What's wrong with our forum moderator staff?

[Baer]

Just a comment,
Just because someone is new here does not mean that they are new to forum's in general. Some of us may be new here but have been involved with on line self help communities since the days of 300 baud dial up BBS forums in the early 80's or even ham radio tec communities in the 50's.

[Polaris573]

If you feel that a someone is treating you or another member poorly because you are new to the forum please let the staff know by using the report post button. That is something we do not tolerate well.

[Wozzer]

I feel as if some moderators can act quite harshly when replying to others that are "trying" to help.

I don't want to single out people, because we all do it. Just thought I'd toss the subject about.

[DaveK]

I think the forums are great, one thing that annoys me though is a amount of double posting, seriously there's so much of it on this forum. It's called the edit button! It's ok to double post if it's the next day or something but most of them have been within minutes of each other. Just write your second message, copy it then edit your original post and paste it there.

[Polaris573]

Originally Posted by DaveK

I think the forums are great, one thing that annoys me though is a amount of double posting, seriously there's so much of it on this forum. It's called the edit button! It's ok to double post if it's the next day or something but most of them have been within minutes of each other. Just write your second message, copy it then edit your original post and paste it there.

Me too. It's hard to stop it all. Report it for me if you can the more eyes the better.

[Kursah]

Originally Posted by Wasley

I feel as if some moderators can act quite harshly when replying to others that are "trying" to help.

I don't want to single out people, because we all do it. Just thought I'd toss the subject about.

No offense but that's probably something better brought up to the administrator or the mod you don't want to "single out" atm via PM. There are different personalities written in the text of every member here that posts, and the more they post the more that shows, some dont' care to type a lot, they want to be blunt and to the point, some want to explain away and go beyond 1000 words per post. IMO it's not a problem if some users want to be short and on topic, sure it may come off as blunt or even slightly offensive at the time, but there's a few ways you need to view it, and at the end of the day it's just text on a screen, what's it really gonna do to ya?!

[Baer]

Originally Posted by Polaris573

If you feel that a someone is treating you or another member poorly because you are new to the forum please let the staff know by using the report post button. That is something we do not tolerate well.

I am being treated fine, it was just a comment requiring no action.
Thanks

[Mussels]

to the comments of mods treating people unfairly: dont forget you CAN report a moderators post. even if they wanted to, they cant remove the reports/emails sent to other mods, so it WILL get looked at.

[Triprift]

Originally Posted by Wasley

I feel as if some moderators can act quite harshly when replying to others that are "trying" to help.

I don't want to single out people, because we all do it. Just thought I'd toss the subject about.

It all comes down to interpretation overall i think the mods and admins do a great job considering the amount of members we have here. Like Mussels said if your unhappy with a post regardless of who it is from use pm or report the post.

Heres my view on how the forum is run in relation to moderation. After sending in messages to yourself (w1z) I dont see why I shouldnt post them publicly - none of this is attacks on any set person, just references to people to back up my point.

There seems to be a growing problem with thread foreclosure - this forum is for hardware discussion, not questions then immediate answers by the immediate replier. I have noticed that, for example, when btar posts a news item, people may start discussing the item afformentioned, however he tries to close the discussion by offering up the answer as if his view is final. Why should threads be ended in such a fashion? Its an open discussion, many people should be allowed to offer their own insights and believe, in turn, what they wish. No final answer should be forced upon any members, and if a thread takes 20 or even 200 posts for the members to be satisfied on the matter, then why not let it take that long? Offer your insights and have a good time talking about it!

