SQL Server Performance

Feedback on Forum Moderators

Discussion in 'Please Tell Us What You Think' started by bradmcgehee, Nov 24, 2003.

Page 1 of 3

  1. bradmcgehee New Member

    I have had some feedback on moderators, and I wanted to begin a discussion on them. For example, for a person to be a moderator, should they post minimum number of posts each month, and if they don't, should they be removed as a moderator?

    Please let me know what you think about this, and any other "qualifications" you think a moderator should have.

    -----------------------------
    Brad M. McGehee, MVP
    Webmaster
    SQL-Server-Performance.Com
    bradmcgehee, Nov 24, 2003
    #2

  2. Luis Martin Moderator

    Difficult question Brad.
    I think both elements, number of post and quality are important.
    Many post don't garanty quality, but yes compromise.

    I believe moderator has to review Forums at least, 3 or 4 times a week.
    If moderator don´t post for a long time, they should be removed, after asking why he/she is not posting any more.





    Luis Martin

    ...Thus mathematics may be defined as the subject in which we never know what we are talking about, nor whether what we are saying is true.
    Bertrand Russell
    Luis Martin, Nov 24, 2003
    #2

  3. FrankKalis Moderator

    Well, a moderator should not need to post a minimum number during a time period. It *might* even not be necessary for a moderator to be somehow qualified.

    I'd like to compare it to those guys who play moderator in political discussions on TV.
    They must lead through the discussion, keep it on track, ask question to bring it back on track or into the direction they think it should go. They must keep the overall *style* of the discussion.

    Curious why there are here so many moderators at all.

    Frank
    http://www.insidesql.de
    http://www.familienzirkus.de
    FrankKalis, Nov 24, 2003
    #2

  4. satya Moderator

    Thanks Brad.

    I believe effective moderation of a successful forum takes a great amount of discipline and ability, but yields great success and respect. Similarly, in the world of influence, a leader is not made, but a leader is recognized.

    One of the most critical links in the Moderation chain is the mentoring process.
    One of the them is performing periodic maintenance on the forum. Examples of this responsibility include the deletion or archiving of old postings and taking care of archiving settings for the forum.

    Being this forum resource is a help to many others (for free) and the job of Moderator is to keep things in order. Due to various reasons if he/she are not able to contribute their time in this forum then Forum Admin (Brad) should ask their response in further participation in the forum. I think this way we can keep the charm of the forum.

    TO answer Frank's query :
    In this threadhttp://www.sql-server-performance.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=850 Brad solicited Members participation as Moderator at their interesting topics and according to the individual's response they're entitled.



    _________
    Satya SKJ
    Moderator
    SQL-Server-Performance.Com
    satya, Nov 25, 2003
    #2

  5. FrankKalis Moderator

    quote:
    One of the most critical links in the Moderation chain is the mentoring process.
    One of the them is performing periodic maintenance on the forum. Examples of this responsibility include the deletion or archiving of old postings and taking care of archiving settings for the forum.
    I'm not sure about this.
    I don't think the primary job of a moderator is to act as a mentor. This forum is for members to help other members, and the moderator should be there to keep everything in line.
    Of course, he should have knowledge, but as you have written he will also have to do some administrative work where he only needs to know the forum software and not SQL Server.

    quote:
    Being this forum resource is a help to many others (for free) and the job of Moderator is to keep things in order. Due to various reasons if he/she are not able to contribute their time in this forum then Forum Admin (Brad) should ask their response in further participation in the forum. I think this way we can keep the charm of the forum.
    Members help members and the moderator should take care that no post remain unanswered, even if he hasn't a complete or satisfying answer.

    quote:
    TO answer Frank's query :
    In this threadhttp://www.sql-server-performance.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=850 Brad solicited Members participation as Moderator at their interesting topics and according to the individual's response they're entitled.
    yes, I knew this thread, but in an ideal state this forum should take care for itself, with a moderator acting as some kind of 'big brother'. Always there, but invisible.


