Moderators; Good or Bad?

[Fluxy]

Hello all, as you can see, the topic of this thread is going to be the start of a very controversial conversation; Moderators and how they have been moderating.

In my honest opinion, I have seen a few moderators -actually- doing things around the site a lot, and some of the ones actually doing work, are doing in not only a horrid manner, but one that offends both their fellow Moderators and Members around them. As part of this post, I will make a critique for every mod of my views. And yes, I will make it personally assure right now that all Mods will at least one good thing I have seen, and more critique.

Moderators:

Odd/Sideways-

Good wise: When he was managing things, he did manage things well, not too much more that I can say.

Improvement wise: There is nothing to see from him. If I see him online, I will be a little surprised. If I see him post or remove a topic, I will be shocked. Does he do anything? Of course he does, but on this site? I think not. Anything he got to was during when other mods were on, and easily would have gotten. IMO, we need to see more from him. You don't get paid to be a mod, or many, if any, benefits. But you, as well as your peers, offered and signed up to be Mods; Do your job as such or back out.

Redeemer-

Good wise: She is there when most other moderators aren't, and I now come to consider her as our first line of defense when it comes to issues and all. She makes sure to at least glance over each post to help either keep the threads on track, or see when things need to start going down/be taken care of. Overall, the best idea of an ideal moderator here on SFO.

Improvement wise: Too light hearted. When cases come up on either the shout box, or threads here on our great forums, it seems she needs the back up of her fellow mods, on some occasions, just to put out her opinion/order, as it seems she is afraid people will turn things on her. A moderator needs to be confident in their reasoning and posting when it comes to dealing out the law, and keeping things thriving; Even if that means risking your coolness by messing up or becoming what seems to be "A Bad Guy".

Asper Sarnoff-

Good wise: The paladin, as I might say, he always seems to have proper judgment when it comes to issues, making sure to look through some, if not most, topics around to help give judgment. He also gives out his reasons of action when he posts, as to why he did something. Overall, alright moderator.

Improvement wise: Not only do I feel his on and off sessions leave the site barely moderated a lot, but he goes out on limbs to defend those who are in the red because he has some sort of attachment to them. As he stated in the past, he protects Fira in many cases because he is her special other. This is not alright by me in any way. Yes, you can agree with your loved one, even support them, but as I said earlier for Odd/Sideways; You signed up to be a moderator free of will. It is currently a job of yours that you willingly do for this site. Part of your job is to improve the site, not defend someone in the blame just because she is your loved one. You can say that yes, they did do somethings right, but you also need to tell them that they need to buckle up and work, rather than put all their undone work on your shoulders.

"User"-

Good wise: User is pretty good on most occasions to help look around and be on often. He does some good moderating, as well as help keep some topics on the rail. Overall, an unneeded mod. [see low as to why of course]

Improvement wise: Really needs to back his truck up, evaluate it, take it for a test drive, and see if more improvements are needed. I am not going to lie, his constant talk of wanting a mature section, as well as minor comments as to wanting to share some good ol' pics that shouldn't be here slightly disturb me, as well as others. Now, this has been brought up many a time, and nothing has been done, so the admins are allowing him to be like this for some reason. For this cause, I will focus on anouther section of him; His overall moderating. User continues to claim all this beggaring/trolling/Simply not appropriate talk is because of "Inside Jokes" or "How he is". This is -not- okay. Rarely have I seen him fairly moderate. He tells others who have suggestive avatars to take them down, when he himself constantly has one up and about. For sake of being calm and in line, I refer to what I said to other moderators right now; You volunteered to be a moderator, no one is paying you. But you took it upon yourself to make sure this site thrives and goes good under your watchful eye, but with how he has been for the past three weeks, especially with his comments of not willing to change at all, I am surprised, almost shocked, our Admins and Moderators have not done the right thing and tell him to leave. He has only been hurting the site, and making many uncomfortable with both his seemingly perverted nature, Comments he makes personally/privately to members like myself, as well as his, by far, below standard moderating and favoritism.

Sylum-

Good wise: He makes a very good attempt to moderate to the best of his ability when it comes defending causes or telling others when they are wrong. He also spends a decent amount of time here, making many friends with others along the way. Overall, Alright Moderator.

Improvement wise: Sylum needs to learn how to word his reasonings, as well as knowing when it is alright to say certain things. As a mod, the goal is to not aggravate others to make your point, but to logically say why your reasons to things are, as well offer improvement if you can. By being harsh or using an attacking approach to address an issue, it comes off as rude, and mean. He is not this way, as I know from personal experience, but others might not understand that. Learning how to voice his opinions better would be a huge improvement for him, and make the site better.

