You're going to start seeing someone named "Moderator" around here.

[Skinner]

Elad has programmed a new function which allows the moderators to post messages using the generic username "Moderator".

We believe that this will give the moderators greater freedom to do their job, without fear of reprisals or claims of bias from disgruntled members. They have an extremely difficult job, and it is made even more difficult by the fact that some members insist on personally confronting them whenever they try to enforce the rules. I think this will make it easier for the moderators to take decisive action when it is necessary.

The moderators are still bound by their responsiblity to treat everyone fairly and evenhandedly, so if you think the "Moderator" has acted improperly, you can still contact me or another admin so we can deal with it.

This system is not totally anonymous. The three administrators can tell which moderator is posting, so we can deal directly with the moderator responsible if an error is made.

If you have any questions, please feel free to post them in this thread.

Skinner
DU Admin

[Tom Yossarian Joad]

1. Great idea!

:kick:

[Ellen Forradalom]

2. Moderator, huh? How long til that freeper is tombstoned?

Just kidding!

[HFishbine]

3. Moderator?

I know that guy! He's a Dean supporter!

[Ellen Forradalom]

6. Yeah, and he's a Nader hater too!

eom

[Name removed]

9. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Beetwasher]

4. Elad, earning his check daily!

Cool! Whatever helps you guys do your job better is OK by me!

[_NorCal_D_]

5. Good idea IMO

:kick:

[Ediacara]

7. Do the moderators know who was posting?

And when moderators take part in threads (ie, not moderating) do they come up as "moderator" or as their own names?

[CaptainClark23]

8. Can't wait to see Moderator's Avatar! [n/t]

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

55. This?

[sweetheart]

10. how about reciprocity... "writer"

It seems only fair that having an anonymous enforcement function should indicate that we should have a universal anonymous posting ID we can all use... like "writer" "anon" or "anonymous". Similarly to "moderator" you'll know the IP, and not be fooled, but for reciprocities sake, if we're going down that path... why not balance?

[Skinner]

12. I'm not really sure what purpose that would serve

except to give people the ability to be rude without their friends knowing.

[sweetheart]

19. maybe to introduce discussion without stereotypes

As older timers are familar, we know each other's politics... often to the point where arguments are ignored.... an anonymous post would allow an idea to be presented without any overhead from the posting agency.

I hear you about the rude thinking, just that was not at all what i was thinking... rather some discussion topics can be best broached by a name without history. If someone abuses it, then they lose the priviledge to be anonymous... just like a moderator is similarly bound.

To presume i would suggest it to abuse the board is hardly where i was coming from skinner.

[Skinner]

21. Interesting thought.

Perhaps you have a point. It would be interesting to see how something like that might work.

[welshTerrier2]

44. i like this idea ...

some may already achieve this result by registering more than one username on DU ... we recently had a thread discussing the "sybil syndrome" ... why not make a generic name like "writer" available to allow the poster to either be publicly identified or not ...

the same controls (i.e. non-anonymity) could be available to both the admins and the mods for users posting under the "generic" user account ...

i'm not sure I would necessarily take advantage of this feature (perhaps a poll is warranted) but I think depersonalizing some ideas presented might promote a more honest discussion of the issues ...

[Name removed]

11. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Ediacara]

14. are the same moderator from upthread?

Can only one mod be signed in as "Moderator" at a time?

[Ediacara]

16. where did that message go!?

[EarlG]

20. Any moderator can post as "Moderator" at any time

including Admins.

Although we're stressing that this function will only be used when Mods are performing their official duties and not posting for fun...

'Scuse me, got to go slap a couple of wrists :spank:

:)

[Ediacara]

29. LOL

:-)

[maddezmom]

15. great idea

:hi: Moderator

[rucky]

13. I'll also be changing my name... to "scapegoat"

n/t

[wysimdnwyg]

17. Wow, that guy (Moderator) works fast!

There's already two messages deleted from this thread.


Great idea!

