the life of a moderator....

[Shaun]

Life on the payroll (to coin a phrase) is a tough life. I started off on this forum as a regular member and fell in love with the place. No responsibilities, no hassles, just a great bunch of people sharing ideas and talking about the kind of stuff that I was into. Things change when you're asked to take on a roll as moderator or admin. I've always been a laid back kind of guy and never confrontational. With this job you're putting yourself in the firing line all the time. Understandably, no-one likes being moderated or confronted about anything, I've been on the receiving end on other forum's and I don't particularly like it either. There's always going to be occasions where people aren't happy about a course of action one of the mods/admins take, but we do have to be proactive for the benefit of the site as a whole. When we don’t pick up on things we’ve been accused of being inconsistent. When we try to be fair and consistent our actions are conceived as moans or over the top.

Callum brought up a point stating that rules will always be broken, and he's right. However, the vast majority of rule infractions can be avoided as they've not been intentionally posted with the intent of breaking the rules. A little pre-thought before posting can prevent the majority of the moderating on the forum.

I don't think any of the moderators/admins like enforcing the rules or coming down hard on people, but unfortunately we do have to from time to time. If the rules weren't there the forum would descend into chaos, I've been on forums with little or no moderation and it's not pretty. I’ve also been on forums where the moderating was too heavy handed and unfriendly, which I don’t think is the case here. I'm always happy to help in any way I can.

There’s times I have to defend my stance regarding moderating decisions or continually have to repeat things to get a point across. I accept that’s part of the job. On top of that I spend countless hours behind the scenes going over upload documentation for the validator sites, plus countless other tasks. Sometimes I wonder if it’s all worth it…..
I don’t wonder for long though. I love this forum. I think without a doubt we have the best forum members of any forum I’ve been involved in. The amount I’ve learned since joining the MDD has without a doubt benefited my business ten-fold.

To finish this off I just want to clarify that I’ve never taken the decision to moderate anyone lightly, and it’s by no means a reflection of what I personally think of you if I’ve had to take action. It can be difficult at times as I have to moderate people I regard as friends, and that’s the worst part of being an admin where there’s a close-nit bunch of people.

The conclusion to this post is that if more people took a little time to familiarize themselves with the very few forum guidelines we have, the forum staff would have very little to do and it would be a nicer place all round.

Anyways…thanks for listening, I'll step off the soap box for now. :approve:

[Jiggles]

:D Shaun i think the smilie for you

:soapbox:


:D:D:D:D:D:D

I think your doing a great job. I hope i become one :D :cool: :rolleyes: :) :p

[Shaun]

That soap box smilie is too angry, Callum. Mine's was a happy soap box moment. :D

[Jiggles]

That soap box smilie is too angry, Callum. Mine's was a happy soap box moment. :D


Hmm Ill have to create a new one then :D:D A happy one :P

[Corabar Steve]

Well said Shaun

[Candybeatdiscos]

her hear shaun, i think some members of forums (not just this one) dont think about the hard work that goes on behind the scenes, i mean all we do is type in the address and read some posts and make some posts, but sometimes some people do it without thinking first

A How will it read to someone else?
B Am i repaeating a post someone else made
C Although i dont find it offensive - will someone else?
D If i use txt speak is ang or steve gonna kick my A%$@ (sorry i needed to bypass the swear bit for effect)

I think the mods do an effective job, as you say not over handed although some think it is, if they think this is bad try some others....

End of the day I want to read a forum that i have an interest in, with people i like to communicate with and if i do post in the wrong section, or perhaps my words don't come out right i like to think that

A Someone is reading it
B Someone may decide that it deserves to be in a place where it will be more effective
C that someone will take the time and say "hey Gaz (or lewnics), your post is ok apart from.... but dont worry i editted it for ya, just dont do it again etc

Plus if something is mentioned or moved by an admin or moderator, they are usually found somewhere on the forum (although they too have to work rest & play) and wil soon enough respond to a PM and explain why, if you can provide a valid point then i am sure they will look at it on that basis and make a decison, which hopefully resolves any confusion.

anyways.........thats my tuppence

[Penfold42]

I know it was not meant as a moan but keep up the good work Shaun and all the rest you - you do a good job....
I know i'm not the best forum member but am learning.....

And try this out for size...it will put a smile on your face guaranteed...:D :D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCWw6W5NEa8&mode=related&search=

[ian8limelight]

I know it was not meant as a moan but keep up the good work Shaun and all the rest you - you do a good job....
I know i'm not the best forum member but am learning.....