    Frank
    http://www.insidesql.de
    http://www.familienzirkus.de
    FrankKalis, Nov 25, 2003
    #2

  6. satya Moderator

    quote:I don't think the primary job of a moderator is to act as a mentor. This forum is for members to help other members, and the moderator should be there to keep everything in line.

    quote:Members help members and the moderator should take care that no post remain unanswered, even if he hasn't a complete or satisfying answer.
    THe process of arranging posts, correcting replies is itself a part of mentoring process and I don't mean to say he is a leader and all should oblige, keep the process going. In this case Moderator must have sound knowledge in SQL and eloquence in forum software.

    Recently in many cases I've deleted many of duplicate posts, even locked some of them where appropriate answers were posted, intimated the originator of the post to refrain double-posting.

    The reason behind you see many Moderators because of their voluntary contribution and interest. This way load is shared and queries will be replied quickly.


    _________
    Satya SKJ
    Moderator
    SQL-Server-Performance.Com
    satya, Nov 25, 2003
    #2

  7. Luis Martin Moderator

    Not agree Frank.
    What you propose is ideal, but Forum now need Moderators active participation.
    If we get a lot of people like Satya or Gaurav (Moderator or not), I will agree with you. I see many times post with answer 0 long time, and this began to happens when Gaurav go to fish.
    Why?. Because those guys cover allmost all subjects and Satya, I gess, can´t be online all the time.
    Futher more, I see more post from S and G in Forums where they are no Moderators than Moderator.
    I think they can´t see post = 0.
    If new people don´t have an answer in short time, live the Forum and look for other help.
    In short: we need active moderators no Gurus caming time to time.





    Luis Martin

    ...Thus mathematics may be defined as the subject in which we never know what we are talking about, nor whether what we are saying is true.
    Bertrand Russell
    Luis Martin, Nov 25, 2003
    #2

  8. FrankKalis Moderator

    I don't think you can compare being a moderator and willingness to post. People do contribute although they are not a moderator and I bet people like you won't stop posting if they were not a moderator (anymore).
    If people are really interested this thing is of lesser importance.
    I'm not a moderator, I don't think I can be a moderator (not sure if I want to be a moderator), but I certainly enjoy replying to posts I think I can say something to. And I don't make it dependant from a status.


    Frank
    http://www.insidesql.de
    http://www.familienzirkus.de
    FrankKalis, Nov 25, 2003
    #2

  9. FrankKalis Moderator

    <blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><br />.. and Satya, I gess, can´t be online all the time.<br /><hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote"></font id="quote"><br />he isn't ??? [<img src='/community/emoticons/emotion-2.gif' alt=':D' />]<br /><blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><br />Futher more, I see more post from S and G in Forums where they are no Moderators than Moderator.<br />I think they can´t see post = 0.<br />If new people don´t have an answer in short time, live the Forum and look for other help.<br />In short: we need active moderators no Gurus caming time to time.<br /><hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote"></font id="quote"><br />it depends...<br />This is a brilliant site for its niche!<br />It is that much focussed that people come only to ask questions from time to time when they have severe problems. Once the problem is solved you maybe never hear again from them. So I guess there is no constant equally weighted traffic, but rather has peaks and lows, but the overall tendency of activity is rising.<br /><br />Frank<br /<a target="_blank" href=http://www.insidesql.de>http://www.insidesql.de</a><br /<a target="_blank" href=http://www.familienzirkus.de>http://www.familienzirkus.de</a>
    FrankKalis, Nov 25, 2003
    #2

  10. Luis Martin Moderator

    "I don't think you can compare being a moderator and willingness to post. People do contribute although they are not a moderator and I bet people like you won't stop posting if they were not a moderator (anymore)"<br /><br />Now we are undertanding each other[<img src='/community/emoticons/emotion-1.gif' alt=':)' />]. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Luis Martin<br /><br />...Thus mathematics may be defined as the subject in which we never know what we are talking about, nor whether what we are saying is true. <br />Bertrand Russell
    Luis Martin, Nov 25, 2003
    #2

  11. FrankKalis Moderator

    Sometimes that's the hardest thing.