[ibegurpard]

18. Great idea!

:toast:

[Paragon]

22. Expect namejacking

Say, like...ModeratorNaderSucks, ModeratorIh8dumbocrats, ModeratorParagonIsTheKingOfTheUniverse, etc.

[Hep]

23. What if there IS bias?

n/t

[Skinner]

25. I've been doing this for nearly three years.

I have been fielding complaints about moderator bias for that entire time. And the cases of actual moderator bias are very few and far between.

I know most people won't believe that. But most moderators are aware of their own personal biases, and bend over backwards to try to be fair. The moderators are not perfect, to be sure. But most errors that moderators make are honest mistakes, not bias.

[Cronus Protagonist]

31. An honest mistake is still bias Skinner

I don't think the poster was necessarily referring to deliberate bias, but bias nontheless. Everyone is biased - ask any reputable reporter.

When one doesn't know who it is, how would one handle complaints? Would you still know which moderator it was that did the deed in question?

FUCK BUSH Buttons, Stickers & Magnets

[Skinner]

33. Yes, I know who is responsible.

If you contact me, I can check it out.

FWIW, I wasn't referring to deliberate bias either.

[Tyler Durden]

24. EXCELLENT idea. HEY, while you're at it:

Perhaps we can revisit that GD rules idea.

We are getting close to the Primaries, and there are some zealots out there on all sides that can't get off GOOGLE with the "latest dirt" on (insert DEMOCRATIC PARTY CANDIDATE NAME HERE), and it is getting a little obnoxious.

Take the Clark/NED thread for example, or the numerous Dean/DRAFT threads. We don't need any more of this garbage at this late date. Let the FREEPERS collect their own garbage.

Just a thought.

[Ardee]

66. Why have a forum at all?

Why are you so afraid of negative comments re the candidates, the party, the strategy, etc. Why are the moderators now acting in secrecy? Are they next to be issued Sam Browne belts and jackboots? I f I do or say something, whether on my job or in my private life I do so in the open, what a concept huh?

[AWD]

26. Sounds great...

...just make sure NewYawker99 doesn't abuse it. We all know what an evil, evil person she is.

She's just running up 57,000 posts and them BAM she hits us with her right-wing plan.

We're watching you, NY99....we're onto you!!!!! :hi: :hi: :hi: :hi: :hi: :hi: :hi: :hi: :hi: :hi: :hi: :hi: :hi: :hi: :hi: :hi: :hi: :hi: :hi: :hi: :hi: :hi: :hi: :hi: :hi: :hi: :hi: :hi: :hi: :hi: :hi: :hi: :hi: :hi: :hi: :hi: :hi: :hi: :hi: :hi: :hi: :hi: :hi: :hi: :hi: :hi: :hi: :hi: :hi: :hi: :hi: :hi: :hi: :hi: :hi: :hi: :hi: :hi: :hi: :hi:

[newyawker99]

42. LOL!!

I guess you figured it out AWD! :D :hi:

[GabysPoppy]

43. Here is the real deal with Roni's post numbers

When Roni hits 100,000 posts she will get a free EZ pass and a free Metro card for the year 2005.

And everybody thought she was just sweet and nice.

[newyawker99]

48. LOL!! I will take the Metro pass Paul. I don't drive so I can't

use the E-ZPass.

:hi:

[GabysPoppy]

50. Then what will you do with the Corvette that goes with it?

I knew I forgot to tell you something.

:hi:

[newyawker99]

51. Hmmmmm......I guess I better learn how to drive then!

:hi:

[trof]

27. The Phantom Moderator

I like it.
(I think?)

[Zomby Woof]

28. either way

I applaud the mods for their difficult and sometimes thankless work! They are ALL doing a great job! :thumbsup:

[Cronus Protagonist]

30. Cool - so now the ignore feature will work with moderators?

If moderators have to post moderator messages in the moderator's moniker, there's no need to have my "ignore feature" disabled for any of the moderators. I will be able to see their posts under the "moderator" moniker, after all, so there's no need to force me to see their posts under their regular monikers.

