Moderators

[bushako]

I've been using this site for quiet some time now. But unlike other forums i haven't seen any Moderators around. Only an Administrator who happens to be Magnus. Was wondering why is that?

[ultrablue662]

fangpyre is the mod in some of the sections. I believe Crystal is as well. Or maybe I'm wrong.

I am the mod of those sections no one ever posts in, thats why I dont usually show up as a mod. If you were to post in one of those sections, my super mod powers would then be activated and I would (I hope) be able to launch a counter attach to a Pikachu!

All kidding aside, I think that fact that these boards have so few mods and we STILL are able to keep everything together is a great thing. No fights, flames, inappropriate posts... I think its the quality of members and the fact that everyone here knows that for a Mac anything to work in this part of the world a joint team effort must be given... including Pikachu.

[bushako]

fangpyre is the mod in some of the sections. I believe Crystal is as well. Or maybe I'm wrong.

I am the mod of those sections no one ever posts in, thats why I dont usually show up as a mod. If you were to post in one of those sections, my super mod powers would then be activated and I would (I hope) be able to launch a counter attach to a Pikachu!

All kidding aside, I think that fact that these boards have so few mods and we STILL are able to keep everything together is a great thing. No fights, flames, inappropriate posts... I think its the quality of members and the fact that everyone here knows that for a Mac anything to work in this part of the world a joint team effort must be given... including Pikachu.

But isn't constructive criticism important in any development as well?

[bushako]

Even if there are Mods out there, i think it would be wise to state that title under their user name. It gives a competitive edge and PROBABLY something to do with being a role model.

With regards to constructive criticism, even though we rarely encounter any problems amongst users, the increase in moderators can help in dividng the tasks to improve the site in many ways.
But thats my thoughts anyway.

Edit: Where did Pikachu come in the picture?lol..

[ultrablue662]

Didnt you say this: "I've been using this site for quiet some time now?"

If so you would have noticed criticism and debate about all aspects of Macs n here. From pricing in the MENA region to how... "special" sales staff are at iStyle. to...

But debate doesnt equal fighting. And maybe Magnus has seen otherwise, but things never escalate to the point they do at say, my car forums where at least 5 people are warned and one is banned a day.

Thats something to be proud of.

So you want more moderators even when they arent needed? Why not just have everyone be their own moderator? It's been working thus far.

Oh man, Pikachu is everywhere! and into everything! keep an eye out, you'll see. but be nice, if he starts glowing... RUN!

[bushako]

Didnt you say this: "I've been using this site for quiet some time now?"

If so you would have noticed criticism and debate about all aspects of Macs n here. From pricing in the MENA region to how... "special" sales staff are at iStyle. to...

But debate doesnt equal fighting. And maybe Magnus has seen otherwise, but things never escalate to the point they do at say, my car forums where at least 5 people are warned and one is banned a day.

Thats something to be proud of.

So you want more moderators even when they arent needed? Why not just have everyone be their own moderator? It's been working thus far.

Oh man, Pikachu is everywhere! and into everything! keep an eye out, you'll see. but be nice, if he starts glowing... RUN!

Well i recall Magnus has mentioned on several occasions that he seldom gets the time to do changes/improvements on the website and he has also mentioned that on several threads. Based on that i came to a conclusion that moderators were needed

Pikachu wants to see a debate between iphones and other phones such as Pre, G1 and N97 heehee...

[fangpyre]

Like Ultra said, luckily the site is civilized.
We get users that are rude sometimes, but they usually get ambushed by the users or don't get the response they want, so they simply leave.
There are rare cases that people have been banned because they get out of control.

We encourage criticism, as long as it is civil.
But obviously anything that is anti-Mac is an invitation to a bashing.
And as long as it stays civil, there isn't a problem.

Magnus doesn't have much time to make changes, but together we manage to keep it under control.
Basically our job is to keep out spam, and keep things in order.
We're open for suggestions.

And if you want a debate, feel free to start it.
We already started one on the Pre once.
But nobody has much experience with it, since it hasn't reached here yet.

[bushako]

Like Ultra said, luckily the site is civilized.
We get users that are rude sometimes, but they usually get ambushed by the users or don't get the response they want, so they simply leave.
There are rare cases that people have been banned because they get out of control.

We encourage criticism, as long as it is civil.
But obviously anything that is anti-Mac is an invitation to a bashing.
And as long as it stays civil, there isn't a problem.

Magnus doesn't have much time to make changes, but together we manage to keep it under control.
Basically our job is to keep out spam, and keep things in order.
We're open for suggestions.

And if you want a debate, feel free to start it.
We already started one on the Pre once.
But nobody has much experience with it, since it hasn't reached here yet.

Well i guess that answers it, thanks for the reply. I will keep that in mind.
As for the Pre i have noticed that alot of people like to put it up for debate between iphones and other smartphones. Sometimes it really gets tense even when they have never touched it before.

[Magnus]

Yes I don't have much time to put towards updating the look of the site but still manage to keep checking all posts and fangpyre and Crystal help too. And let's not forget Zaid who takes care of the Arabic forum. I agree they should have the label Moderator, that's something I will look at changing. But so far taking care of the site in terms of moderating messages hasn't been much of a problem.

And I think we have a healthy level of openness and debate on the site. I welcome any ideas and criticism. Those who have been around for a while know I typically draw the line when it gets personal and when bad language is used. Civil and constructive discourse is fine. I think more moderators is something that's coming as the site grows and I think it's in principle a good idea but...

Unfortunately, my experience with volunteerism (like with moderators for the site) is that many people are very excited to start with but that quickly disappears after a few weeks or months. So for someone to become moderator they would have to really prove themselves over a long period of time. And since the site is really the site for EMUG, they would, in my mind at least, also have to show their support for EMUG in general, like coming to meetings, etc. Few people see any value in putting in so much work for no pay, and I can't say I blame anyone for taking that stance. I guess I've done it because I really like the community and I think that Apple fans here deserve better than what they've been getting. That's also why we've put so much effort into Shufflegazine.

I'd love to be able to have someone working full time on the site and I think it could become really successful, even financially, but that requires an injection of capital, something that so far hasn't happened.

[bushako]

Since you mentioned Injection of Capital. Have you considered putting Ads on the Website for other companies? Since the site looks like its heading in the right direction and has attracted alot of people and not just Mac users from the Middle East it would seem reasonable to start obtaining a steady source.