    Btw, nobody reacted on my post where I said I cannot use dbNetGrid, which I have won lately, because neither me nor my company uses IIS. Not even the vendor itself replied

    So, Luis, if you are interested I will send you my license key.

    Frank
    http://www.insidesql.de
    http://www.familienzirkus.de
    FrankKalis, Nov 25, 2003
    #2

  12. satya Moderator

    Thanks for the faith Luis.... in fact this post is really supportive to set certain rules to an individual to accomplish the role of Moderator.

    I've seen if any post with no answer means ... nobody know how to do it or not experienced, similar event happend for one of the Luis's post recently. But this is rare in the forum.

    Moreover, active participation doesn't mean arraning/deleting duplicate posts, it should also include quality of reply posting.... if you want to retain the postion ... keep your ability.


    _________
    Satya SKJ
    Moderator
    SQL-Server-Performance.Com
    satya, Nov 25, 2003
    #2

  13. FrankKalis Moderator

    Well, the discussion might have drifted a bit, but that should be ok, because it is closely related.<br />To get back on track, a moderator should<br />- visit the site daily, if possible. At least every 2 or 3 days<br />- promptly react to his relevant forums. Even if only for administrational tasks. That means keep the garbage out of the forum.<br />- should show knowledge when he posts<br /><br />- all of the above<br />- none of the above<br />- I don't know<br /><br />Sorry, couldn't resist....aaargh, can't get the clown out of me..[<img src='/community/emoticons/emotion-1.gif' alt=':)' />]<br /><br />Frank<br /<a target="_blank" href=http://www.insidesql.de>http://www.insidesql.de</a><br /<a target="_blank" href=http://www.familienzirkus.de>http://www.familienzirkus.de</a>
    FrankKalis, Nov 25, 2003
    #2

  14. satya Moderator

    Moderator Commitment The primary role is to moderate the forums. This responsibility includes keeping discussions on track, moving messages to appropriate threads or forums, and editing or deleting duplicate, inappropriate, or offensive messages.

    They are expected to participate, in the forums and respond to at least 30 postings per week. And also are expected to respond to any and all questions he or she is able to answer while participating in the forums. So in this participation of twice a week would be ideal.

    _________
    Satya SKJ
    Moderator
    SQL-Server-Performance.Com
    satya, Nov 25, 2003
    #2

  15. FrankKalis Moderator

    When a moderator will only need to visit twice a week AND should at least post 30 times, we should limit you to 30 post, otherwise he has nothing to reply to [<img src='/community/emoticons/emotion-2.gif' alt=':D' />]<br /><br />Frank<br /<a target="_blank" href=http://www.insidesql.de>http://www.insidesql.de</a><br /<a target="_blank" href=http://www.familienzirkus.de>http://www.familienzirkus.de</a>
    FrankKalis, Nov 25, 2003
    #2

  16. ChrisFretwell New Member

    The term moderator carries certain connotations and hence certain expectations amoung users. Ever forum/email list/news groups has its own variations on what a moderator must/should/can do. In general, from various groups that I've belonged to a moderator at the very least should
    - review postings on a regular basis (regular can be defined in many ways) for approrpriateness of posting (is it related, is it offensive, is it dupilcated) and take appropriate action
    - respond to forum related questions from members (how to's, where do I?, etc)

    Do moderators need to maintain a minimum level of posting? No, I dont think so. I do think moderators should have a high level of knowledge in the groups the moderate. People see the workd 'moderator' and assume subject matter expert. So I think moderators, when they do post, should be accurate. I dont think its necessary that they respond to every post, or even every post that has no reply. Perhaps they can do a weekly review. If a post didnt receive a reply, post one asking if the original poster ever found a solution for their problem. This will keep unanswered questions active incase someone else comes along and knows the answer.

    Brad asked, and thats my take on it.

    Chris
    ChrisFretwell, Nov 25, 2003
    #2

  17. satya Moderator

    Thanks for the information Chris, the min.level of posting by a Moderator is to make sure the thread is replied or to keep in proper order. Because the timings of the threads always vary from origin to origin.

