Share your suggestions for moderating issues

Julie,

This is a great site. It is really too ba that its getting to this point. I have spent the last 4 years getting on here to learn from others. I appreciate all your hard work. I dont enjoy reading the posts that people are just arguing about nothing really to do with the intent of the site.
I dont know what to suggest but want to lift you up and thank you for all your hard work. People need to respect the board manners and also not be so rude to some of the new people. When you first get on here you sometimes know very little , thats how you came to find this site. There are a lot of great people on here with good advice but some of the threads lately keep me off of here. thanks for your hard work.

Good God, isn't the insanity of 911 enough to convince us that the enemy is not within? Give Julie and all of us a break and take a chill pill.

I think the site is fine the way it is. I think the moderators do a fine job

Julie, you and the other moderators do a great job at trying to keep things civil around here. We all encounter lots of ugliness elsewhere in life and it's nice to have a message board that is on the whole positive, informative, and encouraging.

There are a few Old Timers who seem to have personal problems with other posters. It is one thing to banter; it's another to bicker, accuse, and name-call. I believe the time to put a stop to things is when folks start insulting others and bringing up either past "misdeeds" or personal info someone else mentioned in a PM.

I think we all bear a huge responsibility to be especially kind, respectful, and helpful in a gentle way to newcomers and not hijack their threads to conduct a civil war. At one time, I was a newcomer and in one of my original posts, I was criticized and my motives were questioned. I remember feeling pretty uncomfortable and defensive and that's not how I want others to feel when they post for the first -- or second, or third -- time.

First, let me say that Julie, you are an OUTSTANDING PERSON and have brought much to this site. In no way should any grief from this site be felt by someone such as yourself who give tirelessly of youself in order to provide this free service.

I guess I'm missing those threads lately that have generated a thread such as this. I have been tested time and time again in the forums I moderate. Some of the Moderators, and certainly Julie, know the extent of those battles. In the end, decisions were made in the best interest of this site. In my opinion, that has to come first. As a Moderator, some have called my fairness into question. I've mentioned to Julie several times that if my participation is opposed to the purpose of this site then I have to go. I'd expect nothing less from anyone that truly enjoys this site for what it is supposed to be. In short, it is not intended to be a "flaming site." Several members have grown accustom to that form of participation and might not percieve that their similar participation here is wrong. If they violate the Board Manners, then they chose to have their posts edited and, at time, their participation abilities blocked. Again, they decide that. The Moderators simply enforce the intent of the site.

Here are some things that I've found to be effective:

• Moderators should use PMs to warn members that are treading on thin ice.
• Moderators should include all parties involved. Warning one party while not warning another often results in hard feelings.
• If I have to edit something, I always post, "Edited by CoachB25." In that way, it takes some pressure off of Julie.
• My goodness, there is a report button. Instead of having posters go off the deep end, if you are offended by a post, use that Report Button." I assure you that either Julie or the Moderator responsible for that forum will check out an offensive post.
• If Moderators are involved in an argument, it is helpful to ask other Moderators to step in. I know I've often done that to ensure fairness. In fact, I've also mentioned once or twice to other Moderators that if I'm in error, delete my posts and warn me.
• Some threads deleted are not what they seem. I know recently I deleted a post from a "Dad" asking where he could find a service. After reviewing that request, another poster gave a response that raised questions in my mind. After an IP search, they were one and the same. It was advertisement at it's worst. Keep that in mind should you sometimes find threads deleted.

Well if I think of more, I might come back and make additions. I would mention to Julie again that a private forum for Moderators might be very helpful. In that way, we can communicate a lot better. I really don't know all of the Moderators on this site but would like to know who they all are. FYI for everyone reading this post, I Moderate the Illinois, Coaching and Hitting Forums.

JULIE, YOU ARE DOING A FANTASTIC JOB. I KNOW YOU TAKE THIS VERY SERIOUSLY. DON'T LET THE ACTIONS OF A FEW RUIN YOUR ENJOYMENT OF THIS GREAT SITE.

