Mod Behaviour

There was no resolution or any offering whatsoever? So, just bide your time to dismiss something rather any worthwhile engagement? Pretty much sums up the attitude.

Says mod next to his name. I did report it. And I messaged the post to another mod. No response. Pretty much sums it up, doesn't it?

Incidentally, around the time I created that thread, my notifications and messages were gone through. I could tell because all the messages I left unanswered and notifications I didn't click on changed without me doing so. The red numbering of each notification tab changed. Is that common practice? It felt like all the messages I was getting from other posters about the mod thread were being gone through. I didn't open them, yet the numbering changed on how many messages I had.

On a separate note:

There should be a system set up that allows performance ratings, positive and negative feedback for mod performance on a thread, and a public timetable for what and when mods are due to mod and end moderation of a thread.

1. Moderator Performance Review System: Introduce a structured system enabling forum members to provide structured, objective feedback on moderators' performance. This system will be designed to ensure fairness and prevent misuse, focusing on constructive feedback that aligns with the forum's guidelines and moderation principles.
2. Balanced Feedback Mechanism: Establish a balanced platform for users to submit both commendations and constructive criticism about moderators. This approach aims to foster a culture of continuous improvement and open communication while maintaining respect and professionalism.
3. Moderation Schedule Transparency: Implement a clear, publicly accessible schedule outlining moderators' active periods and responsibilities. This will enhance transparency regarding moderation activities while considering the flexibility required to accommodate moderators' availability and unforeseen circumstances.

Allowing Direct Mentions and Replies to Moderators

Pros:

Enhanced Communication: It can foster open dialogue between users and moderators, potentially leading to a more transparent and collaborative community environment.

Quick Resolution of Issues: Direct communication can help in promptly addressing misunderstandings, questions, or concerns related to moderation actions.

Community Engagement: It can make moderators more approachable and integrated within the community, breaking down barriers between users and the moderation team.

Cons:

Risk of Overload: Moderators might become overwhelmed with mentions and replies, especially in large forums, making it difficult to address all concerns effectively.

Potential for Conflict: Direct interactions might lead to public arguments or confrontations, especially if a user disagrees with a moderation decision.

Disallowing Direct Mentions and Replies to Moderators

Pros:

Moderator Protection: It helps in protecting moderators from direct harassment, personal attacks, or undue pressure from users.

Structured Communication: It encourages users to use proper channels (like private messages or a designated feedback area) for raising concerns or feedback, which can be more manageable. (But a mod needs to be able to communicate. Not all can.)

Focus on Content Moderation: Moderators can concentrate on their primary role of content moderation without the distraction of personal messages or mentions.

Cons:

Perceived Lack of Transparency: It might create a perception of moderators being distant or unaccountable to the community.

Barrier to Immediate Feedback: Users may feel that their concerns or questions are less likely to be addressed promptly or directly.

The decision to allow or disallow direct mentions and replies to moderators should be based on a balance between maintaining effective moderation, protecting moderators from potential abuse, and fostering a healthy community dialogue. The specific context of the forum, its size, the nature of discussions, and available resources for moderation should all be considered in making this decision. It's also beneficial to have clear guidelines and alternative channels for feedback and communication with the moderation team. And I stress team because some mods are simply terrible at communication and understanding anything outside of their own tunnel vision just as much as any poster. A poster should have access to mods.

Archiving a discussion without notifying the creator can be seen as less than ideal in terms of community management and transparency.

Respect for Contributors: Informing users about changes to their discussions is a sign of respect. It acknowledges their contribution and time invested in the community.

Transparency: Notification helps maintain transparency in moderation actions, which is crucial for building trust within the community.

Feedback Opportunity: If a discussion is archived for specific reasons (e.g., being off-topic, redundant, or violating guidelines), notifying the creator provides an opportunity for them to understand and learn from the decision.

Community Engagement: Engaged users appreciate being kept in the loop. This practice can encourage continued participation and a sense of belonging.

Best Practices

Notification System: Ideally, forums should strive to have a system that automatically notifies users when significant actions are taken on their posts or discussions.

Feedback Channels: Providing channels for users to inquire or give feedback about moderation actions can enhance communication and trust.

While the practice of not notifying users might occur due to various reasons, it's generally considered good practice to inform users about significant actions taken on their contributions. This approach promotes a healthier, more transparent, and engaging community environment.

You're telling me that Mods and Administrators, especially those involved in the technical aspects of running the platform, don't have broader access to the system, which enables them to access private messages? This level of access is usually necessary for maintaining a platform, handling technical issues, or complying with legal requests. Don't insult my intelligence with that kind of response.

So, you stand by this mod's comment?

Moderators are volunteers? Ah, no wonder it's such a **** show.

Most of the mod comments on that now archived thread were about protecting the mod and his role. Really nasty attitude toward posters for the most part. One of the mod responses was 'grow up, lads.' That's the level we're at, is it?

As far as I can see this Help desk and all avenues toward a mod and 'communication' is a sham. Birds of a feather stick together is the mod motto and there will be no serious discussion of anything a poster brings up. Just a sidestepping from directly addressing anything. Like, I told you that I reported that post and I messaged it to another mod and there was no response. And you, likewise, sidestepped that, without a response. Mods can act how they like and can continue dismissively without any repercussions. One of the huge problems of this site is there is no way to hold posters or mods to any standard. Well, posters get banned and warnings (often from biased mods). But I don't see that same standard applied to mods on any level. It has to be addressed.

How convenient.

Case in point, numerous mods posted on the Gangland Shootings thread to not post about anything else gangland related and to keep it to shootings. I tried to create another thread that would deal with other topics related to gangland. A mod closed it down saying there was another gangland thread and there was no need for another. I sent the mod two messages to explain - no response, over a week later. Now, that's just plain stupid. It shows mods sticking together, trying to make some point about sticking together, even going against the directives and 'rules' they apparently uphold. It's pathetic.

I didn't get myself thread banned. You banned me for something innocuous.

Beasty January 4

You are being warned for the following post:

evolvingtipperary101✭✭✭

Jan 3, 2024

Gangland Shootings part 4 - Read OP before posting - updated 30/12/23

Snr still fighting for his life

View Post

Do not post in this thread again