Moderation

[Drix D'Zanth]

Shy, I hope you don?t mind me talking on this a little bit.
[QUOTE=AzureWolf][FONT=book antiqua][SIZE=2][COLOR=blue]
[? etc, you know what this all reads ?Drix]
We can agree that a community is a set of people "communing" together for whatever reason. So, to say that a part of OB (that only lets a fewer number than the total amount of those that makeup the community) is "as much" a part of the rest of OB isn't statistically sound. In fact, you've lost the community and have created another, aristocratic community that just makes up a part of this community (think Venn Diagram, with the mod section having zero and the overlap having the # of mods). [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/QUOTE]
So you are implying that because it doesn?t receive community input or recognition, it shouldn?t receive public praise? (Interesting, since the nifty fifty didn?t seem like broad, or majority-driven public praise, but a mixture of focused, valid opinions being selected by a select group of people.) That?s interesting? So do you think a director shouldn?t receive an academy award because the cast and crew didn?t have ?input? in the script of his movie?
You have to understand the function of the moderator lounge, coming from a former moderator. It?s just an easy to use resource that facilitates the job. It?s influenced almost exclusively by content that is widely open to other members in the normal OB. The moderator forum merely works as an intermediate between mods and more powerful administrators, and vice versa. As James and Shy already stated, it?s quite underwhelming.


[QUOTE=AzureWolf][FONT=book antiqua][SIZE=2][COLOR=blue]
Not that I'm saying things shouldn't be like that, mind you. I'm just saying, I'd argue that the parts that are alienated to most of OB are not very much a part of OB. Of course I realize that there's a connection between OB's community and OB's adminstrative areas, but in the sense of community... (isn't even going to do "The Weakest Link" reference). [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/QUOTE]

The moderator forum is as much a valid forum as any other. If anything, it is more important than the idle discussion of the newest video game or the most recent Zelda fanfiction. If anything, it has a huge effect on the community as it helps to stabilize the quality that Otakuboards prizes itself for.

QUOTE=AzureWolf][FONT=book antiqua][SIZE=2][COLOR=blue]
Also, just because most moderators selected the thread in question doesn't really show bias. Rather, it points back to the statistical differentiation: do you really think it was bias, or that most people couldn't see the thread and therefore the community couldn't choose it as a noteworthy thread? [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/QUOTE]

So members aren?t let in on the information that is passed around the moderator forum? Honestly, would anyone really want to read the forum? I think the sense of mystery and alienation causes a perfectly human curiosity. However, the forum is already overhyped after reading a couple posts. I think that if the effects of the mod forums were known to the general OB population it would receive a few more nominations from non-mods. There is no point to letting that information (in a specific sense) be known, so we?re left with a trade-off. The mod?s will vote for the forum that helps them do their job, and we?ll vote for whatever threads/forums make us happy.

Hey, I haven?t owned a console since the Dreamcast? do you think the Play It forum holds nearly as much bearing for me as it would any of the regular posters there? Why, then should we expect the moderator forum to matter to anyone other than the moderators, except in recognition of it?s contribution to OB as a whole. Sure, I think the Play It forum is a good part of OB and important to a lot of people? that?s how the Mod forum should be received.

[QUOTE=AzureWolf][FONT=book antiqua][SIZE=2][COLOR=blue][blah blah?insert some watered-down excuse explaining his previous sentiments?]
I asked why some mods linked to a private part of OB, and Shy responded by saying that linking to private threads is fine because it's just like every other part of OB. I didn't like that answer. If it's true and that was the reasoning behind the linking, so be it. But I didn't like that, and I feel that if that was the rationale, it was not wholly sound. [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/QUOTE]

Last I checked, the Nifty Fifty was only about justifying your own opinions, not attempting to justify the opinion of a majority. What did you vote for, Azure? No doubt something that had nothing to do with myself, or some of my friends? I can?t honestly speak for the majority, because I?m not sure of their experiences. I didn?t ask you to justify your opinion, or explain yourself for voting for what you voted for. For example, I?m sure that plenty of people hate Siren. There?s a good chance that he?ll burn every single member on otakuboards at least once. Siren got the majority of my nifty votes? because his contributions had a greater effect on me than other aspects of the OB. Does that mean my nifty fifty nomination is invalid if Siren didn?t have an effect on another member, or you? No cigar, Azure

[QUOTE=AzureWolf][FONT=book antiqua][SIZE=2][COLOR=blue]
If you are referring to me calling the private parts of OB aristocratic, that's not a bad thing (I love aristocracies, btw). In fact, I consider it a very good thing, and exactly how things should be. However, I think they should stay separate, and that things that are private have no justification in recieving public recognition (unless you consider "because we can" or something a justification). That's all.
[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/QUOTE]

That?s interesting. A few people voted for Version 7. Do you know that no-one but James, closely working with programmers (I think, Jblessing, right?) had anything to do with version 7? We didn?t really have that much input, it was mostly a James creation.. down to the Geisha skin. So, going on your logic we shouldn?t have the right to vote for the version change as we had nothing to do with it? right?

