Kanebear writes:
Then there's the issue of discussion of moderation. Here, at least, we can discuss concepts and abstracts regarding moderation. The only prohibition regards discussion of specific moderator action at Flyertalk.
You are absolutely right,
Kanebear, that those are the rules, and rules with which I wholeheartedly agree. We should be allowed to discuss concepts and abstracts of moderation openly and honestly, without discussing specific moderator actions.
In practice, however, the FlyerTalk moderators have effectively rewritten the rule to shut down any discussion of moderation, no matter how abstract,
as is clearly pointed out in this recent post by
Dovster. Just as an exercise, go to the ORP forum and search the word "moderator" for the past three years and you will see that the vast majority of discussions are simply shut down, period.
This is unhealthy for a several reasons: First, the sheriff should never be in a position to rewrite the laws. That type of system is doomed to corruption. Second, the membership feels frustration at being given no forum in which to express its veiws. Third, the moderators suffer from lack of member input.
Yes, I know that the moderators have their own forum where they talk to one another, and yes, I know that the moderators have meetings where they sit around and talk to one another, but that is not enough. They really need input from the general membership, and we have no vehicle to allows for that stream of input. Sometimes it seems like the moderators actively avoid input. Let me give you an example.
While attending a FlyerTalk dinner, another member came over to our table and sat down. There was a moderator at the table, but the other member had no idea she was a moderator. When he asked question, "What do you think about moderation on the XXX forum?" the moderator jumped, said, "I just don't have to sit hear and listen to this garbage," and stomped out of the restaurant. This would have been a golden opportunity for her to get input, but she refused to even listen.
I think that each of us in a leadership role, whether it be as a TalkBoard member, or as a moderator, has a responsibility to seek out the opinions of the general membership and do everything in our power to assure that we are acting in their best interests.
We all need to carefully listen to one another, try to really understand one another's positions, and then work together to build the best possible community that we can.