This thread is 2 weeks old and most of these Moderator candidates have declined to respond in any way to this thread. 'Thank you' to those who bothered to outline their position on this question. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/thumbsup.gif

I finished at the top of a list! Wheeeeeee! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

On a more serious note...

I've seen a few notes (both in these threads and in email) asking why some of us haven't responded to these or othe questions. And my answer is quite simple: I don't take myself that seriously. If people feel that what I've done within FlyerTalk warrants me making some effort to help improve the boards, that's great. If what I've done doesn't speak for itself, or speaks negatively, then by all means, I don't have any reason to participate in that particular role. I'll continue to work as a moderator and try to keep peace in the two little corners of the FlyerTalk world I've been asked to help with. Other than that, I'll just wait until next month to find out if I have less free time or not.

Sorry for the late reply to this topic...

I got caught up in simply reading the Trip Reports Forum...my apologies. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

For me, I would gladly step down as a moderator and devote my time to what is needed of me for the board.

Moreover, I am pretty flexible is this decision as I know there are other great FT'ers who can moderate Trip Reports.

Based on my short time with Flyer Talk, I may not really have enough experience to even serve on the board...but I thought what the heck - give it a go. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

If at least one FT'er voted for me, that would be good enough.

I love FT too much.

Hope everyone is doing well & safe travels.

Blessings all around.

------------------
Patrick A. Inouye, LMT
volunteer trip reports moderator

Thanks for taking the time to answer pallensf. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/thumbsup.gif http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/thumbsup.gif

Heck .. even avek00 is sure to get at least one vote - unless he forgets his FT password that is. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

Moderators are people who have already shown their dedication to this community by volunteering their time to try and keep the topics in order. Thus, they have already shown they are committed and have the time to devote to the job. I really don't see why they wouldn't be able to handle both responsibilities, but that is something they should be left to determine if/when they are elected.

------------------
"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety
deserve neither liberty nor safety." -- Ben Franklin

Very surprised not all Moderators bothered to offer their thoughts here. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/confused.gif

All moderators, or all moderators running for talkboard?

The latter. Apologies for the vague wording used. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Folks that are concerned about this issue can, of course, choose not to vote for moderators that haven't answered the question.

I answered the question, as I've attempted to answer most direct questions, because -- TB candidate or not -- I have thoughts on the future of FT as I love it so much.

Each TB candidate has chosen how much to (or not to) campaign. For myself, I've answered questions but really haven't campaigned at all. I haven't emailed FTers asking for their votes.. or set up "Vote for gleff" threads.

This is actually pretty ironic because given my real life job I know a thing or two about successful campaigns. In spite of it all, I haven't wanted this to be a campaign. I stand ready to serve the community if selected, but there's no ego involved here and I don't 'need' this so I haven't worked to line up support.

Instead -- against every rule of campaigning that there is -- I've just decided to let my posts and whatever reputation that I may have speak for itself. And I haven't decided to flaunt or push that either.

Perhaps it will result in a loss in the elections. Perhaps that loss might have been avoidable (I won't be so hubristic to assume it would be avoidable!). But that's the tact I've chosen to take.

Of course, if elected, I'll feel more than a little special http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif because FTers have chosen me based on whatever reputation I may have...

... And I will do my best to:
* work for the good of the community
* support Randy
* be open and honest with the community
* be available

And most importantly, act consistently and fairly in keeping with the way I hope and believe I have conducted myself on these boards.

Best,
Gary

Given the strong showing by moderators who ran for TalkBoard in the recent election and the composition of TalkBoard, has concern expressed in earlier posts here dropped off? Or can it be said that TalkBoard is perceived as a forum where FT TOS are also discussed and that's amongst the reasons why many of us vote for moderators as TalkBoard candidates?

I raise this (old) thread because I'm curious if disucssions about TOS fall within the sphere of TalkBoard or not, and if so, to what extent.

You are right there are now a clear majority of moderators that also now serve on TalkBoard (including 2 of those below!) but to answer your question, specific Moderation issues are not discussed by TB other than in passing comment at times, or in general areas that may be especially relevant to a discussion or vote.

For instance something a little unusual we are voting on now really required someone to put themselves forward to volunteer to moderate the area we are voting on, or it may not have even gotten to a vote. (Always Randy's call of course who does or does not moderate anything.) And the practical problems associated with moderating this area if voted in were discussed in general terms, and Randy added his thoughts to the very general issue.

I can't say more as the vote is underway now, but that is about the limit of it really.




What a difference a few years appears to make to some thoughts. :D

I'd forgotten about this old thread. :)

I noticed the same thing yesterday when I reread it after GUWonder brought it back up. :eek:

Personally, I don't have any issue with the change of positions that some may or may not have made. When the issue was first brought up, everything was new and it was appropriate that we should be thinking about possible conflict of interests and such. But over time, the issues have been brought out, and I think some of them may have turned out to not be as big as thought, or as the ozstamps example provides, anticipated issues are dealt with.

Since we (FTers) have kept on electing moderators, and since moderators have kept on running for election, I think it shows that neither group (the general FT members and the moderators), thinks that there are insurmountable issues.

With all that said, I think it would behoove us to vote in as diverse group of TB members as possible since that will provide the best representation for FT and to Randy. I am not trying to say we should "legislate" anything though, just trying to rally the troups to think before they vote. :cool:

I'm still curious if TB has considered, does currently consider, or will consider proposing new FT TOS or removal/modification of existing FT TOS.

This is where I'm coming from on this one: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showp...5&postcount=53 in this thread: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6885555

Or, perhaps, there just has not been enough awareness for the issue.

I don't think that a group of 6 or 7 mods and only 2 or 3 non-mods is representative of the FT user base. Yeah, mods are members first, but they still have a different perspective. Then there is still that issue of the bullet-proof vest for some and a different standard of looming sanctions for others, when both are in an equally heated discussion.

I think there should be a limit on the number of mods on TB, and it should be a maximum of 3.

I found it very interesting to see some of the older opinions here. Everyone is entitled to change their minds, of course, but I found the old pieces ozstamps quoted actually quite convincing.

There are more important things in the world, but that's what I think about that issue :).