Mods too strict...

[Epitome]

I have heard form [B]alot[/B] of people that the mods are too strict. I want most of the Otaku members opinions. Are the mods too strict. I dont think so, all they are doing is making sure that the boards are an enjoyable place for all ages. What do you think.

[nezzyjean]

The mods are definetly not too strict! If they didn't close the threads that they do, these forums would probably be full of intros, spam, and unconversational topics.

[wrist cutter]

They need to be more strict.

wrist cutter for mod in '04.

[Sephiroth]

No, I wouldn't class them as "too strict", I like the way thing's are run on OB, but perhaps thing's would be more interesting with wrist cutter as a mod ;)

[DeathKnight]

[color=crimson]Well. If those people dont like how this site is being run, maybe they should just leave or stop doing things that trigger a mod to do his job, lol. It really isnt any form a 'democracy' here, so its either they follow the rules, or they leave- either by us forceing them to, or on their own freewill.

Thats the pretty generic way things go around here, and I think it works smoothely.[/color]

[Charles]

Well, there are some issues you have to look at here.

This site is here to provide a high quality grounds for discussion, where a myriad of people of differing cultures, with varying beliefs, can be free to express themselves. By having a clearly defined set of rules, we can protect that tolerant environment. Most people who visit OtakuBoards don't want to rummage through incoherent posts and put up with ignorant flaming to find intelligent posts. Who does?

I don't think that we have any rules that are overly demanding or unfair. Rules regarding spamming or flaming are common on message board forums.

I should also point out that many of our current rules were applied due to past experiences (i.e., favorite threads), while others were developed for the convenience of members (such as image size limits in signatures). For the most part, many of our rules are flexible. Moderators will allow favorite threads, as long as they provide some semblance of rational discussion. And members will rarely be banned for violating a rule once. In fact, members are given significant leeway and warned before being banned. Staff often discusses a ban before it is performed, too.

The fact that moderators are selected from our community speaks volumes, as well. Our moderators are all members that should be easy to relate to. Because they were once normal members, they're no different from the rest of our community. Many have made many friends here and are easily accessible for questions and advice. That's why they have clearly defined titles--even if you don't notice the area they moderate in, on the main page (which is hard to miss), they're still clearly identifiable.

Plus, they provide explanations when threads are closed. These explanations aren't just provided for the hell of it or for the sake of picking on people. They provide insight on why a particular thread breaches the rules.

So, are the moderators too strict? Naw.

Just look at the variety and creativity of the threads in this forum, for instance. They're not out to ruin anyone's fun. Staff members often participate in fun activities like everyone else. A fair share of mods participate in the Caption Contest thread, for instance. Sara, a category moderator, created the Otaku Yearbook, which is designed to be fun.

Our staff even creates events for the public and work alongside the membership, to keep things interesting.

Of course, staffers are normal people, and they have their bad days. They might make mistakes or decisions that not everyone will agree with. But, if you look at the quality we enjoy on the boards now, I think it becomes easy to respect and appreciate what they do.

Surely though, no one is [i]forced[/i] to post on OtakuBoards. There are [i]tons[/i] of forums out there in the magical world known as the internet. If someone doesn't like how things are run, they're free to provide their input, but those who can't stand the way we do things are free to post elsewhere. It's pretty simple. lol

[Rhys Mayiessen]

[color=skyblue]Lol I don't think they're too strict they're just doing they're job. I mean you can't really have all nonesense threads floating around here. I don't really think anyone would join then. It wouldn't be as organized!^^[/color]

[Alexa]

[size=1]If it weren't for the moderators here, this board would be so full of spam, it'd be closed in a week. These moderators and admins have kept this board going for 4 or more years, at high quality. [b]And they do it fairly. There is the ocaisoinal strict mod.[/b]. You should be admiring them, not complaining. Though you can express your opinion, I have nothing against that.[/size]

[LostProphet]

Oh man, if they were TOO strict, half of my posts would be wiped off the earth. I actually congratulate them, because you have people from multiple continents here, and very few have been insulted. Like this:

Shut Up

[Manic Webb]

I rule my Music Movies TV forum with an iron fist! All those who speak out against the great Maestro Manic are severely punished by [i]death[/i]!

