I would like to ask the Admin a few questions for my general knowledge.
1: Do members matter?
2: What if members of a particular forum lodge complaint against a mod?
4: Is feedback from members on mods accepted?
5: Can members of a particular forum nominate a mod of their choice?
6: Is there any machanism to check the performances of mods?
Thanx indeed :~)
Re: For my general knowledge
1: Do members matter?
*Yes. Mods and Admins are members too you know :) *
2: What if members of a particular forum lodge complaint against a mod?
It's reviewed on it's merits
4: Is feedback from members on mods accepted?
We welcome all feedback on how we're doing. It helps us get better at what we do
5: Can members of a particular forum nominate a mod of their choice?
Yes, though ultimate selection of moderators is not always through a popularity contest.
6: Is there any machanism to check the performances of mods?
We evalute how much time and quality Mods put into their work. Please remember they volunteer for the additional responsibility. There are no bonus carrots or penalty sticks. How would you suggest their 'performance' be guaged?
Re: Re: For my general knowledge
[QUOTE]
*Originally posted by Baba G: *
1: Do members matter?
*Yes. Mods and Admins are members too you know :) *
[/QUOTE]
Thanx a lot Baba G for your reply. You might not be aware of the background of my questionnaire. I will not unfold the whole scenario before you, instead, I will make your own answer a point that "mods and admins are members too" and build a small case for myself and a few others who had been arguing with a mod on this simple issue that we wanted him to look like a member (too). You can refer to my earlier thread here which has been moved from Poetry section.
You are well aware of the fact that the nature of Poetry section is controversy-free. As I said earlier in my thread and repeated it over and again that neither this forum is trouble-provoking like Politics (forum) nor it is a sensitive one like Religion (forum). You will find the members and messages in Poetry forum the most harmless and indisputable respectively. One new post merely goes beyond 100 words and most of the time it is a repetition. Just the reading of the first line informs you of the entire ghazal/nazm. And even one has to go through the whole piece, how much time a 100-word ghazal will consume?
If a research is carried out by the managers of Gupshup as to how different forums work and which is the most difficult and the most easiest to mod, it will come out that Poetry section is among the most calmer places. It has an impeccable record of peace and tranquillity despite a sizable participation of members on regular basis. And if the research could go a step further and try to find out which forum could be put on 'Auto-Pilot,' it will establish that Poetry section will continue to work even mods do not visit it for months - if not years!
Therefore, mods of this section do not need to invest in a lot of hard work and plenty of time. Going by this fact, they have been effectively discharged from their prime duty and they have more time and energy to also participate in the forum they police.
While it may not be mandatory for mods to participate as well, I am sure you do not prohibit them from doing so either. As you said yourself that "Mods and Admins are members too" - and we see that all the mods of different legs of this forum actively participate in discussions being done in their forums, except for mods of Poetry section.
It might not be surprising for you to note that one of the serving moderator of Poetry section did not participated in this section for the last 6 months. You can also say that he did not posted even a single thread since he became mod. The other mod did not participate in the section for the last one and half years. I will again repeat myself that it might not be mandatory for them to be participants as well, but if they are mods of Poetry, they should have a taste of poetry too and if they are not posting just because they are mods, they may be relieved of their duties so that two excellent people could easily and freely post the poetry they love.
Let me sum it up for you. Me and a few very senior members of poetry section wanted our mods to just not sit judge on us, but also sit with us like other members and share with us their poetry as they used to be some time ago. We wanted them to regularly participate in Poetry section so that we have a feeling that we have not been left alone and that a collective effort could be seen for the boosting of the forum which is not possible without active participation of mods. We are being faced with stubborn behavior for making these (huge) demand.
We demanded that new ideas should be used regularly and proposed a few. We were given a very cordial welcome to implement the new ideas (I thank them for this) but if only we have to do all these things, than what are mods for? Going back to conducting a research, another investigation will reveal to you that this peaceful section also happens to be the most boring and dull section of the GS family because of inactivity of its mods. It is very important that only those people are made mods who have a passion for the subject they are going to look after and highly relevant to the section.
While I know that they are volunteer, I also believe that they know what could be required or at least - expected of them. If volunteering is the only qualification, you may find suitable volunteers ready to offer their services which more dedication and time for GS.
I am highly thankful for your time and attention. :~)
Amal
Amal,
As discussed in our PM's we encourage our mods to contribute and grow their forums. There is no harm in a lot of suggestions coming from the membership itself rather than the moderators.
You have to appreciate the fact that they are receptive to your suggestions and have persistenly 'lobbied' on your behalf for changes to the forum, followed up when the issue got delayed and saw it to closure.
I'm sure they will continue to bring about positive changes to that forum based on the suggestions of active member's like yourself and others and will themself increase their 'presence' in the forums.
Your assessment implies that the onus of innovation lies with the members while it generously grants moderators a free walk-over.
Your views are so lopsided that the moderator who sent this case here, still had not to appear for any clarification simply because his and his co-mod’s position has not been questioned at all. Had it been for “wish“ and “hope“ alone, intervention of admins would have never been requested at the first place.
Let me tell you again that I am not against any moderator, I am against a certain type of approach and attitude. Your colleagues would be very dear to you, but do not take members for granted even that members do not pay you anything!
Amal check your PM - I dunn wanna re-type everything here :)