Moderators - morphed into general chit chat

[toomanycats]

I believe there should be a method for rating moderators. This suggestion is only to have some method of oversight. I don't mean bashing either. Just some kind've system of multiple choices so as to give the "powers that be" a feeling of what the masses are thinking and feeling. I believe that this would provide a venting without fear of retaliation and serve the Administrator. Guidance could be provided for persons that may inadvertently be changing the open friendly feeling that I believe is starting to in my honest opinion suffer in this website. Maybe some moderators need a time out. Absolute power corrupts absolutely. If any moderator feels personally offended by this post ( and there shouldn't be!) then your probably part of the problem.

[blutach]

Maybe send email to admin or to us directly. Speaking personally, I'd love your feedback.

Regards

[toomanycats]

I think that a more generic system with a 1 to10 scaling with the approriate atirbutes would cover it. It should be set up in a way to "weed out" cry babies yet offer a valuable tool. I think Moderators should be more detached. They should be also allowed to posts their opinions with a psuedonym to alow thier opinions and answers to their opinion without fear of persecution but yet allow the Mods to give their opinion without being held to some unreal standard. This would give them and us an equal footing. I think sometimes too many opinions have inadvertently insulted the writers of these free programs (DVD43 for exampe). If I wrote this program and read the post here I would have backed of on it too. It still works, and when it does, best , and is the fastest way to do things. I have't had any of the conflicts with it others had that lead me to believe the issue is probably more with how people have their computer set up. I also believe that cultural differences creep into the vernacular and cause misunderstandings. Anyone who has written an e-mail knows how a person can project their own sentiments into a writen response and misinerpret the post/response. I believe a lot of the comments about the "worldwide nature" of microsoft's help border on racism, though those posting them would never notice that. I read a lot of "Admin's" post yesterday and thought to myself, this guy has it going on In American that means that his style and execution of the same is the prime example of how Moderators should post. In summary: Give Moderators a way of posting on the same level as the masses when posts are not official. Specifically Opinions and Attitude. (P.S. I think the Tally of such a system should be private, as its purpose is not to bash anyone and the results would serve the Administrator.)

[blutach]

Interesting thoughts "cats". Not sure about what you're getting at re the racism thing. But, we do not censor opinions - including those about free programs. If I wanna voice my view that DVD43 is no good, then I think I should be able to, without fear or favour, irrespective of whether the prog is freeware or not.

Members can engage in hearty debate here without fear of reprisal (unless rules are broken). The strong debate between MikeyBK and me is a good recent example, where we have very differing viewpoints, but felt no problem in airing our views and coming out friends at the end of the day (well, I hope so ). Quite frankly, I think this is our forum at its best! We don't mind a good debate - we even encourage it!!

I hope this thread develops into something more than "let's throw something back at the mods cos we don't like the infraction system" (for example). On the new system, as mods, we use our very best judgement when giving infractions, and give warnings first, especially to newbies. Most infractions expire quickly and it is hoped that the forum itself benefits from the infraction system and that members do not resent it.

Regards

[toomanycats]

I definately do not want to see a backlash of that sort. The infractions here are enforced effectively. The racism I refer to is in reference to the comments I have read about the "Indians at Microsoft." I believe that barriers of accent can be overcome easily by asking the person to slow down. I haear a lot about English only in the U.S. and it makes me laugh. I am Puerto Rican by cultural upbring, American all the way. I speak Spanish English Spanish and a little German. I took Spanish in high school and German in college. .(With the help- of a language calculator I could probably gets something to eat in Germany!!) I have heard many people lately use the english only as a euphimism for their racist atitudes. I am not sure if these people even realize they are racists. I believe most people are well intentioned but that was what I was referring to when I mentioned racism. I just felt that the Indians were being bashed a little for doing their job. Stating that DVD43 is no good is a perfect example of how somebody with authority could in theory influence newbies in the wrong direction. For most older movies DVD43 is the quickest way to go. If you voicing the opinion that DVD43 is no good then it is just that, your opinion. In my opinion your dead wrong. It is still useful. Offers a quick solution. Someone reading this might say, well Blutach is a moderator he must be right. They would be in error. You're only Kind've right.