Doesn?t really sound like there?s a real problem here. Sounds to me like you?re looking for one. What could you be justifying, or proposing to change? Sounds like you?re perturbed that you can?t see the moderator forum and this is your reaction?

[Shy]

[size=1]First of all let me say how much AzureWolf rocks. I'm just happy to be posting in the thread with the guy again, since it's been a while...[/size]
[quote name='Drix D'Zanth']Siren got the majority of my nifty votes? because his contributions had a greater effect on me than other aspects of the OB. Does that mean my nifty fifty nomination is invalid if Siren didn?t have an effect on another member, or you? No cigar, Azure[/quote]
[size=1]To be fair, Siren got the majority of Nifty Fifty votes because you nominated him ten times. But I see your point, and I'm going to expand upon that...

From what I understand, Azure, your objection is not to the fact that the thread itself was nominated. Rather, you feel that as a community we should all have equal access to the boards themselves. You'd like to discount staff threads for consideration in such events (which is fine) because they are largely inaccessible to the community, and therefore cannot be representative of the community as a whole? Am I following you here? Or is it just thta you don't like us linking to a thread you can't access..?

I'd like to think that referencing a thread that most members cannot visit is no different than referencing an anime that very few people have seen. These boards are completely elective, and so is every discussion within it. I'm not offended by the PC/Mac forum, even though I don't own a Mac. You as a member should not feel insulted by the staff forum, especially since they can't even see the thing.

If nothing else, a passing reference here or there is to be expected in a thread about [i]moderation.[/i] We moderators were asked to discuss moderator-type things in this thread, so it's basically a given that the staff forum will be mentioned in some capacity. If I were to complain about how cumbersome the moderator control panel was, would that also be upsetting?

-Shy[/size]

[elfpirate]

I think the mods here at OB do a wonderful job, and I do not envy the position one bit.

I would not want the responsibility of monitoring everyone's threads and posts- it's too much akin to babysitting... and I don't have the patience required for the job.

I'm glad that there are apt individuals that enjoy that responsibility and are willing to put up with the frustrating aspects of moderating, and I have a lot of respect for what they do... but I'd have to say "No way in hell..." if I was ever asked to be one of them.

[Charles]

[QUOTE=Shy][size=1]From what I understand, Azure, your objection is not to the fact that the thread itself was nominated. Rather, you feel that as a community we should all have equal access to the boards themselves. You'd like to discount staff threads for consideration in such events (which is fine) because they are largely inaccessible to the community, and therefore cannot be representative of the community as a whole? Am I following you here? Or is it just thta you don't like us linking to a thread you can't access..?

I'd like to think that referencing a thread that most members cannot visit is no different than referencing an anime that very few people have seen. These boards are completely elective, and so is every discussion within it. I'm not offended by the PC/Mac forum, even though I don't own a Mac. You as a member should not feel insulted by the staff forum, especially since they can't even see the thing.

If nothing else, a passing reference here or there is to be expected in a thread about [i]moderation.[/i] We moderators were asked to discuss moderator-type things in this thread, so it's basically a given that the staff forum will be mentioned in some capacity. If I were to complain about how cumbersome the moderator control panel was, would that also be upsetting?-Shy[/size][/QUOTE]

Here is my expert commentary of the proceedings:

[IMG]http://img213.exs.cx/img213/6066/beatingdeadhorse0hk.jpg[/IMG]

[Sol-Blade]

[SIZE=-3]All I have to say, is that being a moderator is a job that I'm used to by now, and it is by no means an easy job. I run my own UT2k4 clan, and we have our own forums, which I am the admin of. I also host other clan's forums off of my excess room. So we get alot of traffic, and I moderate it all. Me and my fellow buddies (Who I appointed mod positions) have to catch ALOT of flak for what we do. Sure, there are lots of people who respect us and our position, but there are a few guys who always have a few choice words for us. Lots of posters hated me for deleting ONE post at times...