    _________
    Satya SKJ
    Moderator
    SQL-Server-Performance.Com
    satya, Nov 25, 2003
    #2

  18. Luis Martin Moderator

    Chris:
    In optimal conditions, I agree with you.
    But, if in this Forum Moderators take that role, well I think we are lost.
    If you look forum each day, you will find more answer from Moderator than other (I'm no tooking about me, Moderator just because Spanish Forum). Why that happening?.
    In may oppinion because there is few people who cover allmost Forum Topics.



    Luis Martin

    ...Thus mathematics may be defined as the subject in which we never know what we are talking about, nor whether what we are saying is true.
    Bertrand Russell
    Luis Martin, Nov 25, 2003
    #2

  19. bradmcgehee New Member

    Wow, that's a lot of good feedback. How about if I make some specific suggestions about moderators, based on some of this feedback, and generate some more specific feedback. Hopefully, we can come to some consensus

    For example:

    --To be moderator (in the first place): Has to have posted at least xx posts since joining the forum.

    --To continue being a moderator: Has to make at least xx posts a month, otherwise they lose their moderator status, allowing others to become a moderator who are more active.

    Any suggestions on what "xx" should be for these two examples?


    -----------------------------
    Brad M. McGehee, MVP
    Webmaster
    SQL-Server-Performance.Com
    bradmcgehee, Nov 25, 2003
    #2

  20. satya Moderator

    Thanks for the compilation Brad.

    I welcome your views and others too based upon their interest.
    As a better start I propose xx=50 a minimum.

    _________
    Satya SKJ
    Moderator
    SQL-Server-Performance.Com
    satya, Nov 25, 2003
    #2

  21. Luis Martin Moderator

    50 sound razonable.
    Question: If I don't post 50 on Spanish Forum I lost Moderator Category?

    Luis Martin

    ...Thus mathematics may be defined as the subject in which we never know what we are talking about, nor whether what we are saying is true.
    Bertrand Russell
    Luis Martin, Nov 25, 2003
    #2

  22. FrankKalis Moderator

    FrankKalis, Nov 25, 2003
    #2

  23. satya Moderator

    Yes and I propose the posts made in SQL-Server-Performance.Com Other should not count.

    _________
    Satya SKJ
    Moderator
    SQL-Server-Performance.Com
    satya, Nov 25, 2003
    #2

  24. Twan New Member

    Hi all,

    If someone doesn't make 50 posts for one month are they then automatically not Moderators? How will you decide? Is this getting too draconian?

    Someone like Brad could just decide who is and who isn't being active enough and use his own judgement to recruit or let go moderators...?

    Cheers
    Twan
    Twan, Nov 26, 2003
    #2

  25. Luis Martin Moderator

    50 post one, two or any month, I my oppinion, don´t means be a Moderator.
    I suppose Brad is more qualify to decide, so Satya and Gaurav (because they are liders far away from others), but previus candidate must want to be a Moderator.


    Luis Martin

    ...Thus mathematics may be defined as the subject in which we never know what we are talking about, nor whether what we are saying is true.
    Bertrand Russell
    Luis Martin, Nov 26, 2003
    #2

  26. satya Moderator

    I don't know much inside about Forums code, but I think there would be an easy way to get the list (I believe Frank will have info.) of posters by any individual.

    Even it would be easy enough to list out from the Moderators, as of now I think 8 Moderators are on the list and its not a tough job to bifurcate the contribution.

    _________
    Satya SKJ
    Moderator
    SQL-Server-Performance.Com
    satya, Nov 26, 2003
    #2

  27. FrankKalis Moderator

    I think I've posted the passage I believe to be the relevant some time ago. Couldn't find it right now.
    Anyway, satya, breaking it down to this 8 moderators by a self made query I would prefer over hacking the code of snitz forum.

    Just another thought!
    What about occasionaly asking the forum members if they are satisfied with the work of the moderators and act on that vote?

