The mod would have to learn to be totally impartial 

It will never happen mate, too much history between everyone.

I can think of 2/3 that would be. 

I`m not naming unless it comes to a vote/poll.

I`m not keen on an fm as a mod but if that`s the way it has to be I`ll go along with it and see how it turns out. 

but is that history in the past? is it with people that aren't here any more. I don't know? 

Me too.. BUT... I can name just as many that would swear they weren't.

I'm like you.. I've never really had a run in with the mods - apart from the nutjobs in C4, and I've only ever reported one post and that was back in the C4 days (as it turns out the person I was defending didn't deserve it, but that's another story) so if it happens, I'll see how it goes.. can't say i'm thrilled at the idea though, and i agree with Ells, any big decisions should be made by committee, for the sake of the mods as much as the FMs

I'm still don't like the idea, but if it has to be then it has to be..... I guess we will just have to see how it goes....

I understand the situation the forum's in and I know too that if we want to stay in business we will have to find a mod from within our own ranks (a bit of a poison chalice methinks).  That's not a good place to be, neither is it a good place from which to select a mod.

Forgive me if I can't find something positive to say right now.

Tis ok Aquarius. I think we're all in the same boat really 

Thank you nuts

I'm glad I'm not the only one who is fearing the worst but hoping for the best.

Hi Ted.

I was going to PM you, but couldn't find a 'find dialog' option on your profile.  (But then I noticed you said "let us know by applying here...")

Despite many here saying that they would never want to be a mod, and it would be a nightmare and so on; I would be interested in applying.    I know some people think having an FM as a mod (or maybe several FMs as mods) is a bad idea; But as you say, I guess it’s worth a go..., and it seems that you prefer FMs to have a go at being mods... rather than using outsiders.  

If it doesn’t work, and too many people are unhappy with how it’s going, then you can always try something else.  I understand that you could do with a few mods, because of the time difference.  (With Seattle being 8 hours behind the UK, during the day, you are all in bed during our daytime of course!)

I am not on here all the time, and I do come on some weeks more than others, but if you're going to have maybe 4 or 5 mods, then there will probably always be someone on.

I am aware that there may be several members who are not overly fond of me, but IMO that's going to be the same for many, as quite a few people on here have a bit of history with someone, or have had some kind of a spat....  That said, I get on pretty OK with most people on here, and I have no history with anyone from the Ch4 site, so I would like to be considered..   I think that the fact that I have no history with anyone, means I would have no problem with being impartial.  Especially as nobody seems to have actively volunteered yet...

I am quite surprised that nobody has said they are interested.  Surely SOME people wouldn't mind a go???    Maybe people think it sounds cheeky to put themselves forward?  LOL.

If there is a 'vote' because loads of other people start seriously volunteering, I won't be offended if I am not 'picked,' as I think some posters may be more comfortable with FMs they are a lot more familiar with, or they know better or know personally.....but I would like to offer my help if you don’t have many offering...

Anyone else going to volunteer?    Surely SOME must want a bit of a go?  

I think a few of us feel the same Aquarius And as for Sprout's question..... I guess only time will tell

Yes, that`s a problem. A big one really.

I agree with Ells too although it`s all a bit bizarre thinking of your fm/mod/committee possibly discussing their forum pals and/or fms they`ve known for years. Not just for us but for them too.

The more I think about it, the more complicated it gets but like you, I`ll see how it goes.

I know what you guys mean and I can understand the apprehension, I felt it too at first, but I am sure that mods will not have access to anyone's personal details...  So I think it may be worth giving it a go.  As has been pointed out, the Seattle peeps cannot be on here in the day.  So I would hate the site to close because nobody wanted to do it.

I like the idea that someone had above, about having a few (maybe 4 or 5) I mean there's no way that all 5 of them would have issues with the same people.  And the first sign of a mod being biased - or prejudiced, and Ted would probably pull them up on it anyway.

I'd like to think Ted will confirm that sparkles - before any changes are made.  

I think he will Kaffy  From my experience of 10 years on forums though, (and speaking to various mods,)  they only have the power to delete posts and to lock them and to issue warnings, but I don't think they can even suspend someone and they definately cannot ban them.  And I am 100% certain that the mods don't have any access to ANY personal info; not even email addys.  

It's literally what it says; a moderator... to moderate and make sure that nothing nasty happens and that any big fights are stalled, until the admin comes on.  The problem is that Seattle are in bed between 9am and 5pm ish, and that is why they need someone to keep an eye on the forum.   I think though, as I already said, that it would be great if there were 4 or 5 of them.