As said in the very first replies of this thread, having to constantly deal with spammy posts and threads going OT all the time...it's more of a job than a role at times. I'm not exactly getting paid for this you know, infact I'm probably spending more money on it than I should. :p

Ahem, what I'm trying to say, is that just moderating my forums is bad enough, and we get alot of traffic. Nothing compared to what the OB gets though, so my hat goes off to the staff of OB. They do a great job keeping everything 'civil' around here![/SIZE]

[Japan]

[COLOR=Navy]Would I like to be a moderator here?

Not really. For one thing, I can run to some of my friends who have the power of the mod rod or otherwise if there is a spammy thread or a bad member. Why bother being a mod?

The other reason is because I have admin duties at another message board and I wouldn't be able to stand to do anymore.

A lot of the staff here do an awesome job anyhow. [/COLOR]

[AzureWolf]

[FONT=book antiqua][SIZE=2][COLOR=blue]*nods* God, Drix, this is the same exact thing that happened in the other thread I abandoned, and it's getting pathetic. I'm not even going to bother going through the whole "self-talk" you posted, just enough to reveal the slippery slope.
[quote name='Drix']So you are implying that because it doesn?t receive community input or recognition, it shouldn?t receive public praise? (Interesting, since the nifty fifty didn?t seem like broad, or majority-driven public praise, but a mixture of focused, valid opinions being selected by a select group of people.) That?s interesting? So do you think a director shouldn?t receive an academy award because the cast and crew didn?t have ?input? in the script of his movie? [/quote] Your rhetorical question is clinging to an almost nonexistent connection to what you quoted. In fact, you are jumping into ethics, which is too relative for you to work with (since I made a statistical argument). I realize you are trying to poke my opinion on this whole matter, but unfortunately, I'm working with a statistical frame, so opinions are a moot point, haha (READ THE REST OF MY POST BEFORE REPLYING - THERE'S FURTHER ELABORATION!).

Do I think a director should recieve an academy award? The answer: IT DOESN'T FREAKIN' MATTER. You are arguing with yourself, making your own flawed logic.

I'm assuming this hypothetical director produced something, had something to show for whatever he did behind the scenes, and actively announced what he was doing. The public [U]directly[/U] sees the final product of what he's done, and so can deem it worthy. It was put into the public eye, and recieved public recognitiion. I'm not seeing the point of answering this very off-topic question, and how, if at all, it matters to the topic at hand.

Can't you just address what I said instead of trying to derive a meaning that is nonexistant? You are trying to say I have an opinion on the matter, and funny enough, manifest my opinion for me. Look at my posts again: I never stated my opinion on how I feel about moderators having their own boards - implicitly or otherwise! (I actually did explicitly, but showing you will only prove my point more painfully, since it's not what you said my opinion was) You are genuinely arguing with yourself, or you just don't realize that you are Red Herring through my entire post.
[QUOTE]You have to understand the function of the moderator lounge, coming from a former moderator. It?s just an easy to use resource that facilitates the job. It?s influenced almost exclusively by content that is widely open to other members in the normal OB. The moderator forum merely works as an intermediate between mods and more powerful administrators, and vice versa. As James and Shy already stated, it?s quite underwhelming.[/QUOTE] Right after this paragraph, you quote me saying the same exact thing you just said and try to play it off like it's not there. What the hell is your point? When did I say otherwise? I think you aren't reading anything correctly at all, or are purposely making very obvious Red Herring evasions. I know using a very objective and sound frame like statistics makes it hard to find faults to work with, but that still doesn't justify manifesting your own holes and then claiming them to be mine.
[QUOTE]Doesn?t really sound like there?s a real problem here. Sounds to me like you?re looking for one. What could you be justifying, or proposing to change? Sounds like you?re perturbed that you can?t see the moderator forum and this is your reaction?[/QUOTE] Like the two paragraphs above, you quote me and ignore me, and then just start bantering on your own. I already said, OB should work how it always has, and there's nothing wrong with it. That does NOT mean I want change, as complicated as that apparently seems. Reiterating everything for you isn't even worth the time. Go back and actually read what I said, instead of finding some key words and attacking them in vain.

Sounds like you are perturbed that you can't argue directly, only being able to use Red Herring techniques to merely sound right. Perhaps a grudge against me drives you to desperately seek an argument against me (grudge for what)? However, it's not working.

