Suggestions to qualify for the role of a moderator

The posts that are only a few words (like "yup", "uh-huh") should NOT be counted toward that 1000 minimum. That's too easy. :wink:

Mike, that's great about the online voting..But I think it should be more than 10 votes. also, people should be able to vote privately.

Mike
I disagree with you as far as voting, We all vote yes because it is the ???????Nice Thing to do??????? I think a couple of volunteers that would give a hour a week to make the decision. Trusted members Like the Fins, Steelers and Kysides,.. I am sure you know whom I am speaking of. These people and I know there are more. (Let????????s not forget SueBee). Can be objective to who is REALLY contributing to the board..
Just my opinion

OOO Fins - good idea. A vote of confidence could be given in a pm after voting.

I sent you a pm,Mike. Let's just say I have a difference of opinion.

Why would you have to PM Mike.. This is the point.. to have a open discussion...
havea opinion why cant you post like all of us...
I rest my case as to moderator status going to ones head...

pdl, What I am discussing with Mike is personal and I am weary of you critizing my every post. You are very close to the line of personal attack.You are just using nice words to do it.

That sounds good to me, Mike. Also, I may be wrong, but I think I was here at least 6 months before I was even considered to be a mod. You can rack up a thousand points pretty easy if you are on the computer alot or respond to everyone elses post-just a thought. Like I say, I may be wrong, but I think it was quite a while before they even considered me for a mod..Karen

Yes I only use nice words... I would never put anything nasty. and trust me I am not following your post.. you are not that important to me... I just thought that we were having a OPEN discussion to how to solve a problem and last I checked I was still part of this fourm If you would like Cajun I will stay away..
I also can be driven out...

Karen,

It was a good six months for me as well. What ever happened to that rule? It wasn't done with voting. I don't really think that is the best approach. Who determined that we would be mods, Mike?

You know, Mishele, I can't remember who made us mods-been a long time!! Let's try to keep this thread open only to sugestions to Mike, not personal attacks or blaming..Karen

I'm not trying to do a personal attack.

Vikas is the one who appoints new Moderators and Debt Samaritans. He looks at what they bring to the table here, and he then asks the candidates if they will accept the position.

I'm afraid that letting the members vote will turn the selection of candidates into a popularity contest, much like voting for student government in high school. Vikas is the administrator and founder of this site, I do trust his judgement.

I second that, Ari. I think voting will only mods of the most popular. Those who are not well-liked or popular, or step on the toes of a more popular member will not be likely to be voted in.

Ari,

You are right. That's how it happened. DUH! I agree about the voting part.

I see your point about the voting.

I waited 6 months too..Karen, you and I became mods at the same time. I think there needs to be a set time limit. I think 6 months is excellent. Also, I think that the potential mod should be able to prove they have posted relevant info...Kinda like it says in the guidelines for being a debt sam.

I will not knock any mods who bacame mods quickly, it's not their fault. I have to say, though, that there are members on this board who have been here longer than some of the mods who have posted just as much and just as benefitial who are not mods.

Even Cajun was also saying the same thing the moment this topic started about not to do a polling. I thought he will come and post. Let's cancel the idea of polling for a mod.

I think the moderator should be decided by the substance,hard work and dedication of each post.

I have seen some Moderators just post general nonsense most of the time just to reach the 1000 post
mark. For instance,I have been here almost a year.Everyone knows who I am,yet I have not reached 400 posts yet!

Voting will not work, which has been agreed on.

I was here for 6 months or more before I asked to be a moderator..

I believe the way it worked back then was that if we saw someone who was doing a lot of work for the site we would send a PM to Mike and Vikas, with a note--"So and so is awesome! I think they would make a great "mod" or "sam"" Enough good feed back, would then prompt a decision......I'm rambling, but I'm stressed...lol

Mishele- I want to fight with you :lol: Karen

Bring it on, baby :-)

Voting will not work, which has been agreed on.

I was here for 6 months or more before I asked to be a moderator..

I believe the way it worked back then was that if we saw someone who was doing a lot of work for the site we would send a PM to Mike and Vikas, with a note--"So and so is awesome! I think they would make a great "mod" or "sam"" Enough good feed back, would then prompt a decision......I'm rambling, but I'm stressed...lol

OK, Mike- take a breath- I'm just joking with you!! :lol: KAren

Jessi,

Are you okay?

