Re: Democracy!
In case you guys didn't already know, Sephi has a mod position over at another of our forums - with her net access being limited at the moment she's unable to even post let alone much else, so it's all a bit of a moot point right now.
And yes, we had a Canadian mod largely because Steve has had a very bad time of it and last year was unable to be around as much due to personal reasons so we needed someone to step in. As this person was on the boards pretty much 24/7 they seemed ideal.
Groups create cliques which create discrimination which creates fighting which creates a wholly unpleasant situation for all and will ultimately turn this site into nothing better than a half-assed trolling site.
No offence guys, but Steve and Andy have put a hell of a lot into this place and it is insanely rare that regular members get banned. The people most recently who have experienced such decisions have been those who just could not take responsibility for the way they behaved and want to blame everyone else instead.
It has often been suggested within the staff forum that the members vote for the newest mod or whoever but the decision has always been that it would be unfair as people will obviously vote for their nearest and dearest without considering objectively whether that person is actually well suited for the job. Just coz a person is nice to you on MSN does not mean they are cut out for staff. Indeed, it could make them become unpopular as opposed to well-liked and then they end up losing out. Having to publicly reprimand a close friend on the boards for being out of line is not a nice job and if that person is not mature enough to take it well, then you may lose a friend.
As for voting on a ban, that is pointless and absurd. No offence, but think about it - like Tsuyu said, personal differences will come into play and people will be voted because such and such clique doesn't like them. Or someone gets told off and they get all their friends to vote for a ban of that person. It's not about so-called mod-corruption, it's about making sure this site stays being what it is supposed to be - a fan site for Fable. Not a free-for-all power trip for those who have been dying to get their own back.
Whenever a person is banned, it is discussed at length (if it's a member as opposed to just a spammer selling nokias) in the staff area and if all are agreed, the ban goes ahead. Otherwise, we choose another option. Tsuyu has shown on more than enough occasions that he has what it takes to be able to take the initiative and ban someone if need be without checking with the other staff first - but it is still always discussed.
Same if a mod or admin behaves out of line, it is talked about. Just coz you guys don't see everything doesn't mean it is ignored. If you know nothing about me by now then you should at least have picked up on the fact I'm a horrible person who will not let an issue lie if someone has been wrong but having said that, I am also quick to apologise to someone I have wronged on the boards. Anyone who I've clashed with here can attest to that if you don't believe me.
I agree, someone from a different time zone would be handy - but I have to stress the point again that we need to see firm evidence that the potential people can keep a lid on it most of the time, be fair and not go mental on the power of being able to pretty much do anything to anyone. Personally, I have to go on what I see here - I do not use MSN really, so actually it allows me to not get swayed by personal friendships when it comes to choosing mods. After all, the majority of people here will only know so and so via their forum persona so it's only fair that the way one behaves on here is the only margin by which they are assessed.
Blue Crow - is this all because you feel "victimised"? If this is more of a personal agenda rather than the good of the forum I would invite you to send me a PM to discuss what's really the matter here.