You aren't worth my time. You've proven that to me. I graciously stepped aside the first time you did this fallacious and flamboyant garbage, but you did not yield. I'm never going to bother with you. Like the first time around, I'm just going to disregard your posts from now on (consider this post the only exception). I recommend you do the same.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

Anyway, now that I'm through that drivel for good, time to address the real replies. [quote name='James']Azure, I didn't think it was possible, but that reply out-dorkifies your last one! Wow.[/quote] :therock: Are you, like, doing this on purpose or what? Also, I don't know why you think considering something and it's cause (that probably took the total thinking time of a minute at most) equates to having too much time on one's hands (the most time was probably spent trying to form words for what I was thinking). Does it really matter what I choose to discuss in my free time? "To each his own."

Last, I think you misunderstood my point: I'm not envious, haha. I'll elaborate in my reply to Shy's post.
[QUOTE=Shy][size=1]...Rather, you feel that as a community we should all have equal access to the boards themselves...

...You as a member should not feel insulted by the staff forum, especially since they can't even see the thing.

...If I were to complain about how cumbersome the moderator control panel was, would that also be upsetting?[/size][/QUOTE] Well, I just want to clarify your first sentence here. I'm not saying that the community should have equal access. I'm saying things should remain the way they are, but moderators shouldn't mention or state things about private mod stuff anywhere in this community's eyes. Otherwise, it seems pointless to make it private (but I do want it private - just not private AND in the public eye). Did that make sense?

Aside from that, everything else you said (that I didn't quote) hits the nail on the head. And yeah, linking to a thread everyone can't access does get annoying based on how frequently it happens: once, twice, on a myO blog entry?! O_o The irking begins...

And again, I just want to restate that I have no qualms with the moderator forum. I'm not envious, and I'm really not sure why that thought came to anyone's mind. I was just talking about linking to private parts to OB, haha.

So, yeah, your last statement pretty much makes the a very good point. I just really didn't appreciate how often the thread kept coming up (being linked). It was like, someone opened pandora's box, and everyone else started participating. I wasn't curious at first, but if it gets linked that much, of course my curiosity and annoyance will multiply. But it wasn't really a big deal, I just wanted to know why it was so.

In short, I see what you mean, Shy, so you don't need to elaborate any further. But just for my edification, you didn't notice the... "overlinking" of that one particular thread around theOtaku - or just didn't consider it "overlinking?"

(btw, my main reason for starting this short discussion was to converse with you, since it has indeed been a while, haha)

[Mitch]

yes,
once upon a day
i was a mod
and i had my rod
and i showed 'em who's boss
isn't that right, hoss?

yes,
once upon a day
i was a mod
but no longer;
my position was gave up
to other bright hopeful
head-over-heels faces.

(and let it be known
i put some people
in the hospital
with that rod)
_____________

so shall i dumb
with the history that is
mine?

i was mod of
otaku lounge
then mod
of what back
then wasn't
called anthology
- it was just
a forum
where
writings
were
posted

then i wasn't a mod
the end.

[center][quote]As I've said before, "it's just a message board". ~_^[/quote][/center]

No.

THIS IS MY LIFE.

[James]

[QUOTE=AzureWolf][FONT=book antiqua][SIZE=2][COLOR=blue]
Anyway, now that I'm through that drivel for good, time to address the real replies. :therock: Are you, like, doing this on purpose or what? Also, I don't know why you think considering something and it's cause (that probably took the total thinking time of a minute at most) equates to having too much time on one's hands (the most time was probably spent trying to form words for what I was thinking). Does it really matter what I choose to discuss in my free time? "To each his own."

Last, I think you misunderstood my point: I'm not envious, haha. I'll elaborate in my reply to Shy's post.
[/QUOTE][/color][/font][/size]

[color=#334366]Because this is a really, [i]really[/i] lame conversation. lol

Who cares if Moderators link to a private thread? As Drix pointed out, it doesn't matter. At all. lol

As has been pointed out, the Nifty Fifty isn't about democracy or something. It's about trying to find things that were nifty/noteable and having a committee that takes the pool of information and comes up with final results.

Why let such a small thing bother you? Just ignore the links if you don't like them. I'm getting sick to death of the OB parodies here, but I have stopped visiting them for the most part - ignoring stuff works, sometimes. I don't mind people making reference to the staff forum, so long as important private information isn't shared. The only way I can see someone disliking the linkage is if they are feeling put out that they can't see the forum themselves, as if someone is waving something in front of their face. But I don't think that's the intention and even if it was, it's a really silly/lame issue to even worry about.

