While forum mods and its ambassadors wouldn't have to be BBF, they do have to be able to work well together. Mods should have some say in the matter, analogous to employees providing feedback to their employer about prospective job candidates.

The problem with the method of majority vote *alone* is that it doesn't account for the legitimate concerns and reservations raised about the selection criteria -- which bases to use, and whether the criteria is too exclusive.

The suggestion that a nominee's past behavior shouldn't matter is a non-starter. Every member of this community has a reputation of some sort -- good, bad or indeterminate -- based on their posts and interaction with others. Presumably, desirable nominees will self-select from the first or last groups. And since it would be absurd to recommend those in the middle group to Randy, some fundamental criteria is already adhered to.

Are vague perceptions of reputation sufficient for recommendation? Whether the answer "yes" or "no," justification is necessary to avoid arbitrariness. If perception of reputation is enough, then how are those perceptions trustworthy? If perception of reputation isn't enough, then what else is needed?

As for specific, constructive ideas how to improve the concept this TB proposal, here's one: Revise the proposal to include more specific, objective criteria for making recommendations.

At the very minimum, a demonstrated ability to consistently abide by the rule and spirit of the TOS is a reasonable predictor of future behavior. Acts of bad behavior or poor judgment leading to a documented warning or time-out are bells that can't be unrung. Ignoring them leaves the recommending body without sufficient data to reach an informed decision. Relying on them exclusively is prejudicial to nominees who've reformed.

Ambassadors are appointed (not elected) envoys of the FT host. Since the ultimate decision is Randy's, and his time and knowledge base is limited, the matter of accreditation comes down to which body is better suited to forward recommendations to him -- a global committee such as TalkBoard, or the forums for themselves.