Take care!

Darrell

I stayed out of the previous thread because it was bordering on insane. It's a free country, if you don't like it the way it is LEAVE.

Excellent suggestions by COACB25.
I have a problem when certain posters behave just as bad as the poster bring admonished with impunity. Moderators should be above reproach if they are going to publically scold a poster.
Sometimes advice may seem harsh but it is good advice. Anaminty is there so the advice is not directed at a know individual so you are not attacking someone but offering honest and some times hard advice.
You have people who are experienced and you have people who are not. You also have all levels of knowledge. On one hand you have Moms and Dads (posters)who want to say nice things all the time and offer feel good poats that can be encouraging. That is great but it is not advice that will solve the issue.
My advice that posters found insulting and resulted in the latest furour was honest and an issue that should be addressed. It was not aimed at insulting the person in question but to give the Mom insite into dealing with her son who lost motivation because of a set back. My Dad had the talk with me and I have had that talk with my son.
I also have a problem with a moderator who revealled information that I gave her in private that I didnot want to make public because it might be embarassing to a team and a host family. She has gone on with impunity and no repercussions so you might say I took the law into my hands. The lack of fairness will always lead to ugliness which I also do not enjoy but I will give as good as I get.
I have had many arguments with posters and most of them become friends on this site. I respect a good discussion even if I don't agree with their view.

Bobblehead,

Think I understand where your coming from, but I have a question regarding the following quote you made.

quote:

That is great but it is not advice that will solve the issue.

I'm not sure that many issues have ever been solved on any message board. At least not those issues that have the most opinions and result in the biggest arguments.

If someone thinks there is a problem with a moderator or anything else, they should PM MN-Mom.

I might be blind, but guess I don't see any big problem.

Only thing I notice is that not many change their mind on anything. Personally, I think changing ones mind about something is a good thing.

After all, we do talk often about how important adjusting and adapting is in baseball. Maybe we could all do a better job in that area!

BTW, I have become very paranoid in my old age. Not sure I fit the definition though, because I'm pretty certain there are people out to get me!

I read this site everyday and have learned SO much the past few years. Even though I read everday sometimes it gets confusing as to what's been deleted and why. Personally I trust the moderators to do what they think best. Obviously there's alot going on behind the scenes with long time posters. Hopefully all the differences can be resolved so this site will continue to serve so many people, old posters and new. It is a unique site because it can connect you with people that have do much baseball experience.

THANK YOU JULIE AND ALL THE OTHER MODERATORS FOR ALL YOUR HARD WORK.

PG in the issue invlved how is tellinmg the Mom that everything is ewll when she had concerns about her son's attitude after losing a scholarship that was apparently given to someone else because he waited too long.
She needed to talk to him about his attitude and the consquences of choices they make.
We often say when you get knocked down you get back up. What will happen when a coach lays into him for screwing up. All sports are tough and you face dissappointment and how you deal with it often determines the eventual out come.
Losing motivation, calling himself an idiot prompted my response. Telling him everything is wonderful doesn't do a thing to help.

I am certainly not paranoid but do ask that everyone be treated fairly. That may be a tall order for the Girls Guild.

As a reader, and much less one who post, I find it interesting that most of the threads are controlled by a handful of same posters most of the time, and yet very few that are logged on to the site ever participate in the general discussion threads. I wonder if it is because they notice the same thing I do...who in their right mind wants to get envolved in the cat fights that go on here most of the time.

The thing that I find most annoying is when new posters come to this site and offer up a sincere question only to find themselves lamblasted by the same old usual suspects here who justify their positions as moderating a thread.

I reserve my post to those who seek advice or help, but as I have found out to my chagrin you do so at your peril here.

I think I will continue to read more than I post...safer that way.
JMO

"Everything in moderation" and "GE: We Bring Good Things to Life". Both work for me.

