What is the insentive to be a moderator

[MICHAEL]

What is the job, and incentive to even be a moderator on a site like this? Bowl1820,,,, WHY?? :confused:

[TCJ]

Having been an unpaid moderator for multiple sites, I think I can give a little insight into this question.

1. You take up a hobby and that hobby ends up requiring running a message board. Ultimately, you do it because you enjoy the hobby, not because you enjoy moderating.

2. You spend a lot of time somewhere and get a reputation as being helpful. Someone asks you to assist and you do it because you feel honored that someone asked and don't want to let that person down.

3. You offer to help because you think a place needs cleaning up (which might be true). This is probably the stupidest reason of all!

I've been in all three situations.

[Aslan]

power

Moderators have the power of God on the internet....some people like that kinda thing.

[JaMau24]

http://i.imgur.com/Oy6mA.jpg



Forgive me for posting this Bowl1820, I'm only kidding! (And to any other mods out there, only a joke!) :P

[bowl1820]

What is the job, and incentive to even be a moderator on a site like this? Bowl1820,,,, WHY?? :confused:

What is the job? Well basically you sit around and try to make sure the kids play nice and try to fix the few things you actually have control over and You listen to people complain.


You listen to people complain about others.
You listen to people complain about how things aren't done right.
You listen to people complain how nobody does anything.
You listen to people complain because somebody did do something and they don't like it.
You listen to people complain because you didn't do enough.
You listen to people complain because you did too much.
You listen to people complain because you didn't do it fast enough
etc. etc. etc.


The incentive? The same as any other volunteer job. None other than wanting to help.

[bowl1820]

1. You take up a hobby and that hobby ends up requiring running a message board. Ultimately, you do it because you enjoy the hobby, not because you enjoy moderating.

2. You spend a lot of time somewhere and get a reputation as being helpful. Someone asks you to assist and you do it because you feel honored that someone asked and don't want to let that person down.


These two here are basically how I got started,.

I posted a lot and helped people, then got offered to be a mod. (Now a admin.) on another site. Then got made one here, then made one over on bowlingintel. I've turned down a couple of others.

[bowl1820]

power

Moderators have the power of God on the internet....some people like that kinda thing.

A lot of them think that way.

That's way you have to make sure you pick the right people to be a mod.

Now just in case anyone thinks I'm playing God, Your sorely mistaken.

You have no idea what a board run with a ironfist is like, this board is like the wild west compared to others.

[tr33frog]

What is the job? Well basically you sit around and try to make sure the kids play nice and try to fix the few things you actually have control over and You listen to people complain.


You listen to people complain about others.
You listen to people complain about how things aren't done right.
You listen to people complain how nobody does anything.
You listen to people complain because somebody did do something and they don't like it.
You listen to people complain because you didn't do enough.
You listen to people complain because you did too much.
You listen to people complain because you didn't do it fast enough
etc. etc. etc.


The incentive? The same as any other volunteer job. None other than wanting to help.

Yeah, I help run another site and refused to make more mods because not long after we made good posters mods they would get fed up with all the crap and slowly stop posting, lol. Anyone that thinks it is a great gig is crazy.

[bowl1820]

Forgive me for posting this Bowl1820, I'm only kidding! (And to any other mods out there, only a joke!) :P


That's okay! Moderators are like the Police.

Nobody want's them around till they need help. Then once they do come and help one person will thank them and the rest will say you were too slow getting there, didn't do enough, spit in your face and tell you leave.

[Aslan]

You have no idea what a board run with a ironfist is like, this board is like the wild west compared to others.

Well, I'd say it's "pretty loose".

I was on a board awhile back...and it was more "iron fisted". I got temporarily banned (for like 5 days) because the guy (who's username was "ARMY"...which is NOT a good sign) got annoyed with me. Actually I got "flamed" and responded with something "snarky". The guy who flamed me got booted (he had been warned multiple times before by the site) and I got a temporary ban. When they ban you, even temporarily, they list it on a page in the forum and they list the reason why and which moderator banned you. 93% of the people listed were spammers. Since I hadn't technically done anything wrong...and it was more just a moderator thinking he was God...he made up a reason which he termed "General Jackassery".

I was pissed at first...but since he made me laugh with the inventive "reason"...I let it go.

