What's wrong with our forum moderator staff?

[spearman914]

Originally Posted by alexp999

Hey, I've just noticed something, and I have one of three explanations (all of which could be wrong), now I apologize in advance if this has been asked before, but I just noticed that:

Polaris573 and Thermopylae_480, were both born on February 3, 1986 and are both at Arkansas Fayetteville

So my explanations:
1, They are twins
2, They are the same person
3, Coincidence?

They're 23 and they're a senior?

BTW I just looked up this and.. http://reference.techpowerup.com/User:Thermopylae_480

[alexp999]

Originally Posted by spearman914

They're 25 and they're a senior?

BTW I just looked up this and.. http://reference.techpowerup.com/User:Thermopylae_480

They're 23, and that is quite funny

[Polaris573]

Originally Posted by spearman914

They're 23 and they're a senior?

That's not unusual. Biology is a hard major and I've had jobs while taking classes which slows me down. It's taking me 5 years instead of 4.

[erocker]

I'm 32 and am still working on my Bachelor's in Art.

[alexp999]

Originally Posted by Polaris573

That's not unusual. Biology is a hard major and I've had jobs while taking classes which slows me down. It's taking me 5 years instead of 4.

I think maybe they meant you're only 23 and a senior moderator

[erocker]

Originally Posted by alexp999

I think maybe they meant you're only 23 and a senior moderator

And they should be senior mods. They are some of the most intelligent, thoughtful people I know.

[Polaris573]

Originally Posted by alexp999

I think maybe they meant you're only 23 and a senior moderator

I'm old enough and educated enough to be an Officer in the military, run for government office, or be a police officer and wield real power. Surely I'm old enough to wield fake power and keep e-people in line. I think my age might be an interesting anecdote, but irrelevent to whether I'm a moderator.

[btarunr]

Originally Posted by alexp999

They're 23, and that is quite funny

I think it's safe to break it. You have moderators / senior moderators younger than that.

The Dalai Lama could have been a TPU supermod at the age of 13, if only he had internet. Ones maturity level is what counts, and it has counted.


(disclaimer: no political/ideological views expressed/endorsed).

[Fleck]

Originally Posted by Polaris573

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?

LOL like having the ability to push around and abuse forum members is such a big problem to deal with. From what I can tell you guys use your powers to just get off and arbitrarily pick on people whenever you feel like it.

If I was a long-standing, well-known member (AKA one of your buddies) I KNOW you guys would react differently and be more lenient.

[spearman914]

Originally Posted by alexp999

I think maybe they meant you're only 23 and a senior moderator

They? I'm one person.

[alexp999]

Originally Posted by Polaris573

I'm old enough and educated enough to be an Officer in the military, run for government office, or be a police officer and wield real power. Surely I'm old enough to wield fake power and keep e-people in line. I think my age might be an interesting anecdote, but irrelevent to whether I'm a moderator.

I agree being only 3yrs 17days older than me, just pointing out what I think I thought they meant. February ftw! lol.

Originally Posted by spearman914

They? I'm one person.

I always say they as I don't like to presume male/female

[Polaris573]

Originally Posted by Fleck

If I was a long-standing, well-known member (AKA one of your buddies) I KNOW you guys would react differently and be more lenient.

Not a chance. I've banned people that have been here for years without a second thought.

Please stop creating drama for your own amusement. I used to tolerate it, but after years of it I grow tired of hearing the same worn out things over and over again. I find it an... uninspired form of entertainment. This is your warning.

[lemonadesoda]

Originally Posted by Polaris573

... I've banned people that have been here for years without a second thought.

I hope there was a reason! ROFL.

[Polaris573]

Originally Posted by lemonadesoda

I hope there was a reason! ROFL.

Yes. They usually accumulate a large number of infractions and PM warnings in several days. They see it coming but can't help themselves for whatever reason. I don't think I've ever just instantly banned someone unless they were a spammer. I can count on one hand the people who are permanently banned too. Normally a ban is three months and the person is free to come back after that. In fact, there are a couple people that regularly visit the forums that were banned for three months, came back, and haven't gotten into trouble since.

[Tatty_One]

Originally Posted by erocker

I'm 32 and am still working on my Bachelor's in Art.

Old Git..... I would have thought you would have learnt to overclock by 32

Took me till I am 48 and I still aint quite there yet

[imperialreign]

well, March is in like a lion . . . at least in regards to this thread



For starters, sure, this thread is about constructive criticism, and how the forums could be improved . . . not for singling out specific users/mods and starting a bash fest. Even more-so, I hate getting involved, but most here know I tend to play devil's advocate, and my getting involved in "bash-fests" is usually to throw out a completely different view point that hasn't been discussed, and that people tend to look past as they can't see it with their blinders on.

