Moderating. Your views count.

[Brandybee]

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?

[Nat33]

Hi,

First, I read the whole post carefully and to me that's a feat.
Secondly, don't change, stay as you are moderators 
This will be a year since I visited this forum, read all the posts every day with a certain pleasure.
I'm surprised that there have not more problems on a forum and game whose sole purpose: sexual pleasure and lust!

At first I asked lots of questions, I had my answers on the forum.
All members here are great, I wanted to say.
And if one day I don't agree on a subject, I'll tell believe me 

So in short, I want the same thing for 2014 than for 2013.

Happy New Year 2014 FORUM

PS: Big Kisses BB bzzzzzzzzzz  :-*

[hukk]

Hmm, it's about time someone asks what WE THE PEOPLE want.

*rolls out list of demands*

The moderators here must do the following for us members.

1.) Throw an outrageous party for us every week. Each party must be uniquely themed and different from the last.
2.) To respond to every angry statement produced by all members. Because I want to be acknowledged. NOW.
3.) Be cool. But not too cool otherwise we'll be jealous that you're cooler then us. So just sorta cool. Think James Franco. Just the right level of cool.
4.) Be legit. If you're not, then you must quit.
5.) Don't EVEN.
6.) Stay off my lawn!
7.) Live long and prosper.
8.) Conclude each post with happy emoticons or 'friendly gifs'. Because I need 15+ emoticons to make sure you're providing friendly feedback otherwise, I'll assume you're being sarcastic.
9.)More sexy.
10.) Show me the money.

If you do all the above, we won't have any problems.

[Vaelene]

((Quote from Brandy: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. End quote))

This is a bit hard to answer while learning things still but wanted to try.  For me it is not completely for one thing, it comes from a mix of things that make one big mess.  If that makes any sense at all.  It was a build up of many things bad, and nothing good.

So like with your statement on Cola and people who drink it.  Say someone posts something short asking about Cola.  Like should Cola be “what ever”.  Then the next 2 or 3 people that reply go into things that really had nothing to do with the question.  But rather into off stuff like, “well cans that hold pop are free to hold what ever they want”  and so on.  And do it in a way that has nothing to do with the question, but just post in a way to tease the person who asked the question.

Or say “the letter C can do anything it wants” and so on.  Again nothing to do with the question, just a way to post and do it in a way to tease the person asking the question.  To me that is not a heated debate, just an off sides way to post only to poke at the first poster.

Now after those first few people post simply to poke at the first person and not help with the question at all.  The person who asked the question posts to defend against the poking.  Only to get in trouble for doing so, and nothing really being said or pointed out to the ones who simply posted to poke fun.

So all of that would be many things.  1: There was never a debate or an answer from others about the real question.  Only ways to post to simply poke fun of the poster.  2: The moderating of it was focused on one point, the poster defending themselves in the wrong way.  But not really anything about the ones who posted simply to poke fun.  3:None of the posts where ever to answer the question in the first place, so posting at all turned out to be totally pointless.

Now for all that it was no one persons fault, not a fault of a heated debate, or moderating.  But a bunch of little things leading to a big mess.  I hope everyone can follow this.  Trying to explain as easy as I can.

So of course after such a thing happens, and to someone still pretty new to forums and the like.  The person is likely not to want anything to do with such a mess.  Being proven that one simple thing, can be turned upside down and lead to nothing but insults for ever posting in the first place.  Rather they be insults directed at them, or in cleaver little side ways to not break rules yet still make fun of the poster.  I don't think anyone would want to purposely put themselves in that position again.  And would choose to avoid it.

[hentaiboy69]

First, let me thanks Nat for her kind words for Brandy and the other of us Mods.

Second, Hukk, can you try to not post funny things when it's not needed!? thanks!

Third (last but not least!) …..Vaelelne is right when she said she never had an answer to her question immidiately and her post ad started a discussion about another subject who suddenly turn a bit harsh (it's under the eyes of everyone) even if it have nothing to do with her question (thanks Lover for answering her!): this is something can happen, it do in past and it will be in future cause at last from a simple request who involved an “hot” theme as religion, it's normal someone want to express the idea he/she have about it, the important thing is to take what others write in the right way, as a personal opinion of another person! If people can't accept others opinion, well they can't pretend others are going to forcily agree.

We all must remember this is a public forum (even i f only for premium members) and as in real life we have to share this place with people who have different opinion and use different languages, and trust me….this last thing can lead to many mistake!

now, back on topic……..we modes (i, Brandy, Lover and Bear, to don't mention our old friend Tight who left), are always trying to do our best to let this place be nice and make everyone feel welcome, but we are no perfect (we are all uman, afterall!) so we are happy to listen at yours suggestion, so, please, post them freely!  eccept you, Hukk…..don't spam here, plese! 

[Anonymous]

Lol, HB, I'm glad I saw the otherwise I might have been very rude.

Personally, BB, I think it was completely unnecessary and I am sure it was just so you could start yet another thread where you could post your endless drivel about the story contest. Just you try and make me read the entries.

Hukk, I am beginning to think I have an incontinence problem.

[hukk]

@ HB

No funny business? No spamming?

