Suggestions for Moderators

As discussed in the meeting I'd like to propose that we add some moderators to the forums. This is as a result of the massive influx of spammers and I believe we can benefit from having moderators in different time zones to curb the spammer problem.

I'd like to hear suggestions on candidates for the job or perhaps we can make an announcement letting members know we are looking for volunteers on moderating.

I cant think of anyone off the top of my head but perhaps you guys can post your suggestions

wthompson contacted me a bit back offering to be a mod. He said he's modded on other cartoon/toy forums. Anyone have any comments on him?

Though I do think that all new mods should only be allowed to soft delete (and not permanantly delete stuff) because we may end up having stuff deleted that doesn't need to be....

"blackiecats, post: 31733" said:

wthompson contacted me a bit back offering to be a mod. He said he's modded on other cartoon/toy forums. Anyone have any comments on him?

Though I do think that all new mods should only be allowed to soft delete (and not permanantly delete stuff) because we may end up having stuff deleted that doesn't need to be....

Soft deletes can be worked through permissions feature. They should also be allowed to ban members only after verifying that the account is from a spam domain. If he has experience then I'd say lets go for it. My thoughts is to have 2 moderators from the US, one Pacific and one East Coast

Perhaps we can make a post on the forums and see who is interested in the job, and perhaps outline the requirements so people know what to expect

Chris here...

"MannysCollectibles, post: 31736" said:

Perhaps we can make a post on the forums and see who is interested in the job, and perhaps outline the requirements so people know what to expect

I agree, I think this might be the best way forward. Out of that we could pick a couple of candidates that we think might be best. :)

I would say that if we do it via asking who's interested on the forums, we should make it clear in the post that if someone isn't selected, they shouldn't take this as a reflection on them, as there are many factors (including when these people are able to be online) that may influence our decision. :)

In fact, on that note, it would probably be helpful when posting the "Mods wanted" thread if we ask what sort of times (roughly) the folks in question would be able to be online, or failing that, post up what timezone they are. Again, this would be helpful to us making a decision. :)

Wherever possible I'd still like us to deal with disputes (such as arguments and name-calling) on the forums, just because I think we're the ones with the most experience, but I guess as long as we keep an eye on the forums whenever we're each able to be online, that should do the job. We are very lucky in that the amount of hassles we get on the forums are few and far between...however, I'm expecting this to escalate when the new series launches and fans fall into either the "love" camp or "hate" camp, LOL! ;)

Take care... :)

Hey Chris being that youre so gifted with writing can you make an announcement on the boards about us requesting help for moderators

Chris here...

What about something like:

Hey everyone,

As these forums get busier and busier as the new ThunderCats series gets closer and closer, we're looking for a couple of volunteers to help out with moderating our forums! :)

What we're basically looking for are a couple of folks who'd be willing to help us deal with things like spam posts on the forums, threads accidentally posted in the wrong forum, and things like that. In particular it would be really good to have a couple more moderators based in the US, as most of this site's team members are now based in Europe and so there are time periods where we're all offline and thus things like spam posts are sitting unattended for several hours. :)

If anyone would be interested in taking on this role, please could you post up in this thread letting us know that you're interested, what sort of times you're able to be online, and what timezone you're in. :)

There are many factors we'll be considering when deciding who to pick out of the candidates available (including things like timezones, etc.), so if you don't end up getting selected, please don't take it personally - we're sure it will be a difficult decision for us to pick just a couple of people! :)

And just to add, although I'm sure you guys will have figured this out already, unfortunately any work done for this site (including that of those of us on the team) is all unpaid and done by fans for the benefit of other fans, so sadly there's no salary, even though we think all you guys are worth your weight in gold! :D

Looking forward to hearing from you all! :)

...Something like that? I think it covers all the bases, makes clear what needs making clear, but doesn't sound too "heavy". I don't want to post it up until I hear back from you guys, if you can think of anything I've missed out, LMK and I'll add it in or change it! :)

Take care... :)

"He-Fan, post: 31750" said:

Chris here...

What about something like:

Hey everyone,

As these forums get busier and busier as the new ThunderCats series gets closer and closer, we're looking for a couple of volunteers to help out with moderating our forums! :)

What we're basically looking for are a couple of folks who'd be willing to help us deal with things like spam posts on the forums, threads accidentally posted in the wrong forum, and things like that. In particular it would be really good to have a couple more moderators based in the US, as most of this site's team members are now based in Europe and so there are time periods where we're all offline and thus things like spam posts are sitting unattended for several hours. :)

If anyone would be interested in taking on this role, please could you post up in this thread letting us know that you're interested, what sort of times you're able to be online, and what timezone you're in. :)

There are many factors we'll be considering when deciding who to pick out of the candidates available (including things like timezones, etc.), so if you don't end up getting selected, please don't take it personally - we're sure it will be a difficult decision for us to pick just a couple of people! :)

And just to add, although I'm sure you guys will have figured this out already, unfortunately any work done for this site (including that of those of us on the team) is all unpaid and done by fans for the benefit of other fans, so sadly there's no salary, even though we think all you guys are worth your weight in gold! :D

Looking forward to hearing from you all! :)

...Something like that? I think it covers all the bases, makes clear what needs making clear, but doesn't sound too "heavy". I don't want to post it up until I hear back from you guys, if you can think of anything I've missed out, LMK and I'll add it in or change it! :)

Take care... :)

I like it Chris...unless Neil has anything else to add I'd say go for it :thumbsup:

"MannysCollectibles, post: 31751" said:

I like it Chris...unless Neil has anything else to add I'd say go for it :thumbsup:

I think it's good to go :)

Chris here...

