Blowing the RWD Horn a Bit

[Admin]

Interesting discussion as expected.

Reasons for making the moderator account were as Dan already told. First reason to protect independence. I am active on many boards. Some have a bad opinion of RWD. Second reason as Bruno states. A decision to moderate could lead to form an opinion about my posts and attacks. RWG moderators are often attacked for posting their personal opinion or entering discussions.

If anyone has big problems with my double identity, PM Dan. He can reveal my other identity if he thinks it useful. I trust him on knowing who to tell and who not.

No, I feel no need to identify the person helping me as the Moderator.

The Moderator, by extension, is acting on my behalf. Any issues with the Moderator may be taken up with me directly - just as if it was ME who had performed those moderation tasks.

In other words - whenever the board members see ANYTHING from the Moderator - just replace that moniker with 'Dan' and react/respond accordingly.

It has not been my experience that we have a board full of 'shrinking violets' here - so I suspect any concerns/frustrations/ anger will be readily expressed - as it has always been.

- Dan

[Bruce]

Dan,  I believe it is in the best interests of the board that the moderator does not "moderate" on any thread in which he or she posts.  If you let the moderator "moderate" on threads he or she posts he / she may slant the thread through "moderation."  Now, I do not believe this has occurred.  However, now that we know that the moderator is also a board participant I believe for the sake of a threads integrity you should discuss this matter with the moderator so this conflict does not arise.

[Admin]

Dan, I believe it is in the best interests of the board that the moderator does not post on any thread in which he or she posts.If you let the moderator "moderate" on threads he or she posts he may slant the thread through "moderation." Now, I do not believe this has occurred. However, now that we know that the moderator is also a board participant I believe for the sake of a threads integrity you should discuss this matter with the moderator.

Bruce,

Interesting comment. Out of curiousity, would you apply the same constraints to me?

The reason I ask is this - the Moderator was an active member of RWD long before I asked for moderation assistance. They, reluctantly I might add, agreed to help - because they could see I needed some assistance and I asked. In my mind, their agreement to help me out, did not automatically mean they had to sacrifice the credibility they had established posting under their own identity. On the very few occasions when the Moderator has stepped-in, I was and am aware of it - and fully support the actions taken.

I see that for some, the logistics and details of selection of the Moderator have come as something of a surprise. This has surprised me, as I spent significant time and effort to insure the board membership had ample opportunity to be heard on this topic.

Bottom line (I've been using that 2-word phrase a LOT lately) is that I needed some help - there was someone offering to help, whom I trusted - and I made a decision, based on board member input along with my own needs, to select a Moderator who has turned out to be extraordinarily fair and even-handed. I continue to see this 'issue' as much ado about nothing - though, at the same time, I am reminded of the fact that it is less my opinion that matters on such things, and far more the collective opinion of the board which matters. All I can do it explain my rationale - and point out the actual experiences - and then the board membership individually must draw their own conclusions.

I think I have said about all there is to say.

- Dan

[Son of Clyde]

Can we have a "guess the Moderator" contest and you can tell us if we are correct without divulging who is correct? 

Reminds me of the strange disease that George Carlin mentioned in his routine that has no symptoms and no cure but fortunately you never know if you have it.

[BC]

The Moderator, by extension, is acting on my behalf. Any issues with the Moderator may be taken up with me directly - just as if it was ME who had performed those moderation tasks.

In other words - whenever the board members see ANYTHING from the Moderator - just replace that moniker with 'Dan' and react/respond accordingly.

Now there's THE solution!.. just give Mod your login! 

hehe..

..just stirring the pot LOL

 

[Admin]

Now there'sTHE solution!.. just give Mod your login!

hehe..

..just stirring the pot LOL

BC! Didn't you tell me you RECEIVED that PM with my login details?!?

..stirring back  

- Dan

[BC]

... oops!! forgot to check..

[Bruce]

Dan, I believe you would lose credibility if you "moderated" those who had differing, though not necessarily false viewpoints from yourself on threads.  Now, I agree that both you and the unknown moderator have only stepped in a thread when a thread had veered sharply off course and members were for the most part personally attacking each other.   Fortunately, you and from the little I have seen, the board's mystery moderator are clear headed, deeply thoughtful and respectful individuals who welcome alternate views and experience.  

[KenC]

Damn it, BC, we all know you're the moderator!:cool:

KenC

[RacerX]

Getting back to your original thread, I can't say that having a commercial interest in a board is de facto a bad or for that matter, an undesirable component.  Frankly RWD is a very good board, easily in the top three thanks primarily to it's knowledgeable members.  However, it is untested both with respect to time and from what I have seen, with regard to dealing with more than just a handful of past unruly posters.  