Julie ...

First off, you know how I feel about you, Girlfriend, and that I have the greatest respect for all your efforts and hard work.

Secondly, I believe that when moderators edit or delete a post, or lock a thread, they should identify themselves when so doing. I realize moderators could send a PM to the poster(s) in question and put them 'on notice' that they are about to cross the fine line, but I am cynical enough to believe (know?) that some of the posters who are walking on thin ice are not likely to respond positively to those PMs. If that is what Julie thinks needs to be done (sending PM's first), then I will abide by it.

Thirdly, I wish people would quit presuming that they know who the moderators are and who they aren't. BobbleheadDoll, you continue to refer to one poster in question as a moderator and I am pretty sure that she is NOT a moderator and so you need not worry that she is editing or deleting posts with which she disagrees, especially since there seems to be a severe degree of animosity towards her. If anybody wants to know if someone is a moderator, send them a PM or ask Julie.

Fourthly, I believe that moderators should follow not just suspicious posters who may be new and/or trying to cirumvent the rules by hiding under an alias, but that they should moderate (us) long time posters whose status as 'old timers' with a myriad of posts as well because (us) old timers and our opinions and posts may seem to represent the site, and I believe we bear a responsibility to represent the site that Bob established 10 years ago.

Finally, regarding the style of posting 'advice' and/or asking questions ... just as some posters believe that their style of harsh in-your-face advice giving, questioning, and throwing doubt about a post or poster into their comments is acceptable and perhaps the best way to address issues, others (myself included) believe that using a more polite approach works just as well if not better. Most of us who have raised our children that way have produced fine upstanding citizens who are either continuing to follow their dreams or who are taking a different path in life, but who are nevertheless contributing to make our world a better place. It seems to me that more often than not, when the 'gentler' posters address an issue in their style, choosing to be encouraging and supportive while asking questions and/or giving a different kind of advice than the harsher posters, they/we are ridiculed for their/our approach, with the presumption being that we are fending off the real world for our children, candy coating our lessons in life, etc. I suspect many of us are following a lesson we learned well in our youth, namely that "A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger." (Proverbs 15:1) I was raised by a parent who was more often harsh than not and I elected to raise my son differently, and so I choose to address questions regarding youth in a gentler manner. It does not reflect parental weakness ... I was much harder on my kid than many other parents ... and I am hardly considered politically correct. Instead, I consider myself to be a polite person and choose to address the world that way most of the time. And it angers me to be told that our 'feel good posts' are not the kind of advice that will solve the issue. And I find that many of the arguements (personal animosities aside) that have been occurring lately are a direct result of the differences in how we address the question(er)s on this site and I have a hard time understanding how being polite instead of harsh can be a bone of contention for some. JMO FWIW

FBM I can't recall anyone editing or removing a post that I made so I have no problem with that. I actually think posts that get out of control should be edited after a warning. Have never been warned either although I though I might deserve it
The particular problem with Brabara is that she attacks me and no one does anything about that. You waded in on that thread and I never attacked you ot SSM. Barbara posted details of a PM that I sent her because she couldn't get me to say what she wanted publicly and then posted the info. I don't recall any moderator stepping in when I laid into her for that.
If you are going to dictate what is acceptable and what is not apply it accros the board to everyone.
The 1st PM I got from her was to list of the posters she couln't stand. Couldn't help but wonder how long it would take for me to make that list.

By the way her excuse for that was It sounded whiney. I suggest that her attitude towards me makes everything I say sound whiney.