Another thing I have been concerned about for roughly the past 7 months is intimidating, dry and sarcastic moderators who use their moderator status as an excuse to be this way. For example, I forwarded a comprehensive account of Danthebanjoman's actions in a certain thread that were distasteful and sarcastic without reason to be so. If W1z wants to put the full message up on this thread, then I 100% agree, as it shows how strongly I felt about the issue. Being sarcastic and unhelpful in unnecessary as this forum is about hardware discussion and enjoyment - not telling someone to "stop being a child and call a baby sitter" because their mother has gone missing, for example. Moderators should be their to discipline those whom need disciplining, to enforce rules and to offer a higher level of help based on issues that are forum related if needs be - this is the first forum I have properly committed to, and so far I have but a few names of moderators that I could say fit these criteria fully. Some are excellent helps and informant, however I think they sometimes forget they are talking to another person, not a child.

There is one final issue that I would like to offer up for discussion. The fact that the forums users are predominantly American, and this can lead to issues surrounding humour and slang. For example, I have argued with several American users over misinterpreted humour. Its an easy thing to happen, as what may be funny in say England or Germany may be frowned upon in the states. I try and keep this in mind for most of the posts I make, however it is easy to make a joke that may be distasteful to users of other nationalities. I believe that more users, and yes, I'm offering myself up here, should be appointed moderator or staff status of separate nationalities to ensure that there are no misunderstandings between countries, and so that these conflicts can be resolved with the minimum of friction and with the maximum possible explanation.

These are just what spring to mind, based on how the forum is run. Might I take the time to say that TPU is the first forum I have felt truely at home posting in (beside a few incidents) as for the majority of the time both staff and users get along really well, and theres always people willing to take time out to help - for example, solaris sent me a 4 page guide on how to get TPU feeds to work on hermes, and alexp999 sent me a 3 page guide on how to do a bios flash, with each detail in extreme detail.

Without people like this on the forum, I doubt I would still be posting to this date, let alone have the knowledge level that I have now in comparison to a little over a year ago.

For that, I thank you all.

*edit*

Just been offered up another good reason for more UK / european moderators / staff - timezone.

[Fleck]

There is no need to send me a warning about every stupid little thing. I don't think the forum rules about staying on topic should mean that we can't share a couple of comments of silly banter between each other. You're damn right there are some moderators who abuse their powers, and have no senses of humor and massive sticks up their rear ends *cough* erocker *cough*. Just let us use the damn forum. There should be no reason to intervene needlessly for every little thing, if a convo gets hardcore trolled and things get out of hand, OK I can see getting a warning, but come on man, this is ridiculous.

[crazy pyro]

I've found erocker to be a helpful mod, although he did criticise my post for stating the the thread was off-topic and he then went and renamed the thread, odd way of doing it but guess it saves time and no-one complained.
I mainly keep visiting for the news here which I've found to be pretty good, I do tend to wander off topic occasionally and from what I've seen the mods don't care as long as the rest of the post's on topic, if anything these forums are undermoderated (although the other one I use may just be overmoderated/ power crazy mods).

[erocker]

Originally Posted by Fleck

There is no need to send me a warning about every stupid little thing. I don't think the forum rules about staying on topic should mean that we can't share a couple of comments of silly banter between each other. You're damn right there are some moderators who abuse their powers, and have no senses of humor and massive sticks up their rear ends *cough* erocker *cough*. Just let us use the damn forum. There should be no reason to intervene needlessly for every little thing, if a convo gets hardcore trolled and things get out of hand, OK I can see getting a warning, but come on man, this is ridiculous.

The fact that you are a relatively new member here and you already had two warnings against your account, I felt it necessary that you recieve an infraction. Grow up. If you want to use the "damn forum" abide by the rules and guidelines set up for the forum.

[El Fiendo]

Originally Posted by kyle2020

For example, I forwarded a comprehensive account of Danthebanjoman's actions in a certain thread that were distasteful and sarcastic without reason to be so. If W1z wants to put the full message up on this thread, then I 100% agree, as it shows how strongly I felt about the issue. Being sarcastic and unhelpful in unnecessary as this forum is about hardware discussion and enjoyment - not telling someone to "stop being a child and call a baby sitter" because their mother has gone missing, for example.