I was on another site for YEARS. Most of the people there were women...and they hated me even more than people here hate me....with a PASSION. But I minded my Ps & Qs...tried not to run afoul of anyone. Carefully walked the tightrope if you will. Then one day I "slipped up" and the conversation got on the topic of "hitmen" and I joked to another user asking him what he'd charge to "knock off" a certain user (my arch enemy on the site). It was obviously a joke and his response was I couldn't afford it. But....the arch enemy got notified by another enemy...she reported it to the site that she felt "threatened" by my statement...and that was just the ammunition needed to finally drop the axe. And that sucked...because I had very close friends there and had been a part of that community for over 3 years. But...it's hard on sites where you have to walk on eggshells like that. Many people came to my defense pointing out the obvious that it was just a joke...and the "offended party" knew that. But, the arch enemy was a long time member as well...and a close personal friend of the site administrator...so that was that. Many people asked me to come back...under a different username. But I guess I just figured if I couldn't be "me", what's the point??

[bowl1820]

It was obviously a joke

Yep one day it's obviously a joke, then next week the joke is the lead story on the nightly news.

[Aslan]

Yep one day it's obviously a joke, then next week the joke is the lead story on the nightly news.

Well....at least I can spell incentive.

[YODA]

I have been a moderator on a few forums... It starts as a hobby, but in the end it is a full time job on many sites. The ones I moderated I did because at the time I had a passion for what the forums were about (archery, racing, and a sports forum).. In the end though I have to give it up because I didnt have the time to put into it like I wanted. Still post there but all in all monderating is something I do not look forward to ever having to do again.

It is also one of the reasons I stick up for mods, because I know what they have to put up with and go through :)

[MICHAEL]

What in the Heck is wrong with the Wild WEST?? People love it!! This is not grade school,,, I bet most many enjoy the verbal combat! Jerry Stringer Show has nothing but verbal Combat, and it has a huge audience!

Jason,,, I think there is more truth to that post you made about WHY MOD's want to be MODS!! LOL POWER,,,, Power can be intoxicating, especially to a Nerd TYPE! LOL

When one has that power in his hand,,, The power to Close a thread with a few strokes of his fingers, it must feel better to them then the imaginary SE# they dream of, or that 900 series

Not including you bowl1820 LOL I think all closing of threads should be put up for a vote! Like with Aslan! When put to a vote, well,,,, the people here overwhelmingly begged him to stay! (as I remember it)... lol

THIS IS AMERICA, HOME OF THE FREE, a democracy!! NOT a dictatorship!! Free the threads on Bowlingboad.com!

FREEDOM.... FREEDOM...... LORD,,, give us FREEDOM! AMEN!

You do a Good Job here bowl1820, I think your problem is, WE NEED TO FIND YOU A WOMAN!!
Iceman is good at that,,, Tell us your Dream Woman! I will try hard to find your perfect match! (:)

[Aslan]

It is also one of the reasons I stick up for mods, because I know what they have to put up with and go through :)

What I find most pathetic is…sure, on Yahoo chat or some political forum…I can see the need for moderators and how hard that job can be. But this site and other sites like it…overwhelmingly older adults. ADULTS. It just bewilders me that ADULTS would be so juvenile that Bowl1820 actually has to take time from shutting down spammers to tell "the kids" to behave themselves or they might get a timeout. Seriously?

NEWS FLASH! This is a BOWLING site. We're not putting together a federal budget. Is it possible to just "agree to disagree" on some topics?

NEWS FLASH 2!! This is the internet…not your tupperware party or your weekly poker game in your man cave. The internet involves being "tolerant" of others…even those you disagree with. Especially those you disagree with.

But…it's bedtime. And I'm tired from tonight's practice…bowling terrible is exhausting!!!

[bowl1820]

Not including you bowl1820 LOL I think all closing of threads should be put up for a vote! Like with Aslan! When put to a vote, well,,,, the people here overwhelmingly begged him to stay! (as I remember it)... lol

A vote like Aslan, You mean the vote that he didn't like because he assumed everyone would vote to ban him. The vote he inferred I was using to pass the buck, so I could say it wasn't my decision.

I close old outdated threads so new threads can be created with more current information. Also there is a small anti-spam element, a lot of spambots instead of creating new threads will post in existing threads. By closing the older threads it can help block them should they get past the spam filters.

I also close the ones like this and your other one because they are just bait to start trouble.

or the thread has got out of hand.



It just bewilders me that ADULTS would be so juvenile

That's the pot calling the kettle black.


Is it possible to just "agree to disagree" on some topics?
Yes it is possible.



The internet involves being "tolerant" of others…even those you disagree with. Especially those you disagree with.
Yes The internet does involve being "tolerant" of others.

But the others also need to be tolerant also and put more thought into what they say.

It's one thing to have and state a differing opinion, but to go around pushing peoples buttons in the process is another.

Now As is my prerogative, I am locking this thread, as continuing this discussion is pointless.