So yeah. I just think the whole conversation is incredibly redundant. My point about having too much time on your hands relates to the fact that you are writing these long posts and taking such a ridiculous topic so seriously. As I've said before, "it's just a message board". ~_^[/color]

[AzureWolf]

[FONT=book antiqua][SIZE=2][COLOR=blue]Well, what was up with all the "dorky" comments? That was rather uncalled for, IMO, as I think there have been much worse threads that weren't closed.
[quote name='James][color=#334366']Why let such a small thing bother you? Just ignore the links if you don't like them... The only way I can see someone disliking the linkage is if they are feeling put out that they can't see the forum themselves, as if someone is waving something in front of their face. But I don't think that's the intention and even if it was, it's a really silly/lame issue to even worry about.[/color][/quote] I'm just saying, when it happens once or twice, I barely take note. However, if it keeps coming up, it becomes a nuisance (again, I was just asking "why," and then did not like Shy's initial way of putting it).

Think about it: take a group of friends or acquaintances. Now, imagine that they start mentioning something and only talk about things on a vague and brief level whenever you are around. It happens once, then twice, but you of course brush it off as nothing much. But if it keeps happening, I really find it hard to believe that it won't irk you in the slightest. Why do they feel the need to still bring it up when you are around? Just as a person with curiosity, there must be a reason a topic is repeatedly brought up, and probably worth knowing about. (I'm NOT saying the thread that started this is worth knowing: I'm just illustrating why it would be annoying and so unwelcomed)

Also, I don't consider this discussion serious. If I'm treating it less casually than it should be, I really would argue that you and I have both seen much poorer discussion topics than this. (And truth be told, I consider OB a good place to practice writing and debating - regardless of how trivial or revolutionary the subject matter) [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[James]

[color=#334366]Oh, Azure. I give up. Now you're getting all uber-PC on me, by taking offense at my dorky comment. Geeze. lol

Nobody is linking to that thread to annoy you. Really...there's just no need to make such a big deal out of it. As I said, if this really bothers you...then you must not have a lot to worry about in general.

Let it go. It's okay. ^_^[/color]

[AzureWolf]

[quote name='James][color=#334366']Let it go. It's okay. ^_^[/color][/quote][FONT=book antiqua][SIZE=2][COLOR=blue]*scratches head* Alright, alright, I guess I just like to stick to things 'till the end (and I was just hoping you would say that you enjoyed the discussion in some small way :p j/k). I have a lot of respect for the mods, and I know they wouldn't do anything intentionally negative.

*refrains from asking what "uber-PC" means*[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[James]

[color=#334366]Phew. International crisis adverted. ~_^

Don't worry, Azure. No hard feelings. OB wouldn't be OB without a good whinge now and then, afterall.

Anyway, the whole Moderator discussion has come up at an interesting time. OB7.5 will probably see a reasonably big round of new staff intake. And if certain things go well, we could more than double our staff (and that doesn't include Moderators).

So, although I don't really tend to hire people who make it obvious that they want to be staff (because I think those people are doing it for the wrong reasons and don't understand my intentions), I am still somewhat interested to see people's views on Moderation in general. Sometimes people are good candidates but I may not approach them because they may seem totally disinterested in the idea -- that's not usually the case, but sometimes it is.

Besides, OB is a unique place. I tend to think that the staff here have the kind of job that goes beyond Moderation itself anyway.[/color]

[Sara]

[quote name='AzureWolf][FONT=book antiqua][SIZE=2][COLOR=blue]Well, what was up with all the "dorky" comments? That was rather uncalled for, IMO, as I think there have been much worse threads that weren't closed. [/COLOR][/SIZE'][/FONT][/quote][color=#ff6600]Poor guy. ^_~

However...I, too, have a bone to pick with you, Sir Azure. You think James's 'dorky' comments are uncalled for...but every time I talk with you, you call me weird! Ahem.

Anyway.

single black pot--seeking like kettle,
Sara[/color]

[James]

[color=#334366]Besides, an online quiz said that I'm a "nerdslut". So I clearly have nothing against dorks -- in fact, I'm constantly trying to go on dates with them.

So yeah. I'm allowed to use the word. ~_^[/color]

[Drix D'Zanth]

[quote name='AzureWolf][FONT=book antiqua][SIZE=2][COLOR=blue]*nods* God, Drix, this is the same exact thing that happened in the other thread I abandoned, and it's getting pathetic. I'm not even going to bother going through the whole "self-talk" you posted, just enough to reveal the slippery slope. [/COLOR][/SIZE'][/FONT][/quote]

That last thread, just as this, happens to have an interesting similarity in that they are both topics I?m quite fluent in. The last time we had a little debate was over medicine?. Not a great idea there ;) that?s what [i]I do[/i]. This time it?s on the mod forum from which I will be speaking the voice of experience, yet again.

