I would like to recruit a few reliable forum moderators, as currently there are none. The "BGTSCC Forum Moderator" group consists only of DMs Golem and Narshe, and myself.
I would like to recruit a handful of neutrally-aligned moderators to regularly review the forums and ensure, with good faith, that the forum rules are being upheld. I am defining "neutrally-aligned" to mean that these moderators are not currently serving on staff in any other capacity (but I will accept former staff members, if you left the staff in good graces).
I worry that the forums sometimes feel like the Wild, Wild West these days, and if we ask DMs to solely moderate the forums they are opening themselves up to backlash whenever they try to enforce forum rules (particularly when the forum rules being violated are in threads targeting or questioning the DMs, where there may exist the perception of a conflict of interest if the DMs are the ones policing the thread). The DMs will still assist in locking and moving threads when they get out of hand, if a forum moderator is not present to close down a toxic thread, as they have been doing a good job at this for years. But the forum moderators will have final say in whether a given thread stays locked.
If you are a frequent forum reader, and think you'd be interested in helping to moderate our very busy forum, please PM me with answers to the following questions:
Please be advised that I will not be accepting, at this time, applications from people who frequently engage in forum arguments and conflict. This may change in the future, but at this time I want to ensure as much neutrality in forum rules enforcement as is feasible while I am standing this group back up after years of neglect.1. How frequently do you read and review the forums, and at roughly what times of the day (in forum clock GMT time, please)?
2. Freedom of expression is very important to the members of our community. How do you plan to balance censorship concerns against forum rules enforcement?
3. Give an example of a time when you might lock a thread on a controversial subject vs. a time when you'd let that same thread continue? What are some of the things that would cause you to lock a thread?
4. Do you affirm to do your best to commit to neutrality, and to support the whole community above individual interests, if accepted into the forum moderator's role?
I will select between 2-and-4 individuals to begin operating in this capacity by next Sunday. I will probably start small and work towards a larger group of moderators if the need is there. Thank you!