As you say, this is a forum about hardware discussion. That thread, as you state, was about a 'missing mother'. You can't rag on Dan for not following hardware discussion when the thread wasn't hardware related to begin with. Sure, the poster was worried about his mother and I can understand the member's concern, but would you rather Dan start posting about recent NAS improvements with the new products on the market? Also, that thread is months and months old. Why bring this up now?

Some people seem to have a real issue with Dan and his humor, and I find its usually the ones who have it directed at them. Have you ever noticed that Dan doesn't just go about at random and do this? It's pretty much always 'directed at someone' when the person isn't convening with the rules of the forum. Other than that he's got a good sense of humor that applies generally. Also, later in your post you claim that you want to be a moderator for international humor. Ever think that the very thing your trying to condemn Dan for is a difference in humor?

I've not once received harsh words from Dan, or any other moderator for that matter (though I've been told as part of a group to let the conversation cool). I don't understand why you guys always butt heads with moderators. I get along quite fine and infraction free. Maybe Erocker can hook me up with an infraction so I don't feel left out.

[RevengE]

I think Erocker is a fine mod. He is just doing his job and fleck you can get lippy and disrespectful sometimes so I don't blame him.

Originally Posted by El Fiendo

As you say, this is a forum about hardware discussion. That thread, as you state, was about a 'missing mother'. You can't rag on Dan for not following hardware discussion when the thread wasn't hardware related to begin with. Sure, the poster was worried about his mother and I can understand the member's concern, but would you rather Dan start posting about recent NAS improvements with the new products on the market? Also, that thread is months and months old. Why bring this up now?

Some people seem to have a real issue with Dan and his humor, and I find its usually the ones who have it directed at them. Have you ever noticed that Dan doesn't just go about at random and do this? It's pretty much always 'directed at someone' when the person isn't convening with the rules of the forum. Other than that he's got a good sense of humor that applies generally. Also, later in your post you claim that you want to be a moderator for international humor. Ever think that the very thing your trying to condemn Dan for is a difference in humor?

I've not once received harsh words from Dan, or any other moderator for that matter (though I've been told as part of a group to let the conversation cool). I don't understand why you guys always butt heads with moderators. I get along quite fine and infraction free. Maybe Erocker can hook me up with an infraction so I don't feel left out.

contradictions ahoy!

for a start, the bit where I referenced dan - that thread was in general nonsense. Thats one point discredited.

International humour? So your proving my points for me now? Thats why we need more mods to settle situations down - Im english and dont get dans humour at all - your in the american region and understand it perfectly - see my point?

I havent once "butted heads" with a moderator, simply pulled them up when ive felt something they have said isnt right. Is that a wrong thing to do?

[crazy pyro]

I don't understand Dan's humour either although I don't see it as offensive, you may just be a bit sensitive about it though.

Originally Posted by crazy pyro

I don't understand Dan's humour either although I don't see it as offensive, you may just be a bit sensitive about it though.

Never saw it as offensive, just sarcastic and distasteful (christ im using that word so much tonight haha) at times.

Like I sated in my original post, it wasn't a direct attack at dan, just a reference to support the points I was making.

[btarunr]

Originally Posted by kyle2020

for example, when btar posts a news item, people may start discussing the item afformentioned, however he tries to close the discussion by offering up the answer as if his view is final. Why should threads be ended in such a fashion?

Point to a single thread which I closed in that fashion.

Back your observations by fact.

[DanTheBanjoman]

Originally Posted by kyle2020

Never saw it as offensive, just sarcastic and distasteful (christ im using that word so much tonight haha) at times.

Like I sated in my original post, it wasn't a direct attack at dan, just a reference to support the points I was making.