[QUOTE=AzureWolf][FONT=book antiqua][SIZE=2][COLOR=blue]
Your rhetorical question is clinging to an almost nonexistent connection to what you quoted. In fact, you are jumping into ethics, which is too relative for you to work with (since I made a statistical argument). I realize you are trying to poke my opinion on this whole matter, but unfortunately, I'm working with a statistical frame, so opinions are a moot point, haha (READ THE REST OF MY POST BEFORE REPLYING - THERE'S FURTHER ELABORATION!). [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/QUOTE]

Statistics? I?m logically supporting the relevancy of an award ceremony, not a statistical bias. I think you should reconsider what you are arguing here, as the Nifty Fifty nominations are what you seemed to have a problem against. Those nominations and other various inside jokes/stories in reference to the staff forum are all matters of opinion, and concurrently ethics? if you really want to define it so.

[QUOTE=AzureWolf][FONT=book antiqua][SIZE=2][COLOR=blue]
Do I think a director should recieve an academy award? The answer: IT DOESN'T FREAKIN' MATTER. You are arguing with yourself, making your own flawed logic.
I'm assuming this hypothetical director produced something, had something to show for whatever he did behind the scenes, and actively announced what he was doing. The public [U]directly[/U] sees the final product of what he's done, and so can deem it worthy. It was put into the public eye, and recieved public recognitiion. I'm not seeing the point of answering this very off-topic question, and how, if at all, it matters to the topic at hand. [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/QUOTE]

Well, let?s elaborate on this ?flawed analogy?. Don?t you get that the ?director? is the staff? And that it is the behind the scenes work of the staff that has made this forum what it is? Why shouldn?t it get recognition? Because there are statistically less members involved in that specific forum? What exactly are you implying? We should change that?
I believe that despite the fact that I no longer post in the staff forum, it is just as worthy of anybody's recognition purely on the merit of contributions to the board itself.

[QUOTE=AzureWolf][FONT=book antiqua][SIZE=2][COLOR=blue]
Can't you just address what said instead of trying to derive a meaning that is nonexistant? You are trying to say I have an opinion on the matter, and funny enough, manifest my opinion for me. Look at my posts again: I never stated my opinion on how I feel about moderators having their own boards - implicitly or otherwise! (I actually did explicitly, but showing you will only prove my point more painfully, since it's not what you said my opinion was) You are genuinely arguing with yourself, or you just don't realize that you are Red Herring through my entire post. [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/QUOTE]

You are your own worst enemy:
[quote] So, to say that a part of OB (that only lets a fewer number than the total amount of those that makeup the community) is "as much" a part of the rest of OB isn't statistically sound.[/quote]
[quote] I'd argue that the parts that are alienated to most of OB are not very much a part of OB.[/quote]
[quote] I asked why some mods linked to a private part of OB, and Shy responded by saying that linking to private threads is fine because it's just like every other part of OB. I didn't like that answer. If it's true and that was the reasoning behind the linking, so be it. But I didn't like that, and I feel that if that was the rationale, it was not wholly sound.[/quote]
[quote] However, I think they should stay separate, and that things that are private have no justification in recieving public recognition[/quote]

All I?ve done is provided you your much needed justification.

[QUOTE=AzureWolf][FONT=book antiqua][SIZE=2][COLOR=blue]
Right after this paragraph, you quote me saying the same exact thing you just said and try to play it off like it's not there. What the hell is your point? When did I say otherwise? I think you aren't reading anything correctly at all, or are purposely making very obvious Red Herring evasions. I know using a very objective and sound frame like statistics makes it hard to find faults to work with, but that still doesn't justify manifesting your own holes and then claiming them to be mine. [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/QUOTE]

Right after my paragraph you said that the moderator forums are alienated and, as a result, not very much a part of OB?. Simmer down, you?re talking crazy.(Do you proof read?)

[QUOTE=AzureWolf][FONT=book antiqua][SIZE=2][COLOR=blue]
Like the two paragraphs above, you quote me and ignore me, and then just start bantering on your own. I already said, OB should work how it always has, and there's nothing wrong with it. That does NOT mean I want change, as complicated as that apparently seems. Reiterating everything for you isn't even worth the time. Go back and actually read what I said, instead of finding some key words and attacking them in vain.
[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/QUOTE]
I never claimed you disliked the way OB worked. We just disagree on how the staff forum should be received. I merely gave my justifications against yours. I?m not exactly sure where you keep drawing ?Red Herring? from? I?ve taken your sentences, in their full contexts and interpreted them as naturally as possible. Your defensiveness doesn?t show very much assertiveness when it comes to your own arguments. Neither of us implied change, Azure. I was just justifying the various Nifty nominations and opinions concerning the forum. Despite the ?statistical? removal? the impact remains significant. That?s the simple fact. This impact deserves recognition.

