How to contact moderators

[Moderator #9]

For those that are not aware, moderators do not accept pms. If you wish to contact a moderator off forum please do so via email. You can email any moderator via the link in their profile.

[razzle51]

In your profile Moderator #9 it says you can send PM to you. How do you find moderators and how do you know when which one is online? Thanks

[SalpalSally]

I believe that Mods should receive PMs. E-mail is not private enough for some things that must be reported. Maybe for a chat about things, e-mail would be OK, but not for some very private items.

JMO,

Sally

[pam]

In your profile Moderator #9 it says you can send PM to you. How do you find moderators and how do you know when which one is online? Thanks

If you actually click on the profile, you will see that the option to send a PM is not there. As far as knowing if/when a moderator is online, you dont, their status is not visible.

Actually after seeing messages regarding warnings received via PM, I feel that private messages are not private at all and I would much prefer the e mail function, as long as responses are handled that way as well.

Pam

[DKCharlie]

It seems to me that the 'relationship' between moderators and members has become even more strained with the current setup, not more open and agreeable and friendly for anyone.

I agree with why moderators may choose to remain anonymous, but if they are moderating under an anonymous system of moderating #'s, why do they feel the need to moderate in stealth mode and in secret, where they won't even publically acknowledge what actions they have taken? Moderators are removing, closing, editing posts without accepting public recognition for their actions. How about moderators being required to make their actions public by leaving some indication of who did what? I mean, if they're already anonymous, why do they feel the need of this extra layer of secrecy in that they won't even attribute their actions to themselves?

This infraction system seems to have created even more problems, it is so subjective of what any particular moderator might find 'inappropriate'. I don't see how this system helps moderators and members work together. It seems to me that it creates more divide between them as members receive these 'penalties', apparently warned through a PM. Yet they can't address the apparent 'offence' with a moderator because while moderators may send PM's, they don't receive them. And while they may receive emails, they don't return them. There seems to have already been some mistakes made with arbitrarily giving people 'infractions' when they were by mistake. Yet the only way to address this has been by publically posting on the forum about it. Yet these posts are now being removed by moderators or else edited out by moderators. So how can members discuss what may be arbitrary and incorrect infractions? Especially if you don't know who gave the infraction?

Obviously there HAVE been some mistakes. But if you can't write about it publically and if you can't communicate with a moderator privately (actually send and receive communications), then how is this system fair and helpful to members?

And why aren't moderators expected to take responsibility for their actions by leaving some indication of what each one specifically does? Why aren't they required to keep themselves visible so that members know who is here and who is doing what? They are named 'moderators' with numbers, not any personally identifying information - so why do they need to act so secretively and anonymously beyond this in their actions too? Why can't they take responsibility for what actions they do by showing publically who did what or even know is here?

It's like they don't trust the members (or else don't want to accept responsibility for their actions). And members are losing any trust in these anonymous moderators who want to do things as anonymously and secretively as possible without any means to resolve issues because the moderators have distanced themselves so much and want to keep members at arm's length as much as possible.

If moderators are only identified by numbers, why do they need any other anonymity and secrecy in what they are doing? Why can't they put their 'signature' on their actions so we know who is doing what? And if we can't post here about erroneous infractions or questions about what specifically a member has done to warrant an infraction (or a banning), and moderators are unavailable any other way to communicate with us (unless they just send out a PM but then refuse any replies), how is this going to lead to anything but confusion, frustration and even more suspicion and distance between moderators and members? It's definitely more confusing when a moderator can alter the post of a member and not even leave a notice that it was done at all. A member whose post has been changed deserves a note put that what remains is NOT their words. And they deserve to know who to talk to about it and not have their posts removed if they try to bring it to someone's attention (or be given an infraction for it).

This system just doesn't seem to have any respect or considerations for the members in it, and more to do with making moderators even more anonymous and secretive and powerful. How about if we break down this divide a bit more and at least have moderators acknowledge publically what they've done so we know who did what?

