What's the possibility of an additional administrator?
- Galuf the Dwarf
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What's the possibility of an additional administrator?
I was thinking. Since Buck Satan has experienced an increased payload with his offline life, I was wondering if there was any chance that we could have an additional administrator on this board.
One my biggest inspirations for this thought is that Buck is a very busy man, and this is my way of respecting such. I'd hate to see the guy toil too much trying to keep up with a board with the stork heading his way on the Red-Eye Express (unless 'the package has been delivered' already).
I've seen other successful board that have more than one admin (or might just be one; don't know), so I ask if GameBanshee can be able to support more than one at a time.
In short, what's the chance that we could have someone to support GameBanshee as an additional admin, particularly in Buck's necessary absence? I'd really hate to see Buck strain himself with how tied up he is now.
One my biggest inspirations for this thought is that Buck is a very busy man, and this is my way of respecting such. I'd hate to see the guy toil too much trying to keep up with a board with the stork heading his way on the Red-Eye Express (unless 'the package has been delivered' already).
I've seen other successful board that have more than one admin (or might just be one; don't know), so I ask if GameBanshee can be able to support more than one at a time.
In short, what's the chance that we could have someone to support GameBanshee as an additional admin, particularly in Buck's necessary absence? I'd really hate to see Buck strain himself with how tied up he is now.
Dungeon Crawl Inc.: It's the most fun you can have without 3 midgets and a whip! Character stats made by your's truly!
It's definatly something that has been discussed from time to time. Some recent events even brought Xandax and I to a similar conclusion. As is, it seems, Buck has been managing well enough, and I'm sure that if another admin was needed, Buck wouldn't hesitate to nominate one of his underlings up to the position.
- Galuf the Dwarf
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[QUOTE=Aegis]It's definatly something that has been discussed from time to time. Some recent events even brought Xandax and I to a similar conclusion. As is, it seems, Buck has been managing well enough, and I'm sure that if another admin was needed, Buck wouldn't hesitate to nominate one of his underlings up to the position.[/QUOTE]
I had a feeling you or Xandax would say as much.
Note, though, that I was not implying myself for such a position anyways. I was thinking that one of the most probable people for such a job - if the need arose - would actually be fable. If not him, than either your or Xandax. You three practically form a mod triumvirate (sp?) of sorts, though. You three seem to manage this entire board through thick and thin, so deciding one over the other might be tough, at least in my perception.
It's good to see that Buck's still managing well. I was just concerned for the guy to truly become mentally overburdened, but seeing as how he really is managing, I'm silently rejoicing to be proven wrong.
One event that truly made me want to ask this, above all else, was the amount of (near-)ban-worthy offenses that have happened in the last couple of months. In all, I'd guess that maybe that is less of an issue than the entire concept would make itself out to be. Quite a relief, I'd say.
In all, thanks for bolstering my confidence in GameBanshee's management, Aegis. Much appreciated.
I had a feeling you or Xandax would say as much.
Note, though, that I was not implying myself for such a position anyways. I was thinking that one of the most probable people for such a job - if the need arose - would actually be fable. If not him, than either your or Xandax. You three practically form a mod triumvirate (sp?) of sorts, though. You three seem to manage this entire board through thick and thin, so deciding one over the other might be tough, at least in my perception.
It's good to see that Buck's still managing well. I was just concerned for the guy to truly become mentally overburdened, but seeing as how he really is managing, I'm silently rejoicing to be proven wrong.
One event that truly made me want to ask this, above all else, was the amount of (near-)ban-worthy offenses that have happened in the last couple of months. In all, I'd guess that maybe that is less of an issue than the entire concept would make itself out to be. Quite a relief, I'd say.
In all, thanks for bolstering my confidence in GameBanshee's management, Aegis. Much appreciated.
Dungeon Crawl Inc.: It's the most fun you can have without 3 midgets and a whip! Character stats made by your's truly!