I have a question---keep in mind that I am an old dumb Italian---a person posts an opinion --just how does he/she know if it will insult/hurt ones feelings---all of us are made differently and different things bother some while not others

As for referring to moderators nobody but themselves knows who they are---at one time I do believe each forum listed the moderators which I think is a great thing--being anonymous is a it ludicrous--why do we not use that method of listing the moderator of each forum

Just a thought from one who is probably on "thin ice" but again who knows--we don't see that list just like we don't know who the moderators are

quote:

Originally posted by TRhit:
I have a question---keep in mind that I am an old dumb Italian---a person posts an opinion --just how does he/she know if it will insult/hurt ones feelings---all of us are made differently and different things bother some while not others

As for referring to moderators nobody but themselves knows who they are---at one time I do believe each forum listed the moderators which I think is a great thing--being anonymous is a it ludicrous--why do we not use that method of listing the moderator of each forum

Just a thought from one who is probably on "thin ice" but again who knows--we don't see that list just like we don't know who the moderators are

I don't think a high school baseball website is going to provide you with helpful hints for effective and positive human interaction. Maybe some other website, person, self-help group, TV show can assist in that area of deficiancy.

Julie nor the moderators don't have the time or energy to babysit a bunch of cry babies. I know I certainly wouldn't either. I think alot of whiners have been on very long leashes.

Frankly, if you sincerely have to ask on this thread how not to offend someone, you have no business posting on this board until you understand and can follow the board manners, regardless of your age, IQ or ethnicity. It is no more complicated than that. Why anyone would ever think they are owed an explanation how a private free entity like this is run, is beyond me. If you don't like it, then simply move on down the road. Nobody is owed anthing from Julie or any of the moderators. If that's a problem, just scoot. No one has a God-given right to post here, including me.

quote:

We expressly reserve the right to deny authorization to any person at any time, for any reason, as well as to delete in its entirety any post or link to material which we, in our sole discretion, deem to be:

offensive to the sensibilities of ordinary persons,
contrary to the rules or purpose of this website,
or which might subject us to legal liability.
Posters will be expected to maintain basic courtesy toward the opinions of others. Please avoid flame wars or anything you KNOW will cause others to flame (aka "flame bait").

We expect members to agree or disagree in a civil manner. Personal attacks will not be tolerated.

quote:

a person posts an opinion --just how does he/she know if it will insult/hurt ones feelings---all of us are made differently and different things bother some while not others

Since we don't know how each person will feel, I humbly submit that it is always better to err on the side of caution.

I only have one slight suggestion; any comments/ideas/advice posted by Bullwinkle should be unceremonious and swiftly deleted.

do4/infield08

Are you saying some of us should become like others and not be what we are in real life--shall we adopt a new personality just to appease everyone?

I do not think so---each poster should be who they are not a "virtual" person which is what you are suggesting

If you cannot be who you truly are how do you get through each day in your life ?

and here I thought Illinois was where the crazys hang out....

As a relative new comer to this site, I've wondered why it is that moderators are anonymous? I believe within my first few posts that I somehow ran afoul while trying to discuss a difference with an "Old-timer", I reacted and responded in a manner I, upon reflection, felt was too harsh and withdrew my offering...it was then made clear to me two things... First, I was being discussed by folks I didn't know and wasn't invited to present my side and secondly, it seemed that "Old-timers" were given a special defference...I'm not new to forums and it certainly made me step back and consider further contributions (Good/Bad? Ha! who knows...I've got a big mouth too). My decision to continue (My apologies to those who think it was the wrong decision ) was based on my desire to talk about the art..not my need to feel how good others feel about me.
A couple of observations; e-teamz was completely ruined by making it pc and having admins that were charged with attempting to mitigate the interplay of regulars, which they did needlessly and to the detriment of the spirit of the site. Moderators need to be identified, so that a poster knows who has interceded into a discussion...when one did it when I ran afoul..it looked to me as if a nosey busy body was jumping into a discussion they had no part of and siding with someone just because they have been posting on the site for a long time (If that makes them right...well I can't even come up with an analogy that fits here..it just doesn't make them right..it makes them a long term poster and that is all)...This is what spurred a harsh response out of me, which I reconsidered.
I am an administrator on another site, we are identified...it has never been an issue that we are made known and it generally tends to keep us from over-reaction...it also makes it pretty important that we take a big humility pill if we wish to keep posters contributing, which after all is the lifes blood of any forum.
I enjoy the spirit here...it is similar to what e-teamz had going for it. Free speech demands responsible speech, no one person is above being challenged for attack or demeaning treatment, this includes those who, whether voluntary or paid have the responsibility to keep the spirit of the forum.
If you go around making "A" lists of people you "don't like" you are one miserable person and should come up with a hobby that includes yourself...I cannot imagine what would spur someone to be that way...I hope I'm never able to either.

