Re: C&F Consolidated Concordat on Policy
Posted: Tue Sep 13, 2011 12:12 pm
15: Principles of Moderation
The Board is owned by Dale Wisely. It is non-commercial in nature, and is roughly analogous to a private houseparty. As guests, we all post here because the owner, our host, allows us to post here. In the course of goings-on, sometimes a moderating influence is called for.
The Moderators are here to assist Dale. We are not employees; our time is donated. While spam and trollery get no mercy, in all else we aim to keep a balanced and rather light approach. As C&F members, moderators are free to be active social participants in all discussions, so when posting specifically in our capacity as moderators, we will probably say as much if the context leaves any doubt.
The moderator's primary role is to guide and to keep things tidy. Sometimes we must step in to resolve problems, and it works something like this:
1. When necessary, we will address decidedly problematic threads or posts in keeping with our best judgment. For our purposes, "problematic" means disturbing the peace, or fraud, or other violations of CCCP policy. Measures taken can include warning, locking, deletion, or editing, but rest assured that while we may need to be swift, we do not make such decisions lightly. Hands-off is our preferred mode, so help us keep it that way by being reasonable with each other and by keeping the Board's principles in mind.
If you wish to bring a problem event to our attention, by all means feel free to do so. You can do this in a couple of ways: One is by using the Report function, a little clicky-box with an exclamation point found to the upper right in any post field. Use the problem post's Report clicky, provide your observations or concerns, submit, and we will be notified. The other way is by direct PM to a moderator, but then please provide a link and enough detail so we'll know right away what you're talking about.
2. We delete threads/posts that refer to other threads/posts that have been deleted or locked. So, let x = a deleted or locked thread or post. Let y = a "what happened to x?" thread or post. We’ll delete y.
3. At times we must face the reality that a given member routinely causes too much discord and trouble. When we determine that’s the case, there are two possible outcomes: either 1) Queued posting, where the member's posts depend every time on prior Admin approval; or 2) Disablement or deletion of that person’s account (including, insofar as we can detect them, any subsequent accounts that person might open). This decision process almost always involves consultation among moderators and may include further consultation with general members as well. While we strive to be fair, remember that on a private site such as this there are no rights, only privileges. Accordingly, due process means only that the moderator shall act in best conscience. Don't forget it’s a private party. We reserve the right to uninvite.
Normally, we won’t ban offending members without first privately conveying suggestions and warnings before we finally put the hurt on them.
4. This is a music board with a lot of leeway for people with musical interests to engage in non-musical conversation. However, we do not intend that C&F be a board for people who never post about music or instruments, so we reserve the right to uninvite people who don’t contribute to the Board's musical content.
5. We’re not even going to entertain the idea that policy should require us to explain our actions, so if we don't care to, that's our prerogative. End of story. Besides, it takes more time to answer "Why did you do that?" than to actually, uh, do that. So:
6. While we may on occasion solicit input, otherwise please refrain from publicly questioning moderatorial action, and from publicly proposing how moderators should take action. Such posts will usually be deleted as bad form, barring certain exceptions where we think discussing an issue would be proactive, informative, insightful, and to the general good. Such times aren't all that often, though, so instead it's better to PM a moderator about your concerns. That's part of our job, and we're happy to correspond.
7. The mods count ourselves beholden to all principles of the CCCP just like anyone else. Nevertheless, we reserve the right to be arbitrary if we find it best or necessary.
The Board is owned by Dale Wisely. It is non-commercial in nature, and is roughly analogous to a private houseparty. As guests, we all post here because the owner, our host, allows us to post here. In the course of goings-on, sometimes a moderating influence is called for.
The Moderators are here to assist Dale. We are not employees; our time is donated. While spam and trollery get no mercy, in all else we aim to keep a balanced and rather light approach. As C&F members, moderators are free to be active social participants in all discussions, so when posting specifically in our capacity as moderators, we will probably say as much if the context leaves any doubt.
The moderator's primary role is to guide and to keep things tidy. Sometimes we must step in to resolve problems, and it works something like this:
1. When necessary, we will address decidedly problematic threads or posts in keeping with our best judgment. For our purposes, "problematic" means disturbing the peace, or fraud, or other violations of CCCP policy. Measures taken can include warning, locking, deletion, or editing, but rest assured that while we may need to be swift, we do not make such decisions lightly. Hands-off is our preferred mode, so help us keep it that way by being reasonable with each other and by keeping the Board's principles in mind.
If you wish to bring a problem event to our attention, by all means feel free to do so. You can do this in a couple of ways: One is by using the Report function, a little clicky-box with an exclamation point found to the upper right in any post field. Use the problem post's Report clicky, provide your observations or concerns, submit, and we will be notified. The other way is by direct PM to a moderator, but then please provide a link and enough detail so we'll know right away what you're talking about.
2. We delete threads/posts that refer to other threads/posts that have been deleted or locked. So, let x = a deleted or locked thread or post. Let y = a "what happened to x?" thread or post. We’ll delete y.
3. At times we must face the reality that a given member routinely causes too much discord and trouble. When we determine that’s the case, there are two possible outcomes: either 1) Queued posting, where the member's posts depend every time on prior Admin approval; or 2) Disablement or deletion of that person’s account (including, insofar as we can detect them, any subsequent accounts that person might open). This decision process almost always involves consultation among moderators and may include further consultation with general members as well. While we strive to be fair, remember that on a private site such as this there are no rights, only privileges. Accordingly, due process means only that the moderator shall act in best conscience. Don't forget it’s a private party. We reserve the right to uninvite.
Normally, we won’t ban offending members without first privately conveying suggestions and warnings before we finally put the hurt on them.
4. This is a music board with a lot of leeway for people with musical interests to engage in non-musical conversation. However, we do not intend that C&F be a board for people who never post about music or instruments, so we reserve the right to uninvite people who don’t contribute to the Board's musical content.
5. We’re not even going to entertain the idea that policy should require us to explain our actions, so if we don't care to, that's our prerogative. End of story. Besides, it takes more time to answer "Why did you do that?" than to actually, uh, do that. So:
6. While we may on occasion solicit input, otherwise please refrain from publicly questioning moderatorial action, and from publicly proposing how moderators should take action. Such posts will usually be deleted as bad form, barring certain exceptions where we think discussing an issue would be proactive, informative, insightful, and to the general good. Such times aren't all that often, though, so instead it's better to PM a moderator about your concerns. That's part of our job, and we're happy to correspond.
7. The mods count ourselves beholden to all principles of the CCCP just like anyone else. Nevertheless, we reserve the right to be arbitrary if we find it best or necessary.