Moderation? [complaint and rant about forum staff]

[gj76]

I have to take exception to this statement.
I have seen in a number of threads that they do indeed become a personal soapbox for certain "senior" members. The most recent one I can think of was a genuine enquiry about circumcision for boys in Switzerland. Additionally, I recall a further one querying "the usefulness of the forum".

Whilst I in no way agree with the rantings of the instigator of the particular thread this came from, or indeed male circumcision, I do believe there is an unevenness, not just between different moderators, but individual moderators show no consistency.

It is one thing to say that it is not a personal soapbox, but then to allow others to use it as one, regardless of the topic.
If people start a thread asking a question, and others disagree with the topic, moderators should point them to the complaints area, and let the others that have genuine, helpful responses, provide them.

Thanks please, and groans especially from the usual suspects welcome.

gj

	Quote:	Lob Rockster
	Something to note for new joiners - this forum is about life and experience in Switzerland (living, relocating, etc) and is not a personal soapbox for "free speech". Banning someone is not taken lightly - I weigh up how much of my spare time I am willing to offer a person when considering a ban.

[Lob]

I assume you're having a pop at me? Consider how much of my own time I actually dedicate to this forum (like most of the moderators, of course) and how many "problem" posters we have to tidy up after, remove posts from and so-on?

Whilst you're trying to get to the moral high ground, do note that we cannot please all posters all of the time. You must be one of them.

If you would care to quote the situations where one of the moderators has been on their "soapbox", we can let everyone else decide whether you're right or not.

You have also failed to point out that the moderating team has been chosen from those who were seen as real assets to the site and have made EF what it is today.

Consistency - you might have a point but we're all different people and have actually rarely met as a group.

Serious question: on the whole, do you think the moderation team adds value to EF?

[AbFab]

	Quote:	gj76
	I have to take exception to this statement. bla bla <snip> gj

You've made 13 posts and most them in a thread complaining about this forum. In that meagre number you managed to log up 3 red things for annoying people and 6 groans. A near record.

Your "exception" would have much more credibility after a few hundred useful posts that helped rather than winged...

[gj76]

Absolutely not.

Neither did I say that moderators are on a particular soapbox, but that is not unknown, and I do not need to find cases

It depends on the moderator, and indeed what they say or do, whether value is added, but my points were the inconsistencies I mentioned, and the allowing of the soap box scenario.

Perhaps all the moderators should meet, and agree some policy? I do see from the photo section that certain gatherings do take place

	Quote:	Lob Rockster
	I assume you're having a pop at me?

[gj76]

Aha. A forum "veteran" of 17 months speaks, and completely misses the point as usual.

You guys become "veterans" by reason of the quantity of posts, not quality.

	Quote:	AbFab
	You've made 13 posts and most them in a thread complaining about this forum. In that meagre number you managed to log up 3 red things for annoying people and 6 groans. A near record. Your "exception" would have much more credibility after a few hundred useful posts that helped rather than winged...

[Lob]

	Quote:	gj76
	Absolutely not. Neither did I say that moderators are on a particular soapbox, but that is not unknown, and I do not need to find cases

so what did you say then? You're complaining about moderators or people who appear to moderate? You should do a masters or something - then you'd learn the value of citation.

	Quote:	gj76
	It depends on the moderator, and indeed what they say or do, whether value is added, but my points were the inconsistencies I mentioned, and the allowing of the soap box scenario.

Moderators are human and frankly, if you saw some of the crap they have to put up with then you'd probably be more understanding. But it's worth citing cases because you're helping us; right now, you're just coming across as someone complaining.

	Quote:	gj76
	Perhaps all the moderators should meet, and agree some policy? I do see from the photo section that certain gatherings do take place

ah - but the one time we (almost) all got together, we wanted to socialise. Life is not just about the forum, you know

[Lob]

	Quote:	gj76
	Aha. A forum "veteran" of 17 months speaks, and completely misses the point as usual. You guys become "veterans" by reason of the quantity of posts, not quality.

I believe I have managed both of these. Plus many thanks, mucho reputation and a tiny percentage of groans

So those statistics must suggest the majority think I am doing something right. Don't suggest to me that I "police" the other moderators because, like you, they are all adults able to make their own decisions.

[gj76]

Seems you have lost the ability to read. Not a particularly good quality for a moderator. Have you considered giving it up? You don't have to do it if it is such a thankless task

	Quote:	Lob Rockster
	so what did you say then?

I quoted cases about the inconsistencies. THAT is my point. YOU brought up the subject of moderators getting on the soap box, not I. Why should I cite cases about a subject you raised?

	Quote:
	But it's worth citing cases because you're helping us;

Childish implication, and well worthy of your previous contributions.

	Quote:
	ah - but the one time we (almost) all got together, we wanted to socialise. Life is not just about the forum, you know

Happy New Year moderators

[Colonelboris]

Can I complain about his soapbox-style whinging?

[gj76]

You respond to a comment made to someone else. Bit soapboxish isn't it??

	Quote:	Lob Rockster
	I believe I have managed both of these. Plus many thanks, mucho reputation and a tiny percentage of groans So those statistics must suggest the majority think I am doing something right. Don't suggest to me that I "police" the other moderators because, like you, they are all adults able to make their own decisions.