In that respect, I'd like to go on by saying that:

1) - erocker does a fine job as a mod, and is quite fair and very lienient in his dealings (much like all the other moderators are). I've never had a problem with him, nor any other moderator here, that couldn't be discussed and settled civily via PM. If you have an issue with any infraction you've been given, ask for clarification, they're more than willing to do so. Politely ask them to explain their reasonings, and I'm sure they will. If you felt they were in the wrong, you can easily discuss it with them, and if no agreement can be reached, you can contact an admin.

Following the rules is just basic common sense. TBH, when I registered, I didn't even read the rules, just breezed by them (seriously, who really does read forum rules . . . anywhere?). The only times that issues pop up is when someone has a brief lack of common sense, and goes a little too far. It doesn't require a PhD in Nuclear Physics to keep from being warned of recieving an infraction . . . all it takes is some patience. If you're in a heated discussion, re-read your thread before posting it . . . make sure there's no statements that could be considered extremelly offensive, make sure you don't come across as being dis-respectful (which puts everyone on defensive), and be polite. If things start heating up too much, just walk away for a bit and compose youself.

2) - singling out any specific user/moderator is just pointless - it does nothing to help bolster the feeling of community here, and only serves to seperate and divide the community. We've been over this countless times, usually in regards to one specific user, and each time I have to point out where both parties are typically in the wrong. Singling out a mod is equally as pointless, as that usually ends up with the whole mod-squad taking defense of said individual, and citing that such accusations and disagreements should be carried out via PM, and not publicly (see my prior arguement). Again, by singling out any individual, you only serve to drive a wedge in the community, as users will take sides one way or the other . . . disagreements lead to disrespect, and disrespect leads to dissemination.

3) - I see nothing wrong with btarunr's posts in many of the news topics. Users do tend to squabble over some of the silliest things, and usually not knowing of what they're speaking, or not having anything to back up their arguements.

You can't convince another user holding an apple that he really has an orange . . . especially if he really thinks it's a pear.

Sometimes, it's up to other users to step in and respond with the correct assertations.

4) - Why are we going on about animated avatars? We're allowed larger avatar images than most other boards. So what if we can't have animated avatars without mod approval? Besides, if it was allowed across the board, it'd become distracting and a nuissance.


As to the humor . . . sure, there's a difference internationally, we all can reason with that . . . but I don't think anyone here makes any comments in an attempt to be humorous that come across wrong.

The argument that because the majority of the users here are from the US is rather pointless, though . . . seeing as how the US is the most diverse country in the world, with some of the most anal-retentive, conservative, stick-up-tha-bum morons in the world as well . . . you'd have to be more worried about pissing off your fellow countrymen than a user from another country. If someone makes a statement that you find offensive, or to be in bad taste, we do have a PM feature that allows you the ability to (OMG!!) send the user a message privately. In the realm of the PM, it's entirelly possible to state your dis-pleasure with their remark, and possibly even getting an apology . . . heck, if you're really respectful, you might even be able to convince them to edit their post!!

This is an international board, and with that in mind, it's best to try and not offend someone of a different culture . . . but it will be inevitable - it will happen sooner or later. The thing is, most users on international boards recognize this fact, too, and that they may say something that you might find offensive. Does this stop everyone from expressing their ideas? No, hardly. Instead, it should be encouraged - being able to interact with users from other nations on this level is something that was unheard of even a decade ago, how can we learn from each other's differences if we don't know what their limitations are? Why go around tip-toing through the forums, afraid of stepping on another's foot? If you do so by accident, do you not apologize? So where is the difference if you accidentally make a statement that someone finds hurtful/offensive/etc.? I'm not saying go out there and let loose, spewing whatever from your keyboard that enters your mind . . . although, if that truly is your goal, there's always 4chan . . . and if that doesn't float your boat . . . /b/ . . .


Now, I say everyone needs to kick back with a nice cold one, and chill out

[paulm]

Originally Posted by Fleck

LOL like having the ability to push around and abuse forum members is such a big problem to deal with. From what I can tell you guys use your powers to just get off and arbitrarily pick on people whenever you feel like it.

If I was a long-standing, well-known member (AKA one of your buddies) I KNOW you guys would react differently and be more lenient.

I think you're going way too far. If your being pushed around for borderline trolling in certain posts/threads, you deserve it.

+1 imperialreign, and lets hope this mindless bashing of moderators comes to an end.

[DrPepper]

I'd like to think this forum is my e-home now because apart from anandtech, this is pretty much the only website I use anymore. Recently I feel like I've made a bunch of stupid posts when I've had a bad day and people have replied and probably had a bad day as well and thats where most of the little fights start. I think most problems stem because we don't share the same opinions and we try to change others opinions. I think thats whats wrong with our forums but thats what keeps it from boring. Although I agree mods should step in when insults start flying, I try not to insult other members and I don't think I ever have.