Fira Astrali-

Good wise: Has been making some good progress on coming online more, and scanning over the forums. She has some good advice when it comes to more personal situations, as well as a calming nature when you talk to her. Overall, an Alright Moderator.

Improvement wise: Mainly, from what I see, she needs to look more often at the site and threads for issues, as well as stand her ground efficiently. As Redeemer also needs to improve on, it seems Fira needs the back up of her fellow mods when it comes to issues, rather than being able to stand on her own, unless the case is truly offending/outrageous [A rather rare occasion, but happens nonetheless]. If she can add a bit more logic when it comes to her reasonings, it would go a long way. As well as her time to look at issues she is involved in; Whether they be in personal requests, or issues dwelling in the Role Playing board. Has room for huge improvement.

Sissy/Sara-

Good wise: Very very kind hearted, welcoming to talk to, and usually in a good, cheerful mood. I have talked to her once or twice personally, and I can already tell she is one that people can definitely look up to if they need to be kinder. Overall, room for improvement.

Improvement wise: I rarely see her moderate nowadays posting, or reading up on the forum. I feel if she was more active on the site, it would be a lot better, as I feel out of all the female moderators, she now spends the least amount of time here, but can stand on her own two feet really well. More action needs to be taken into her hands I feel.

----------------

Now then, that are all the moderators of Star Fox Online. Please, take this thread, above all others, seriously when it comes to commenting, as this is a serious issue with me, and I feel action needs to be taken with them. A large inflow of trolls/meanies/whatever you wanna call them, have been coming into our site, and rather than dealing with it, these mods are allowing them to slip by, only sitting back and either giving half-assed warnings, or not doing anything to stop them. This needs to stop now as the site is taking a large turn for the worse as we speak. I love this site, and a lot of people in it, but a lot of good people have left, or changed for the worse, currently.

Moderators won't do anything, and those of us who want things to happen are either like me, who can do nothing from a strong standing position to make a difference; relying on only those above me to hear and understand my words to take action. Or they are like many others [This goes for both Moderators and Members, as I know there are people on both sides] who are too afraid to state their full mind due to lack of back up from their peers. SFO is meant to be a friendly place, and that has dropped majorly, in the past month especially. Action needs to be taken.

[Deploy]

Very interesting...

[Redeemer]

I see. Thanks for your honesty Nick, I appreciate it. I'll take what you said on board, and strive to be a little stronger. I can accept criticism with an open mind. :)

[Arashikage]

There are words of truth here, there may be some opinions, but I guess it's good someone's saying something. I back you up on this, Nick, I have seen some cases where improvement was needed.

[Sylum]

Thanks a ton for the input, dude. I'll definetly work on it. :)

["User"]

Nick, I appreciate your honesty with your critique about me. I'm already admitted indirectly that the last week(s) have not been my brightest moments when it comes to doing my duty and in the past few days I've been trying to take the steps to correct them as such and be more accountable in the process. Real life issues as well as work and drama can easily play a role in how one does their job as a moderating or admin.

[CrypticQuery]

I'm going to have to give some major respect for both the Moderation team and Nick here; Nick, you've always been one to post your true feelings in their full, unbiased form. They almost ALWAYS have quite a bit of merit to back them up, and are incredibly valid points. To the moderation team, I must say that you guys have taken constructive criticism quite well, and though everyone needs some improvement at one time or another, you've all been doing a great job.

[Fluxy]

Nick, I appreciate your honesty with your critique about me. I'm already admitted indirectly that the last week(s) have not been my brightest moments when it comes to doing my duty and in the past few days I've been trying to take the steps to correct them as such and be more accountable in the process. Real life issues as well as work and drama can easily play a role in how one does their job as a moderating or admin.

Thank you, User, you just brought anouther huge point I would like to make.

Not only have many the mods been in the "wrong" state of mind for their said job, but I have not seen any true improvement at all, other then their words being said rather than wrongful actions. User, I realize you have been in a bad place, but seriously, from how you talked to me in the past, as well as others, and how it is progressing into more public areas, you have only been getting worse, and offending your fellow peers; and that includes people of the moderation team as well.

I respect you wish to improve, but I have seen no true improvement at all.