Like you said, different countries, different humor. I happen to be from a country where anything goes. We allow gay people to get married on weed with hookers as bride maids while skinheads protest against it and hippies complain about the the flowers being plastic. No taboos and no laws against any of it.
I, and many Dutch people, prefer to be direct with things and love black humor, sarcasm satire and even mocking ourselves. The problem with this is that other people tend to be more uptight and have loads taboos. If someone goes to a tech forum to say he thinks his mom died because she didn't get home I tell him to just go to bed because he's overreacting and his mother is fine (and be right about it, I have to admit I gloated when he shared that little fact). If you find that harsh, wrong, distasteful or whatever that's fine. Though don't claim I'm hiding behind my mod status in these cases. We can always just agree to disagree in such matters.


PS please don't abuse the name of Christ. It insults me.

[alexp999]

Originally Posted by btarunr

Point to a single thread which I closed in that fashion.

Back your observations by fact.

I dont think he means close a thread as in using mod "powers", but you have done it to me before, this is a discussion forum, and more than once I have seen you write, 'such and such'... case closed.

No personal dig at you, just something I noticed and I think kyle2020 was getting at. I have had no real gripes with mods, only thing I dont get is why DantheBanjoman gets an animated avatar and sig when it is against the forum rules.

[El Fiendo]

Originally Posted by kyle2020

contradictions ahoy!

for a start, the bit where I referenced dan - that thread was in general nonsense. Thats one point discredited.

International humour? So your proving my points for me now? Thats why we need more mods to settle situations down - Im english and dont get dans humour at all - your in the american region and understand it perfectly - see my point?

I havent once "butted heads" with a moderator, simply pulled them up when ive felt something they have said isnt right. Is that a wrong thing to do?

Ok man, you can't blow it off just because it was 'General Nonsense'. You can't use it to support your argument then throw it away when used against you. You said "Being sarcastic and unhelpful in unnecessary as this forum is about hardware discussion and enjoyment - not telling someone to "stop being a child and call a baby sitter" ". You clearly made the connection that he should have answered in the spirit of the forum (hardware related) and are making a point of it because he didn't.

Secondly, last I checked the UK and the Netherlands were different nations. How can you expect to be International Humor Moderator when you want to throw him away for his humor? You'd be entering the position already biased. Clearly you aren't as open minded as the job would require. I didn't prove your point in the least, I stated that you're trying to string him up for his humor (I gathered as much using the way you described how much you were talking with Wizzard about him) and in the next paragraph wanting to be made a mod to help avoid misunderstandings? We don't need to add mods coming in with a chip on their shoulder.

Let's look at how you responded to my post. You responded in a very short and belligerent manner. Most of your rebuttals came across as very snobbish and 'I'm looking down on your post' instead of making it well constructed and useful to help me change my point of view. Were I so inclined, I could take offense. But I don't because quite simply, life is too short and its the internet. You can't expect to win people over with that kind of response. I don't think you've thought this one through enough.

[btarunr]

Originally Posted by kyle2020

Just been offered up another good reason for more UK / european moderators / staff - timezone.

In other words, you want people you feel comfortable with. A helpful member doesn't necessarily become an able moderator by default.

Originally Posted by alexp999

I dont think he means close a thread as in using mod "powers", but you have done it to me before, this is a discussion forum, and more than once I have seen you write, 'such and such'... case closed.

Again, point it out. Bring up a link. Give me a chance to prove you wrong.

[erocker]

Originally Posted by alexp999

I have had no real gripes with mods, only thing I dont get is why DantheBanjoman gets an animated avatar and sig when it is against the forum rules.

You may have an avatar of no larger than 150x150 and 19.5KB, and it can't be animated, unless a super-moderator/administrator put it there. Any violations of this rule will be removed at moderator discretion, with little more than a link to this announcement as justification.

Dan is within the rules. Dan also wrote the rules.

[Polaris573]

Originally Posted by alexp999

only thing I dont get is why DantheBanjoman gets an animated avatar and sig when it is against the forum rules.

We don't get paid. Don't you think we should be allowed to have one or two privleges for all the things we have to deal with?