What makes a good Forum?

peachy · #1 (**permalink**) 02-10-2008, 14:43

I considered our previous location to be pretty good on the whole, but it lost direction when it lost it's creator. I think many of the mods went as mods do afterwards, and it degraded into sucking up and mutual back slapping. I don't think that is the most productive environment to either hold discussion or seek information, since it will be tainted towards what is considered right or acceptable by the mods.

How does one run a forum that is fair?

A clear policy is important for sure, not just so the members can understand what they are meant to contribute and how to behave but also so those running the forum can sanity check decisions against it.

Is anonymous moderation practical or possible?

red*light*special · #2 (**permalink**) 02-10-2008, 14:55

I think the other place is going through a huge changing phase. I think the Mods over there, while doing a good job, if not a great job considering it's all volunteer, need put their own stamp on it. I see them as being very respectful of the Architect, and would never dream of going outside his parameters. This is a shame. I'm sure if Mark could have, he would have given the forum to them, not told them to look after it for him and don't change a thing. Don't get me wrong, I don't think it needs any particular sort of "change" but it changes just by him not being there. The mods at the moment, seem nervous, indecisive and not at all constant.
What I think happened in the last few week is, the balance shifted. A new wave joined and became the majority. Unfortunatley as is true of the masses, our forum majority, while they love to watch others being lampooned, they hate it when it happens to themselves. Suddenly we become aggressive, even threatening, but its actually their inability to accept all opinions and personalities that was our downfall.
Majority rules folks.

Quote:

Originally Posted by peachy

I considered our previous location to be pretty good on the whole, but it lost direction when it lost it's creator. I think many of the mods went as mods do afterwards, and it degraded into sucking up and mutual back slapping. I don't think that is the most productive environment to either hold discussion or seek information, since it will be tainted towards what is considered right or acceptable by the mods.

How does one run a forum that is fair?

A clear policy is important for sure, not just so the members can understand what they are meant to contribute and how to behave but also so those running the forum can sanity check decisions against it.

Is anonymous moderation practical or possible?

swissflygirl · #3 (**permalink**) 02-10-2008, 16:47

I'd like clear guidelines but also a clear mechanism/process of how the admins deal with 'undesirable' postings.
In my opinion a blanket permanent ban, with libellous statements given as reason (later removed) and no means of explanation or defense from the banned contributor, as in the recent bannings elsewhere, does not make for a good environment.

A personal warning from a mod to correct a posters behaviour should be given at least once before said poster is banned.
After that, it should be fine to ban them if the behaviour occurs again.

Woodsie · #4 (**permalink**) 02-10-2008, 19:05

I think the first step towards making this a good forum is to of course ban Dave.

tornado · #5 (**permalink**) 02-10-2008, 19:11

Mmm we can do that, but it would feed his ego and of course when I told him , his actual words were: "bang goes another newbie scared off by Woodsie" etc

tornado

Quote:

Originally Posted by Woodsie

I think the first step towards making this a good forum is to of course ban Dave.

BigD · #6 (**permalink**) 02-10-2008, 19:26

I have views on what makes a good forum, and those that I am prepared to discuss that are applicable to any good forum include policy transparency; consistency and even-handedness. In addition I would say that if you are going to adopt the role of moderator, then you must be prepared to put aside personal feelings and base your moderation on facts before you, not heat of the moment or preconception. And you certainly have to be seen to be fair.

BigD

swissflygirl · #7 (**permalink**) 02-10-2008, 19:28

And transparency of responsibility/authority and ownership

BigD · #8 (**permalink**) 02-10-2008, 19:32

Good point. We want no Kafkaresque environment here. An Impressum should be included on the site. There isn't one here yet, as this is not a Swiss Conspiracy Chat website, but if anyone wants to get in touch with the owner and the person responsible, then they can contact administrator tornado, who will do his best to help.

BigD

Quote:

Originally Posted by swissflygirl

And transparency of responsibility/authority and ownership

swissflygirl · #9 (**permalink**) 02-10-2008, 19:40

Thanks and groans also have their place (when used in a mature manner of course)....I see that tornado has forgotten to give us this functionality or is it related to having to make x number of posts?

BigD · #10 (**permalink**) 02-10-2008, 19:45

He assured me that although not currently available anything is possible (which is similar to what he says to his dates, but thats a different discussion) and if you want to indulge in a groan fest during the hours of daylight, I am sure he will give you the facility.

BigD

Quote:

Originally Posted by swissflygirl

Thanks and groans also have their place (when used in a mature manner of course)....I see that tornado has forgotten to give us this functionality or is it related to having to make x number of posts?