[Guest Mr. Nintendo]

I must say that you guys have taken constructive criticism quite well, and though everyone needs some improvement at one time or another, you've all been doing a great job.

(^Sorry but I had to LOL at it...it just reminded me of Johnathen Coultan's RE: YOUR BRAINS )

The lad speaks the truth.

[Milkyway64]

I only skim read it, but I have a few things I am DYING to say.

Redeemer, Steve, and Sissi kick so much ass and that is exactly why I am in a love hexagon thing with them and Sabre. There's DZ too but I am not in love with him. <3

And then there's Fira. I... haven't seen her. Not once since the RP drama. Ever. I also haven't seen her do any of her jobs, Sylum Asper swoops in like Batman to do them for her. Why is she here? She hasn't been moderating much less shown that she knows HOW to moderate.

Everyone else is pretty okay. Seems they pick and choose what to do based on how lazy they're feeling, or I just haven't been in the right places at the right times.

[Redeemer]

I only skim read it, but I have a few things I am DYING to say.

Redeemer, Steve, and Sissi kick so much ass and that is exactly why I am in a love hexagon thing with them and Sabre. There's DZ too but I am not in love with him. <3

I love you too Milkyshake. We have the best love around, ever. :3 <3

["User"]

Thank you, User, you just brought anouther huge point I would like to make.

Not only have many the mods been in the "wrong" state of mind for their said job, but I have not seen any true improvement at all, other then their words being said rather than wrongful actions. User, I realize you have been in a bad place, but seriously, from how you talked to me in the past, as well as others, and how it is progressing into more public areas, you have only been getting worse, and offending your fellow peers; and that includes people of the moderation team as well.

I respect you wish to improve, but I have seen no true improvement at all.

Yes, I have been clearly in the wrong at times and I have acknowledged that. I know what incidents you've been referring to and yes those were bad judgement calls on my part. For the record, my moderating style for years has been more of a lax nature. It's been this way for years on the KLA and other boards as well and I prefer not to be a hardass like some other mods/admins I've seen over the years (not referring to anyone on SF-O because no one here is a hardass). I am no stranger or greenhorn when it comes to past experience but could I be fairer and more impartial? Most definitively as can a lot of us here. Being impartial and "fair" is one of the most difficult parts of doing a job as a moderator - especially when you have two conflicting sides telling you to do different things.

Once again, your honesty with keeping us in check is admirable and I respect that.

[Arashikage]

Going to have to agree with Milky about Fira, I haven't seen her since... Well since I think the fall of the Hotel, I don't see her around much.

[Prince Elite]

all the moderators are good, except the ones who are bad.

[Steve]

I kinda feel this would have been better addressed as a private thing, to remove the "controversial" status. I mean, after all, it's a personal opinion. It's like if every mod were to address what they like and they don't like about members. We usually do that in pms.

If the mods are ok with this, then power to you man.

Edit: nvm, I don't see the Staff improvements topic we had before , maybe we could use a new one.

Edited April 29, 2011 by Steve

[Sarita]

While I appreciate the honesty, Nick, I'm not entirely sure this is something that should've been said in public. You know you can PM us with your concerns! EDIT: FFFF, Steve ninja'd me even though he knew I was going to post!

In my defense, I'm an art major with studio classes, so I can't always be here. Whenever I'm not in class though, I am logged in! I just don't always post.

Also, Milkshake made the best post ever.

[Fluxy]

Yes, I have been clearly in the wrong at times and I have acknowledged that. I know what incidents you've been referring to and yes those were bad judgement calls on my part. For the record, my moderating style for years has been more of a lax nature. It's been this way for years on the KLA and other boards as well and I prefer not to be a hardass like some other mods/admins I've seen over the years (not referring to anyone on SF-O because no one here is a hardass). I am no stranger or greenhorn when it comes to past experience but could I be fairer and more impartial? Most definitively as can a lot of us here. Being impartial and "fair" is one of the most difficult parts of doing a job as a moderator - especially when you have two conflicting sides telling you to do different things.

Once again, your honest with keeping us in check is admirable and I respect that.

Alright, and I clearly understand from everything I have said, but I must say this one thing. Beating a dead horse, maybe, but needs to be said.

Being a Moderator here is a job. If you are unable to change and suit yourself for the job at hand, you lose it. Now, I am not one for cutting off moderators with a whims by any means, but truly, this has gone on long enough to the point where I had to make that large of a post just to state my mind. There needs to be some type of change, and quick, rather than the change that is most of the time talked about, but never taken seriously.

