Is criticism of Moderators a bannable offense?

[letterboy]

Hopefully, we can be compassionate and gracious to one another,..

I agreed all the way up to here. . .I could be compassionate towards Jenny and Marvel maybe some of the other young lady MODs but dude come on. . . .The rest of us are not like you . . .

 

[HowardE]

Not deleting the post may have been an oversight. We sometimes get pretty busy.

Upon review of what the post said, it is my humble opinion that this was anything BUT constructive criticism, and in fact a highly derogatory flame. We never want to ban someone, but I have to agree with the mod in question on this one.

That flame is in stark contrast to the tenor of this thread. Options are discussed, disappointments and confusion expressed. There is no comparing the staff to a regime known for oppression and genocide. This is what I would refer to as being "constructive". The flame in the other thread was probably intended to hurt, embarrass and chastise. If that was not the case, then the OP needs to learn a bit of netiquette

perhaps the post in question was a bit inflamatory, but i know that a simple PM to the poster, and he/she would have removed the deragatory comment. As I said, it just seemed a little heavy handed to ban the user immediately and without formal warning.

 

[dlndavid]

<snip>

There is no comparing the staff to a regime known for oppression and genocide.

Good point, maybe some politicos will abide to this.
<snip>

The flame in the other thread was probably intended to hurt, embarrass and chastise. If that was not the case, then the OP needs to learn a bit of netiquette

In defense of the vacationing member, they may have, and I really think they did, misunderstand a purposefull closing of a thread requested by the starter of the thread, that's all. A PM coulfd have cleared that up.

 

[shellim123]

I missed the post! But, I am bummed that I missed my 200,300 and 400 status!

 

[Marvel]

<snip> Good point, maybe some politicos will abide to this.
<snip>
In defense of the vacationing member, they may have, and I really think they did, misunderstand a purposefull closing of a thread requested by the starter of the thread, that's all. A PM coulfd have cleared that up.

Or, perhaps the member could have read the Mod post that clearly stated that the thread was closed at the request of the OP?

 

[Marvel]

Very rarely are bans issued in a vacuum. We routinely counsel & issue warnings to members. What you seem to be asking for is a form of micromanagement that we cannot be expected to sustain. Example:

Member A uses a word that is against the ToS
Mod A deletes the post & sends a PM

Member A posts an off topic post in a thread
Mod B deletes it & sends a warning

Member A makes a derogatory remark about Member B
Mod A deletes it & sends a warning

Member A posts an image that is a ToS violation
Mod B deletes it & sends a warning

How do you handle this? Each & every one of these offenses is slightly different yet each & every one is a ToS violation. Almost all warnings that are sent to our members include either a link to the ToS &/or quotes the pertinent sections. A certain level of personal responsibility is expected from anyone who joins a message board. Part of the sign up process on SB is to agree to the Terms of Service & each & every one of us clicked in that little button when we joined the board. Even if a member doesn't ever read the ToS, over time the overall board policy becomes apparent just by being cognizant of what gets pulled & who gets banned. There comes a time when we have to say "OK, counseling & warnings aren't changing the overall behavior. Perhaps it's time for some consequences."

 

[H2Andy]

Marvel, i believe the problem is that some Mod actions are perceived as unilateral and not thought-out.

a lot of the time this comes from the Mod's tone and choice of words

one thing the Mods could do to avoid this perception is to make sure they are professional and neutral in their official postings.

there is no need to use unnecessary verbal force or quasi-threats.

to their credit, 95% of all Mods do an outstanding job of this. there are just a few that probably could benefit from sensititivy training

on the other hand, if members want to be treated with respect, they should act with respect. just because a Mod said something that upset you doesn't give you carte-blanche to get rude or insulting. this is a private board, and if you don't like it, well ... you don't have to be here ...

ultimately, i'd like to see a lot more respect between Mods and users, and i would have their interactions, even when concerning discipline, to be a dialogue rather than a barked order to desist on one end and a personal retaliation on the other.

as the propriety of banning someone, or what punishment is given, that's all with the Mods. you are the staff, and you have the authority to do it without having to answer to the members.

however, the more above-board and neutral your actions appear, the less criticism they will draw.

you are dealing with the public, and for the public, appearances are important

 

[drbill]

I have had fairly minor issues with some (very few) mods in the past, but have usually found that discussions via PM and appeals to Pete or other mods for review bring either satisfaction or at least clarification of the issues.

I don't know the specifics in this case as I'm unaware of the specific post. Ignorance is bliss (and my life is quite blissful).

Hmmm... I haven't been warned or "censored" by any mod in quite some time.. I must be softening up!

 

[Lead_carrier]

Hmmm... I haven't been warned or "censored" by any mod in quite some time.. I must be softening up!

You're just turning into a big ole teddy bear Bill.:

 

[letterboy]

Hmmm... I haven't been warned or "censored" by any mod in quite some time.. I must be softening up!

I could report some of your posts if you would like. . .