And try this out for size...it will put a smile on your face guaranteed...:D :D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCWw6W5NEa8&mode=related&search=

Cheers Tony, your comments (and link) much appreciated !! :D

[Penfold42]

Cheers Tony, your comments (and link) much appreciated !! :D

Glad you liked it....:D told you it would make anyone smile.....;)

[Shaun]

Cheers Tony. :D

You've just helped me decide what to do with a rare Saturday night off. I'll dig out Monty Python and chill with a few beers. Sorted! :)


p.s. Thank you for kind comments.

[Penfold42]

You've just helped me decide what to do with a rare Saturday night off. I'll dig out Monty Python and chill with a few beers. Sorted! :)

What a great idea....few beers coupled with the Scottish tipple....and while you do that I shall post as many :Censored: posts as possible...giving you something else to do when you get back.....everyones a winner....:D :D

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Life on the payroll (to coin a phrase) is a tough life. I started off on this forum as a regular member and fell in love with the place. No responsibilities, no hassles, just a great bunch of people sharing ideas and talking about the kind of stuff that I was into. Things change when you're asked to take on a roll as moderator or admin. I've always been a laid back kind of guy and never confrontational. With this job you're putting yourself in the firing line all the time. Understandably, no-one likes being moderated or confronted about anything, I've been on the receiving end on other forum's and I don't particularly like it either. There's always going to be occasions where people aren't happy about a course of action one of the mods/admins take, but we do have to be proactive for the benefit of the site as a whole. When we don’t pick up on things we’ve been accused of being inconsistent. When we try to be fair and consistent our actions are conceived as moans or over the top.

Callum brought up a point stating that rules will always be broken, and he's right. However, the vast majority of rule infractions can be avoided as they've not been intentionally posted with the intent of breaking the rules. A little pre-thought before posting can prevent the majority of the moderating on the forum.

I don't think any of the moderators/admins like enforcing the rules or coming down hard on people, but unfortunately we do have to from time to time. If the rules weren't there the forum would descend into chaos, I've been on forums with little or no moderation and it's not pretty. I’ve also been on forums where the moderating was too heavy handed and unfriendly, which I don’t think is the case here. I'm always happy to help in any way I can.

There’s times I have to defend my stance regarding moderating decisions or continually have to repeat things to get a point across. I accept that’s part of the job. On top of that I spend countless hours behind the scenes going over upload documentation for the validator sites, plus countless other tasks. Sometimes I wonder if it’s all worth it…..
I don’t wonder for long though. I love this forum. I think without a doubt we have the best forum members of any forum I’ve been involved in. The amount I’ve learned since joining the MDD has without a doubt benefited my business ten-fold.

To finish this off I just want to clarify that I’ve never taken the decision to moderate anyone lightly, and it’s by no means a reflection of what I personally think of you if I’ve had to take action. It can be difficult at times as I have to moderate people I regard as friends, and that’s the worst part of being an admin where there’s a close-nit bunch of people.

The conclusion to this post is that if more people took a little time to familiarize themselves with the very few forum guidelines we have, the forum staff would have very little to do and it would be a nicer place all round.

Anyways…thanks for listening, I'll step off the soap box for now. :approve:


A bit late as I've been away, but great post Shaun. :)

[Vibrant Sounds]

I think DJ related forum mods are great chaps and to be applauded for their devotion and dedication to the cause.

[theoloyla]

I agree! I really like this forum - thats why I keep coming back to it. Someone has to enforce some order to protect anything and whilst it may irk us sometimes to get our wrists slapped the mods on here do a good job.

[rob1963]

I think DJ related forum mods are great chaps and to be applauded for their devotion and dedication to the cause.


I agree! I really like this forum - thats why I keep coming back to it. Someone has to enforce some order to protect anything and whilst it may irk us sometimes to get our wrists slapped the mods on here do a good job.

What they said! :agree:

[Vibrant Sounds]

I think DJ related forum mods are great chaps and to be applauded for their devotion and dedication to the cause.

I couldn't find the 'tongue in cheek' emoticon.

It was meant as a joke as I am a mod on another DJ forum.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I couldn't find the 'tongue in cheek' emoticon.

It was meant as a joke as I am a mod on another DJ forum.

Is that the forum that there are more mods than posters? :p :D

[Vibrant Sounds]

Is that the forum that there are more mods than posters? :p :D

Apparantly, LOL. No I am not a mod on here:p

[chips]

Hi,

Keep up the Good Work:)

Seems like youve sumed it up well,what ever forums you look at there are always people who dont seem to be on there to help people only to cause trouble.

If you read there rules they always read firm but fair.