Well, there are certainly some other members of the GB staff that could handle such a job, I just think that Fable, Xandax and I are probably the most active of the entire Moderator staff. We generally try to work together, all the while trying not to infringe upon the jurisdiction of another one of the mods.
Rest assured, though. Buck has kept things well in hand, and is it stands, another forum admin doesn't appear to be needed. This is on part of the fact that the GB community happens to be a fine community, in which many people have a sense of curtosy and maturity, that many other forum communities seem to lack.
Rest assured, though. Buck has kept things well in hand, and is it stands, another forum admin doesn't appear to be needed. This is on part of the fact that the GB community happens to be a fine community, in which many people have a sense of curtosy and maturity, that many other forum communities seem to lack.
- jopperm2
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I actually think that someone who is more in the background would make a better Admin should the need ever arise. It's akward to have an Admin spamming along side of you IMO. Buck rarely does that. A place to escape like this can actually be a great thing for a new father. My daughter is 14 months old and I can't wait to go to work sometimes to fell a little more like myself. It makes it so that every night on my way home, I can't wait to get there either.
"Those who desire to give up freedom in order to gain security,
will not have, nor do they deserve, either one."
Thomas Jefferson
will not have, nor do they deserve, either one."
Thomas Jefferson
[QUOTE=jopperm2]I actually think that someone who is more in the background would make a better Admin should the need ever arise. It's akward to have an Admin spamming along side of you IMO. Buck rarely does that. A place to escape like this can actually be a great thing for a new father. My daughter is 14 months old and I can't wait to go to work sometimes to fell a little more like myself. It makes it so that every night on my way home, I can't wait to get there either. [/QUOTE]
I think the general idea behind the addition of another Admin would be one is more active. Buck has an incredably active life at the moment, not to mention maintaining this website, as well as his own career. With all that combined, for him to do everything would allow little free time for himself. That was one of the original motivations behind inducting Moderators into the fold in the first place, so Buck wouldn't have to police everything on his own.
As it is now, I don't think that another admin is needed all that badly, as most people adhere to the rulings made by Moderators in certain situations, and as such, we need only invoke Buck, as an Admin, in the worst of situations. Granted, there are times when more swift action may be needed, and Buck is unavalible for whatever reason that may be, but those instances are very few, and very far between.
I think the general idea behind the addition of another Admin would be one is more active. Buck has an incredably active life at the moment, not to mention maintaining this website, as well as his own career. With all that combined, for him to do everything would allow little free time for himself. That was one of the original motivations behind inducting Moderators into the fold in the first place, so Buck wouldn't have to police everything on his own.
As it is now, I don't think that another admin is needed all that badly, as most people adhere to the rulings made by Moderators in certain situations, and as such, we need only invoke Buck, as an Admin, in the worst of situations. Granted, there are times when more swift action may be needed, and Buck is unavalible for whatever reason that may be, but those instances are very few, and very far between.
[QUOTE=jopperm2]What I meant by inactive is someone who doesn't take part in all our goofy discusssions.. more of a lurker.[/QUOTE]
I don't personally think that a "lurker" would be able to have the same "flair" when moderating a community, as somebody active within the community.
The reason Buck "gets away" with it is because - well he is Buck - but if somebody you'd hardly ever seen before suddenly started telling you to alter your behaviour, the situation would be more flamable then if somebody you "knew" did the same.
Especially in a forum of the composition as GameBanshee.
Personally - I'd rather be corrected by somebody I know and "trust", then somebody I've hardly ever seen before.
Anyways - I can see my views are nicely represented by Aegis in this thread, so not much need for me to restate my opinnion
I don't personally think that a "lurker" would be able to have the same "flair" when moderating a community, as somebody active within the community.
The reason Buck "gets away" with it is because - well he is Buck - but if somebody you'd hardly ever seen before suddenly started telling you to alter your behaviour, the situation would be more flamable then if somebody you "knew" did the same.
Especially in a forum of the composition as GameBanshee.
Personally - I'd rather be corrected by somebody I know and "trust", then somebody I've hardly ever seen before.
