Can Mods access the EF database ?

Upthehatters2008 · #1 12.06.2011, 19:21

I have studied the schema, the tables holding the messages, and they are not encrypted nor are they protected by any means other than a username and password type access.

So, do Mods have access to the database other than via a front end such as the Mod control panel ?

#2 12.06.2011, 19:26

	Quote:	Upthehatters2008
	So, do Mods have access to the database other than via a front end such as the Mod control panel ?

We are not system administrators, just Mods.

Upthehatters2008 · #3 12.06.2011, 19:29

	Quote:	vwild1
	We are not system administrators, just Mods.

Is that a "No" ?

#4 12.06.2011, 19:32

	Quote:	Upthehatters2008
	Is that a "No" ?

Actually it's a "Yes", we do have access via a Mod control panel.

Upthehatters2008 · #5 12.06.2011, 19:33

	Quote:	vwild1
	Actually it's a "Yes", we do have access via a Mod control panel.

Direct access I meant Are you able to query the database freehand ?

#6 12.06.2011, 19:34

	Quote:	Upthehatters2008
	Direct access I meant Are you able to query the database freehand ?

While I don't fully understand your question you can assume the answer is no.

Nickers · #7 12.06.2011, 19:36

Remember this is the shepherds, he doesn't give up - he'll go on and on and on and on...........

Upthehatters2008 · #8 12.06.2011, 19:38

	Quote:	Nicky
	Remember this is the shepherds, he doesn't give up - he'll go on and on and on and on...........

It's a simple question, a simple answer. But it appears you are the one going on and on. What was the purpose of you posting here again ?

Nickers · #9 12.06.2011, 19:41

	Quote:	Upthehatters2008
	What was the purpose of you posting here again ?

To annoy you clearly

#10 12.06.2011, 19:43

It is an interesting and important question. Why not give a straight answer.
Asking the question is in no way disrespectful of Moderators.

Upthehatters2008 · #11 12.06.2011, 19:44

	Quote:
	It is an interesting and important question. Why not give a straight answer. Asking the question is in no way disrespectful of Moderators.

Fully agree, no disrespect meant whatsoever, they do a great job.

grumpygrapefruit · #12 12.06.2011, 19:47

A mod of another vBulletin forum did tell me some time ago that he could access the database, meaning that with some digging yes, it was feasible to read individual PM's. An ex mod here indicated that this was also the case here, but it was a couple of years ago and he didn't elaborate any further.

One reason I am careful what I put in PM's (even if Mods can't read them, admins can I'm sure)

jrspet · #13 12.06.2011, 19:48

To discharge our duties, we have a Moderator Control Panel ( menu driven ) that access databases ( only a few databases ) such as user profiles, banning and so on. Outside the Moderator Control Panel, we cannot access the databases.

Trust this answers your query.

Nickers · #14 12.06.2011, 19:50

	Quote:	grumpygrapefruit
	A mod of another vBulletin forum did tell me some time ago that he could access the database, meaning that with some digging yes, it was feasible to read individual PM's. An ex mod here indicated that this was also the case here, but it was a couple of years ago and he didn't elaborate any further. One reason I am careful what I put in PM's (even if Mods can't read them, admins can I'm sure)

I could never read any PMs whilst I was a mod but then i'm no techy so i had no idea if there was any clever way around things. As far as I know non of the currents mods who were mods while I was could read the PMs either, if they could then they kept the juicy gossip to themselves

Maybe you need to direct your questions to Editor Bob as I imagine if anyone can read PMs it would only be him

#15 12.06.2011, 19:52

I found that out with the first Forum I used some years back. I had a 'contre-temps- with a moderator, re a world-wide organisation he belonged to - and on our next visit to our UK home, found out he had been making enquiries there- having got info from my pm's. Unpleasant and disconcerting to say the least. I am very careful now.

miniMia · #16 12.06.2011, 19:53

It's not really relevant, IMO. It's more a point of if they want to bother accessing the database as they really don't need to.

If you are sending off nasty PMs the person who receives it just needs to hit the report thingy. If you keep it and enough people report you up they can chose to ban you, all without having to access the database.

miniMia · #17 12.06.2011, 19:55

	Quote:	grumpygrapefruit
	A mod of another vBulletin forum did tell me some time ago that he could access the database, meaning that with some digging yes, it was feasible to read individual PM's. An ex mod here indicated that this was also the case here, but it was a couple of years ago and he didn't elaborate any further. One reason I am careful what I put in PM's (even if Mods can't read them, admins can I'm sure)

And of course the person who received the PM can report it giving access to the mods.

MrVertigo · #18 12.06.2011, 19:58

I pity the Mods if besides the tons of BS posts they have also to read the futility of PMs.

EDIT i will add to all my PMs turd on whoever reads this.

#19 12.06.2011, 20:04

Agreed. My guess is that they do not 'normally' access pm's- but that if a moderator is absolutely determined, for whatever reasons- it may be possible for them to do so. Most moderators have many friends who could report a pm, to enable them to do so, if that is indeed necessary. I am abso sure that this happens very rarely indeed - and yet, feel that it is better members are aware of this. If that is the case, why not have it honestly in the open?

LondonAl · #20 12.06.2011, 20:04

As having a career in IT, one can only assume that someone (not sure who) has something to hide or is concerned that some comments on an PM may well be wrong - hence - who can see....

Either that or they are too stupid to get brain in gear before typing!