I tend to agree that RWD is a complementary board to the others, and it's one I hope will demonstrate a similar longevity - and if making a few dollars guarantees this, then so be it.    

Funny, but I never equated as not making money with some new enterprise as a reason to blow ones horn.  Can't say I especially enjoy crass commercialism, but I am enough of a businessman and realist to know how motivating money can be in keeping ones interest in any long term endeavor.

Obviously I can't speak for any other member, but if the board had commercial sponsors for each of the sections and it was done in a tasteful manner, I wouldn't be especially upset, or for that matter, feel that it's direction and content was somehow controlled by these interests.  Indeed, I think it could be a value-added feature of the board.

While the RWD has some nearly 600 members at this point, I would welcome seeing some more new "blood."  My only real criticism of the board is that a handful of posters tend to dominate the content - acquiring more members would improve the diversity and give it a little more spontaneity and perhaps relevance to the guys who are just starting this adventure.

[Bruno]

While the RWD has some nearly 600 members at this point, I would welcome seeing some more new "blood."  My only real criticism of the board is that a handful of posters tend to dominate the content - acquiring more members would improve the diversity and give it a little more spontaneity and perhaps relevance to the guys who are just starting this adventure.

Racer, each board have his own spirit... and from what i see, these board have the spirit of a "little town"... when new members arrive here, they are first shooted and maybe if they resist the first round , questionned... and for a few of them, who have resist the two first round, some become members of the communauty...

Yes, we have nearly 600 members... but several have never post... they read only... they fear to post... fear to be attacked...

Now, a little  ... until now, the moderator was almost invisible... only a few post for calm down... and like Dan have say it before,  the moderator is not the owner of the forum, he cannot moderate in all section...  really, we have not to complain of the action of the moderator...

[Jet]

Not quite sure what the hubbub is over the double identity of the moderator at this point. I distinct recall this all being disclosed when the job was filled. That said, I can understand the mod's concerns about disclosing his identity, as I have first hand experience regarding what happens when you're fully transparent about such matters. Mod's do the best they can with the hand they're dealt and try to be fair. Fact is, it's generally a thankless job, because no matter what, you're going to piss somebody off :noidea:. Personally, I think moderator has done an excellent job here so far.

[catzenmouse]

Not quite sure what the hubbub is over the double identity of the moderator at this point. I distinct recall this all being disclosed when the job was filled. That said, I can understand the mod's concerns about disclosing his identity, as I have first hand experience regarding what happens when you're fully transparent about such matters. Mod's do the best they can with the hand they're dealt and try to be fair. Fact is, it's generally a thankless job, because no matter what, you're going to piss somebody off :noidea:. Personally, I think moderator has done an excellent job here so far.

Good post and right on the money Jet. I've done a bit of moderating on another list quite some time ago and it is a thankless job (even with other moderators sometimes!)

Our moderator had done an excellent job staying out of the way unless it was necessary and even then has only minimally intervened.

 Good job Mystery Mod! Keep up the good work and you'll find something extra in your RWD paycheck this month!!!

[Jack]

jb, I never posted on the board you mentioned, or on the RWD, as landscaper.  I also never posted on the board you mentioned as BarryM but it was reported by cameragurl that he was 100% sure (not 99%, not 98%, but 100% sure) I was BarryM. When BarryM did appear to defend himself he was shouted down by cameragurl as being me as well. In the recent past few years after obtaining many documents thru the discovery portions of some legal actions I pursued it was interesting to read that cameragurl acknowledged I was not BarryM. But did the honest and ethical cameragurl want to let others know he was mistaken?  The answer was no, he thought it was best for his deception to remain in place. In my opinion if a moderator can lie and deceive once he can, and will, lie and deceive again.
 
And again you are wrong, partially with another of your statements. Although I was originally banned for standing up to the misleading post's made by one individual on P-L, I was banned by the owner of the P-L message board for using the landscaper identity. I wrote 96% of the members of P-L shortly before that banning that I apologized for my mistake.
 
Bruce, I think if Dan was to tell you, and others, that the moderator we have now has no financial interest what's so ever in the pursuit for a Russian bride you might be a little more understanding. Am I right?
 
Bruno, maybe I am wrong, as I do not read a great many post's here, but I do not see the RWD, unlike another board I know, at taking so many first and second round shot's at new posters.
 
Dan, Mr or Ms Moderator, your doing a good job.
 

[Leslie]

I have to support Jack on this.  I was a moderator at the other place at the time this happened.

First there was no evidence that Jack had any other identity on RWG. 