[Richard]

	Quote:	gj76
	You respond to a comment made to someone else. Bit soapboxish isn't it??

Until the last two posts you had a valid point and something very difficult to overcome. You are bound to have inconsistencies when personal opinion is "imposed". I guess the idea of contributing to a forum is to take that into account.

I know it is in complaints corner and I appreciate you are a bit annoyed but venting your anger with sarcastic comments doesn't really help your cause, however valid it may be...

[rhythmical remedy]

The reality of internet is that people will always complain (mods + users).

Damn I have collected two red cards as well. Seems slightly unfair as I have been thanked more times than I was groaned at. I feel that 70% of the groans against me were unjustified as they came from clueless people.That is my story and I am sticking with it I say take it on the chin and get on with it.

[gj76]

Thankyou Richard. However, please note that I was not the first to be sarcastic. That was one of the unbiased administrators and an illiterate forum "veteran".

	Quote:	Richard
	Until the last two posts you had a valid point and something very difficult to overcome. You are bound to have inconsistencies when personal opinion is "imposed". I guess the idea of contributing to a forum is to take that into account. I know it is in complaints corner and I appreciate you are a bit annoyed but venting your anger with sarcastic comments doesn't really help your cause, however valid it may be...

They just can't seem to take any criticism here, and take it personally

	Quote:	lob rockster
	I assume you're having a pop at me?

[Lob]

	Quote:	gj76
	They just can't seem to take any criticism here, and take it personally

You quoted me in your original post. Ergo, adding 2 with 2, I come up with 4 and assume you're making a reference to me. If you're not (and I am still unsure) then you need to clarify it.

I've tried reading your posts (made from your soapbox) and I am trying to understand your point. But at this juncture, you don't seem to have one - more you're contradicting yourself and presenting baseless and unsupported claims. Citing cases would possibly glean some support for you - but why believe me?

Don't try and suggest that making a reply to someone else as being "soapboxish" - because without a level of unsolicited advice and posting, the forum would become stagnant.

We all must try adding value to the forum - as in the end, it is what we all make it. And also do understand that we are all human and with the volume of posts coming into the forum, we cannot read every single one of them - so if you see something that concerns you, use the "Report Post" link which looks like this:

[JonP]

	Quote:	gj76
	Thankyou Richard. However, please note that I was not the first to be sarcastic. That was one of the unbiased administrators and an illiterate forum "veteran". They just can't seem to take any criticism here, and take it personally

I stumbled upon this moan after finishing posting on my usual thread. I can't quite grasp what you're trying to acheive from your posts. All you seem to be doing is winding up a couple of moderators for no good reason..

When I watch football or rugby, I often moan at the ref for missing something or making a bad call about something (certain tries for instance) but the reality is, I also cheer when the ref misses something that is in my teams favour. The mods on this forum are a lot like referees, and pretty much become disfavoured by both sides of the debate for that reason.. They aren't neutral either, they do have their own interests and occasionally may mistake a valid posting for something that shouldn't be there.. I've had a few posts removed, but I do find it more constructive to PM the mods and plead my case than to air my washing in public. I'm not trying to kiss a** with them, I don't agree with some of the posts they make, but that's what a lively debate is supposed to be, I just don't understand what you're trying to acheive.

Just a thought, but do you really think it's a good idea to wind up people who have the absolute power to remove you from virtual existance??

[smackerjack]

The way I see it is that when you have a forum of different people of different ages and from different countries one persons view might not be the same as someone elses.
Many times I have read a posting from someone and cringed, but I accept that they have their point of view. I have also read posts that I did not agree with and on looking at their profile seen that they are 24 years old and when I was that age, I would have probably felt the same way but now I have reached the big 50 I feel differently.
You just have to go with it.....

[JonP]

	Quote:	smackerjack
	The way I see it is that when you have a forum of different people of different ages and from different countries one persons view might not be the same as someone elses. Many times I have read a posting from someone and cringed, but I accept that they have their point of view. I have also read posts that I did not agree with and on looking at their profile seen that they are 24 years old and when I was that age, I would have probably felt the same way but now I have reached the big 50 I feel differently. You just have to go with it.....

Jeez.. What have you been smoking today??

[Colonelboris]

I'm always amused by the idea of freedom of speech. Generally, those who cry for it the most are those who everyone is sick of hearing anyway.
There's also the issue of house rules. By all means, say what you want, but if you break the house rules, then generally out you go. Works that way for internet forums, people's houses, etc. The forum isn't some some sort of government-run speaking shop where all opinions have to be heard, no matter how distasteful - it's something that someone has set and what they say goes. If you feel that strongly about it, set your own forum up and in no time, people who agree with your viewpoint will probably flock to it.
Generally speaking, the modding here's pretty good. Posts get shuffled about into their correct places, but it's not often they get vaporised, and generally then because people have broken the house rules.

[smackerjack]

	Quote:	JonP
	Jeez.. What have you been smoking today??

Believe me, Jon P after the day I have had today, I am very tempted to have a smoke

[rhythmical remedy]

gj76 (OP) I have two suggestions that might ease your pain-

1- Think of red as the new green

2- Try these shades as they will give a greenish tinge to your fine collection of red cards ( I mean green cards).


P.S- If the mods allow I would like to donate my red cards to you