Anyways - I can see my views are nicely represented by Aegis in this thread, so not much need for me to restate my opinnion
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[QUOTE=Galuf the Dwarf]I was thinking. Since Buck Satan has experienced an increased payload with his offline life, I was wondering if there was any chance that we could have an additional administrator on this board.[/QUOTE]
Do you think we need another person available to ban members that get out of hand? Or another person to create/delete/edit forums? Or another person to run the various maintenance scripts to keep the forum running at peak performance?
Although the workload continues to grow, I'm not sure that we really need another "Administrator", but instead just a moderator or two that have rights to ban mischievous members when I'm not available. We've talked about this for some time, I just haven't been able to sit down and figure out how to delegate this sort of power. It's definitely something we need to address and probably sooner than later.
Do you think we need another person available to ban members that get out of hand? Or another person to create/delete/edit forums? Or another person to run the various maintenance scripts to keep the forum running at peak performance?
Although the workload continues to grow, I'm not sure that we really need another "Administrator", but instead just a moderator or two that have rights to ban mischievous members when I'm not available. We've talked about this for some time, I just haven't been able to sit down and figure out how to delegate this sort of power. It's definitely something we need to address and probably sooner than later.
- jopperm2
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I didn't exactly mean a total stranger either.. I've noticed that there will be long periods of time where I won't see any posts by Mah, but then as soon as someone acts up, he's on the spot. That's more like what I meant. I think a promotion for anyone in the aforementioned Mod-triumverate would take some of the fun out of them. Not that you guys wouldn't be great Admins.
"Those who desire to give up freedom in order to gain security,
will not have, nor do they deserve, either one."
Thomas Jefferson
will not have, nor do they deserve, either one."
Thomas Jefferson
Well, I don't think it could take the fun out of whoever was promoted. It would just be some adjustment, and when to draw the line between work and play, so to speak. I'm sure many of us who are Moderators could make the switch, and provided the power wasn't abused, would still be fun, prominent members of the community.
Also, keep in mind that all Moderators here are doing so on a volunteer basis, and anyone who would be promoted would continue to do be doing so. Essentially, that means that everyone has a variable amount of time to offer to the forums. Some may not see members like Maharlika and T'lainya as often for a number of reasons (a prime one being they were original members, and have since settled more into casual posting, and their duties), while others are more active (like Fable, Xandax and myself, the Triumvirate as you put it) because we've found a niche, and are quite social about said niche. Xandax definatly brings a good point that an active presence would definatly carry more weight than a causal one, but the authority would remain the same, and more than likely, be supported by the majority of the other posters on GB.
Also, keep in mind that all Moderators here are doing so on a volunteer basis, and anyone who would be promoted would continue to do be doing so. Essentially, that means that everyone has a variable amount of time to offer to the forums. Some may not see members like Maharlika and T'lainya as often for a number of reasons (a prime one being they were original members, and have since settled more into casual posting, and their duties), while others are more active (like Fable, Xandax and myself, the Triumvirate as you put it) because we've found a niche, and are quite social about said niche. Xandax definatly brings a good point that an active presence would definatly carry more weight than a causal one, but the authority would remain the same, and more than likely, be supported by the majority of the other posters on GB.
- Galuf the Dwarf
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[QUOTE=Buck Satan]Do you think we need another person available to ban members that get out of hand? Or another person to create/delete/edit forums? Or another person to run the various maintenance scripts to keep the forum running at peak performance?
Although the workload continues to grow, I'm not sure that we really need another "Administrator", but instead just a moderator or two that have rights to ban mischievous members when I'm not available. We've talked about this for some time, I just haven't been able to sit down and figure out how to delegate this sort of power. It's definitely something we need to address and probably sooner than later.[/QUOTE]
Yeah, that would work.
BTW, how's the Mrs. doing, Buck (if you don't mind that I ask)? Everything alright?
jopperm2: I kinda see what you're getting at. Maharlika would be a fine choice as well. I mean, c'mon, the guy can almost pop out of nowhere even better than any guerilla warrior I've heard of!