How am I expected to live in these conditions?  I'll try my best.

@ Su'

I'll warn you before hand about my posts. Also, carry a small plastic bag every where you go if at all possible.  :

[Ginuwine]

Hello I am not that active in this forum but I do read alot here.I agree with Nat,i think the moderators are doing a GREAT job.Lately the forum has been seeing some negative news/feedback and I am sure it will pass. well my Fav mod is Brandy 

[Vaelene]

I like hukk's posts, about the only thing on here that makes me laugh.  Don't make hukk stop being hukk lol. 

I do think the moderators do just fine.  They have to stay at all times in the middle, and keep things even.  That is no easy thing to do at all, if it can even truly be done at times.  So from what you moderators are doing from what I have seen your doing fine. 

I am a little shocked to hear you don't get any throw backs by working as moderators here.  I would think they would at least give you a discount on premium for the game.  Something, you all work hard enough to earn it.

And again, please don't restrict hukk, I need my daily dose of hukk haha's.  ~.^

[hentaiboy69]

Well, Vaelene, we are volunteers here……AChat Gods (as Brandy liks to call the AChat Team) give us this chance to improve the forum. i can swear you it's changed a lot from the begin and now, we don't have to always wait for their official Moderators Susy or Tom if some fix in the posts or section is needed, something really useful!

and no, i don't want Hukk stop to be funny, just i'd like he avoid to do it in important thread as this is! i think we have lots of funny others threads when he can do it……sometimes being serious is neede!

[bluedenim]

2 Things I want to say.
Firstly, a serious one: Thanks to HB for his comments about Vaelene's post, I was beginning to think I had got it wrong

Secondly: Brandy, a self-righteous numbskull? You? 

I so want to write something cheeky here, but as this is a serious thread I'll be restrained… or at least I will be if you can catch me to slip them on!

There are times when I have seriously tested the patience of the mods on this forum. I know that. But when I have erred, I have done as BB suggests and apologized fully without reservation.
I won't apologize for testing their patience though. That's not my job. I might be a sub in the bedroom, but I will stand up for what I believe is right whatever the cost!

Looking back over the last 2 years, I think the moderators do a good job and I can remember when we didn't have any and I'm sure they can remember my opinions from that time too.

nuff said?

[ItsAmy123]

I second James' thoughts!
A great, big, hearty thank you to all the Mods!

[img]http://popcultureperversion.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/tumblr_me62r9pxrl1ql5yr7o1_500.gif%3Fw%3D620[/img]

& A special thank you to Brandy, as I wouldn't have gotten to finally joining this wonderful place if it weren't for her :-*

[hukk]

@ HB

Well fair enough HB, though it's hard for me to switch off from humor. Just a fault I must carry. Though push past the juvenile humor and you'll find I made serious remarks. Just gotta understand Hukk talk. Lemme translate.

“You guys are doing a bang up job. The mods are legit. So legit that they're cool. I greatly admire the fact that all the moderators here respond to all achat issues in a calm and professional fashion. When it comes to the space and privacy (lawn) of other members, the mods once again employ restraint, that thus allows users to feel comfortable in expressing their creative ideas.

Live long and prosper Achat mods!”

And everything else… alright I admit makes no sense. The stay sexy part, was aimed at Lover. And show me the money I used because I saw Jerry Maguire a few days back.

Keep up the good work though.

[denisee40]

Steps up to the microphone…

Hello? Is this thing on? it is? Oh! Yes, my name is Denise and I would like to say some things if I may.

To start, thank you moderators for a wonderful, friendly and definitely fun forum. After discovering the game about a year ago I thought it couldn't get any better but then one evening in the game one of the mods (I won't say their name. Oh Hi LOVER!  oops! ) said hi and encouraged me to visit the forum and introduce myself. I was since hooked after discovering a whole new side of this place with lots of adventure and fun with old and new friends.

I appreciate all the efforts by the mods and admire their courage and perseverance in making this place fun and definitely something to look forward to each time I log in.

I am rather soft spoken and usually don't engage into political and heated topics. oh I probably could but I get enough of that in everyday life. I come here to unwind and have some fun.

Oh… there's the wrap it up music…

Ok, listen forum mods and members, 2013 was a blast! Looking forward to a wonderful 2014! You're all fantastic and I'm having the best time here! Thank you! Thank you! Thank Y…

[tangoracer]

Just a few lines from me on this Matter

To all the for Moderators

BrandyBee : The driving force behind the story contests I Bow my head to your hard work you are always there if anyone needs to talk and help
Please never change

Lover : What can I stay you always find the right answers to any problems that come up in the forums and always  look at both sides of the problem before posting your answers

Bear : I know your very busy behind the scene and i real life but you reading you posts you still keep an eye on the game

and Finally HB : MMMMM what can I say my sweet love I know how hard you work for us and are always willing to help out

So on those few words I say the forum is a better place for having the Moderator that keep a watch full eye over the forums keeping them safe from Abuse and ill will 

PLEASE DON'T CHANGE A THING ABOUT THE MODERATORS OR THE FORUM

Thanks for all your supper hard work over the last year   

[Author]

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