blw
Posts: 4569
Joined: 3/15/2004
From: Auburn,
AL, USA
Status: offline
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It's time to step in and say a few things and I've been dreading it. First, I'm going to try my best to not step on any toes and I know that it isn't going to work out that way in the end. Here goes my best shot at it.
Flyboy Dave mentioned some things about being a moderator and hassles. It's times like this where the job is no fun either as a moderator, or just as a member. The arguments get too heated, and people take this hobby too seriously.
Greg mentioned that he was not going to contribute any longer because someone is a moderator. That attitude should never have to come up if we do our jobs right as moderators. I am all too aware that the moderator tag gives an unspoken impression that the moderator has the last word most of the time. I've noticed that my post count has dropped quite a lot since becoming a moderator about 8 months ago because so many things are discussed, debated, and argued. I’m not comfortable voicing my own opinions if that would make people go silent once I posted something. I never wish to see that happen. It is true that a moderator could have an unfair advantage if he wanted to push things in a dispute, and that's just not playing fair in my view. Moderating is all about fairness to everyone, even those who disagree with you. Sometimes, even to those who insult you too. It's just part of the job as a moderator, and we are all free to quit if we can't hack being fair, courteous, and lenient to all members. Then, there the jobs that are no fun at all when it comes to editing posts, deleting them, etc. But, the moderator concept is what separates RCU from other forums, in my opinion. I've had my posts edited or deleted in the past, and I know how it sometimes feels. But, the alternative is to become like other forums where things are too crazy and sometimes extremely rude. One thing you can always say if the moderators are doing their jobs here- you can let your kids and wives visit RCU any time without worrying. That counts for a lot!
Since names have been mentioned in various posts, I'm going to just use them here too. I've watched things unwind in the thread from the beginning. A lot has been said and argued about. Thankfully, I don't see anyone here in Engines acting like a young gun trying to take down a sheriff. I know that Greg has some issues that he has questioned or flat out disagreed with. And, that's perfectly okay too. He certainly has some good points. Both sides are okay. That's what we are here for. As long as it stays friendly. I'm pretty sure that W8YE, Bubbagates, and myself read every single message in all of the Engines forums at least once a day, and sometimes more often. That's what we do. We have seen a lot of disagreements all over the place. Some were good, and some got very bad. One thing stands out after reading so many issues and outcomes on a daily basis; almost anything can be debated, and argued if everyone respects each others opinions.
Just to go on record here- anyone can disagree with me on just about anything. I've only had one or two cases where someone actually made a big stand and issue out of something I offered. I decided to let it ride since it wasn't that important in the grand scheme of things, and they were entitled to their own ideas just as much as I'm due mine. It simply isn't worth the grief to stand my ground when it comes down to that sort of confrontation. Plus, it gets back to that point where a moderator can have an unfair advantage either by actions or perceived abilities to always win. I won't put myself in that situation if I can help it.
There's many reasons for saying all of the above. It got my attention when a member felt that he had no chance for a valid opinion just because moderators are hanging around. And, there are some misconceptions about what moderators do, or should be doing. Like I said before, fairness is just about number one with me. I've wished that I could turn off the 'moderator' tag when posting at times just so I would know that everyone felt like we all had a level playing field. But, it won't ever work that way. I've got the tag whether I'm here in Engines, or any other area where I don't have moderator duties. Please contact me if you think I’m not playing fair. I promise to listen.
Remember that I said RCU is a good place where kids and wives can visit anywhere? How about considering this: wouldn’t it be great if our wives and kids could visit and read the arguments and debates that we participate in, and still respect all participants regardless of who is ‘wrong’ or ‘right’?
< Message edited by blw -- 1/3/2008 10:59:31 PM >
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