Aegis: Considering Mahar, I was starting to think 'Maybe the triumvirate should be a quartet instead?'
Overall, are you insisting that a more recognized and seasoned mod/person should get these new banning responsibilities that we speak of?
Although the workload continues to grow, I'm not sure that we really need another "Administrator", but instead just a moderator or two that have rights to ban mischievous members when I'm not available. We've talked about this for some time, I just haven't been able to sit down and figure out how to delegate this sort of power. It's definitely something we need to address and probably sooner than later.[/QUOTE]
Yeah, that would work.
BTW, how's the Mrs. doing, Buck (if you don't mind that I ask)? Everything alright?
jopperm2: I kinda see what you're getting at. Maharlika would be a fine choice as well. I mean, c'mon, the guy can almost pop out of nowhere even better than any guerilla warrior I've heard of!
Aegis: Considering Mahar, I was starting to think 'Maybe the triumvirate should be a quartet instead?'
Overall, are you insisting that a more recognized and seasoned mod/person should get these new banning responsibilities that we speak of?
Dungeon Crawl Inc.: It's the most fun you can have without 3 midgets and a whip! Character stats made by your's truly!
[QUOTE=Galuf the Dwarf]Overall, are you insisting that a more recognized and seasoned mod/person should get these new banning responsibilities that we speak of? [/QUOTE]Moderators that are capable of that sort of action, I feel, have to be more active members of the staff (as prominence has little to do with, not that that has been suggested). This idea acts in two regards, with a more active, and therefore present, person who can take such action, in the case absence of Buck, if and when ever that may happen, it will promote the idea of responsible posting in most people. Not only that, but as has been mentioned, the community at large is more likely to accept the judgement of a more active member, than one that coasts along the shadows, posting occasionally outside of the moderator boundries. Don't misunderstand, I have the utmost of respect for the jobs that Maharlika and T'lainya do, as SYM can be a hefty job at times, considering the topic material that often finds it's way there, but at the same time, they are visibly active a fraction of the time that many of the other moderators are.
I can understand how the conflict of poster vs. moderator could come into play, in the case of giving another person the authority to make such decisions, and it is one that would have to be used extremely delicately, with extreme caution, as to not ban for the wrong reasons. It could easily be seen as a hypocritical station, in that the one who is given that authority, may become exempt (which would never be the case, regardless of what one may think), and that could possibly cause problems. But, again I refer you to the issue of who's warning would be taken more seriously: a moderator who is rarely seen, appearing frequently only to moderate, or one who is an active member of the community, posts, has fun, and still follows the rules, setting a good positive example for other posters.
Granted, I have probably slanted the example, it's just how I feel on the subject. Though, this is definatly something, as a moderator and long time member of this site (which I would definalty be lost without online), feel is an important discussion that has been brought up, and one that should be taken into consideration (among the idea of a moderator only forum, as I find the GB e-mail... Mine at least... is completely flooded with enough spam that it hasn't been functional for a couple months, but I digress...)
I can understand how the conflict of poster vs. moderator could come into play, in the case of giving another person the authority to make such decisions, and it is one that would have to be used extremely delicately, with extreme caution, as to not ban for the wrong reasons. It could easily be seen as a hypocritical station, in that the one who is given that authority, may become exempt (which would never be the case, regardless of what one may think), and that could possibly cause problems. But, again I refer you to the issue of who's warning would be taken more seriously: a moderator who is rarely seen, appearing frequently only to moderate, or one who is an active member of the community, posts, has fun, and still follows the rules, setting a good positive example for other posters.
Granted, I have probably slanted the example, it's just how I feel on the subject. Though, this is definatly something, as a moderator and long time member of this site (which I would definalty be lost without online), feel is an important discussion that has been brought up, and one that should be taken into consideration (among the idea of a moderator only forum, as I find the GB e-mail... Mine at least... is completely flooded with enough spam that it hasn't been functional for a couple months, but I digress...)
