Warning in Leaving Cert

John Sugrue

Hi All,

This is not a major issue but one I would like to draw attention to. I received a warning from a moderator in the Leaving Cert forum for the use of the term 'Mr. Smartass'. As I explained to the moderator in my PM following the warning, this was meant jokingly and has been misconstrued by the moderator, who admits in his response that nobody reported the comment.

He tells me this: "You should also be aware, however, that forums vary to some extent as to the amount of leeway allowable. LC has always been and always will be quite tightly moderated in comparison to some other forums, in order to ensure that it provides a useful and calm environment for the discussion of issues pertaining to the Leaving Cert, something which is in itself sufficiently stressful for most people undertaking it without having to endure a stressed and antagonistic atmosphere in this forum."

By and large, I accept this reasoning. I regret making the comment. I will be more careful in future.

However, my issue is now one of transparency and equality on the forums. The moderator in question is called 'randylonghorn'. His profile clarifies this as 'exactly what it says on the tin'. What's more, he has an avatar on his profile with the term 'porn star' on it. Nobody can dispute that this is a sexually explicit username and profile and given that he is so active in the Leaving Cert forum and that his profile is thus easily viewable by those under 18 who he claims require an additional degree of moderator protection, I feel that it is hypocritical and unfair, that such a person can discipline me for using the term 'smartass'.

Nevertheless, I do not expect any satisfying response to this post. From reading other threads in this forum, it is clear that the majority of moderators will cover each other even against the most logical of arguments (of which I believe this is one). But I feel that drawing everybody's attention to an apparent double-standard is worthwhile. However, if any moderator does feel that randylonghorn's profile is indeed inappropriate and should be renamed, especially given his specific role on the site, I would be very appreciative (and, unfortunately, surprised).

Regards,
JS

Asiaprod

Hi JS
Re your concern for transparency and double standards, this topic is better suited to the Feedback forum should you wish to pursue it.

Since you have no issue with the warning you were given there is not much for me to do with this thread. So I will close it as resolved.