---

As to Sissy and Steve: I hear you, I really do, but I already tried that. I went to other mods, and they didn't hit the issues I was talking about. I needed this to be heard, and since I can not post in the Staff Board, or if I could, respond to questions there effectively, The public is the only place I truly had for myself to be heard fully.

[Steve]

Well, you do know, one of the reasons for me to be an admin is to address this kind of issues, if a mod is not answering you, address me. Unless I'm on leave, I will surely answer your pms.

[Fluxy]

Then, Steve, I take that into my blame as to not bringing this to you personally.

But truly, how much recognition can this get if all the mods are doing what they have been doing truly in the past to recommendations? User claimed to be working on them in a post earlier to this one I am writing, yet, he has only been getting progressively worse, as well as the Fira case a while back. As I said a while back, she will have an uproar in being online, which she did, and then this time lapse of not being on will come again, and it has.

Many more points could be made, but I feel the point is clear. I am sorry, Steve, for not bringing this to you, but in my honest opinion, bringing it publicly is the better way in this case to make it possible for the changes that need to happen for this site to improve, rather than the proclaimed changes that die out almost instantaneously.

[Steve]

Then, Steve, I take that into my blame as to not bringing this to you personally.

But truly, how much recognition can this get if all the mods are doing what they have been doing truly in the past to recommendations? User claimed to be working on them in a post earlier to this one I am writing, yet, he has only been getting progressively worse, as well as the Fira case a while back. As I said a while back, she will have an uproar in being online, which she did, and then this time lapse of not being on will come again, and it has.

Many more points could be made, but I feel the point is clear. I am sorry, Steve, for not bringing this to you, but in my honest opinion, bringing it publicly is the better way in this case to make it possible for the changes that need to happen for this site to improve, rather than the proclaimed changes that die out almost instantaneously.

Thing is, I can't do anything , or take serious action against a mod if only one person is complaining, my inbox is empty, no one has addressed issues, only you (like I said, maybe we need that Staff improvement topic back...). I'm not saying all the mods are perfect, because I know that I'm not a perfect admin, but at least consider privacy for this kind of things next time .Even tho I can't take serious action against them, I can talk with'em, which will give me their side of the story, and maybe I would get them to respond you. It's kinda the same when a mod has an issue with a member, if several mods don't back up, then I can't take an action against said member.

[Guest Mr. Nintendo]

I usually see Fira posting in some RPs like Save Starfox...

[Milkyway64]

I usually see Fira posting in some RPs like Save Starfox...

How often? I never see her online. Or any posts of her's at all. Even if she's in that roleplay, what about her job she promised she'd do? What about THAT? She's frankly not done much of anything concerning her staff position and I suppose there's no reason at this point to with hold that I think she's only on staff because Asper wants her to be.

[Fluxy]

Thing is, I can't do anything , or take serious action against a mod if only one person is complaining, my inbox is empty, no one has addressed issues, only you (like I said, maybe we need that Staff improvement topic back...). I'm not saying all the mods are perfect, because I know that I'm not a perfect admin, but at least consider privacy for this kind of things next time .Even tho I can't take serious action against them, I can talk with'em, which will give me their side of the story, and maybe I would get them to respond you. It's kinda the same when a mod has an issue with a member, if several mods don't back up, then I can't take an action against said member.

Then I guess I can only say this.

I know for a fact, people see this as well, I know this. In this case, I need them to at least speak up in some way, either in PM's to the admins, or publicly here to some degree. I am getting a little annoyed at this being the third time I have done something, and it hasn't really been acted on, because the people I am also saying this for won't speak up.

I fully realize, and understand your point, Steve, as I respect it. Now all I can really say at this point is that I need the others to speak up as well.

[Steve]

Then I guess I can only say this.

I know for a fact, people see this as well, I know this. In this case, I need them to at least speak up in some way, either in PM's to the admins, or publicly here to some degree. I am getting a little annoyed at this being the third time I have done something, and it hasn't really been acted on, because the people I am also saying this for won't speak up.

I fully realize, and understand your point, Steve, as I respect it. Now all I can really say at this point is that I need the others to speak up as well.

I'ma go ahead and make the Staff improvements v2 topic, hopefully it won't derail again. But then again, I suggest pms before making things public.

[Fluxy]

I'ma go ahead and make the Staff improvements v2 topic, hopefully it won't derail again. But then again, I suggest pms before making things public.

Will do in the future, Steve, and again, I apologize for not PM'ing you first.