I apologize.....

My last post contained too many "yets!"

wow, Jess..Why don't you repeat yourself! :D

I ran my thoughts a little more..

I wanted to mention that the suggestions put here thinking for the future mods is not to be mixed with the mods elected in the past. Vikas and me received good feedbacks from the community about that person and hence s/he was elected to moderate the board. Let's not draw comparisons, (at least online), instead move ahead with our suggestions for the future.

So does that mean I'm not really getting kicked off as a mod then?! :lol: Karen

Sorry, my computer is acting weird.

AND I CAN REPEAT MYSELF IF I WANT TO DARN IT! :)

Wow,
This is certainly food for thought. OK, here's my take on it, for what it's worth:
First off, voting won't work, for all of the reasons that have been stated. It will be junior high at that point, and I and other grown-ups will leave!
Second, I have been doing alot of thinking about this and feel that the moderator role, like any high-visiblity role anywhere, leaves the person doing it open to alot of just and yes, in some cases, unjust criticism. It's easy to criticize, as I used to tell people in departments where they were complaining about their shop stewards--but were they willing to step up and do the job themselves?
Remember one thing: this is a volunteer job and the people who do it are doing it out of the goodness of their hearts--but we should also be able to raise legitimate issues on the boards without fear of reprisal.
One last thought: in my last point, it's not necessarily the message, but the way it's delivered...

Posts in the pub shouldn't count. Their post should be substantive... since the pub tends to be a free for all about anything , someone could post there 1000 time and never really talk about anything..

I agree, posts should be substantive. I don't think "Welcome to the Forums, a debt counselor will be calling you soon" should count either.

So how do we determine substantive? We have all seen websites that have a "rate this page" option. Maybe we could implement a toggle option inside each post that says "was this post helpful?". The only people who could rate the post would be an existing mod/debtsam/or the original poster of that thread.

Just like this system already keeps track of the total number of posts for each member, there could be a separate counter for "helpful posts," which would increment every time someone actually rated a post as being helpful. When this counter reaches 500 or 750 or 1000, then they would be eligible for mod status.

I will add to this post.I sent Mike a pm about this topic as soon as it was started. Unlike some members here, I define a moderator as a person that has been trusted to help keep their website running and on track.

A moderator is not to be earned by number of posts,length of time served,or voting. It is not their place to be popular or well liked. Their role is simple,enforce rules of the board and help out posters when you have time.I have only been here a little over 3 months and have enjoyed it with the exception of the last two weeks. Everything I have done here is on a volunteer basis to help people on this board with their problems. I have spent money out of my pocket and a large majority of my free time here as well.

In the last two weeks,I have noticed an increase in personal attacks and criticism on this board among guests,members,and even moderators.

The only reason I came back after my first leave was to help some of the newer members that would benefit from my knowledge with research. When Mike posted this topic,the reason for the pm was I was very mad at Admin for even suggesting this topic. Right now to be honest with everyone have no clue why I'm still spinning my wheels here.

It has gotten to the point where I cannot post or moderate without getting critized.

I agree that being a moderator is not or should not be a popularity contest. There are some valid points brought up here by cajun, kscornell, and debt cruncher. I think it's a title that should be earned. I came here seeking help out of my own pdl mess. People were very supportive of me even when I was still posting as a guest. I think we've lost site of that over the last couple of weeks. Sometimes it feels like who can trump who's answer. (or something along those lines) As mentioned by Fins, Bossy, Jessi, etc, we need to get back to basics. After much thought, I have decided to stay and I would like to continue my role as moderator. Last night I was laughing so hard that my dogs were howling at me :lol:. I think we've forgotten how to have fun at times and we take ourselves way too seriously. Let's stop the backbiting and get back to helping each other. I remember how scared I was during my pdl troubles so I have to think of those who are still going through their own. I still have debt issues that I need help own. I'm still learning and I believe I will continue to do so. Let's stop worrying so much about grammar mistakes and help those that need it.

Coming from a newbie....

I think the role of moderator is one that should be earned. Like Cajun said, a moderator is a person who ensures that the rules of the board are being followed. A person who aspires to become a moderator should notify other moderators when the rules are being broken. I feel that someone who wants to be a moderator, should be an exemplry (sp?) forum citizen. Moderators should be nominated by other moderators, and not in a public forum, probably by PM. (jury of your peers, so to speak).

