well looks like it's going to start again, so here are my $0.02 and i'll shut up. i actually posted this as a separate thread but realized too late header was too cryptic. i've cut and paste cause i'm too busy drooling at pictures of the girls on my list.
if an ageing (late30s) geek may share his experiences, in light of the recent slagfest on mods and banning and how bans need to be justified, etc.
i joined my first internet forum in the late 80s, on what were then called BBSs. so i can say i have some experience at this. i have participated in hundreds (possibly over a thousand) forums/fora. in how many have i moderated? ONE. why? because i don't need the trouble.
those who criticize the mods, i'm sure you guys have reasons to be pissed off, but try looking at things from their perspective: they're not getting paid, they devote several hours a week/day to annoying administrative tasks (while we're looking at pix of pretty girls) and then they have to deal with personal attacks (justified or not). oh, and they're not paid.
i, too, have been perplexed by some of the things going on. but the mods are only human and will make mistakes -- or what we think are mistakes. if they've done anything you disagree with, point it out, in private, and if they don't listen, instead of engaging in a slagfest, contact the admin.
as for whether they should explain their actions, the trouble with that, in my experience, is it only opens the door to more arguments, ie, more time the mods have to devote to administering the forum (instead of looking at pretty girls). having said that, it would be good if there were clear-cut rules, prominently posted. at least clearly say what we can't do.
when i was a mod of a napoleonic figurines group (yes, i was and am a complete geek), i had to deal with all sorts of unbelievable shit -- and this is from a group of people who share a genuine love for something as non-threatening as painting little men made of lead and lining them up to be shot by imaginary grape shot fired from a miniature replica cannon. i still can't look at a setup of wellington at quatre bras without getting a cold sweat. you can only imagine the sort of crap mods of a mongering site must have to deal with.
so, again, if there's a mod who you think is out of control, contact the other mods or the admin and lay out your case. privately. or even try talking to the mod in question, again, privately. and we can save our energy for mongering.
just some advice from a flame-war vet who doesn't want to see his number-two favoritesite shut down.
gong hei fat -- i mean happy new year everyone.
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