Some personal news. . .

[Susan]

I am in the process of applying to be a mod for News and Current Events
So what advice can you give me? Anything you see I could use? I'm always looking for input on this even if I am chosen

 

[seebs]

Well, first off, good luck, and God bless. The main thing I'd recommend is to be very cautious when moderating. I've been moderating a Usenet group for a long time... After a lot of thought on the issue, I concluded that my job is to keep a minimal set of rules enforced, and *not* to make judgements on the quality or accuracy of posts.

So... I'd rather leave posts I think are horribly wrong alone, than act against them.

Since humans are inherently biased, my advice is to try to focus on the excesses of people you agree with; it's much less likely to result in an accidental overstepping of boundaries.

 

[Ray K]

Originally posted by Susan
I am in the process of applying to be a mod for News and Current Events
So what advice can you give me? Anything you see I could use? I'm always looking for input on this even if I am chosen

It's a thankless job!

If you are going to participate in discussions, you have to be very careful about not mixing your roles. It's very difficult to moderate a heated discussion that you are personally involved in.

Also, make sure that you fairly moderate both sides of an issue -- don't let someone get away with a personal shot just because you agree with them.

If you have to censor someone, let them know why and reamin open to the possibility that you may have misread their intent.

And finally, remember that having "moderator" by your name means you will be representing this website. Newcomers will judge a forum by the behavior of its moderators, so you have to hold yourself to a higher standard of behavior.

Like I said, a thankless job!

Good luck!

 

[Susan]

Due to a technical problem I could not submit my application.

 

[Susan]

Last night I sent my application by PM to one of the senior admins, MizDoulos.
So now it's being considered. . .

 

[amie]

Hi Susan,
I wish you well, but I know you just came back from a break so I think you should spend some more time on the forum before applying. Just my opinion though, but I agree that current events would be a good place to Mod...
Amie

 

[Susan]

I believe that I can do a capable job. If the forum leadership doesn't believe so, then my application will be rejected.

 

[amie]

you are absolutely right Susan.

 

[solo66 man]

That is true Amie.
Yes, take your time, Susan. Post for awhile and show your colors. When all are shown, then your change will be known
and understood.

 

[Susan]

So I guess that is a no. . .well, anyway I'm sorry if I offended anyone
Maybe next year.