I should begin this post by saying that I have nothing but respect for Spiff, a man who I consider a friend and in whose company I have had the pleasure of imbibing a few beers in multiple cities. In fact, I will probably vote for him in the upcoming elections.

However, it disturbs me that Spiff is the sole moderator for the TalkBoard forum during a period when TalkBoard elections are the primary discussion topic and Spiff himself is a candidate for election.

This has the potential to raise a number of questions about conflict of interest, questions that I am sure we all wish to avoid.

Perhaps Spiff might recuse himself from moderator duties in this forum for the period of the election campaign and Randy appoint an alternate moderator until the voting is done?

I think Spiff is doing a great job, and I have so far not gotten the impression at all that his actions are influenced by a conflict of interest.

However, should Randy and Spiff agree that Spiff wants to take a break and resume his moderator function after the elections, I hereby volunteer to be a "moderator mentoree" under Spiff's guidance, for that time period only, for the TalkBoard forum .

Sean,

Have you addressed these concerns to Randy?

I have absolutely no issue with Spiff remaining moderator of this forum.

Technically, this thread is a violation of TOS.

However, rather than close it, I will move it to ORP. It's really his decision as to whether my actions with trying to moderate this Forum conflict with my reelection for TalkBoard.

I don't for a moment mean to raise the question that Spiff actually is acting in a questionable manner. To the contrary, I want to make sure that there is no question of that question even being raised.

It is however best for all concerned if candidates are not placed in the uncomfortable position of having to moderate discussions about themselves and their opponents.

Then why did you???????

IMHO, it is amazing how someone can make an issue out of a non issue.

I actually think it's good that someone asks these questions. I'm sure Sean isn't doing this to stir trouble, so his intentions are purely in the best interests of Flyertalk. Someone has to keep their eyes on possible unwanted situations, and I'm happy Sean is the one doing just that.

Even if the issue is a non-issue, it's something that should be discussed.

FWIW, I see Spiff as an extremely well respected member with masses of integrity, so I see no issues here.

Agreed. ^

I can understand the theoretical problem but until such time (if ever) that Spiff takes an action on a post which is critical of him as a TalkBoard candidate, I don't see this as a real issue.

As one of the people running in this election (and thus, automatically, in competition with Spiff) I have no objection to his continuing to moderate TalkBoard during this period.

True ^.

By the way, before anyone thinks otherwise, I was joking in my post above.

I'm not sure that this is a fair comment on B747's inquiry. I think he has asked a valid question. Were I in Spiff's position, I'd ask for a temporary holiday from my moderation duties in the TalkBoard Topics forum. B747 has made it quite clear that this is not at all to disparage Spiff, who has shown excellent judgement in his moderation duties these last few eventful days. I would say it's perhaps better to remove the name "Spiff" from the discussion and just consider whether it might be a good idea for the TalkBoard member currently serving as the liaison officer (and hence as moderator for TB Topics) to distance himself from the moderation temporarily during the campaign and voting periods.

FewMiles..

Per agreement with Randy and the moderator team, I am closing this thread.

The concern has been raised... and I have forwarded it to Randy for review and action.

William

From my recollections, Spiff volunteered here well before the issue of relections came up within the TalkBoard, so he would have had no predetermined plan to "edit", "alter" "direct" threads of mass destruction within this forum. I think his volunteer efforts here are simply for the greater good.

However, seeing that the interest of a fair and balanced (not Fox News...) election and TalkBoard is of the best interest, I am appointing two additional moderators here. That way Spiff can spend more time in Travel Security....

The additional mods are missydarlin - the new President of TalkBoard as wshe has posted here and wharvey as he has prior experience on TalkBoard and frankly is as helpful as can be. Welcome mods, I hope this issue has been addressed and balanced.

Before anyone goes crazy, I just spoke with Randy to make him aware of my application to rejoin the Talkboard. He still wants me to accept this role... and I will be the good soldier...

William