Moderating Forum.
Ok, I am putting myself in the firing line here and asking all members what you want and expect from your Moderators.
Regular readers will know it’s started into a hell of a 2014 year so far here and in the game with quite a few disputes mediated and outrageous behaviour dealt with and resolved either by mutual agreement or reporting to the Achat Gods. And January is only half way through! Whoopee
I try to be firm but fair to all and try not to take sides and believe everyone has a second chance if they acknowledge the parts where they are out of order, apologise and then moderate their own behaviour to bring peace and tranquillity to the Forum village once more. We are very lucky here with our members in this respect. My thanks to you.
An apology is just that – a plain sorry and accepted on face value. “I apologise but … “ is not an apology to me. Apologise properly or don’t bother.
My formulae is quite simple really – I tend to moderate if things are insulting to individuals or in sweeping statements to insult the forum village or a certain group of people.
EG of sweeping statements - “ People who drink Cola are arseholes but Pepsi are nicer “
Maybe my example is extreme, but it gets the point across.
You want to prove a point, then outline your view and show reason and evidence to back up your view. It will open up for a debate, sometimes surprisingly so and is enjoyable reading.
“I have found people who drink Cola to be arseholes because …..
Pepsi drinkers are nicer because of …..
Therefore my conclusion is … “
Not necessarily in this order or in this format but none the less contains your evidence, reasons and conclusion. Most posters do it very eloquently in their own way and I commend you do.
The problems arise when reason or views are not explained and when people take views personally.
Everyone is entitled to their own views, everyone’s views are valued and everyone is entitled to express their views here.
Just because someone has opposing views does not mean it can degenerate into personal conflict or insulting behaviour.
And consider… Actually Cola drinkers are individuals too, so to lump everyone under the same umbrella is quite ludicrous and will be worth a moderator reminder.
We recognise and encourage Free Speech. We want you to express your views and exercise your right to do so.
So it concerns me a bit, when members say they are not posting, they have learnt their lesson. Is that because there was a heated discussion? Too me that is a successful post or topic and has raised their passions to take up their right to free speech. And I commend you.
Or is it because you are not happy with how it was moderated? Then tell me so I can improve and give you what you actually want in Forum. This is your Forum not mine.
I am honoured to be a Moderator here, however, I am still learning as I go and views good or bad help me to be a better Moderator for you.
Other things I will moderate is members naming other members, as they may not have a chance to redress or realise a personal conversation is suddenly going to be made public. This is obviously weighed up with the good of forum.
For example if we are suddenly aware of an account user who is scamming / abusive members on a large scale, then the likelihood is the user name will be published and reported to the Achat Gods.
Public naming and shaming for individual spats will not be allowed of course as there are always two sides to every story and that can be dealt with either by the Moderators privately or by reporting to Achat Support.
So revenge and humiliation is not an option in this public forum. Unless it’s in the AB&G and Icehouse of course.
Remember this Forum is on the web and anyone can read it. It’s like having your details splattered all over the TV and Newspapers. Many read here and not just the people who post.
Remember this when you are posting. We will not remove posts or topics unless there is a serious breach of TOS. You make your bed, you lie in it.
I also ask that if a member posts about something that they are not happy with in forum to assist then by posting a possible solution.
An example is, “There are not enough poses for MM”. Then please also include in your post some ideas or at least one pose you would like to see included in MM. This helps to open up the debate and for more ideas where we can push for more poses. We have been working sometime to do this.
I have to say, it frustrates me when statements are made like this in general and I usually ask for more detail so we can try and change things. Help us to help you.
I also react and attempt to resolve issues in the game if approached by complaints and queries, and this happens quite regular with me, and that can range from helping people with profiles, account problems or complaints in general. This is to assist members and hopefully for them to find Achat welcoming and encourage them to maintain membership and / or to join as a premium member. I know a few of you do this too. Thank you.
I do not police the game except if I see a serious breach of TOS that could threaten the existence of the site and happen across it myself. This is usually to do with children or animals.
The last thing I want is to come across as a self righteous numb skull.
At the end of the day, I am a member and player like you who happens to have been asked to be a Moderator. And just to make it clear, we are volunteers, we do not get any reward or special discount for this. The only reward we get is your thanks and that of the Achat Gods. We pay like everyone else.
So I ask again, What do you want and expect from the Moderators of your Forum Village?
AChat Forum