Theres a guy on another forum,a car forum...doesnt post anything to help as to car problems.He owns a Mac computer and as soon as there are any posts about computers or computer problems hes always the first to get the ball rolling about the Mac V PC comments and works hard to try and get everyone to fight,not that i really give a dam about computers and whats best :rolleyes:

[DJMaxG]

I think that the moderation on this board is good, not under or over moderating. However, I think that all posts pending moderation that are on the topic of the original post should at least be accepted. I know that I for one, have taken the time to write out posts before (very constructive, infact), that weren't approved of; and it made me think twice before posting on any thread again. ;)

[James]

From an outside point of view, i like this this site, and i like the regulars who post on here, but there's a few things that bug me.

It can be a little o.t.t. with the moderating at times, i understand you're trying to keep it family friendly, but as an outsider, it does come across as a dictatorship.

If the forum was a country, it would definitely be China.

Another thing that bugs me, is the 'i hope it's legal of course' catchphrase some of the forum members seem to coin.

If everyone adopted that approach, there'd be no white label stuff like this around... YouTube- Mashup :: Louis Armstrong vs Radiohead - What A Wonderful Surprise

Music is meant to be experimented with and played around with, obviously i'm not saying it should be free for any tom dick or harry to download at will but some guy on the forum asked for a michael jackson mash up, then the old 'i hope it's legal' catchphrase came in and i thought to myself 'why?'

If i wanted to make a michael jackson mash up, i'd make one myself using a piece of software, it's not legal, but all the MJ records i own, i've paid for, if you see my point?

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

it's not legal, but all the MJ records i own, i've paid for, if you see my point?

Nope.

Illegal is illegal.

I don't want and won't have people either asking for anything slightly dodgy on here. It has never happened and never will.

[James]

Hey, i understand, that's just my opinion, i know the rules of the forum now.

I hope you wouldn't think any less of me if i did decide to make my own mash up though?

[Shaun]

If the forum was a country, it would definitely be China.



I propose a new forum logo.... :D

[James]

Ha ha, good one

Maybe the Maubile disco dictatorship

I'm only messing chaps, it's not a dictatorship, but from a comical sense you could see it like that with all the rules/regulations etc.

[Vectis]

I like 'all' the "rules & regulations" in here. It keeps the idiots out, well most of them anyway :p

Myself and my good wife like to travel. We've been to lots of places and there are many more on the 'to-do' list. But there are a few countries with whom we have objections to certain policies, ways of life and historical events. And we've chosen not to go there because we have these objections.

:cool:

[rob1963]

The conclusion to this post is that if more people took a little time to familiarize themselves with the very few forum guidelines we have, the forum staff would have very little to do and it would be a nicer place all round.

Aren't there about 33 different rules & regulations?...and that's without the ones containing part a, b, c etc.

I doubt whether many people would call that a "very few", if anyone at all.


It can be a little o.t.t. with the moderating at times, i understand you're trying to keep it family friendly, but as an outsider, it does come across as a dictatorship.

:zip:


If the forum was a country, it would definitely be China.

Or on some occasions Germany during world war two!


it's not a dictatorship, but from a comical sense you could see it like that with all the rules/regulations etc.

According to the OP, there are "very few" forum guidelines!

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

If we carried the rules through every single time and weren't lenient sometimes Rob, you would have been banned ages ago, so I suggest you keep your opinions to yourself on this one rather than stirring up trouble.

[andyw]

i know it's an old thread, but come on shaun stop moaning i pay a £1 every month so you must be paid hansomely, and i assume that means the rules don't apply to me surely:)
(just in case anyone misses the smiley that was totally in jest, please don't ban me:bowdown: )


Aren't there about 33 different rules & regulations?...and that's without the ones containing part a, b, c etc.

I doubt whether many people would call that a "very few", if anyone at all.



:zip:



Or on some occasions Germany during world war two!



According to the OP, there are "very few" forum guidelines!

i would call that a few in real terms rob, and not only is it not that many but they are easily accesable, if we are in doubt, we can also contact any mod or admin via pm if we are still unsure(something i have done on a few occasions, and not once have i had my head bitten off for asking for advice on whether to post something)
the rules are for all our benefit and we all agree to them before signing up, moderating is a thankless task but without it the forum would be a far less friendly place with a lot less regular posters (or should i say posters that are worth listening too and not causing arguments all the time)

anyway to shaun, and all the others behind the scene you are problably appreciated by more of us ,a lot more often then you realise, so keep it up
thank you:beer1:
and to those that don't:ner: :Laugh:

[Excalibur]

I like 'all' the "rules & regulations" in here.
I've just re-read the rules, and to be honest, by far the greatest amount of them are no more than politeness, common courtesy, common sense, and self protection. Nothing draconian, unreasonable, unhelpful, or difficult to comply with. Apart from the beloved rule 23. :o :o :D :D




It keeps the idiots out, well most of them anyway :p
Well I still got in. :p :D :D



Myself and my good wife like to travel. We've been to lots of places and there are many more on the 'to-do' list. But there are a few countries with whom we have objections to certain policies, ways of life and historical events. And we've chosen not to go there because we have these objections.
:cool:

In much the same way as some internet forums. Quite right, young Vectis.

