Moderator Voting about to begin - Writers Forum

Chrispian · 10-16-2003, 08:32 PM

I'm sending messages to each person nominated to confirm they are interested in the position. Once we have a final list of nominees I'll post how the voting will work and we'll get the staff doing their new jobs!

**Penelope** · 10-16-2003, 09:24 PM

I asked Crispian if it was okay to post my response to his PM regarding confirmation. In the interests of being totally public with my decision I am posting it here with his permission.

I suppose I was a natural choice being the top poster on this site. I participate here happily. I enjoy most of the people who interact with a generous spirit and willing hearts. I, like everyone else, have my favourite writers. I still keep an eye out for Aubrey and Scryer who spent a few moments interacting in a poetic sense.

When I read the "Roadhouse Rules" I realized I am not a suitable candidate. I do not want to be restricted by rules which would govern a moderator. I also know only too well that the majority of people look to others to do tasks they would like to do but won't. Therefore I decline but pledge to support who is duly elected. I have no desire to have my comments curtailed by the duties of a position. I bear that burden in too many other venues. So choose someone more charitable than I.

I hold down a full time job and I already am a moderator on three sites (poetry & haiku). At each site I moderate, I was asked. I did not, nor would I ever volunteer for such a task.

In my opinion, the position of moderator is not a job as it receives no salary. I am a union steward at my place of work. I am constantly called upon to intercede in unpleasant tasks. I do it with a happy heart. However, I know that it's a thankless position. Everyone wants you to be their mediator and also expects you to be above reproach. I asked to post this publicly because I want everyone who reads this to recognize that the people they elect are NOT their slaves or masters. For God's sake treat whomever you elect with decency and respect and DON'T leave all the work up to them. I know I won't.

If I was already moderator I would INSIST that posters make at least ONE response for every poem/story/whatever they post. This is a usual courtesy on most sites. I've noticed a few very self centered individuals who can't be bothered to extend a few comments on some other person's submission. If I were already moderator I would delete such posters after one warning. So people, if you have gotten this far, if you currently only post work and expect everyone else to fawn at your feet, understand I won't be one of them.

Penelope.

heh! This is post 1000 for me!! How appropriate!

Chrispian · 10-16-2003, 10:03 PM

Penelope,

Well said and I for one certainly understand where you are coming from. In my personal life I've had to turn down several things recently for reasons not unlike your own.

I'm glad you'll be sticking around though! Who watches the watchmen, eh?

**Penelope** · 10-16-2003, 10:12 PM

I am glad you aren't miffed Crispian. I respect you and this site a great deal but there is no way I want to add to my duties as well as having to chastise in private.

Chrispian · 10-16-2003, 10:21 PM

Not miffed in the least! Never let that cross your mind!

As for the private thing, that's just how I do things. I've been at this a LOOONG time and have found things just run smoother that way, and I'll explain why...

If a troublesome user comes along and starts with the trouble and he/she is dealt with publicly, more often than not they decide it's their duty to try and disrupt as much as possible. I've found that if you give them a chance to save face they tend to either quit the site all together, or change their behavior. The last thing I want to worry about is a bored hacker with bandwidth and freetime to sit around trying to break down all my hard work. It's happened before.

I do understand that at times public examples will need to be made, and usually in such cases more than one person is at fault and broad "you've all been bad" will inform the guilty as well as provide example for the not guilty.

Just wanted to go into a little more detail behind my reasons for the Rules. I also wanted to be sure to post them publicly so members know that moderators aren't here to abuse them. Too many forums I've been on the moderators used the access they had to wage personal wars and cause more trouble than users do!

**Penelope** · 10-17-2003, 05:27 AM

Thanks Crispian. As a moderator I have sent those polite messages myself. I thought it would be a good idea if you explained why so that the members of the board will fully understand.

Susan Sparks · 10-17-2003, 06:02 AM

Thank you, Penelope for setting me straight, and I don't mind at all that you've done it publicly. I'm completely new to forums--just started last week. I'm also completely new to the Internet--I've been living in the Stone Ages. I'm in middle-age. So, I'm afraid that I don't know the rules of etiquette of these forums--or least I didn't until you set me straight. Thank you for bringing me into "Virtual Reality." And I mentioned to you Penelope that I was stretching myself too thin, I have it in my thick brain that I can save the whole damn world! So, I guess a lot of time is spent on that. Plus, since I do suffer from a disability (at least as far as that I am discriminated against--almost impossible to get a decent job) I have spent a great deal of time on another writer's site trying to help some people I have met who are disabled. And I am also trying to help others who are hurting in some way or another. Anyway, I apologize to EVERYONE who is a member of this forum for being impolite. I will make a concerted effort to read and comment on other people's stuff. Since I have started writing poetry seriously the past few days, I have been inspired numerous times by poems written by other writers. I believe the people I respect most in this world are writers. Guess I've written enough for now. Thanks again for setting me straight. Susan Sparks

Lily · 10-17-2003, 10:58 AM

Well said, Pen
=D>

As for why I decided to accept the nomination (by the way, thanks very much, Pen- I feel honored and VERY surprised as I've been here for such a short time

). . . I know this is going to sound cliched, but it's absolutely true:

I've seen lots of on-line writing forums, and this one is definitely the best. I haven't felt so welcomed or accepted in any other forum, and seeing all the talent here has really inspired me in my own work. I'd love to be able to give back to the site everything that it's given me and to put in my effort to make this site as wonderful as it's been for me for others as well.

This sounds a lot more cliched and sappy than I intended it to, so I'm going to go away now and think if there's anything else I wanted to say.

Susan Sparks · 10-17-2003, 01:14 PM

My computer is getting ready to blow up. I already tried putting this on once--it wouldn't take it. Got the computer at an auction for $90 two months ago. Be back soon-got my retirement check today and it's more than enough to buy a brand new computer. Later--Susan Sparks

**Penelope** · 10-17-2003, 01:55 PM

Susan - I am relieved you aren't upset with my public comments. I meant no malice in them. I too know of the problems regarding forum etiquette. When I first came to the Writing Forums I posted two poems within the same thread. I realized later it shouldn't be done that way. I was so bowled over with the quality of the people here I posted comments all the time (as you can see by my numbers).

Lily - I've read some of your comments and I believe you have what it takes to be a good moderator. Your energy is one of the reasons I nominated you. I also believe in making room for new people .. therefore .. you got nominated.

Lily · 10-17-2003, 02:06 PM

Heh heh . . . energy's the nice way of putting it . . . I've heard others phrase that less kindly! But thanks- I really appreciate it, Pen