[bowl1820]

Okay this thread is not pointless either so unlocked.

[Aslan]

That's the pot calling the kettle black.



Yes The internet does involve being "tolerant" of others.

But

They say that nothing a person says before the word "but" means anything.

I had a long retort....but out of respect for Bowl1820 re-opening threads the way he has (which is VERY uncommon behavior for moderators...I've NEVER seen it)...I'm just gonna PASS.

[YODA]

What I find most pathetic is…sure, on Yahoo chat or some political forum…I can see the need for moderators and how hard that job can be. But this site and other sites like it…overwhelmingly older adults. ADULTS. It just bewilders me that ADULTS would be so juvenile that Bowl1820 actually has to take time from shutting down spammers to tell "the kids" to behave themselves or they might get a timeout. Seriously?

NEWS FLASH! This is a BOWLING site. We're not putting together a federal budget. Is it possible to just "agree to disagree" on some topics?

NEWS FLASH 2!! This is the internet…not your tupperware party or your weekly poker game in your man cave. The internet involves being "tolerant" of others…even those you disagree with. Especially those you disagree with.

But…it's bedtime. And I'm tired from tonight's practice…bowling terrible is exhausting!!!


I have modded many "adult" forums, and let me tell you, even Adults can act retarded. Matter of fact some of them can be downright rude and blatantly disrespectful. There is a hug differance between being tolerant, and having to put up with idiot adults whom should know better. Sure there can be disagreements, but there must be someone around in case things do get out of hand, that would be a mod :) :) like it or not thats how the internet works. dont like it then start your own forum without any mods.

[tr33frog]

I have modded many "adult" forums, and let me tell you, even Adults can act retarded. Matter of fact some of them can be downright rude and blatantly disrespectful. There is a hug differance between being tolerant, and having to put up with idiot adults whom should know better. Sure there can be disagreements, but there must be someone around in case things do get out of hand, that would be a mod :) :) like it or not thats how the internet works. dont like it then start your own forum without any mods.

And unless you are starting a no holds barred insult, sarcastic, porn site you better have mods. When people can be annonymous, many will choose to be their worst.

[YODA]

And unless you are starting a no holds barred insult, sarcastic, porn site you better have mods. When people can be annonymous, many will choose to be their worst.

now that brings back memories of a forum I used to visit called 4chan :) LOL That site is insane!

[Aslan]

I have modded many "adult" forums, and let me tell you, even Adults can act retarded. Matter of fact some of them can be downright rude and blatantly disrespectful. There is a hug differance between being tolerant, and having to put up with idiot adults whom should know better. Sure there can be disagreements, but there must be someone around in case things do get out of hand, that would be a mod :) :) like it or not thats how the internet works. dont like it then start your own forum without any mods.

I agree 100% Yoda. I believe 100% that mods are necessary. Have you ever read posts on political sites? WOW! There are people on the left AND the right...that pretty much think if you hold a different political opinion you should be hung publically. It's downright nuts!

My "issue" (and it's pretty much my ONLY issue because I personally think he's one of the best mods I've encountered overall) with Bowl1820 is he seems to reinforce the belief of a few regulars on this site....the belief that if a person holds another viewpoint, and is active on the site expressing that viewpoint, even though said person has violated no rules and is civil and attacks the arguement not the person....that it's okay to mock/hound/flame/troll said person because he "was asking for it". I disagree with him on that mindset. I don't think my opinion on 2-handed bowling nor "modern bowling" nor Pete Weber nor "spare balls nor ARSEnals makes me such an evil viral monster that I am suddenly "fair game" for insults. Maybe I'm mischaracterizing Bowl's belief(s). And like I said, I think he does a great job. The site is relatively spam-free....generally civil....and he's 98% of the time...VERY FAIR. And my biggest compliment of him...he is VERY knowledgeable and practices what he preaches about "attacking the arguement, not the person." On the internet, especially on forums...THAT is a very rare quality. I'd say 3% of people in forums truly adhere to that guiding principle. It's SO much easier to attack "the person" than it is to make an intelligent counter-arguement.

Iceman is the most active person on this site...and he has been very opinionated about Bill and people like that who may tend "exaggerate" their accomplishments...as well as voice his less than popular opinion about people who wear wrist guards. But I think thats cool. Agree or disagree....I think it's almost imperative that forums have people like me and Iceman who are willing to go out on "a limb" and voice unpopular opinions from time to time. It adds to the site by getting discussions and passionate opinions. It's not "dangerous". It's not "flamming" or "trolling". Flaming is if you have a user that follows another user around and constantly puts them down or makes wise cracks. Trolling would be like coming on the site and starting topics I KNOW are gonna just tick people off with that sole purpose in mind.