And could we please know if the moderators are all different people or instead if it might be one person acting as different moderators? Could we try to bring the moderators CLOSER to the members instead of farther away by these walls of secrecy and anonymous post-editing? What is the big deal of a moderator actually putting their moderating name to their action and taking responsibility for it?

Thanks for letting us offer feedback. Hopefully we'll all start to break down some walls and find a balance that makes this place better than it was before.

[Meg1]

The real danger of the current system is that many of us are being notified of who complained about our posts, complete with the text of the complaint. Perhaps the moderators are employing this method as a means to cut down on their work--it will no doubt have a chilling effect on complainers.

No this wasn't done on purpose and has since been taken care of. Those that report posts should not worry about being exposed as the reporter.

We apologize for the upset this may have caused.

Mod #9

[Moderator #9]

I don't understand that?? - why would mods NOT be able to accept PMs??

In case of conflict of interest, corruption, conspiring with other forum members??? I don't get it.
Odd.

I was told the reason was due to the volume of PMs that mods were getting. It was putting too much of a strain on the database so it was decided that email was the way to go.

[SalpalSally]

I was told the reason was due to the volume of PMs that mods were getting. It was putting too much of a strain on the database so it was decided that email was the way to go.

I can certainly understand that. Thanks for the explanation.

I still would hesitate to send some things by e-mail, but I do understand the reasoning behind the decision.

Sally

[evie]

I can certainly understand that. Thanks for the explanation.

I still would hesitate to send some things by e-mail, but I do understand the reasoning behind the decision.

Sally, e-mail is a lot more private than PMs. If this site is ever hacked, PMs will be public and visible to the hackers; e-mails won't...naturally only if no copies of mails sent via this site are kept.

cheers
eve

[SalpalSally]

Thanks Eve, you may be right.

[annie]

oh good evie.

we are talking in epilepsy about putting together explanations of how to avoid flicker/flash/blink/glare for the photosensitive. you can write explanations that anyone could understand. do you have anything put together on this?

[razzle51]

what I am trying to ask is ? If you need a moderator say "RightNow" You dont know who is working this day . So should I send a email to all moderators.

[always-aching]

On Moderator 3's profile, the capability of sending a private message is there. This option is not available on the remaining Moderators.

[mister]

No one should have to depend on pm to get a message to a moderator.

Topics that are discussed between users and mods need to be private. I would hope that will be the case. There is no reason for the communications between mods and users to be made public but it happens sometimes. Software isn't perfect just like people aren't perfect.

Regards
Mister

[Jolene]

If you need a moderators assistance I would email them all. State that you have done so and that once they have determined how to deal with the issue please let you know. Once they confer, if nesessary they will let you know, or if they can handle it individually one will and can tell the rest.

[David Hosobuchi]

what I am trying to ask is ? If you need a moderator say "RightNow" You dont know who is working this day . So should I send a email to all moderators.

When you report a post, it sends a copy of that report by email to all moderators of that forum.

David

[Kathi49]

I tend to agree with DKCharlie,

I don't understand the "stealth mode" either. But, maybe I am missing something. And, I agree with mister. If someone is going to be warned or things of that nature, then it should be done privately instead of saying "you know who you are". To me, a statement such as that, just creates a further divide as DKCharlie mentioned. Also, why does have post have to be reported in order for something to be done about it? If a moderator is moderating, then shouldn't the post be stopped immediately if found offensive? It is almost as if someone can say something offensive, yet when users come on to give their opinions, then they are told THEY are wrong, their messages are deleted and so on. I guess it all lies in interpretation. Some people it seems can say anything they want and get by with it...but nothing is ever said about it. I guess from now on I will report what I deem offensive and would expect a moderator to take care of it. I just must be missing something here. It doesn't appear to me that is what is good for one does not hold true for the majority. I know that the moderators are selected based on their knowledge and probably their experience. But I also think various moderators may have different viewpoints. :)

[southernlady]

what I am trying to ask is ? If you need a moderator say "RightNow" You dont know who is working this day

There is a red triangle with a black I in it on the right hand side of EACH post made here (and at every other vb site, unless modified by the admin) that allows any person to report that post. Once reported, it sends out a PM/email to each admin/moderator on the list to recieve those. Someone will answer shortly.