Cool, cool - I've posted up the same message on the Cartoon & Comics, Toys, Movie, and General Discussion forums, so between those they should get noticed! :)

Be interesting to see who replies! :)

Take care... :)
Merged Post:
UPDATE:

Just to say that we have our first few candidates coming in, which is great! :)

However, I'd like to say that of the two US-based members who've thrown their hats into the ring, I'd be unhappy with both of them. LioConvoy and Grune have both at one point or another flamed each other and are both as bad as each other, Grune has a habit of picking fights and calling other members liars, and LioConvoy once made a post calling Grune names and attacking him which I actually went into and edited. I nearly gave him an infraction but decided it might look as though I was taking sides, when both were to blame...

However, even though their main roles would be spam-deletion-based, I really wouldn't be comfortable giving either of them moderator authority. :(

Take care... :)

Looks like wthompson posted...I'd be inclined to have him as moderator and add one more person. I do agree on LioConvoy and Grune not picked for moderating duties.

Chris here...

"MannysCollectibles, post: 31783" said:

Looks like wthompson posted...I'd be inclined to have him as moderator and add one more person. I do agree on LioConvoy and Grune not picked for moderating duties.

Yeah, wthompson would be one of my top choices out of the candidates who've thrown their hats into the ring so far. I'd be inclined to leave the thread(s) up for a week or so, and then see who's put their names forward. :)

INSERT EDIT: wthompson also sent me a PM:

wthompson said:

Hi,

I actually PM Neil the other day (18th) about becoming a moderator. I currently help out as editor for behindthetoys.com and quite honestly are online a fair bit and can easily help out. I have been collecting vintage toys we'll for 37 years and probably could be the resident Prototype expert even though I'm still learning myself.

I have decided to focus on TC going forward so will be an active member either way.

Thanks

Wayne Thompson
Editor
Behindthetoys.com

I think he sees himself joining the team in addition to being a mod, which is a bit cheeky as I never mentioned that, but then again, would he have any knowledge that we could make use of? It seems as though we've got some good prototype stuff going down already, but you guys would be best placed to judge that side of things... :)

I also think that Lordore would make a good and honest mod, but being in Greece I don't know what timezone he falls under...? :confused:

Take care... :)

"He-Fan, post: 31796" said:

Chris here...



Yeah, wthompson would be one of my top choices out of the candidates who've thrown their hats into the ring so far. I'd be inclined to leave the thread(s) up for a week or so, and then see who's put their names forward. :)

INSERT EDIT: wthompson also sent me a PM:



I think he sees himself joining the team in addition to being a mod, which is a bit cheeky as I never mentioned that, but then again, would he have any knowledge that we could make use of? It seems as though we've got some good prototype stuff going down already, but you guys would be best placed to judge that side of things... :)

I also think that Lordore would make a good and honest mod, but being in Greece I don't know what timezone he falls under...? :confused:

Take care... :)

wthompson is very knowledgeable when it comes to prototypes...I'd be a bit inclined to even bring him on board on the team. He could definitely bring in-depth info on the process and hell he could even help in further the prototype section to explain the production processes..something that Im not quite familiar with

I wouldnt mind having Purrsia back on as moderator since she does a lot of that already and is familiar with the process. Just my 2 cents

Chris here...

"MannysCollectibles, post: 31805" said:

wthompson is very knowledgeable when it comes to prototypes...I'd be a bit inclined to even bring him on board on the team. He could definitely bring in-depth info on the process and hell he could even help in further the prototype section to explain the production processes..something that Im not quite familiar with

I'd certainly be cool with this - on the new site, our Toy Section is expanding at an exciting rate and it would be great to have somebody like wthompson on board to utilise his knowledge, he seems like a cool guy and someone who knows what he's talking about! :)

At some stage I'd also like to consider adding another staff writer to the team - whilst I can still do some writing, now I have these other responsibilities (page building, etc.), it would be good to have somebody else on board solely for that role who'd be able to help me out. However, that's a discussion for another thread I guess, and definitely not something that requires urgent attention! :)

"MannysCollectibles, post: 31805" said:

I wouldnt mind having Purrsia back on as moderator since she does a lot of that already and is familiar with the process. Just my 2 cents

I think Angie would be a great choice, she's a former team member who left in good spirits, and I've become very good friends with her - like you say, she's got a lot of experience and for my part I would trust her completely. :)

Take care... :)

Im open to more suggestions but I think the choices right now are evident in wthompson and Angie helping out.