[QUOTE=AzureWolf][FONT=book antiqua][SIZE=2][COLOR=blue]
Sounds like you are perturbed that you can't argue directly, only being able to use Red Herring techniques to merely sound right. Perhaps a grudge against me drives you to desperately seek an argument against me (grudge for what)? However, it's not working.

You aren't worth my time. You've proven that to me. I graciously stepped aside the first time you did this fallacious and flamboyant garbage, but you did not yield. I'm never going to bother with you. Like the first time around, I'm just going to disregard your posts from now on (consider this post the only exception). I recommend you do the same.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/QUOTE]

Ouchies, Azure I never meant to hurt your feelings. I don?t want you to take this thing personally. I?m just trying to help you understand a new paradigm from which to view the staff forum. Now you should understand why it received the nifty nominations and why it will probably be mentioned in the future . I know you don?t like hearing an opposing viewpoint, but saying my opinion isn?t ?worth your time? isn?t really my problem now is it? You took the time to respond and read my opinion. Just because we disagree, and the manner of which can encounter plenty of vitriol, doesn?t mean you?ve gotta say things like that.

Why am I not taking your advice this time Azure? Well, I think it?s an obligation of mine, after reading your response to my original rebuttal that I clean up your mess? Anyway, best of luck in our future thread meetings!

[Sara]

[color=#ff6600]Whee, okay! Problem resolved! Drop it or take it to PM. (I suggest the former, but that's just me.)

Thanks.

two drums and a cymbal fall off a cliff
[spoiler]...ba-[I]dum[/I] KISSH![/spoiler],
Sara[/color]

[Lady Asphyxia]

[font=Verdana][size=1]Oh, my gosh. This entire thread just makes me laugh. My brother came out to check on me, I was laughing so loud -- he thought I was crying.[/size][/font]

[font=Verdana][size=1]As to moderation when I was a member, I remember 'back in the day' when I first came, I was totally in awe of mods. My personal favourite was this cool, calm, confident [slightly bitchy] female mod. I totally looked up to her. She was so cool and she didn't take any crap. Man, I loved DeathKnight.[/size][/font]

[font=Verdana][size=1]XD[/size][/font]

[font=Verdana][size=1][It was the avatar, I swear! *hugs Ken*][/size][/font]
[font=Verdana][size=1][/size][/font]
[font=Verdana][size=1]As for becoming a mod myself; Shin was correct -- we all do it for the sex. :p Heh. For me, in the most part, I accepted because of how much I love these boards. While I enjoyed being a member, I thought I could contribute more. In the end, when I was asked to be a mod, there really was no question what so ever. I've been moderating for nigh on a year now, and I can't imagine not being here.[/size][/font]
[font=Verdana][size=1][/size][/font]
[font=Verdana][size=1][quote][i]Sh[/i][/size][/font][font=Verdana][size=1][i]y[/i][/size][/font]
[font=Verdana][size=1][color=#000000]Quite a few people would be surprised by the Yaoi sub-forum that inhabits it, for example.[/quote][/color][/size][/font]

[font=Verdana][size=1]Man, I want a Yaoi forum! At the very least, a thread...>.>[/size][/font]

[Annie]

[quote name='James][color=#334366']Besides, an online quiz said that I'm a "nerdslut". So I clearly have nothing against dorks -- in fact, I'm constantly trying to go on dates with them.[/color][/quote]


[color=darkslateblue]You nerd. You should really talk to Syk3 about being a member of the [b]H[/b]appy [b]O[/b]rganization of [b]R[/b]eally [b]N[/b]erdy [b]Y[/b]ouths. I think you'd "fit in" just fine ^_~

Seeing all of the mods [well, most if not all] input in this thread made me smile/laugh. I really liked seeing vast comments...and some *cough*sexual*cough* comments. But that's just my naughty mind working again. So, I'll stop now.

However, I'll leave you with: my respect for all of the moderators has never wavered. There have been times where I didn't agree with the things that were said/done, but that doesn't mean I didn't/don't respect them. Whenever I had the chance to talk with them in a chatroom, or over instant messaging, it's always something facinating....and very--what's the word--peculiar. Just a delightful group of people, and I'm glad to be under such moderators [pun intended..I mean, no pun intended ^_~][/color]

[Dagger]

[quote name='Lady Asphyxia][font=Verdana][size=1]Man, I want a Yaoi forum! At the very least, a thread...>.>[/size'][/font][/quote]
Then start one! Or else I'll be forced to.