[i]That[/i] would be too strict. All we're doing is maintaining the rules. There are a lot of online message boards and forums with rules like our's. We're just doing what we can to make sure OB doesn't self-destruct.

[Guest Anakin Solo]

Too strict? Nah. But I certainly am not going to admire them, lol. *shrug*

Just doing there job I supposed. o_0 As someone said, if they don't like the way it is being run, they can leave.

[boothten]

I think they keep the forums in order. Not strict at all in my opinion.

[Red]

[color=002E55]Too strict?

Like Manic said, there aren't many messages boards out there with similar rules to Otakuboards. Then again, I doubt there are any message boards with communities as strong as Otakuboard's either.

Moderators maintain the rules; they don't rule the boards with a tight grip.
[/color]

[Dmitri_Dragoon]

They aren't too strict. I mean they do their jobs to keep this forum enjoyable. I support their decisions, because, basically we have no say in what they do, they make the decisions. They give us this forum to talk on, so we shouldn't complain about the decisions they make.

[Baron Samedi]

The moderators here seem to be great ppl (from what ive seen) they are putting their time into keeping this board nice and clean and acceptable and smooth. if someone says that they are too strict then try to imagine. it must take quite a bit of time to look at all threads to make sure that this place is clean and smooth and running how it should be. they put in their time so that others can also enjoy the beneifts of online community and rational, interesting discussion.

LONG LIVE THE MODERATORS! HIP HIP HURRAY! HIP HIP HURRAY! HIP HIP HURRAAAAAAAAAAAAY!

seriously you guys do a great job

[Juu]

[color=ff00cc] [size=1]I think they're doing a fine job.

Besides, I've been to forums where they're less strict than this, even a little bit, and it's been totally hectic. xx;

And so far, I haven't seen any unfair bannings, soo... yeah.[/color] [/size]

[BabyGirl]

[color=deeppink]:rolleyes: Like anyone is really going to admit to thinking that the mods are too strict.

I personally don't believe they are, but maybe that comes from having been one for a longer than necessary period of time. If anything, I was too [i]lenient[/i], not too strict. I know the mentality of most of the mods here, and I don't think any of them are ever in the mind to be harsh to members.

The only people that really believe that the mods rule with iron fists are the newer members who haven't familiarized themselves with the Otaku's rules. It's not anybody's fault in that case; newbies should read the rules and the mods should cut them some slack.

::shrug:: A funny world the online message board is...[/color]

[Transtic Nerve]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by wrist cutter [/i]
[B]They need to be more strict.

wrist cutter for mod in '04. [/B][/QUOTE]

I'm voting!

Too strict, hell, I'm not as strict as I'd like to be.only cause I have a heart... albeit cold and black...

[Guest cloricus]

...and it?s on my desk in a jar.
(I like finishing others posts!)

Vote [i]Cloricus[/i] `04 ...It's the one with the least votes that wins right?

Anyway. I go to a few forums, all of them are different. One; the mta forums is ruled with an iron fit because there is so much spam and things. Another; The whirlpool forums in Australia have 27,102 members, normally with 200+ on at any given time plus about 80+ guests. I think there are five mods? Yet it is a massive community with hardly any spam or posts out of place.
Otaku has rules and guidelines which are fare, it is just another forum with its own ways of dealing with problems. Personally I don't think they are very strict, just different. There is only one forum that I know that is like it (Athlon XP) but the community isn?t as nice there.

The only words I have are "Live with it".

-eps-

[eleanor]

I've witnessed one messed up 'closed thread' but the moderators aren't that harsh, really. I think OB is a better forum compared to some others I've been to.

[Mnemolth]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by BabyGirl [/i]
[B][color=deeppink]:rolleyes: Like anyone is really going to admit to thinking that the mods are too strict.

