Forum management and moderators

[Steve in sunny Fla]

Who are the members of the forum management team, and what is each persons position?

Thank you
Steve

 

[x01660]

Hey, Steve.

I'm the main moderator and IT Officer for the club. So I make sure the rules are being followed (mostly enforcing the no politics rule), in addition to managing the forum backend. I am assisted in my duties (in a transistion period) by a few of the Board members.

I don't have a moderator badge on my profile since I'm just a member, as I see it. And a new one at that. I'm not special. So no need to have it posted prominently. But when moderating, I make it known my position.

Was there anything in particular you had questions about?

-Z

 

[Steve in sunny Fla]

Once you become an officer with managerial responsibility that can affect other members, you are no longer “just a member” . I feel all moderators should be identified as such when they post. It will add some context to the meaning of their posts, particularly if COG or the forum is referenced in their remarks.

Steve

 

[x01660]

Once you become an officer with managerial responsibility that can affect other members, you are no longer “just a member” . I feel all moderators should be identified as such when they post. It will add some context to the meaning of their posts, particularly if COG or the forum is referenced in their remarks.

Steve

Was there something in particular that you feel I posted that would have made a difference if you knew or didn't know I was a moderator? Do you feel I've overstepped bounds, or made corrective action when I shouldn't have? Did I claim ownership or speak in COGs name in a way that only an "officer" of the club would?

I guess I'm trying to understand why not being explicitly named as someone with official capacity is an issue...

The reason I ask is because it is very much in vogue to not have your title listed in signatures/handles. As a sort of equalizer. The whole "no one is more important than anyone else" deal. That's my rationale. Can you explain yours so I can understand, please?

Thanks!

-Z

Edit: to be clear; my role has no administrative rights over people, only the forum. So unlike an Area Director or other various board members that control money, personnel, etc, I just manage rules on the forum, and make sure things keep running. If any "action" were to be taken (like banning a user), I'd have to run that by the ADs and the board. So I do not have any ability to affect members. Other than remove offending posts and issue warnings. As such, I don't see that as a position that has to be advertised. Again, explaining my rationale so ALL can see it. I always open to feedback.

 

[Steve in sunny Fla]

Was there something in particular that you feel I posted that would have made a difference if you knew or didn't know I was a moderator? Do you feel I've overstepped bounds, or made corrective action when I shouldn't have? Did I claim ownership or speak in COGs name in a way that only an "officer" of the club would?

I guess I'm trying to understand why not being explicitly named as someone with official capacity is an issue...

The reason I ask is because it is very much in vogue to not have your title listed in signatures/handles. As a sort of equalizer. The whole "no one is more important than anyone else" deal. That's my rationale. Can you explain yours so I can understand, please?

Thanks!

-Z

Edit: to be clear; my role has no administrative rights over people, only the forum. So unlike an Area Director or other various board members that control money, personnel, etc, I just manage rules on the forum, and make sure things keep running. If any "action" were to be taken (like banning a user), I'd have to run that by the ADs and the board. So I do not have any ability to affect members. Other than remove offending posts and issue warnings. As such, I don't see that as a position that has to be advertised. Again, explaining my rationale so ALL can see it. I always open to feedback.

To your questions, in order, yes; yes; yes.

My explanation is my second post.

You DO have tha ability to effect people if you can remove posts or issue warnings . IIRC the IT Officer can ban people temporarily and then make the ban permanent with BO D approval, which is virtually guaranteed.If we were equal, NONE of us would have those powers or ALL of us would have those powers. I couldn’t care less about what’s in vogue. Posting like you’re just another member with responses that are designed to guide content under the auspices of what’s best for the cog forum is fully disingenuous. Please identify yourself as a moderator/ IT officer. You have authority over other members. I’m not suggesting that’s a bad thing, and thanks for doing it. But you’re no longer , in the words of Rich Riczinger “justamemba”.

Steve

 

[x01660]

To your questions, in order, yes; yes; yes.

Care to provide any examples? Because right now, you're just making assertions. I function based off of evidence. So some examples would be really useful for me. To be clear, the whole "self improvement" deal I talk about isn't for show. Its genuine. However, I need concrete examples if I'm to do an analysis.

You DO have tha ability to effect people if you can remove posts or issue warnings .

Technically, yes. I can affect people by removing their posts, and even temporarily "ban" them. But not from the club. Only from the forum. So if someone is being nasty, I can call them out and even get them off the forum (with Board discussion and approval), but that's just on the forum. Not the club as a whole. And as you know, there are a significant number of members that never visit the website/forum.

IIRC the IT Officer can ban people temporarily and then make the ban permanent with BO D approval, which is virtually guaranteed.

Again, the "ban" would be from the forum, and not the club. And it being "virtually guaranteed" is another assertion without any proof. Action is taken if proof of malfeasance is provided, a discussion is had, the member has had multiple warnings, etc. Maybe things were different in the past, but I'm fair in how I go about things. If you need an example, look in my post history and go back to the day of the total solar eclipse that happened earlier this year, and see how I handle moderation duties. Again, everything is public for everyone to see. As we're doing here.

