Question 7: Term Limits
 

This question submitted by member Mary2e:
How do you feel about term limits for Talk Board members and/or moderators?

I favor a self-imposed term limit for TalkBoard that is triggered when you have proposed all your ideas (win or lose) and you run out of new ideas. Then it's time to let someone who does have new ideas give it a try.

There's a fairly steep learning curve in forum moderation and, IMO, the longer a person moderates on FT, the better they understand the TOS, know how to use the forum tools, get to know the forum regulars, etc. So I'm not in favor of moderator term limits.

And, since I'm running for a second TB term I'm not much in favor of term limits there either. :p

Seriously, TB is an elected position and it's a small group. I'm sure the FT members will automatically "term limit" any TB member they don't wish to see return.

I'm not in favor of term limits for moderators or TalkBoard.

I think its fairly difficult to find members that are willing to devote the time it takes to be a good moderator. If a "moderation term" expires, it isn't a given that there is someone waiting to replace them

Elections should trigger terms for those wanting to serve on the TalkBoard.

I think people should be able to vote for whomever they want for TB without artificial limits like term limits.

As for moderators, of course TB has no purview over these sorts of things, but I think it would make sense to rotate moderators through different forums to avoid forums from becoming a reflection of the moderator(s) moderation styles with the goal being consistent and fair moderation. And if there are a lot of posters who want to serve as moderators then that rotation might include some time on the bench so that others might serve.

Totally agree with almost everything stated above. Let the voters decide when they don't want to vote for someone anymore, not a term limit.

Presumably the FT membership will "term limit" a Talkboard member that's problematic. That said, I pledge to stand for no more than 2 terms if elected, and will most likely limit it to one.

I think if Randy wanted term limits for moderators, he'd impose them. When (and if) he makes that an issue for the Talkboard, I'd consider it further. As a moderator, I think it's healthy to moderate different forums from time to time--some can be trying (I used to moderate OMNI, for instance, and burned out on it within a year or two).

Right now I don't see any reason for term limits for TalkBoard members. If people keep voting for them, they can keep serving.

I honestly know nothing about how moderators are chosen, reviewed, or removed when necessary. There certainly are some good ones who have been around from the beginning.

I don't believe term limits would be appropriate for TB at this time. Finding qualified candidates for a voluntary role can be tough enough without imposing additional restrictions.

I don't think that's true at all. I know there are very good members (not including myself) who have applied to be moderators and have been rejected for not posting in the "right" forums or for other reasons never fully explained.

That's right, members who have had over 10K posts and have been here for years. So to say that it's hard to find good members, in my opinion, is completely wrong.

I'm not for term limits. But not because there aren't good people out there willing and able to do the job.

Edited to add: And I've received PMs from 2 members now spelling out this exact scenario.

RichMSN--have you asked Randy why you have never heard anything on the moderator front? He's the only one who can answer that question for you, or anyone else.

One does not "run" for moderator. Two different things.

I'm not getting into this here. All I'm doing is countering skofarrell and the claim that there aren't enough good volunteer moderators or TB members.

There are plenty of qualified, good members who want or wanted to be moderators who got rejected. I'd name names, but I think that would not only violate the members' privacy, but likely the TOS as well. I'm moving on from this. If anyone wants details, PM me.

You can't possibly open the can of worms, imply that skofarrell is incorrect, and then shut it again.

Candidly, without knowing what Randy's criteria are for "moderator," or having asked him if you (or these other members) meet them, did not meet them, or why in either event, it's pretty poor form to say "well, there are plenty of good volunteer moderators."

I can't read Randy's mind. Neither can anyone else. Again, I'd consider asking him before assuming that because someone did not have their moderation app handled with the outcome they'd like that the process is broken in the mind of the guy that really matters.

Talkboard members, FT members, and mods don't get to decide who becomes a mod. That's Randy's purview. People running around going "I have 10k posts and years of experience, ergo sum I'd make a good mod, ergo sum it's wrong that I was not chosen" are exactly why this process should not be in the hands of an elected body.

Hi all,

While I agree with the overall theme that we should not introduce term limits for TB, I do think that we should open up opportunities for fresh blood.

If we look at the current election, there are 25 candidates for only a few posts. As such, would it make sense to encourage members who have served 2 or more terms and who are up for re-election to step aside if there are, for example, three times as many candidates as positions?