quote:

If you cannot be who you truly are how do you get through each day in your life ?

I, for one, am very glad that I am NOT who I was even 5 years ago. I am all about self-improvement.

Dad04 you should try following the board manners.
This is the problem everyone seems to think they are right and way too cool to be reproached.
I have no problem with forcing manners on posters but too much government has its own downside. If thsi is a ladies tea party and that only sweetness is allowed I feel you will lose a lot of great advice.
I am always surprised by the holier than thou posters who always seem to read and post in those awful threads.

Get seriuos this is a baseball site with lots of personnalities. If it get too ugly report the offenders and edit themure or do what ever makes you ahppy. Shure hate to be a whiner.

infield


That does not happen in a "Virtual World" though it seems that many are now hung up on being so PC in the virtual world that are not themselves---think about it


JD

Excellent observation

I do believe that if a moderator edits, deletes or locks a thread the reason should be stated to the author of the post or thread. They should also be warned if their posts can result in a temporary or permanent ban.

quote:

Originally posted by BobbleheadDoll:
Dad04 you should try following the board manners.

If you want to correct me, feel free.

Ope just pointing out that your post was isulting, demeanind etc to a poster and curious why you didn't follow your advice.
Keep up the good work.

First let me join others who have thanked MN-Mom for her work on the site. Having been around for awhile I've seen it get rough, seen "moderators" get moderated and in the end the best part of it is.

Comments that generate "exception" are generally reigned in by the "group" the village" -- other posters etc. In the end cooler heads prevail and some good learning and needed venting occurs.

Bottom line...it's all good (for me at least) on the HSBBWEB.

TR how you like that smiley flower???

quote:

Originally posted by TRhit:
do4/infield08

Are you saying some of us should become like others and not be what we are in real life--shall we adopt a new personality just to appease everyone?

I do not think so---each poster should be who they are not a "virtual" person which is what you are suggesting

If you cannot be who you truly are how do you get through each day in your life ?

Who says everyone has to get thru life on this or any other message board? Not everyone in the world has to post here.

I don't think it is Julie's or anyone elses problem if a poster can't, won't or simply feels exempt from following the rules.

I post very infrequently anymore. I am a moderator. I very seldom have a dog in the fight.

If I edit a post or delete a post or thread, I notify Julie. I don't post who did it(unless I feel they don't really understand what they did). The posters know why it gets deleted. It violates the "Board Manners" as I define them when I read them. I do it for fun and for free and do not feel the need to have to get into the "free speech" debate, or to explain myself to the offended party. Nor do I feel the need to confer with and take up Julie's time to discuss it first and get the ok. That is why she has moderators. That being said, I don't do it often. Maybe 2 or three times in the last year. I like to read and am tolerant of aggressive banter.

People must remember that in the words of the Grand Poobah, "this is a hobby site and not subject to free speech other than what the moderators and owner decide it is." Period! I know that will make some uncomfortable. I am just not inclined to devote hours and pm's to something so unimportant as hurt feelings on a website. I am sorry if that seems harsh.

Trust me, it is not because I don't like arguing. I really used to like it.

Thanks

Eric

quote:

Originally posted by PGStaff:
I'm not sure that many issues have ever been solved on any message board. At least not those issues that have the most opinions and result in the biggest arguments.

