Following recent sad events the CX and SQ fora are without a moderator.

In normal times there arent too many issues, apart from a persistant person who has been banned multiple times under different handles. (Search on "One World Fan" or "OWF" for more info.) However, these arent normal times and there are a lot of folk who wouldnt normally post in these fora now commenting on the recent events. There are quite different viewpoints and passions seem to be running high for some.

Is it possible for someone to have mod powers for these fora, at least in the interim while so many FTers feel the need to comment?

In the meantime, what process should we use where we feel someone has overstepped the line? Report bad post seems to work well during regular hours but less well in weekends or night time (in the US).

Yes, things are getting out of hand in SQ/CX forums with nobody able to edit bad posts & etc.

Report Post goes to the designated moderator for that board. Clearly, that won't do much any more for the CX/SQ board.

For now, I'd suggest getting the attention of one of the other mods via PM if you see something really egregious. Moderators can't edit/lock in a forum other than their own, but fake handles can certainly be eliminated immediately to limit the damage.

We'll probably have to wait until Monday to let Randy's staff get back from holiday, but the best policy is probably to abstain from the mudslinging altogether.

Thanks for explaining process - pretty much what I thought.

It was my understanding that raising "Moderator Issues" and/or even saying the "M" word, no matter how serious the abuse, was strictly forbidden on the ORP forum.

Has that policy been modified?

Not that I know of. The issue is there is no moderator for those fora and in my view they need one at the moment at least.

The description of what's 'forbidden' is in Randy's note at the entrance to this forum which is that 'personal issues' with both members and moderators are verboten in public postings. And Randy goes on to say (at least as I read it) that issues with the way a moderator moderates or a group of moderators moderate or fails to moderate are 'personal issues' that are best taken up in private and/or with him directly but not in this forum.

At least that's the way I read what Randy has asked.

Randy, thanks for stepping in as moderator on the Cathay and Singapore forums, and returning them to a desireable place to visit.

Thank you gleff for your, always intelligent and insightful, contribution.

I would hope that Randy's statement means that he does not allow personal attacks against moderators. Unfortunately, however, I was banned for making the following post, which was simply an objective suggestion and in no way "personal" to any moderator. It rather frightens me that a long-standing FlyerTalker offering a objective, and helpful, suggestion gets banned without concern or question on Randy's part.

Here is the "highly offensive" post that resulted in my being banned:

"How much simpler, clearer and less disruptive things would be if there were a thread that made a clear and simple statement of all bans. I.e.:

1. Poster X was issued a 7 day ban for posting obscene language.

2. Poster Z was issued a 30 day ban for personally insulting poster Y in Community.

3. Posters C, D, E and F were issued 7 day bans for almost simultaneously giving negative ratings to K's birthday thread.

4. Poster P was given a lifetime ban for posting dings using another poster's handle.

etc., etc., etc.

Our current program smacks of the HOUAC, or worse. These are sad days for FT."

Oh dear, will I be banned again for referring to an offering of an intelligent and workable proposal?

I'm not sure which response to the above statement works better:

Pot, Kettle, Black.

or

The topic here is the need for an emergency moderator due to the DEATH of an FT'er. I find it quite tasteless that someone would feel the need hijack this thread for their own "I was unfairly moderated" cause.

Amen indeed.

Plus it hasn't even been the usual month since the last bash-fest

I am truly sorry that the last three posters have chosen to place a negative interpretation on my post.

I am, quite honestly and sincerely still very unclear on the policy regarding discussion of moderation and would very much appreciate clarification. Is the policy:

A. That FlyerTalkers are not allowed to mention moderation at all?

B. That FlyerTalkers are not allowed to criticize any moderator action, that being deemed a personal attack?

C. That FlyerTalkers may applaud moderators, but forbidden to question their actions?

D. That FlyerTalkers are not allowed to express general opinions on the mechanics of moderation? or,

E. Something else.

Several of us have been banned for no apparent reason and certainly not for a TOS violation. It would be extremely edifying if the guidelines were clarified so that we would not continue to make the same innocent errors in the future.

"If you have a personal issue with another member, and that includes a moderator (as they are first and foremost members), then please direct that question or issue to me directly. Moderator issues, like member issues, are personal in nature, and as long as I have anything to do with FlyerTalk, I will strive to treat personal issues as personal. Those issues are best handled by clicking here: Email Randy"

http://www.flyertalk.com/orp_mfr.php

I'm glad that I could clarify it for you.

I continue to agree with missydarlin ; whatever your putative confusion about this issue it was still tasteless for such a post to be on this thread.

Imo.

For no apparent reason? You were informed of the reason. If you still don't get it, then the instructions for following up on this are very clear: e-mail or PM Randy.

FewMiles
Moderator