Yeah, this thread is pretty entertaining. I've really enjoyed reading all of the comments, responses to comments and totally unexpected side debates. :p

~Dagger~

[Shinmaru]

[quote name='James][color=#334366']Besides, an online quiz said that I'm a "nerdslut". So I clearly have nothing against dorks -- in fact, I'm constantly trying to go on dates with them.[/color][/quote]

I can vouch for that.

Anyway, this thread has given me a few nice laughs, too. All except for this, that is...

[quote name='Drix D'Zanth']If anything, it is more important than the idle discussion of the newest video game...[/quote]

and

[quote name='Drix D'Zanth']Hey, I haven?t owned a console since the Dreamcast? do you think the Play It forum holds nearly as much bearing for me as it would any of the regular posters there?[/quote]

That cuts deep, man. That cuts really deep :(

[Mimmsicle]

[SIZE=1][COLOR=Sienna][FONT=Verdana]I don't really think the question "Would you want to be a moderator?" is quite as straightforward as that, at least not to me when I think about it [now].

It seems like the first thing that comes to mind is strictly superficial: you get a title and you get 'power', both of which you [in some cases inadvertantly] flash as you enter a thread (to warn/lock or participate in general).

That's where [I]most [/I]people stop to think (obviously [U]not everyone[/U] since we've got a lot of great mods around, not to mention a whole legue of excellent retired ones). To do your job as a moderator you're putting in a lot of effort. It's not a case of pushing a button and, voilá, a message detailing why someone has been warned or why their thread was locked/deleted is submitted automatically.

(I'm hoping that everyone right now is ignoring the fact that I've never moderated anything, besides my own MyOtaku, don't have any personal experience with modding at a forum and still coming off as if I have a clue >>)

They just don't think about the responsobilities that comes along, the effort that needs to be put into upholding the standard of this forum and that [while there [I]is [/I]loads of fun and play to be had] your number one priority is to do a job and do it well.Let's not forget about the fact that you'd need to give up/[B]devote [/B]a lot of time keeping this place tip-top, time that could be spent on schoolwork/leisure/whathaveyou.

(I know this is all very exaggerated to those who do this job with a breeze but it's a breeze to you because you're gods. The rest of us aren't :p)


So, getting back to the point. Uhm... what was the question again? Oh right, if I'd want to mod.

If I was [I]asked [/I]to, then yes. Because that would show that James had confidence in me to do a good job and trusted me to be a good staff member. But I'd never offer my services... To MOD, you silly people ~_^;;;. [/FONT][/COLOR][/SIZE]

[Heaven's Cloud]

[QUOTE=Mimmi][SIZE=1][COLOR=Sienna][FONT=Verdana] It's not a case of pushing a button and, voilá, a message detailing why someone has been warned or why their thread was locked/deleted is submitted automatically.
[/FONT][/COLOR][/SIZE][/QUOTE]

[color=indigo]Hate to blow the cover, but all you really have to do is click the problems away. The system is preloaded with a host of generic responses that a moderator can use in various situations. Shoot, even those odd pictures Charles uses are loaded into the system.

Being a moderator is strictly about power?and apparently sex, although I don?t recall being a recipient on the latter. Maybe the others drugged me and took advantage of the situation.[/color]

[Annie]

[QUOTE=Heaven's Cloud][color=indigo]
Being a moderator is strictly about power?and apparently sex, although I don?t recall being a recipient on the latter. Maybe the others drugged me and took advantage of the situation.[/color][/QUOTE]


[color=darkslateblue]Why would that not surprise me? I haven't heard of any stories like that..yet. So, it may be very well possible.[/color]

[TheShinje]

[size=1]
I feel that being a mod has it's challenges, but it also has it's rewards.

Rewards such as feeling accomplishment when the forum is at it's best, churning out top-notch posts and the like, challenging when you get spammers, flamers and n00bs (not to be confused with Newbies)

If I were asked to mod this forum in some way? I'd say yes, the challenge? sure, it's a challenge at times to mod successfully, and be at the top of your own game so you don't become a hypocrite (nobody here has, btw) but that's a challenge that I feel i'm up for, besides, i think it would make my daily visits here a somewhat "new" experience.

I really like the OB staff too, and I would like the chance to fit in with them in the sort of sub-community that comes with the territory.

[/size]