I personally don't believe they are, but maybe that comes from having been one for a longer than necessary period of time. If anything, I was too [i]lenient[/i], not too strict. I know the mentality of most of the mods here, and I don't think any of them are ever in the mind to be harsh to members.

The only people that really believe that the mods rule with iron fists are the newer members who haven't familiarized themselves with the Otaku's rules. It's not anybody's fault in that case; newbies should read the rules and the mods should cut them some slack.

::shrug:: A funny world the online message board is...[/color] [/B][/QUOTE]

Not true. I will gladly admit to thinking the mods are too strict for my tastes. At least on certain ocassions. :D

But then again, its not like I've ever been a fan of the way James or Charles or even Shy runs this place. :)

The way that 'teenagers' define 'maturity' can be substantially different from the way that 'adults' define the term. My disagreements with the management of this board essentially revolve around our different perspectives on this issue.

I wouldn't say the mods are too strict per se. Strictness isn't really the issue. More problematic I would say are the small (and not so small) remnants of ego and intolerance that are part and parcel of some mods, and both admins. For example, James closes down 'Evolution' threads. Now if I were in his shoes, I wouldn't do that because my perspective on 'maturity' is that people should be able to debate issues, even if they tend to be heated. Keep a firm hand on the proceedings, yet let people have their say.

But James' perspective is, and no doubt he will correct me on this, that this is primarily an entertainment board, and he's trying to ensure everyone gets along relatively well. He wants this board to be a success. A divisive issue like 'evolution' could cause problems. That's why religious threads also tend to be avoided. That's a public reason.

The private reason, I would guess, not that he is ever going to admit this, is that he doesn't want to lose the argument. He holds opinions on this and other issues and he is not willing to publicly lose face on them. He is the head honcho here, so its not surprising that he would want some deference going his way. This is why, if you look at 'evolution' threads, there is a tendency for him to throw his two cents in before shutting the thread down.

And then there is, of course, TN. No doubt you'd think I'm attacking you again. In one sense I am, but not because I have a personal vendetta against you. Its just you make the clearest example I can see.

The question with TN is who mods the mods? TN has a habit of snapping at people. In some cases he has good reason, in others he doesn't, at least not in the way he does what he does. To put it crudely, he's crass. How many newbies have you seen him laid to waste? The level of animosity is not necessary, nor constructive.

So, again, its not a matter of 'strictness', but simply of the personal encroaching upon the public.

Personal preference and ego of mods and admins affect how they run their boards. This is nothing new. You can complain of course, but don't whinge all the time. After all, this is not YOUR board. If it bothers you that much, then don't come to THEIR board. No one is forcing anyone to stay on Otakuboards or any other message boards.

And that ultimately is the beginning and end of the matter.

But yes, on the issue of strictness, I do think some mods are sometimes too strict for the reasons I've outlined above. However, before people start tearing me apart limb from limb, I should add this board is relatively well run. Of course there are egos and personal preferences, but that exists on all boards. For an anime forum, I think, for the most part, the egos are kept in check and the personal preferences are kept to a minimum. You can easily find far worse mods and admins on anime forums everywhere.

This post was brought to you by whoever awarded me the best 'spar-rer'. You know who you are. And yes, its ALL YOUR FAULT! ;)

[Semjaza]

Do you pull this "adult" card every time you have something to say? It's more juvenile than any argument that has been presented against you.

I agree with many of your points to a large degree. I think a few of the mods here do go beyond the line due mostly to egos or their time spent here (but some of the people you mention as such are rather uninformed). It's a seniority issue. However, I am very tired of seeing people here thrown into cliché groupings by several other here. I have to say I've seen Shy and James act in a more mature manner than I've [i]ever[/i] seen you act, despite your many attempts to wax Shakespeare and pull so many ideas out of your hat at once that it confuses most everyone here. It seems like most agree simply because they have no idea what your point is.

