tiltbillings wrote:Fede wrote:. . . Because I can be putz and sometimes a shmuck, I would welcome feedback via PM or the "report" button if anyone thinks I have crossed the line.
This is all very well...
we can all be putzes (putzums? Putzii...?) and schmucks. it comes as part of the package of being a sentient human being, and I'm sure must figure in one of the realms of existence....!
The invitation to members to 'welcome feedback' if they're of the opinion a line has been crossed, whilst constructive in some ways, can open its own gateway to a minefield in others....
the problem with that is, that as a Moderator, this denotes that not only are we willing to be open to criticism, but we're also willing to have our positions and decisions questioned.
I learnt a long time ago, from my mentor/boss/forum founder, that the bottom line is, bad manners, discourtesies and undignified behaviour is frowned upon. as is foul language, name-calling, insulting and trolling/flaming. Buddhism aside, these are the standard practises we believe people should conform to, when engaging in dialogue and discussion.
Now.
Whilst every Moderator has their own yardstick (eg.,I personally feel foul and obscene language has no place on a Buddhist forum, other Moderators feel such verbal displays are part of social verbal interaction, and are permissible up to a point) the fact of the matter is, a Moderator has a lonely line to travel, and a difficult job to do. Quite aside from everything else, they're further expected to 'set an example'.
So, TBH, the last thing they need is PM upon PM telling them "Errr, I don't think I agree with you there...." or even, "What the heck were you thinking??"
As far as I am concerned, a Moderator's decision is final, and I abide by that. I broach no argument, no discussion and no back-and-forth dialogue. the decision is one I can think about and mull over. If I think in hindsight I was wrong, I'll either modify, and/or discuss it with the pertinent member - and them only.
I will never countermand another mod's decision, though again, I might discuss it privately.
I make my decisions in as an unbiased and neutral way as I can, considering the socially acceptable parameters of behaviour.
And although in the beginning, I was exactly of the same opinion as Tilt, with regard to feedback, I've been a Moderator for long enough now to trust that what I do, is done with the best of intentions, and I'm afraid people will just have to take it on the chin.
I've never been tempted to abuse my position, and I know that if I were to do so, Chief Honcho would let me know - in no uncertain terms - that I'd overstepped the mark.
to date, thankfully, that has not happened.
so Tilt, be confident, and relax.
as far as I'm concerned, it's all good, and grist to the mill.
And all crap passes and fades and is forgotten after a while anyway, so don't sweat it.
I'm behind you all the way.
And I'm not aiming fer yer butt......