[Nick89]

Originally Posted by Fleck

LOL like having the ability to push around and abuse forum members is such a big problem to deal with. From what I can tell you guys use your powers to just get off and arbitrarily pick on people whenever you feel like it.

If I was a long-standing, well-known member (AKA one of your buddies) I KNOW you guys would react differently and be more lenient.

I've been on these forums for years and have never seen a mod abuse there powers.

Anyone whos been banned had it coming.

[btarunr]

Originally Posted by lemonadesoda

I do agree with Dan's attitude/sentiment. But there is a problem. One respected moderator sets an example of what is "acceptable sarcasm or humour", and member(s) adopt similar language, but then ANOTHER moderator lavishes infractions.

Another observation would be that for example:

The moderator(s) for the General Nonsense forum would find it kosher to have a few swear words in posts there, everything you romanticise as acceptable sarcasm goes, but say in the news, reviews, buy/sell/trade forum, the moderators there don't think so. Reason? Discussions are of a serious nature. Polite, parliamentary (if not formal) language and conduct is expected of everyone. For the general forums, especially the content forums, and the peer-to-peer trade forums, it is normal to expect moderators with far lesser thresholds for tolerating anything that crosses the line or on the brink of doing so. DanTheBanjoman has his moments, but you'll never see his antics coming at the expense of forum guidelines, or the standards of posts each forum is expected to have, and so, you can't really use him or his style of expression as a benchmark to coarsely gauge what is globally kosher and what isn't.

[lemonadesoda]

Originally Posted by btarunr

Another observation would be that for example:

The moderator(s) for the General Nonsense forum would find it kosher to have a few swear words in posts there, everything you romanticise as acceptable sarcasm goes, but say in the news, reviews, buy/sell/trade forum, the moderators there don't think so. Reason? Discussions are of a serious nature. Polite, parliamentary (if not formal) language and conduct is expected of everyone. For the general forums, especially the content forums, and the peer-to-peer trade forums, it is normal to expect moderators with far lesser thresholds for tolerating anything that crosses the line or on the brink of doing so. DanTheBanjoman has his moments, but you'll never see his antics coming at the expense of forum guidelines, or the standards of posts each forum is expected to have, and so, you can't really use him or his style of expression as a benchmark to coarsely gauge what is globally kosher and what isn't.

That's a very complicated answer

[paulm]

Originally Posted by btarunr

Another observation would be that for example:

The moderator(s) for the General Nonsense forum would find it kosher to have a few swear words in posts there, everything you romanticise as acceptable sarcasm goes, but say in the news, reviews, buy/sell/trade forum, the moderators there don't think so. Reason? Discussions are of a serious nature. Polite, parliamentary (if not formal) language and conduct is expected of everyone. For the general forums, especially the content forums, and the peer-to-peer trade forums, it is normal to expect moderators with far lesser thresholds for tolerating anything that crosses the line or on the brink of doing so. DanTheBanjoman has his moments, but you'll never see his antics coming at the expense of forum guidelines, or the standards of posts each forum is expected to have, and so, you can't really use him or his style of expression as a benchmark to coarsely gauge what is globally kosher and what isn't.

I agree that content forums are generally of a more serious nature, and therefore there may be less leniency towards users who exhibit bad behavior. I also agree that any moderator or other individual on a forum may have his/her moments. They may stay within the rules and such, but the problem I believe most people in this thread were discussing was the anal execution of said rules by moderators at times. The problem is, it seems that moderators get bored of having nothing to do at certain points, and begin to nitpick. I strongly believe that event topics of serious nature can be easily discussed casually, and that users shouldn't have to evaluate their exact choice of words in order to speak their opinion on a subject. This nonchalant form of discussion, IMHO, is what makes TPU a great community. Obviously users need to stay in line and not act as if they have some online form of tourette's, but I think sometimes everyone just needs to cool down and evaluate the worth of any actions, comments, and the like.

[Triprift]

Damn what is it with this thread? everytime i think its gone into hibernation it magically starts up again. Like Imperial said we just need to kick back and chill out wich is for some reason a hard thing to do for many ppl =/ How about we just let the mods and admins do there work and we just enjoy TPU for what it is a great forum is that to much to ask?

[Mussels]

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.

with posts like this, damned right you'll get warnings.

"I've had trouble with erocker in the past"
"erocker has a stick up his ass"

There are ways to say what you mean, WITHOUT pissing people off, i suggest you learn the difference.

People who complain of unfairness and getting picked on, are usually asking for the trouble.

Edit: and hey, i just read a few more pages... i wasnt mentioned once!

[DrPepper]

Thats because we don't see you as a moderator despite the bold name and the title moderator. I think the mods here do a better job than in any other forum. If I could give you a pat on the back I'd definately consider it, not for too long though jk