Only thing I notice is that not many change their mind on anything. Personally, I think changing ones mind about something is a good thing.

After all, we do talk often about how important adjusting and adapting is in baseball. Maybe we could all do a better job in that area!

These are some very key points that we should all keep in mind. I have been absolutely sure a number of times that I made a reasoned argument that would change someone's mind on here...but in reality I think I'm batting about .000 (and so is most everyone else).

I've learned the most through firsthand experience. Over the past 5-6 years, I've changed my mind on so many things (multiple times in some cases) that I probably can't remember it all. Nearly all of my re-consideration has come from facing the issue head-on.

So maybe we need to just act like reasonable people and respect each others' opinions...and not get personal. Disagreement is perfectly fine, nastiness will ruin this site. I am not claiming I'm perfect...just saying we could do without the personal attacks and tailing your least-favorite posters around to jump on them.

It doesn't hurt one single bit to be polite, nice, respectful. IMO, Fungo is easily the very best at this. I have never seen a post from him that should make anyone feel bad, yet he seems to me to make his point better than anyone here. Very effective and I know he has strong opinions like the rest of us from talking with him via PM.

Strive to be like Fungo and we'll all be fine.

Actually I have had several people email/PM and thank me for helping them but I am sure that doesn't even come close to the people helped by TR.

This site should come with a disclaimer on the front page:

'Please note that our forums are only open to people who agree with the opinions of our moderators.

We apoligize in advance for blocking/deleting open minded people who wish to discuss relevant baseball information on this site. Actually, we don't.

And while it is true that only our opinions can be posted, feel free to browse our forums so you can learn why we are right and you are wrong.'


With this disclaimer, people would know right away that only like minded people are allowed to express themselves here.

Kidding aside, MN-Mom asked for constructive suggestions so I will give one.

Moderators should stick to dealing with trolls, thread hijackers and insulting talk. That's about it. Anything more than that and they have moved from moderator to buttinski.
To all moderators, this forum is for the posters to discuss issues and exchange points of view. Like any good umpire, you are here to enforce the rules, not dictate the way the game is played.

As it is now, the forum here is a moral compass for the views of the moderators. We must not confuse that with a forum that has the moral compass of its posters.

quote:

Originally posted by TRhit:
do4/infield08

Are you saying some of us should become like others and not be what we are in real life--shall we adopt a new personality just to appease everyone?

I do not think so---each poster should be who they are not a "virtual" person which is what you are suggesting

If you cannot be who you truly are how do you get through each day in your life ?

TRHit, I don't think that is being suggested at all. Take yourself for instance. I know, or think I know, what is really in your heart. How do I know? Well, because when I've had some very tough times, you've given me a phone call that has picked me up. You've done it more than once or twice. I think what is being said then addresses tone, intent, and lack of civility. You've been through these various "wars," for a lack of a better word, and so, you have so much knowledge to share. I know I read and respect your posts. The trick then is to make sure that the message gets through in form that helps and doesn't scold. The old fly and sugar or vinegar analogy fits here. As a kid, I was always very competitive and had to be right. In winning one argument my Dad commented to me that I was wrong in being right. I hope that that makes sense.

I think that this site has such tremendous potential. It is constantly growing. It is constantly gaining new members. It does lose a few along the way and I was pleased to see BigHit post. He's yet another valuable member because of the road he's traveled. The question then goes to agenda. We all have one. I hope it is to help parents and players. If your agenda is to be the expert, then I don't know that this is the place for you. Rather, read those posters remarks that suit your agenda and learn. None of us and most certainly not myself are right all the time. By the way, if you don't like a particular poster or group, simply ignore them. Believe me, that will make your life easier. What we don't need to do is make Julie's job harder!

quote:

Originally posted by Dear old Dad:

To all moderators, this forum is for the posters to discuss issues and exchange points of view. Like any good umpire, you are here to enforce the rules, not dictate the way the game is played.