A good example is half of the Newbie Lounge thread. You could have presented your ideas in such a concise form compared to that, but you didn't for a reason. I think that reason is that you know if you put out so much that people will barely skim it or these simple minded teenagers (who I've seen you basically call right out stupid and ignorant - very ironic) will simply go along with it... Firstly, they have no idea how to argue against you. And the secondly, they want to look smart by agreeing with something with lots of big words and anecdotes, even if they don't quite get it.

I, for one, am very tired of many of the implications by you and a few others here that nearly everyone else here is stupid. I certainly don't appreciate it, and I do not appreciate the sly and purposely hidden insults to many of the members you make here on a constant basis.

I, personally, have absolutely no real problems with you. I admit to disagreeing with you in the past, but I hardly dislike you to a high degree... but I'm sorry, this constant crap you pull is simply ridiculous. Especially some of this crap about people like James closing things or avoiding certain issues. Perhaps it has some slight truth in it, but it's more like you see yourself as the one true sane voice here. The only one that truly knows what's going on. A messiah for all the common folk. Give me a break.

As for the REAL, issue at hand. I don't feel like addressing it at this point. Some mods are jerks, some members are jerks. Welcome to the world, where people have different personalites that others simply cannot control. I dare you to find many other boards that work any differently, regardles of their target age group.

I might have more to say about that later. It depends on how this goes.

[Chaos]

If the moderators here are too strict, then why has this topic gotten as far as it is?

[The Vampire: Ed]

Mnemolth, that is some of the dumbest sh--stuff I have ever heard. I usually don't out right say someone's opinions are dumb, because I am not that sort of person. But you are so ignorant to the truth that it isn't even funny. Some things can be agreed with, but most of what you say cannot be.

First of all, debates, as far as I know, have always been allowed on Otakuboards. But most of them have to be closed because of how heated they get, most of the time there is a person who steps on other's toes, and that causes an uproar of arguing with vulgar remarks, and personal insults. These topics are closed for the good of the boards because we don't need a whole bunch of fighting, and arguing about things that differ with each person. If someone has a problem or wishes to discuss their views in a nature such as that, there are alternatives to doing it on the boards. There is always Private Messages, E-Mail, and probably the most obvious Instant Messaging and Chat. There is no reason topics should ever get that way, so there is no reason they should stay open.

Secondly, Charles, and James run this place fine. The ego you speak of in Charles is his way of being humorous, and in no way should be taken seriously. Especially since when it comes to business, he is always very mature about what needs to be done, or talked about. The same could be said for James, but I don't know him as well as I do Charles. Besides, I have seen Charles and James asks some mods to be more polite towards the members, so you cannot blame them.

Also, James is not as one sided as you make him out to be. A topic of mine was closed due myself being a little too vague, but I explained myself and he reopened it admitting he was wrong too for closing it like he did. We settled that issue and it was allowed to stay open. If he refused to be wrong as you make it sound, then why would he do such a thing with my topic?

I don't like to thrust myself into subjects such as these usually, but I was upset by the obvious amount of ignorance in your post.

[Transtic Nerve]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Semjaza Azazel [/i]
[B]Do you pull this "adult" card every time you have something to say? It's more juvenile than any argument that has been presented against you. [/B][/QUOTE]

He pulls the adult card and then ends it ALWAYS with a little childish wink face (as if saying that everything he said was in a sarcastic "don't take me seriously" manner)... which is exactly how I take it everytime he does it, thus taking nothing he says as anything remotely important.

For the record i would like the list of these so called newbies I've "laid to waste." Quite frankly I don't lay waste to newbies, they lay waste to themselves. If I don't do it, someone else will. So I don't see a reason to stop myself from putting someone in their place when its time is needed.

I don't believe I am over the line. Some of you need to draw the line here. There is a difference between going over the line and being over the line. There are times I've gone over the line, but it's not like I stay that way. Everyone has gone over the line before. I don't care who you are, you've gone over theline at some time, some point, somewhere. Maybe I stick out more cause I'm not afriad to say what others may be afraid to say. I've had more compliments on the way I mod then complaints.