I couldn’t care less about what’s in vogue.

Ok. There are lots of things that some people care about that others happen to not care about. For me, the idea that I'm "better than" or "have power over" people isn't really a thing that appeals to me. I'm a human being, and I put my pants on the same as everyone else. Part of how I'm effective in my moderation is by being in touch with what's "in vogue", since that's how one effectively communicates/makes positive change with people. By knowing what makes them tick. I've tried being the obdurate, "stuck in his ways" kinda person. Doesn't work out too great. And the attitude of "I couldn't care less" isn't constructive at all. Especially when trying to work with people, as opposed to things.

Posting like you’re just another member with responses that are designed to guide content under the auspices of what’s best for the cog forum is fully disingenuous.

Again, this is another assertion without proof. Anything I've posted (in the context of our interactions) could have been written by anyone. I didn't make any "moderator" decisions/requests/demands/etc during our interaction. Me recommending you change your signature was just that. A recommendation. I didn't "tell" you to do anything. Nor implied that you had to. Anyone can recommend things that are good for the club. That's the beauty of being a club. We're all members. Granted, some of us are much more involved in the social aspect of the club, but at the end of the day, the sorts of things (again, I'm assuming since you haven't provided any concrete examples, just assertions) that I comment are things that anyone could. And that's the point. Unless I'm taking action, I'm not acting as a moderator.

Please identify yourself as a moderator/ IT officer. You have authority over other members. I’m not suggesting that’s a bad thing, and thanks for doing it. But you’re no longer , in the words of Rich Riczinger “justamemba”.

Steve

You still haven't provided any concrete examples as to why I should have to identify myself as a moderator. And there's nothing in the club bylaws that indicates that I must "identify" myself. However, in spite of the entire response above, I can see why having that title in my profile would be useful. And it has nothing to do with my "authority over other members"; again, power doesn't really do anything for me, unless its horsepower. I have no desire to lord over people with my knowledge, capabilities, etc.

What it has to do with is being helpful for members to reach out if they need something. Like your post here. So, after consulting with some board members, I have decided to add my "title" to my profile. Just so there's no obfuscation.

However, it would still be great if you could provide some concrete examples of everything I've written about. It would be useful in assessing whether or not you actually have a point, or were just, as the kids say, "expressing yourself."

Thanks, Steve, and enjoy sunny FL!

-Z

 

[Steve in sunny Fla]

You’re right, my assertions are baseless, neither rooted in my truth or fact. Since you are the arbiter of “proof” there is nothing I can say that will influence you to identify your position publicly. Stay undercover, and continue to provide the long rambling lectures that make me want to fully disengage. At least my initial question about forum management has been answered. Thanks for that.

Steve

 

[x01660]

You’re right, my assertions are baseless, neither rooted in my truth or fact. Since you are the arbiter of “proof” there is nothing I can say that will influence you to identify your position publicly. Stay undercover, and continue to provide the long rambling lectures that make me want to fully disengage. At least my initial question about forum management has been answered. Thanks for that.

Steve

No one stated your assertions were baseless, Steve. All I did was ask for examples. What I said was that you're making assertions, without backing it up with examples.

Second, did you read my entire response? I've already edited my description. Now says "Mod on a Connie in a neighborhood near you". Take a closer look. And I stated as much. So I'm no longer "undercover" as you put it.

I'm sorry you see my responses as lecturing. Perhaps you're not used to verbose responses to questions, but that's how I interact with people. I state my thoughts clearly.

If you feel like disengaging, that's entirely on you. No one is forcing you to stay or leave. But when things are posted, and I respond, they're probably gonna be verbose. It's not personal. It's how I write.

If you feel I've "answered your question about forum management", that's cool. Not sure I said anything about that, but hey, you do you.

Again, to be clear, this is what I asked:

"Was there something in particular that you feel I posted that would have made a difference if you knew or didn't know I was a moderator? Do you feel I've overstepped bounds, or made corrective action when I shouldn't have? Did I claim ownership or speak in COGs name in a way that only an "officer" of the club would?"

You still haven't given me examples of those things. You just said yes, yes, and yes. I asked for examples so I could evaluate, and you responded with a snarky reply. I don't think that's fair to me at all.

All good, Steve. Looks like a difference in opinion, and that's totally fine. People don't have to agree on stuff. But at the end of the day, I'm identified now. So that should resolve at least that issue you had.

I appreciate the feedback and back and forth. Here's hoping we can actually come to an understanding about things.

Take care, Steve.