All that said ^^^ about big fights and nastiness: that is very very very rare on here... We are a pretty good bunch.  

That's what I wanted to say Sparkles but I guess it didn't come out right. And as for the details bit surely it's only the mail addy and not to be used for anything other than the forum?

I dunno, I'm not explaining myself very well here but I know what I mean 

Then who does ban people Sparkles.... cos we have definitely had bannings on here?

Awww, you are doing fine nuts .  

Maybe it goes to 'higher up' Baz, and I kinda think it does.......posts being lifted for looking into sorta thing 

I am almost certain Baz, that it would be left to admin (Ted) because when we have had returning banned members and suchlike, and perpetual offenders, it is usually at least half a day to a full day after the 'bad behaviour' before the poster is banned...at least from what I can recall.  

I dunno about that Sparkles.  I used to mod on a forum where I was able to see email addresses.  I don't know if I was given this info because I was 'head mod' (geez that sounds ridiculous lol) or whether all the other mods had them.  Maybe it's up to admin how much info a mod can see?

Yes, I agree with that. It's like your higher ups at work knowing something you don't know 

Well maybe it is different on different sites Baz  But I am sure Ted will confirm.  That said, I am sure that any mod will have as little personal info as poss.  Like I said, the admin just literally want someone to look over the forum and make sure all is OK.  But like I said before, the majority of folk on here are great and so it should be OK most of the time.

That's what I'd thought Ells... I know some people here are using their ISP or even work emails and might not want them given away  - I think people need to be given a chance to change their contact details before any changes are made.   I only ever give out a hotmail addy for online places, but some people don't.    

Hope so Sparkles  

As long as the mod can't see people's emails then that will be one less thing to worry about!

LOL... that wasn't me Sparkles... that was Ells post   But thanks for answering my post about bannings

It will work until the mod(s) have to flex their muscles and then the trouble will start. Even if the mods can't ban anyone (which I think is right), they will have to pull posts and refer them probably.

If that leads to sanctions for the person whose posts have been pulled then that person's friends will feel aggrieved on their mates behalf.

I think mods from within can work but they have to be a mod from the start and a really special sort of person. We have a fabulous guy who helps mod the Arsenal forum I chat on. On another Arsenal forum they have several mods who are biased and too involved with all the hoohaa and it is a disaster which has led to that forum having to be closed for 2 months.

When it works it is great but all too often it doesn't sadly

Oops, sorry Baz!  I am such a muppet. I think it's coz I was talking to you before.  Sorry to Ells too!  

Yes... I only have the one email addy for everything Kaffy..... and I certainly wouldn't want it to be given out But on the other hand I don't really want to go to the bother of getting another one.... so I hope Ted can tell us exactly what details will be available to a FM mod.....

Although i would not want the site to close, i do not want to see a mod from here, there are a lot of strong opinions and i wonder if the mod would be completely impartial,  a mod from one of the other forums would be preferable and vice versa

I've got about 4 

I think so too Machel

I don't think it's closing now Machel after Scotty (I think it was) posted a link to say the forum was having a change about 

The best suggestion

I believe I would make a reasonably good mod, because I get on with just about everyone, but don't know people personally, and don't have any contact out of this site with anyone.  

And although I have had the odd spat with several people here (who I think don't like me much,)  I would literally put that behind me.  Although I am not perfect, I think if I were to be allocated the job of mod (or one of them!) I would put any personal differences from the past aside and would treat everyone the same  

As I said, if I DID start being 'funny' with anyone, (and I wouldn't, but I am just playing devil's advocate!) I am sure the existing mods and admin would pull me up on it.  I think not being in any group here and not knowing people personally makes me impartial.  But I will leave that for Ted to decide.    And of course, if there was a vote, and people would rather have someone else, then that's cool.. I would understand.  As I said earlier, maybe people would feel better with someone they are familiar with.  I guess we'll see.

Gotta go now.  Guess we will see what happens.  

Take care all xxx

being a good mod isn't about getting along with everyone (or no one) its about impartiality.  we know what fm's post maybe  and how they may react to certain views.  i have never claimed to "know" fm's or state they are "my friends" or be part of a "group"

No good can come of this

Z.

I think the majority agree Zaph but sadly it seems there WILL be FM mods regardless.

I do understand where Ted and co are coming from.....they want to expand the forum and do need mods on our time zone but I just don't see everyone being happy no matter what the outcome.

I totally agree...