Tell me it's done that way, I can hardly stand the clutter and I'll be the happiest DU'er if that's been fixed.

FUCK BUSH Buttons, Stickers & Magnets

[Skinner]

34. I don't think I'm going to be doing that.

Sorry.

[Cronus Protagonist]

36. Your original rationale for adding the code was so that I couldn't ignore

So that I couldn't ignore moderators. So would you mind explaining your new rationale for my/our edification?

Why do the moderators need to be unable to be ignored when they can do all their moderator work under the moderatior moniker?

I guess I want to know what benefit you think that gives, other than forcing me, and others, to wade through hundreds of supercillious posts that just annoy. Surely it would be better to switch the ignore feature back on than encourage discord.

FUCK BUSH Buttons, Stickers & Magnets

[Skinner]

38. Because sometimes the moderators are going to use their real names

when they perform their official duties.

[arwalden]

65. I Agree With You

Although I'm certainly guilty of contributing a fair amount of my own clutter and fluff, so too are moderators who are not performing moderator duties.

I think the "Moderator" username is perfect. If it's an official moderator message, then we ought not to be able to ignore him.

I'm sorry to read that we still won't be able to ignore their regular posts because moderators will have the option of performing their duties under their regular usernames. --- The solution to this is, of course, to have them only perform their moderator duties under the "Moderator" username.

Clearly the moderators need hall-monitor megaphone privileges so that they aren't ignored when encouraging loiterers to scurry off to class... but it's always annoyed me that they get to use their megaphones all day long for their regular posts too.

-- Allen

(Not a slam, just an observation.)

[buddhamama]

32. good idea!

no questions.

a big thank you to the Mods, y'all are doing a great job!

[Selwynn]

35. Fine - so how do we deal with moderator abuse?

Or are we just up Fuck Creek without a paddle.

Moderators do have a massively difficult job, that's true. But guess what, they're not saints, nor perfect. If they abused their position - what recourse is there?

That's one thing I hate, systems without good checks and balances. I hear about the "admin forum" - but does that accomplish anything? What happens if I go there and say "hey look at this, I don't think its was right?"

[Skinner]

37. Here's what will happen...

I'll look into it, and if the moderator made a mistake, I'll fix it. It doesn't matter whose name is attached to the mistake.

[diamondsoul]

58. Er, Skinner?

Can I point out that's a LOT of work on your part? I mean do you really have he time to do that?

Shoot, man, I'd never have said that for the simple fact it could come back to bite me in the rear! ;)

Seriously, people, are you really griping THIS much about Moderator biases?? Gimme a break!

[SoCalDem]

39. One teensy suggestion..

It's hard to know if a moderator is "on duty" and if a rascal is running rampant in a forum where the moderators all happen to be asleep (wee hours mainly), alerts are useless.. How about a clickable "moderator" icon next to the calendar icon, that would allow any moderator who happened to be here to check it.. Like an anonymous mailbox..:)

[DemBones DemBones]

62. Great idea -- or just appoint you and

me as third shift moderators since we're just about always here at all hours! Most alerts could wait until the regular mods came on but we "deputies" could bat clean up when an obvious disruptor gets loose in here, as happened the other night. I can't commit to being a mod but I could zap the occasional "rascal."

[Skinner]

67. That's not a bad idea.

We'll consider it.

[ComerPerro]

40. I take it you are still Skinner

Right?

I am guessing that they only post as "moderator" when laying down the law...


Good idea!

[Skinner]

68. I will continue to be Skinner

but occasionally, I might use the "Moderator" moniker if I feel like it is appropriate.

[Myra]

41. Good plan! Anything that makes your job easier is welcome.

You shouldn't have to take any abuse as a result
of your job.

[SOteric]

45. Okay.

I'll still strive to behave myself, so I'm not sure it matters if someone by an anonymous moniker is available to clout me upside the head (figuratively) if I get out of line.

But, if it works better for the moderators and you good people of the administration, cool; spiff; nifty.