[QUOTE=Galuf the Dwarf]<snip>
Aegis: Considering Mahar, I was starting to think 'Maybe the triumvirate should be a quartet instead?'
Overall, are you insisting that a more recognized and seasoned mod/person should get these new banning responsibilities that we speak of? [/QUOTE]
I on some level kind of object to this triumvirate-illustration, because it is in no manner this way - naturally I know that the usage of the term isn't intended to be understoon in its literal meaning (I hope).
It could only seems that way, because the 3 of us moderators might post more as moderators and "normal" users, but we are all on equal terms and we all ask for help and clarifications from each other.
I for one am lucky - I work with computers/programming, which means I'm practically online all the time while I'm at work, and I often can take 5 and then switch windows and have a browser on GB, looking over some of the forums. Others don't have it in the same manner - this dosen't mean that my word carries more or less weight then somebody that isn't online as much. (Notice that I'm not posting that much either).
However - being online much more often and for a longer periode of time it dose mean that I'm often around when things go down hill
Thus, with all due respect, but giving "promotion" to a lurker that might not be online much, would be a bad thing because then the needed powers could easily be offline when they are needed online.
That (and for the reason I mentioned in my ealier post) is why I personally belive that a sort of "super moderator" should be an active/visible person.
It can also have a preemptive effect.
Personally - I wouldn't mind seeing the introduction of a few "Super Moderators", that had the abilities to moderate all forums (like Buck) and possible give out temporary 1 or 2 days bans that needed to be confirmed by Buck to become permanent (or possible revoked).
But I also have more then enough faith in that Buck administrates this board extreemly well, because it have been here for a little over 4 years and have had minimal problems unlike so many other places on the Internet I've seen.
Aegis: Considering Mahar, I was starting to think 'Maybe the triumvirate should be a quartet instead?'
Overall, are you insisting that a more recognized and seasoned mod/person should get these new banning responsibilities that we speak of? [/QUOTE]
I on some level kind of object to this triumvirate-illustration, because it is in no manner this way - naturally I know that the usage of the term isn't intended to be understoon in its literal meaning (I hope).
It could only seems that way, because the 3 of us moderators might post more as moderators and "normal" users, but we are all on equal terms and we all ask for help and clarifications from each other.
I for one am lucky - I work with computers/programming, which means I'm practically online all the time while I'm at work, and I often can take 5 and then switch windows and have a browser on GB, looking over some of the forums. Others don't have it in the same manner - this dosen't mean that my word carries more or less weight then somebody that isn't online as much. (Notice that I'm not posting that much either).
However - being online much more often and for a longer periode of time it dose mean that I'm often around when things go down hill
Thus, with all due respect, but giving "promotion" to a lurker that might not be online much, would be a bad thing because then the needed powers could easily be offline when they are needed online.
That (and for the reason I mentioned in my ealier post) is why I personally belive that a sort of "super moderator" should be an active/visible person.
It can also have a preemptive effect.
Personally - I wouldn't mind seeing the introduction of a few "Super Moderators", that had the abilities to moderate all forums (like Buck) and possible give out temporary 1 or 2 days bans that needed to be confirmed by Buck to become permanent (or possible revoked).
But I also have more then enough faith in that Buck administrates this board extreemly well, because it have been here for a little over 4 years and have had minimal problems unlike so many other places on the Internet I've seen.
Insert signature here.
Xandax summed it up nicely. In the end, it would come down to who would be capable of providing a steady amount of time into the position, because if Buck would be busy with something else, then it would fall to the next person with that authority. Also, he raises a good point with the temporary ban. Aside from Buck, it stands to reason that no member of the community should have the power to full out ban someone, as in the end, Buck has the final word and say on anything that happens here.
Lastly (and yes, for me, this is the last word... Tonight ), I'm sure that there are some members of the GB staff that wouldn't want such a responsibility, which means, if Buck considered one person, who didn't want the job, a second choice would be required. Sometimes second choice isn't good enough. But, that might just be a perfectionist view of mine.