As it is now, the forum here is a moral compass for the views of the moderators. We must not confuse that with a forum that has the moral compass of its posters.

Dear Old Dad, the problem then is that you request that those of us who Moderate, as a service to this site, give up posting abilities. I know that in the hitting forum, I've done my best to lessen my participation. However, and at the risk of sounding self centered, I often think that I could contribute a lot to various discussions. Once in a while, I do post. We Moderate as a service to help out. We don't do this to give up our participation on the site. I hope you can understand that.

Take care,

Darrell

quote:

Originally posted by CoachB25:

Dear Old Dad, the problem then is that you request that those of us who Moderate, as a service to this site, give up posting abilities. I know that in the hitting forum, I've done my best to lessen my participation. However, and at the risk of sounding self centered, I often think that I could contribute a lot to various discussions. Once in a while, I do post. We Moderate as a service to help out. We don't do this to give up our participation on the site. I hope you can understand that.

Take care,

Darrell

Coach, I do not think that moderators should stop posting. They should be as active as they want to be. But they should take the advice you just gave to TR. If they don't like a particular poster or group, just ignore them. They should only step in when rules are violated. Unfortunately, their personal likes and dislikes inlfuence their decisions as moderators.

Is there something going on that I'm not aware of?

Would things be better without moderators? Maybe we should have paid moderators. Who will pay them?

Is someone being treated unfairly?

I think everyone who feels they are treated unfairly by a moderator should step up and explain why they feel that way. Then everyone can make their own decision as to what they think.

Just throwing out there... The moderators are causing problems... is kind of confusing to those who have no problem with the moderators.

Geez, a while back there was a discussion about apologies. Some said they are not necessary, others thought they were all right. I guess that some feel everything is fair game, while others feel a little humility is important.

I do more reading that posting and have edited or deleted my own posts due to sheer stupidity, clarity, and a few that sounded too snarky.

I do participate in other forums, and always try to hear myself talking - the reader is at such a disadvantage - no facial expressions or tone of voice.

I have read several posts that seemed harsh or unkind. In reality, the posts were answering questions in a direct fashion. Unfortunately, the answers weren't ones a parent or player want to hear. Maybe that made the opinions difficult to read.

Personal attacks are different and they can get ugly and demean all of us. Fortunately I have only run across one or two like that.

Having said all that, I have found some great advice here, wonderful experiences (I live vicariously!) and apply much of what is said to son's experience.

I like the suggestion that mods be identified and perhaps linked to a web based email.

Thanks!!

I like B25's approach. Especially "If Moderators are involved in an argument, it is helpful to ask other Moderators to step in. I know I've often done that to ensure fairness. In fact, I've also mentioned once or twice to other Moderators that if I'm in error, delete my posts and warn me."

If all moderators followed B25's guidelines, there would probably be fewer complaints.

Some moderators personally get into discussions and later start deleting posts or locking threads when they cannot back up their statements or defend their position.

It is helpful if the moderator notes that he deleted a post.

For the most part the moderators do a good job, and earn every penny of their pay.

Moderating does require judgment, and it will never be perfect. TR & I have gotten into it pretty good (okay, that may be a slight understatement) a few times. And may again some day. Yet I maintain a respect for TR. He is trying to help players and parents. And usually, you can coax him into saying what he really thinks. I would not want a moderator stepping into the occasional heated discussion between TR & myself. Yet I can understand that some moderators might be unsure when to step in.

Summary:
Adopt B25's guidelines for all moderators.
Go ahead & note when a post is deleted, and why.
Keep rolling...

If Herman Munster were a moderator, this is what he'd say:

"Scooba doo and scubba dabba, life's a gas, and life's a grabba.

"Hip is hip and groove is groovy, life's a wild Fellini movie.

"When that hairy fist of silence slugs us, bugs us, puts us down, we'll all wing it; we'll all sing it, Guy Lombardo's back in town!"

(Cheers and applause)