:toast:

[Forkboy]

46. I'd like to state something for the record

As you know Skinner I have some serious concerns with the direction the I/P Forum is going,but I'd like to state emphatically that I DONT believe it's because the two mods down there are biased towards one side or the other.In fact,I believe the trouble is arising because they are trying so hard to be fair that more is being allowed out of concern for not seeming fair ("more" being blatant right-wing views and praise of those views).The I/P mods are some of the best on the site,but I feel they are increasingly in a no-win situation.It seems the stated parameters of the site are expanded down there (and in the Gun Dungeon as well from what I've seen).But the mods themselves are not to blame,they enforce the rules correctly,and I have no complaints with their treatment of me.Lithos especially has always been fair in dealing with me.

[creativelcro]

57. I agree with Forkboy

it's the same problem with some liberal media. To look "fair" they feel compelled to be biased in favor of conservative speech, paradoxically. Many threads over the last month or so should have been killed early on. It's good to be inclusive, but mods perhaps should be a little more strict. If people start complaining in an unreasonable manner then they get a warning and then get banned. What's wrong with that?

[rasputin1952]

47. Sounds good to me...

since we do have some rather small minded people, (thankfully very few), that insist on being obnoxious and vindictive.

Carry on Mod's...your job is not easy, and the path is strewn with rubble.

O8)

[goobergunch]

49. Excellent idea

Reminds me of this.

[AnnabelLee]

52. I see some of the mods

have already taken the new feature for a spin.:D

All hail elad!:toast:

[CWebster]

53. So

Why was the Clark connection to NED locked for being "inflamatory" and the spin-off attack on Dean not?

Why was it inflamatory--it was a legitimate issue.

[Skinner]

69. I have no idea what you are talking about.

When you ask questions about specific actions, you need to provide a link. I can't read everything on the message board.

Also, questions like this belong in the ask the admins forum.

[WilliamPitt]

54. Are you guys gonna have a Bat-Signal thingy to flash in the sky?

"Flame war in GD! Send up the signal!"

MODERATOR

:)

Sounds good to this DUer. Hopefully this will cut down on some of the madness in the Admins forum.

[Myra]

60. Hah! Good one Will.

Gee Skinner, did you have any idea this would
generate such controversy? :) Then again,
why would it be the one DU thread that doesn't?

[Crewleader]

56. Excellent Idea!

No need to pick out the name when they are doing their best to make DU a place for all to be comfortable in and hats' off to this suggestion!

Thank You Moderators! :hi:

[Fridays Child]

59. Well put!

Hi, Crew! :hi:

[burr]

61. provide a similar POSTER function to all DUers...

and I promise not to raise burning hell over this!!!

Sending a polite personal message to moderators we disagree with, must be something that all DUer's have the option of doing. And they must have the ability to raise these concerns with the moderator who judged them.

If someone abuses the PM feature..then ban them, don't punish those of us who use it correctly. And do not give moderators the ability to be anonymous when making decisions. When a moderator is known, he or she knows they are remembered for their judgements. When a moderator becomes masked, it is like having another Darth Vader..a dominator not a moderator!

I feel so strongly about this that I must request that if this feature is put in place, that you forever ban me. I no longer wish to participate in a forum in which moderators become invisible and disconnected with the average poster!

This goes against everything which our party and this forum must stand for, and this is something I shall willingly leave DU over..if you choose not to reconsider.

[DemBones DemBones]

63. Cool! It's the Unknown Moderator! Will the avatar

have a paper bag over its head?

[Iverson]

64. If cool heads are not prevailing ...

Here's a suggestion.
Since the anonymous moderator is being instituted now, the current group of moderators, who have immediate experience with before and after, becomes very important in determining whether the plan does what it says it will do. Therefore, before their term is up, they should self-report to the admins on whether anonymity made the difference that it was supposed to make.

There may be flaws in the design, but it seems like the best that we can do.

[Skinner]

70. A wise suggestion.

If it is not working, I have no doubt the moderators will let me know.