Lastly (and yes, for me, this is the last word... Tonight ), I'm sure that there are some members of the GB staff that wouldn't want such a responsibility, which means, if Buck considered one person, who didn't want the job, a second choice would be required. Sometimes second choice isn't good enough. But, that might just be a perfectionist view of mine.
- dragon wench
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[QUOTE=Xandax]Personally - I wouldn't mind seeing the introduction of a few "Super Moderators", that had the abilities to moderate all forums (like Buck) and possible give out temporary 1 or 2 days bans that needed to be confirmed by Buck to become permanent (or possible revoked).[/QUOTE]
This is precisely the system that was in place at a board where I was both mod and admin. It worked extremely well, because clearly the admin cannot be around all the time and sometimes incidents occur that require immediate attention...
Having mods with banning powers would have proven useful when we experienced the ever returning porn poster some months back...
This is precisely the system that was in place at a board where I was both mod and admin. It worked extremely well, because clearly the admin cannot be around all the time and sometimes incidents occur that require immediate attention...
Having mods with banning powers would have proven useful when we experienced the ever returning porn poster some months back...
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testingtest12
[QUOTE=dragon wench]This is precisely the system that was in place at a board where I was both mod and admin. It worked extremely well, because clearly the admin cannot be around all the time and sometimes incidents occur that require immediate attention...
Having mods with banning powers would have proven useful when we experienced the ever returning porn poster some months back...[/QUOTE]
If it had only been pornography that was posted
But that was also about the time when I started discussing it with Aegis and Buck; such issues as this "Super Moderator"; because I was at these instances the one trying to taking the "frontline fire", seeing as I was the moderator (most) online and visible at that moment.
Most of the time - these boards are easy to moderate because of the maturity of the average poster, however if a less mature and sensible then normal person takes it upon himself to act out, then the thin coverage of administrative powers can be an issue.
However - recently there haven't been much usage for such persons, but in my view - it is always better to be safe then sorry.
Having mods with banning powers would have proven useful when we experienced the ever returning porn poster some months back...[/QUOTE]
If it had only been pornography that was posted
But that was also about the time when I started discussing it with Aegis and Buck; such issues as this "Super Moderator"; because I was at these instances the one trying to taking the "frontline fire", seeing as I was the moderator (most) online and visible at that moment.
Most of the time - these boards are easy to moderate because of the maturity of the average poster, however if a less mature and sensible then normal person takes it upon himself to act out, then the thin coverage of administrative powers can be an issue.
However - recently there haven't been much usage for such persons, but in my view - it is always better to be safe then sorry.
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- jopperm2
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I definitely think the temporary bans would be a good idea. About the so-called triuverate, I don't think it was meant to imply that the three of you are above any other moderators, just that you can always be counted on to act quickley and fairly when a problem arises. I think the mods only board would be a good idea.. That would give mods an easier time to discuss certain issues. actually though, I think everyone who has posted in this thread either is or has been a mod of at least one Gamebanshee forum. I guess GB Discussion doesn't draw a big crowd. There are a few mods that I think could handle temp bans though that would be a choice for Buck, not us.
"Those who desire to give up freedom in order to gain security,
will not have, nor do they deserve, either one."
Thomas Jefferson
will not have, nor do they deserve, either one."
Thomas Jefferson
[QUOTE=jopperm2]<snip>About the so-called triuverate, I don't think it was meant to imply that the three of you are above any other moderators, just that you can always be counted on to act quickley and fairly when a problem arises. <snip>
[/QUOTE]
I know that it was likely that way it should be understood/interpretated - I just objected to it, because it is an easy word to misunderstand. It could be read, by people not as familiar with us/the site, as if it was the three of us "pulling strings" behind the scene and what not.
[/QUOTE]
I know that it was likely that way it should be understood/interpretated - I just objected to it, because it is an easy word to misunderstand. It could be read, by people not as familiar with us/the site, as if it was the three of us "pulling strings" behind the scene and what not.
Insert signature here.