It would be a way to allow flexibility while encouraging active members of the community to take a more involved role.

Cheers,

GenevaFlyer

I don't support term limits at all. The problem comes when you have someone very effective (I'll use gleff as an example) who's highly capable in a given position. To artificially limit their tenure does harm to FlyerTalk as you're removing someone who may wish to continue serving and in whom FlyerTalk is best served. I feel that if a TalkBoard member is not living up to their mandate, natural term limitation will rectify that issue.

I'm relying on information that would be considered hearsay in a court of law and should therefore be given all the consideration hearsay deserves (since we're not in a court of law).

Why would he suggest someone apply and then they get rejected if he's the one making the ultimate decision? Makes no sense to me.

Again, I'm at a disadvantage here. In more ways than one. I can't really go into details and you call me on that (probably rightly so) and yet you have no problems with the credibility of skofarrell's assertion even though he also has provided no details.

Show me there's a shortage, then. Show me how many applied, how long they were here and why they were rejected.

That's not going to happen cause there's no transparency in the process. None whatsoever. Just like the TB discussion area.

I will say this: If I am elected to TB, I will not agree to any policy that removes any transparency between the TB and the general membership. That I can promise.

Even though many feel Bill Clinton was an excellent president, he still was forced to vacate the office after serving 2 full terms. Many people can be effective, but it's easier for people to vote for a known quantity.

I would never serve more than 2 terms on TB, policy or no policy. That said, I stand by my original statements. I'm really not for formal term limits, personally.

I don't support term limits for TB members as I don't see the need. As others have pointed out above, term limits will automatically be enforced by people choosing not stand for election year after year or not being re-elected.

As for moderators, there are no term limits and this is something that is squarely in the hands of Randy Petersen. The TB has no purview over moderation so it is not a relevant discussion for TB elections. If and when Randy changes this, then I will consider a position on this topic.

The question is for me as what is the problem and would term limits achieve a desired solution for the problem.

I don't know either answer since I'm new to TB.

However, term limits have it's pros/cons. Experience is often key and can keep an organization on a stable course to the communities goals and mission. New voices however, can help drive innovation and new ideas. Both are key to success.

In order to answer this question truly, is to know what we would be trying to fix with term limits....

I do not favor term limits. Perhaps I might change my mind after getting into the position :D.

I dont have any issues with the term limits for TB members. With regards moderators I dont think there should be any term limits as these folk give up there time to try and keep the forums going, even though they can also be the most hated people in FT by some.

No need for change at all.

Term Limits
 

I do support term limits --I don't believe people should serve more than 2 consecutive terms, but after they sit a term out, I feel they should be more than welcome to come back to run again.

FlyerTalk is a vibrant community that evolves over time. I'd rather have fresh thoughts and faces in the mix on a somewhat regular basis to match the evolutionary need of the community ...rather than have the same people making the same decisions over and over.

However, I do value "old timers" and those that have served on the Board in the past.... which is why I'd welcome them to return to the race after sitting a term out after a 2-term cap.

I will offer myself for service and will serve as long as I believe I can be an asset to the community of frequent travelers here, as long as my business and personal life allows me to commit the time necessary, and as long as the members express their belief that I can do so effectively through their votes.

New blood can be useful, as well as some consistency, and the members of Flyertalk will decide how to achieve both -- through their votes likely for some existing members of TalkBoard and for some new members.

I do believe there should be term limits for TB - to an extent. The term limit may be something like 2 or 3 terms. After a period of time, they can try again for TB. How many times do you hear of someone in the Congress who has served 20 or 30 or 40 years - because there is no term limit! True, they can be voted out, but many voters will vote for someone they have "known" for 30 years instead of "new blood they never heard of". (Who knows, the "new blood" may be better.)

As far as term limits for moderators, I would say no. Although I personally have no personal knowledge of what it entails, I assume that there is much involved and to be learned.

I myself was an IRS tax auditor :eek: for over 8 years. When I left the job, I was still learning.

I don't believe in term limits as I'm not aware of abuses that warrant these limits.

IMO if someone abuses his/her position in Talkboard or as a moderator then that person would be subject to removal by Randy.

Term limits doesn't seem to address a real need imo, at this time.