Not sure if Angie would contribute more along the lines of staff writer...perhaps you can discuss that with her but I would be very inclined to bring wthompson as moderator and full team member. I dont think we've seen all of it yet but I expect that once the oys get released and the new cartoon airs we will be in for some serious traffic and in need of a couple more team members

Speaking of traffic, we're the front page of ToyNewsi right now. There article is a little shady (not like they wouldn't have done the same thing), but I think it is the reason why we hit a new high in number of visitors for a day. It's like 300 right now...it was 99 since 2008. Last I saw, there were 272 people viewing the toy forum. :eek:

Chris here...

"Manny, post: 31850" said:

Speaking of traffic, we're the front page of ToyNewsi right now. There article is a little shady (not like they wouldn't have done the same thing), but I think it is the reason why we hit a new high in number of visitors for a day. It's like 300 right now...it was 99 since 2008. Last I saw, there were 272 people viewing the toy forum. :eek:

That's awesome! :thumbsup:

LOL, is it my imagination or does that ToyNewsi article scream "sour grapes"?! :D

Take care... :)

Sooo whats the verdict...wthompson and Purssia with wthompson coming to work on the toy section?

If traffic today is a sign of things to come this is gonna be insane once the cartoon airs

Chris here...

"MannysCollectibles, post: 31852" said:

Sooo whats the verdict...wthompson and Purssia with wthompson coming to work on the toy section?

If traffic today is a sign of things to come this is gonna be insane once the cartoon airs

For myself I'd still like to wait at least a few more days, if only for appearances' sake - for the sake of the forum members' egos we want it to look like it was a tough decision! :D

I can actually see a few candidates that I think would make good Mods, but IMO I think the two you mention are the ones to beat, on experience if nothing else... :)

Don't forget that if we do invite wthompson to join the team, complete with access to these forums, we'd probably need to delete this thread so he didn't see us talking about him, LOL! :)

I realise nothing's been mentioned about this yet, but also just to add that if hypothetically we gave Angie access to this Team Forum once again as a Mod (which on paper I'd have no problem with as she's had access once, and as I say I trust her completely) we would need to go through some threads and just check there's nowhere since she's been off the team that we said anything negative about her own website! ;)

Angie as a staff writer, to be honest she's more than capable but IMO probably too busy, right now she's trying to get her own web design business off the ground - she & I have actually talked a lot about it and she often comes to me as a sounding board for various bits and has told me she'd look to me if she ever needed to outsource. I'd love to have Angie back on the team full time as she's been a terrific friend and I love talking to her, but to be honest outside of the Mod side of things I don't know if she'd have capacity to contribute much. :(

Take care... :)

"He-Fan, post: 31855" said:

Don't forget that if we do invite wthompson to join the team, complete with access to these forums, we'd probably need to delete this thread so he didn't see us talking about him, LOL! :)

I realise nothing's been mentioned about this yet, but also just to add that if hypothetically we gave Angie access to this Team Forum once again as a Mod (which on paper I'd have no problem with as she's had access once, and as I say I trust her completely) we would need to go through some threads and just check there's nowhere since she's been off the team that we said anything negative about her own website! ;)

I do not agree with moderator talk and site talk being placed in the same forum anymore once we bring mods in! I think a new forum should be created as a staff room for all moderating staff. Anyone who doesn't work on the team and build the site should not be allowed to view site content and in progress work ;)

I'd be happy to go through the team forum and move any threads discussing spammers and modding into the new Moderators forum no problem. It also solves the problem of worrying about any past comments in older threads in this forum ;)

Chris here...

"blackiecats, post: 31869" said:

I do not agree with moderator talk and site talk being placed in the same forum anymore once we bring mods in! I think a new forum should be created as a staff room for all moderating staff. Anyone who doesn't work on the team and build the site should not be allowed to view site content and in progress work ;)

I'd be happy to go through the team forum and move any threads discussing spammers and modding into the new Moderators forum no problem. It also solves the problem of worrying about any past comments in older threads in this forum ;)

I can certainly see the benefits of doing it that way, and also agree that it saves cleanup work, etc. The reason why I mentioned Angie is purely because if we're going to be appointing wthompson as a mod and asking him to join the team (which presumably would allow him access to this forum), and only appointing one other Mod which hypothetically would be Angie, you'd be making a whole other child forum just for the benefit of hiding the team forum from someone who used to have access to it. :)

That said, I do understand the reasons and benefits for doing it that way and suppose it would, if nothing else, create an area for the future should we appoint additional Mods once the new series gets underway and traffic goes up (even more)! :)

EDIT: Of course, just throwing an idea out there, the other way we could play this is to actually not appoint any more new team members (folks who are responsible for the upkeep of the site and in charge of managing areas of the site), but instead invite contributors to add content to the site, in the same way that Val Staples and Emiliano Santalucia run He-Man.Org but have folks contributing content to it. In this way, it would allow us to potentially pool on the knowledge and skills of a number of our forum members (including wthompson) but without having to actually expand our team. We did talk about this some time ago actually but it kind-of dwindled into obscurity - what do you guys think about this idea? :)

Take care... :)