[Daryll]

Having looked in the forum rules , there are a lot less here than on other forum sites (non DJ) , I would add that most of the rules are plain common sense , I can see why the admin`s and mods get a little frayed when the same rules are broken time and time again , forum and personal etiquette are not rocket science :D .

Daryll

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

a little frayed

I like that phrase. :D

[Shaun]

Rob, a quick quote from the 'trolling' thread. A piece of friendly advice, please think carefully before posting things that could be construed as such.


A classic troll is trying to make us believe that he is a genuine skeptic with no hidden agenda. He is divisive and argumentative with need-to-be-right attitude, "searching for the truth", flaming discussion, and sometimes insulting people or provoking people to insult him. Troll is usually an expert in reusing the same words of its opponents and in turning it against them.
While sometimes, he may sound like a stupid, uninformed, ignorant poster, do not be deceived! Most trolls are highly intelligent people trying to hide behind a mask of stupidity and/or ignorance! They usually have an agenda.

He is generally interested to make other forum members look stupid. A troll will sometimes use insults to provoke other people to insult him.

[Corabar Entertainment]

I like that phrase. :D

Yes... except the next stage after fraying is unravelling :D

[rob1963]

If we carried the rules through every single time and weren't lenient sometimes Rob, you would have been banned ages ago, so I suggest you keep your opinions to yourself on this one rather than stirring up trouble.

This is clearly another thread where you don't want me posting.

I'll therefore bow out now & leave it for everybody else to continue the discussion.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

You can post on anything you like Rob, but you are doing your usual trick of trying to provoke a reaction.

Play nice and we won't have to say anything.

[Excalibur]

Yes... except the next stage after fraying is unravelling :D

I can't get the joke in without somebody thinking it's an insult. :bang: :cry:

A somewhat Gordian problem.:( :confused: :D :D

[DeckstarDeluxe]

Gotta say If I was an Admin there wouldnt be anyone here including myself :D

Keep up the good work guys

[Corabar Entertainment]

Well, as this thread was linked to in another thread recently, I decided to re-read it....
Gotta say If I was an Admin there wouldnt be anyone here including myself :D

Keep up the good work guysWell, Neil, since you first posted this, you have become a mod on here, and we've still got some members left (you included :p )

Any changes in your thoughts from the other side of the fence? :)

[andyw]

Well, as this thread was linked to in another thread recently, I decided to re-read it....Well, Neil, since you first posted this, you have become a mod on here, and we've still got some members left (you included :p )

Any changes in your thoughts from the other side of the fence? :)

thats because he hasn't found the BAN button yet, neil a clue it's the big red one marked BAN. how many times have you asked yourself why did I cross over.(actually that came be taken 2 ways , so take it however you feel:) :beer1: )

[DeckstarDeluxe]

Yeah, its worse than that I thought!

[Charlie Brown]

There are a few comments on the previous page (4) that made me laugh. Have a guess as to what they are but refrain from posting them. ;)

[Penfold42]

Yeah, its worse than that I thought!

You see things in a different light.......:D :D :D

[StarZSoundS]

Yeah, its worse than that I thought!

YEAH....But just think about the Wages!!!;) ;) ;) ;) ;)

[Charlie Brown]

YEAH....But just think about the Wages!!!;) ;) ;) ;) ;)

:confused:

[andyw]

YEAH....But just think about the Wages!!!;) ;) ;) ;) ;)


Yeah, its worse than that I thought!

he is:)

[Penfold42]

But the drinks are cheaper in the bar! :p

[DeckstarDeluxe]

What wages would that be Martin?

The wages that have been mentioned time and time again on the forum?

[StarZSoundS]

What wages would that be Martin?



I was pullling your leg....i'm pretty sure the Mods work is voluntrary...:devil: :devil: :devil: :devil: :devil:

[Charlie Brown]

I was pullling your leg....i'm pretty sure the Mods work is voluntrary...:devil: :devil: :devil: :devil: :devil:

It is. :beer1: