tigrotto wrote: Mon Apr 27, 2026 7:39 pm
Sure the number of active mods is low but those who are active do their job.
Where?
I cannot recall one example.
Maybe we have a different understanding/definition of the moderator job.
I don't know what would be a good number of active mods to keep an eye on all the post everyday and spot potential issues, if it's even possible to do.
I've just checked through the forum to have an overview of all new posts the last days:
3 required, 4 perfect, 5 luxury, 6 already too much for a forum of this size and activity.
+ one person with server access (at least limited access) (sort of webmaster) to protect against misuse of webteases (or can you edit/delete them in case of abuse?), and to take care about a little of the page (the legendary chat button i.e.).
And that's why there's the report button: all users can be "moderators" and report the problems so that we can then act.
That's not what a report button is for, it's not called "pseudo-mod-button" for a reason, at least that's how I know it, how I'm used to a feature like that, how it is in places I know, and how it should be (imho):
It's an emergency button, a mod cannot be around 24/7, but once a report is there, when he comes online, instead of doing his usual forum round he sees "report" so that's the first thing to check, a way to make sure action can be taken as soon as possible.
If users have to use it because no moderator steps in a situation on his own (within an appropriate time window) where moderation would be required, it shows the lack of moderation.
I try to keep an eye on new posts and comments but I can't do it everyday for all the comments.
Nobody could, it's free time activity and we all have a real life which always has higher priority.
That's why you need an active team around you.
Maybe what I write sounds too serious, but a moderator is like an alarm system for your house:
- Most of the time it's just there, no trouble, no need to take "real" action
- In case something bad happens: It better should work properly -> double, triple security -> a team.
I'm not sure if you're referring to the solution I proposed or if you were generally referring to my whole approach to the situation when you wrote "startling incompetence"
Both.
1. The suggestion of a compromise/approach to the situation.
You have a pure 100% troll account vs. someone who's only crime was his wish to share his work to the community, you've protected the troll and kicked the good guy in the balls by such a suggestion.
Like you get robbed, on court the judge comes and says: "No, no, no, the robber don't has to go to jail, let's do a compromise instead, ... the next time he robs you, he will just take half of your money, deal? How you like the idea? And now let's take us all by the hands and be friends, OK? Pretty please?"
At first I had an example involving someone get's shot in mind, use your imagination, and of course it's an exaggerated example, it's as ridiculous as that super-gau in moderation. (Sorry, but that's how I see it, with 200 mph frontal against the wall kind of thing, never ever saw something like that before).
2. "solution"
Ok, you say you don't have the knowledge, that's OK, and maybe I am biased as the more technical type of guy, from my point of view he gave all the technical informations, suggestions, links, hints someone could give, he explained his reasons, so ... no need to tell him to change a thing, no need for such a "solution", ... in other words, you've presented a "solution" for a not-existing problem while you ignored the only problem there, the troll.
Btw.: If you was unsure about the technical aspects, ... did you asked him to explain to you what you didn't understand?
I don't know what bad-guys you're referring to.
Really all kinds you can think of, in general.
While my very own opinion is, ... one single person who poison the atmosphere (see troll) is worse than 100 spammers.
To close my post:
I know I can be quite direct, no intention to hurt your feelings, but we are all grown up adults and I hope you understand my criticism, from my point of view you've made a (big) mistake (super-gau), we all make mistakes, the most important is the will to learn from our mistakes (as you mention you are willing).
2 hints if you don't mind:
- If in doubt, try to reach out for a helping hand (it's not a signal of weakness to ask for help, nothing to shame, the understanding of someones own limits in knowledge or experience or whatever is a strength), I am way too busy with all sorts of projects to offer moderation to this place (and fck, I'm too old for this shit ^^ ), but my PM is open, in example the situation above, even if it's just to hear a second opinion, just ask.
- Do your best to get Visitor from Bound Anna on board, talk to the admin or whatever, bribe him if necessary!
p.s.:
An follow-up account? I remember that avatar
, but your join date seems to be after my active time over there.
Greetings,
Markus
I just wanted to share some behind the scenes. I was actually here to check this post to delete it if needed and decided to reply.