[locoeng]

I haven't seen the racist comments, but this and many other sites being international forums, it is important to remember that we can't see the face of the person that we are interacting with...it could be anyone.

As for the strong beliefs swaying the minds of the masses...I'm with you there cats. I've had my debates with blu on the use of the various programs that are available , both free and pay, for backing up your DVD's and I think we left the discussion seeing eye to eye. But for the lurking newbie who wanders by one of these discussions, I can see where confusion over the best method versus the easiest method for the average PC literate user can be pushed to the brink. For some it's not so easy as "read this guide", some further guidance is required.

I don't think the mods are overbearing or power hungry on this site, but have strong opinions. I don't think a rating system should be put into place...if admin wants to see what is going on in the site it's all right here for him/her to see. The suggestion from Blu of a PM to the right person would probably be an effective avenue for seeing action...BTW, I'm not taking sides here guys, there are two valuable perspectives here.

[jm1647]

Everyone has an opinion and having a choice of what to use is great whether it be free or commercial. But I prefer free
Man, just think if it was the early 1900's, with cars, we would all be driving black Ford Model T's if we could afford one back then. Today, many makes and models of all kinda different colors, foreign and domestic

[NightTran]

I am not mod but I still dont like dvd 43, I tried it before and then delete it very fast, I dont like any dvd either, but then again I like Nero vision with some of the mods here does not like it but so what They know more then me, I just do it because it is easy for me to use I never raise my voice and try to tell them that nero is better?

[cynthia]

I don't have a problem with being rated.

Always nice with feedback.

[toomanycats]

My dearest Cynthia, you are the example for all to follow. I have found your posts helpful, your responses kind and most of all patient with all you help. And I really like your avatars. You defiinately would not have a problem with being rated. Somehow you manage to make your opinions clear with out sounding arrogant or harsh.

[discman]

hey cynthia you would get 10 out of 10 for knowledge alone.

[locoeng]

I suspect you would recieve high marks from all Cynthia.

[blutach]

@toomanycats

1. We will pursue racism on this forum. Just press report a post if you see something awary.

2. My status as a mod doesn't lend weight to my feelings about DVD43; only my experience in digital video. I think you're off beam there. PLus, I'm not too sure how accurate this post is, but if true, it would seem that your view on DVD43 is misguided.

3. Glad to see cynthia is "off the hook".

Regards

[toomanycats]

Blutach: Oh your too modest it does. But I believe you are correct about DVD43's deficiencies. It's the cup 1/2 full or 1/2 empty thing. All in all I believe you guys do a great job, just a feeling when I glean the posts lately. Juding from all the private e-mails I have gotten from this morning to know I believe I have struck a nerve. Things have a way of straightening themselves out when the right people are involved. And I have complete faith in this forum. I could't resist the Cynthia post. I think I am in love with her Avatars (they remind me of my wife!)

[locoeng]

Me thinks the anonymous PM'ers should pipe up in this thread...blu has stated as long as it stays within the rules, no reprocussions should be taken.

Members can engage in hearty debate here without fear of reprisal (unless rules are broken). The strong debate between MikeyBK and me is a good recent example, where we have very differing viewpoints, but felt no problem in airing our views and coming out friends at the end of the day (well, I hope so ). Quite frankly, I think this is our forum at its best! We don't mind a good debate - we even encourage it!!

I hope this thread develops into something more than "let's throw something back at the mods cos we don't like the infraction system" (for example). On the new system, as mods, we use our very best judgement when giving infractions, and give warnings first, especially to newbies. Most infractions expire quickly and it is hoped that the forum itself benefits from the infraction system and that members do not resent it.