From my understanding, this board has taken a turn for the Jerry Springer show. Yes, our emotions are a bit high given our current state of finances, the threats that we receive from our bill collectors and now, the drama that we find when we come to a place of comfort during these hard times.

As mishele stated, we all take things a little to seriously here...we're in a fragile state too...so why not take things seriously. I know I'm quite wound up after some one calls and says - hey if you don't wire me your left arm, I'm coming to your job and arresting you!!! We all need to take a breath, relax, and remember what we came here for....

Happy Hour anyone?

Quote:

Are there two better words in the English language? Nope.

yes - FREE DRINKS

Back when I beacme a mod, you had to have helpfull posts, and informative-no howdy-I agree, etc.!! Then The Admin. decided if you were ready-for me, it was like 6 months, maybe longer. I think that a person could pm the admin., and say that they think a certain person could be a good mod, but it was up to the admin., who, and when. As far as being criticized, tha's part of the territory when you put yourself up front as a mod. I don't take it personally, If I know what I am talking about and can prove it, they can say what they want to me-I just don't respond, and move on!!..Karen

If I may ask for claification. a moderator spent money to help on this website? I thought this was all volunteer help and was givn for free and taken for free. I hestitate to join now without knowing if there are hidden costs. Thank you.

No a Moderator does not spend money AT ALL No Hidden cost at all.
As a matter of fact you can make money by posting.. PLease read the home page it will explain better then I can...

Guest, please join..There are absolutely NO hidden costs, I promise.

Just to clarify,The money I spent relating to our website came from me to my US Federal Court Pacer account. This is one of my main avenues of research. I freely use it to assist on this site when the free options are returning limited to non-existent results.

Guest- I'm glad you asked that question, I wondered the same thing when I waas new here.You can do your research to help others at the lirary,your searh engine, etc., so unless you want to spend money, there is no cost or obligation to do so. Welcome!!..Karen :D

OK I am sorry let me correct my post.
I guess some do spend money. I spend time ( I am not a Moderator) I can't post 24/7 nor do I know everything. I do try to help when I can. I am pretty sure that there is no cost unless YOU choose to pay for something.
Guest I would think if someone found you information that cost they would PM (private message) you and give you the choice to either get that info or not. We are not rich people here we are Mostly all here to share and help each other through our experience with PDL and CA..
So please feel "FREE" :D to join and Benefit from some wise people that visit this site.

I agree with the substance of the post being counted as posts. Simple yeah, or I agree, should not be counted. But I do feel that if this is going to continue to be a COMMUNITY effort that all voices need to be heard and opinions of others should be respected. The arguments between potato and potawto sometimes get out of hand. I feel we have alot of intelligent individuals who have learned through both experience and research. We all have a common ground, helping each other.

As far as public voting, why not, it is a public forum and the public should have a say, hope I am not shooting myself in the foot here, but you can't have it both ways. Either it is public or it isn't. The result of the post will determine the effectiveness of the advice given. Example, when you visit a post that has a good outcome, I came with many loans and with the advice of this forum and down to few. Good advice renders good outcome.

Just my thoughts, don't crucify me please, LOL.

I think there are some minuses to posts being counted as helpful or not. First off, what I may think is helpful another member might not. So who is to determine the guidelines for a post being helpful or not? It's a little too subjective for my taste.
And like I said before, voting is too much of a popularity contest.
A moderator has to be neutral, above all, and allow for a free give-and-take of ideas--ensuring that nothing offensive or hurtful to another is posted. Nothing more than that.

By helpful, perhaps Pub folder posts do not count? Those are mainly general conversation. Maybe 1000 posts to be considered outside of the pub. Then take a look from there, at the content of posts, new information contributed, positive attitude, etc.

Another thing that has always bugged me is links..I have seen people get titles because..In my opinion..They posted a lot of links. Anyone of us can do that. I think attitude and getting along with the forum should have an impact.

I agree with those points. I forgot about certain individuals just posting links around the forums. I think there has to be a genuine desire to help people.

I see your point on the links, however I feel if they are useful links that is wonderful. I guess the question I would pose is, "would rather have them post just a link, (helpful link) or copy and paste the content of the link?" Which by the way would give them more debt cc points. Please clarify what you think would be better, my point is that if it is a useful link, I think it should be posted in a thread.