Jack was apparently banned from RWG for using the landscaper identity on PL.  Now I will never condone using multiple identities whose purpose is to deceive, but this justification is wafer thin.  In fact it is non existent !

What in fact happened is that Jack fell out with board's owner who banished him.  A very similar case happened here recently with a regular poster.  He fell out with Dan and was very rude, so Dan banished him.

Board owners have the right to exclude people from their property for whatever reason.  All of them exercise this prerogative.

Moderation is a very difficult job.  One which I will not take on again.  This board IS sensibly moderated.  You cannot please all the people all the time.  That is impossible! IMHO there is little purpose in exhuming events from years past. The people involved are not going to change their minds....


 

[rkn777]

Well, for obvious reasons I will now be posting over here.   Glad to see a great board with many old friends.    I will be making a trip on 1/18 2006, my third trip to the FSU...

TO this point I have not posted much over here (although occasionally read some of the posts).   But expect to see me and my poor typing file a trip report next week!

Richard11

[KenC]

Welcome Richard,

Why don't you update us on what's happening in your pursuit of a RW?  Maybe start you T/R with some pretrip reporting?  In the T/R section though.  Heck, I even want to know. 

KenC

[CG]

[BC]

CG,

Welcome!..

First post and I would think the board record for the longest..

I didn't read it all..  I'm not much of an ancient history fan.

Anyway glad you made it here.. we've heard so much about you!

[Bruno]

First post and I would think the board record for the longest..

 in my case, i see the shorter one... first post and direct deleted... whowww, Dan is very fast... i can almost not follow for read all the new post

 

[Admin]

First post and I would think the board record for the longest..

:(in my case, i see the shorter one... first post and direct deleted... whowww, Dan is very fast... i can almost not follow for read all the new post
[/quote]

I invited CG over some time ago. While I sincerely wish for him to feel comfortable here in sharing his experience and knowledge, I cannot allow the board to become embroiled in a pissing match which has its roots in ancient history and serves no useful purpose (for the board, that is).

- Dan

[CG]

What's the matter, Dan? It's OK for you to visit RWG to defend yourself in an ancient battle that's nothing more than a pissing match, but it's not OK for me to defend myself here? What do you have to fear from my posting proof of Bragg's multiple handles? Is this what you call impartial?

How about if I post it in "No Holds Barred"? I understand that section isn't moderated -- or is it only moderated for certain people?

~CG

[Admin]

What's the matter, Dan? It's OK for you to visit RWG to defend yourself, but it's not OK for me to do the same here? What do you have to fear from my posting proof of Bragg's multiple handles? Is this what you call impartial?

How about if I post it in "No Holds Barred"? I understand that section isn't moderated -- or is it only moderated for certain people?

~CG

CG - I visited RWG to directly respond to a pack of lies. I responded with facts, and I did so respectfully.

Your entrance here was far short of respectful, and was NOT in response to anyone attacking you personally.

The NHB is more like the RWD 'mosh-pit'. Unruly topics end up there - but there is no room on the board for anyone who behaves in a trollish fashion.

I think you already know all this.

I hope you are sincere - and that you will participate and contribute here - but if you are here only to stir things up, please go away.

- Dan

[CG]

What's the matter, Dan? It's OK for you to visit RWG to defend yourself, but it's not OK for me to do the same here? What do you have to fear from my posting proof of Bragg's multiple handles? Is this what you call impartial?

How about if I post it in "No Holds Barred"? I understand that section isn't moderated -- or is it only moderated for certain people?

~CG

CG - I visited RWG to directly respond to a pack of lies. I responded with facts, and I did so respectfully.

Your entrance here was far short of respectful, and was NOT in response to anyone attacking you personally.

The NHB is more like the RWD 'mosh-pit'. Unruly topics end up there - but there is no room on the board for anyone who behaves in a trollish fashion.

I think you already know all this.

I hope you are sincere - and that you will participate and contribute here - but if you are here only to stir things up, please go away.

- Dan[/quote]

There was absolutely nothing disrespectful in the post you deleted. It was nothing but a collection of posts from other boards. The JackAttack is questioning my credibility and has been attacking me since the day you started this board -- as recently as today, so I simply provided documented proof of how the "RW board wars" originally began.

Why do find that so threatening? Or are there different rules for different people?

[RacerX]

Dan ~ I believe Jack has used the "cameragurl"  descriptor on many occasions and I can't help but wonder if CG has a right to set out his side of the story somewhere on this board.  No one wants a protracted flame war, even in the NHB section, but in the essence of fairness perhaps each 'side' should be permitted to make a post or two in NHB and then you lock the thread.