-Z

 

[DoerOfThings]

Thanks for taking on the IT gig Z, sometimes I miss it, and then I see posts like this and come to my senses

 

[x01660]

Thanks for taking on the IT gig Z, sometimes I miss it, and then I see posts like this and come to my senses

All good. I see no issue with this content or interaction. Steve has an opinion, and expressed that here, publicly for all to see. I can appreciate that over sneaky stuff like calling/DMing people behind backs, or taking some other sort of nefarious, not in the light action.

We've had a disagreement about things and discussed it here. For all to see. Its up to everyone else to decide who's in the "right" or "wrong".

And to be clear to anyone reading this; I am OPEN TO FEEDBACK! If you feel that I'm not doing something correctly, or could be done differently, please let me know. And on a post where everyone can see. I am in NO WAY perfect. And would never deign to pretend to be. I want the feedback so I can do the best possible job I can. Being challenged is no issue for me. I want to get better, and the only way to do that is to listen to and consider the opinions and thoughts of others. IF evidence is provided.

-Z

 

[SethInIllinois]

Thanks for taking on the IT gig Z, sometimes I miss it, and then I see posts like this and come to my senses

Ditto from me too. I've never served as a moderator or behind-the-scenes tech, but I realize they can take a lot of effort, and generally get a lot more criticism than praise, regardless of how things are done.

Thanks for what you do for the community here, Zak.

 

[Murph]

My hats off to anyone who steps up in an all-volunteer organization . After my kids got out of school....I WAS DONE....the amount of work, back scene drama...people ya thought you knew...the " thats not what i said"..... I can't image where you aren't face to face, being coast to coast...everything from different perspectives, cultures, and even expectations of behavior. Whats an insult here, is dry humor there. I had instances where I didn't think the forum admins did what I thought they should, and Ive posted some of my grievances online. My biggest issue is where entire threads would go away with no explanations.
Few months ago I left the forum, for, I guess 4/5 months? Mainly over a particular incident where that happen to a thread I had started..I didnt think it was right...they did... they won...LOL funny now but it wasn't then. It wasn't worth it to me to stir up controversy and spread discord between members. I've got way fewer days in front of me than behind ..and I'm finding theres a whole lot of things I just really don't need to waste time on. My first boss and retired Master Chief , work daddy, summoned it up pretty well " kid ( chomp chomp on a cigar) lot things get down to two things, you can get over it, or you can die with it on your mind" I work on the getting over it. The forum is the only social media I use, its 90% of why I stay a member. What I have seen it has improved with Zak as an admin...he has totally rained in the political content on the open forum, the forum where historically I would guess i have spent the majority of my time. He has publicly addressed all issues that people have asked him there, and to my knowledge never deleted a post, much less an entire thread. ....

 

[x01660]

Thank you everyone for the support; I do appreciate it.

Murph, in the interest of setting the record straight; I actually have deleted comments before. Specifically 2 comments that were entirely political. I then informed the user, and posted that I removed it and why on the thread. But correct. I did not unilaterally remove an entire post, or delete anything without clarifying exactly why I did it.

I promise you all that I will continue to do the best job I can, and to be fair and compassionate while I do it.

Come for the bikes, stay for the people.



-Z

 

[Steve in sunny Fla]

X01660… I’ve read back on some of your posts to other members, and in combination with now knowing you’re a moderator, you’re responses to me are more understandable. I see you are verbose, and like to explore the minutia of a person’s statement. It’s just your way. Then you’re screenshotting my webpage and telling me how to handle my business with no knowledge of the situation therein. That, in combination with the fact that you are monitoring and guiding content ( obvious in your responses) seemed like you were stalking my posts, waiting to disagree or twist my meaning (which you did). Remember, this was my view NOT KNOWING your official position. So you came off like a stalking Karen. But now, with my understanding of the situation, it makes more sense. Still, you should trust I know what I’m doing with my business, my life, and my decisions. I don’t come here for lectures, I come here really only to drop tidbits of tech help.

Thanks for what you do on the forum.

Now please, do me a favor, accept my olive branch without a psychological breakdown of my mindset, and no extended discussion of what the meaning of “is” is.

Steve

 

[x01660]

Now please, do me a favor, accept my olive branch without a psychological breakdown of my mindset, and no extended discussion of what the meaning of “is” is.

Steve

Fair enough, Steve. I've got no issue with that. We're good.

-Z

 

[Steve in sunny Fla]

Thanks for taking on the IT gig Z, sometimes I miss it, and then I see posts like this and come to my senses

Maybe re- reading the Mar 2020 and Nov 2020 BOD meeting minutes will help bring you to your senses, too. Maybe you should let sleeping dogs lie.

Steve

 

[DoerOfThings]

yeah, I quit in disgust before then, but your little coup needed a scapegoat, and since I had already stepped down, the board took the easy way out.

Good times, good times.

 

[x01660]

Ok. I think this thread has served it's purpose. Things are starting to devolve into pot shots, and we don't need that. I think we just need to let things go for now.

So in the interest of that, I'm gonna lock this thread now.

-Z