I reported a spammers post and the post disappeared within 15 mins. Liz

[David Hosobuchi]

There is a red triangle with a black I in it on the right hand side of EACH post made here (and at every other vb site, unless modified by the admin) that allows any person to report that post. Once reported, it sends out a PM/email to each admin/moderator on the list to recieve those. Someone will answer shortly.

I reported a spammers post and the post disappeared within 15 mins. Liz

Yes, this little triangle is the Moderator buzzer....http://brain.hastypastry.net/forums/images/buttons/report.gif (http://brain.hastypastry.net/forums/images/buttons/report.gif)

Click on this when you find a post that you believe is in need of moderator attention. It will open a message box for you to write a detailed reason for why you are reporting the post. Once reported, it sends an email to all the moderators of that forum and creates a discussion thread in one of the moderator's forums.

The identity of the user reporting the post is only known to the moderators, and will be kept confidential. Please help the moderators by reporting any inappropriate posts promptly. By doing so, everyone can be a functional part of the moderating team.

Thanks for you help...:D

David

[Kathi49]

Uh, hello, excuse me...

I sent an email to a moderator today and have not received a response. What is the turnaround time?

[Jolene]

Uh, hello, exscuse me :p :D

Depends if you selected a specific moderator or reported a post as a problem. If you used the report feature the first moderator to see it deals with it. If you sent to one it depends... Some only work one or two days a week. So there you have it.

[Moderator #9]

I tend to agree with DKCharlie,

Also, why does have post have to be reported in order for something to be done about it? If a moderator is moderating, then shouldn't the post be stopped immediately if found offensive?

Moderators aren't online 24/7 and we do not read every post. We encourage BT members to report spam posts/offensive posts when they come across them. That way such posts can be dealt with more effectively.

[Moderator #9]

Uh, hello, excuse me...

I sent an email to a moderator today and have not received a response. What is the turnaround time?

The turnaround time depends on when the moderator is online/offline. We don't have "set" hours that we are supposed to be online.

If you need to contact a moderator about something that doesn't need a specific moderator (ie mod 3, mod 4, etc etc) just email all of us.

[David Hosobuchi]

Please see the new subforum above....

If it improves member/moderator communication, then we shall keep it.

David

[Spiney]

Looks like a possible winner to me. Best wishes.

[Sharob]

Looks like more secrecy to me.

[Jolene]

Of course it involves "secrecry" Most people who report things do it based on anonymity. I myself wouldn't care who knew but not everyone has my outlook or personality. Which is definately a good thing. :D

[southernlady]

Looks like a possible winner to me. Best wishes.

Looks like more secrecy to me.

Can't win for losing, can you, David?

Too bad admins can't make EVERYONE happy.

I have noticed that the whole Feedback forum was marked *private* and I think you only meant to mark the subforum *private*?? Right now it LOOKS like this entire forum can not be accessed. Liz

[Mike Weins]

No the new subforum is private. So if the newest time stamp on a post is in the private thread and you are subscribed to the Forum Feedback forum, the latest post will show as private.

It all depends on where the newest post is made. If it's made in Forum Feedback it will look normal.

[southernlady]

Well, I don't know about the time of the last post in the moderator section but here it is now 9:22PM according to my computer. I'm posting this and then will check and see if it's still marked private, like it was when I came in here to type this. Liz

Edited: I just checked and it is fixed now. It wasn't this afternoon when I typed that previous message. However, ZS, I agree with your thread about making it a separate forum and not a subforum. Liz

[Moderator #9]

Members are now able to send PM's to all moderators.