken from the first Thread I read now on your Political Section.  Of course this is not a 'name.'


Quote:

you lying MOR ON.

He wouldn't. It's an invitation, not a demand and I think that is perfectly clear.

and thanks once again for your input.  8-)

!

.

Neferti wrote on Dec 16^th, 2015 at 4:23pm:

Neferti wrote on Dec 16th, 2015 at 4:18pm: Phemanderac wrote on Dec 16th, 2015 at 4:02pm: and thanks once again for your input.  8-) Most welcome ... gratsias. PS. Could you, please, tell Aussie (and Monk) to bugger off  .. danke shoen.  8-)

It is either danke schön or danke schoen.

and?

Neferti wrote on Dec 16^th, 2015 at 4:31pm:

and?

That'd be und.

What’s “gratsias” when it is at home?

Jovial Monk wrote on Dec 16^th, 2015 at 5:04pm:

What’s “gratsias” when it is at home?

Someone's best attempt at Spanish, perhaps?  Who knows.

The best way to handle this is to try to track down the old mod and get their permission to take over.

Thanks for responding FD.

It seems though from that answer that there is no easy way to do this then.

Unless one knows the former mods personally or chooses to get a bit stalker and hunt them down - nothing can be done, is that it really?

Honestly, I thought you were in control of the place, my mistake. Thanks again for your time though.

Perhaps I should have said, it is the first step.

But you are welcome to try starting a thread about it on feedback if you think that will work better.

freediver wrote on Dec 19^th, 2015 at 8:15am:

Perhaps I should have said, it is the first step. But you are welcome to try starting a thread about it on feedback if you think that will work better.

Thanks again FD, yep, you have made it very clear, for my part, I merely pointed out that personally that is an unrealistic first step. I am sure if someone actually knows these missing peeps (or has the inclination to track them down, apparently some internet users are a bit like that) they might be able to take that "first step" you articulated if they're inclined.

As to using feedback, I was fairly sure how that would pan out - you have not disappointed  :D :D

So, thanks again for your time, I asked you answered so there is really not much more to be said is there?

I have changed one of the board moderators since you started this thread. No drama necessary.

freediver wrote on Dec 19^th, 2015 at 12:02pm:

I have changed one of the board moderators since you started this thread. No drama necessary.

I would volunteer to moderate the hunting board if I felt it needed a moderator.

freediver wrote on Dec 19^th, 2015 at 12:02pm:

I have changed one of the board moderators since you started this thread. No drama necessary.

Good for you, and my apologies, I didn't realise making a post was a "drama"... That's a very dramatic choice of words isn't it?   ;)