I've actually been accused by users as being "dangerous" because of my opinions. "Dangerous"......for "opinions" about "BOWLING". Dangerous? I should be banned? Bowling. I feel like Alan Iverson except insert "bowling" instead of "practice". Bowling...not abortion...not international politics. Bowling. Bowling. Not the death penalty...or the treatment of Jews....Bowling. Bowling. Gimmie a break.

[bowl1820]

My "issue" (and it's pretty much my ONLY issue because I personally think he's one of the best mods I've encountered overall) with Bowl1820 is he seems to reinforce the belief of a few regulars on this site....the belief that if a person holds another viewpoint, and is active on the site expressing that viewpoint, even though said person has violated no rules and is civil and attacks the arguement not the person....that it's okay to mock/hound/flame/troll said person because he "was asking for it".

I disagree with him on that mindset. I don't think my opinion on 2-handed bowling nor "modern bowling" nor Pete Weber nor "spare balls nor ARSEnals makes me such an evil viral monster that I am suddenly "fair game" for insults. Maybe I'm mischaracterizing Bowl's belief(s). And like I said, I think he does a great job. The site is relatively spam-free....generally civil....and he's 98% of the time...VERY FAIR. And my biggest compliment of him...he is VERY knowledgeable and practices what he preaches about "attacking the arguement, not the person." On the internet, especially on forums...THAT is a very rare quality. I'd say 3% of people in forums truly adhere to that guiding principle. It's SO much easier to attack "the person" than it is to make an intelligent counter-arguement.

I just love how you pay me compliments and criticize me at the same time.

As I said before your free to express a differing viewpoint, but (AND YES I USED THE WORD BUT! and that doesn't mean what was said before it is a lie or I don't mean it) why don't you try and put some thought into how you express those opinions and leave out the nonsense.

It's obvious from your other posts that you've had this same trouble before on other sites , you were just "expressing a differing viewpoint" and for some reason everyone gangs up on you and the mods and the admins want to get rid of you.

Don't you see a pattern there.

[Aslan]

As I said in the dramabahammamomma thread...I only gave the "bad" examples...I'm on many sites where I'm as loveable as the next guy.

But...okay. Maybe you're right. We'll try an experiment. I'll list 4 controversal comments and you tell me how to re-word them:

1) I don't think a spare ball is necessary for entry-low level bowlers.
2) I'm not a huge fan of 2-handed bowlers.
3) Pete Weber's antics come off as "disrespectful" so I'm not a fan.
4) I don't think a beginner/low-level intermediate needs an "arsenal". I think they should focus on getting better mechanics rather than "better balls".

Now...assuming you have no suggestions, can I assume that your response will be, "It's not the opinions...it's that you defend the opinion rather than just letting it go and accepting you're wrong."?

I'm kidding man. It's no big deal. Like I said...I think you're a great moderator whether you're an "Aslan fan" or not. <-----See, not "but". :cool:

[bowl1820]

As I said in the dramabahammamomma thread...I only gave the "bad" examples...I'm on many sites where I'm as loveable as the next guy.

But...okay. Maybe you're right. We'll try an experiment. I'll list 4 controversal comments and you tell me how to re-word them:

1) I don't think a spare ball is necessary for entry-low level bowlers.
2) I'm not a huge fan of 2-handed bowlers.
3) Pete Weber's antics come off as "disrespectful" so I'm not a fan.
4) I don't think a beginner/low-level intermediate needs an "arsenal". I think they should focus on getting better mechanics rather than "better balls".

No need to reword and it's not that their controversial,


Now...assuming you have no suggestions, can I assume that your response will be, "It's not the opinions...it's that you defend the opinion rather than just letting it go and accepting you're wrong."?

No you can't assume that will be my response. You are perfectly free to defend the opinion I never said you couldn't.

I said why don't you try and put some thought into how you express those opinions and leave out the nonsense.

and don't ask me tell to you how to re-word it.


Also since everyone said they want you around, I haven't tried to stop you from posting your opinion or your defense of it. I've let you have free hand.

Now that doesn't stop me from voicing my opinion, unless mods aren't allowed to voice a differing opinions.

I'm kidding man. It's no big deal. I think you're a great user whether you're an "mod fan" or not. <-----See, not "but".

[Aslan]

Thats practically plagerism. Which I can't spell. So I'm gonna leave it alone.

[bowl1820]

Thats practically plagerism. Which I can't spell. So I'm gonna leave it alone.

LOL Okay