    Frank
    http://www.insidesql.de
    http://www.familienzirkus.de
    FrankKalis, Nov 26, 2003
    #2

  28. satya Moderator

    I think that would be more value to the contribution, and gives a chance to fine tune if any disagreement occurs.

    _________
    Satya SKJ
    Moderator
    SQL-Server-Performance.Com
    satya, Nov 26, 2003
    #2

  29. Argyle New Member

    50 posts per month is way too much for me. I'm moderator in one forum only and it's not that active (clustering). Also we live in different timezones here and it's not that often when I'm online here in Sweden that I find a post unanswered. There is often one or more responses already covering the question/problem and I see no need to post a simple "Agree" just to keep my post count up. A low post count doesn't mean you are an infrequent visitor.

    /Argyle
    Argyle, Nov 26, 2003
    #2

  30. bradmcgehee New Member

    A good point has been made about a minimum number of posts creating a problem, as some forums don't have that many posts.

    How about this:

    1) If someone wants to volunteer to be a moderator for a forum, and the forum has less than 4 moderators, then will review their previous posts, and if they look good (no matter the actual quantity), then I will make them a moderator.

    2) If a current moderator appears to not have posted much in the past 60 days or so, I will then contact that person, asking them if they still want to be a moderator. If not, for whatever reason, then they will be removed. But if they intend to get back to posting more, then they can still remain a moderator, as long as they keep their promise.

    The above, very flexibly policy, should handle most exceptions. What do you think?

    -----------------------------
    Brad M. McGehee, MVP
    Webmaster
    SQL-Server-Performance.Com
    bradmcgehee, Nov 26, 2003
    #2

  31. Twan New Member

    Yep I think that is a good plan. Leaves it flexible and open to negotiation between Brad and the individuals

    Cheers
    Twan
    Twan, Nov 26, 2003
    #2

  32. Luis Martin Moderator

    Fine with me Brad.


    Luis Martin

    ...Thus mathematics may be defined as the subject in which we never know what we are talking about, nor whether what we are saying is true.
    Bertrand Russell
    Luis Martin, Nov 26, 2003
    #2

  33. bambola New Member

    I think it's a good idea <img src='/community/emoticons/emotion-1.gif' alt=':)' /><br /><br />Bambola.
    bambola, Nov 26, 2003
    #2

  34. FrankKalis Moderator

    Sounds like a Solomonic decision [<img src='/community/emoticons/emotion-1.gif' alt=':)' />]<br /><br />Frank<br /<a target="_blank" href=http://www.insidesql.de>http://www.insidesql.de</a><br /<a target="_blank" href=http://www.familienzirkus.de>http://www.familienzirkus.de</a>
    FrankKalis, Nov 26, 2003
    #2

  35. satya Moderator

    Agree with quorum ....

    _________
    Satya SKJ
    Moderator
    SQL-Server-Performance.Com
    satya, Nov 27, 2003
    #2

  36. gaurav_bindlish New Member

    I agree with Brad on this....

    Gaurav
    Moderator
    Man thrives, oddly enough, only in the presence of a challenging environment- L. Ron Hubbard
    gaurav_bindlish, Dec 1, 2003
    #2

  37. Luis Martin Moderator

    Well, I know who will first (in prize) next month[<img src='/community/emoticons/emotion-1.gif' alt=':)' />].<br /><br />Luis Martin<br /><br />...Thus mathematics may be defined as the subject in which we never know what we are talking about, nor whether what we are saying is true. <br />Bertrand Russell
    Luis Martin, Dec 1, 2003
    #2

  38. FrankKalis Moderator

    <blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by LuisMartin</i><br /><br />Well, I know who will first (in prize) next month[<img src='/community/emoticons/emotion-1.gif' alt=':)' />].<br /><br />Luis Martin<br /><br />...Thus mathematics may be defined as the subject in which we never know what we are talking about, nor whether what we are saying is true. <br />Bertrand Russell<br /><hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote"></font id="quote"><br /><br />We should say goodbye and see you in three months [<img src='/community/emoticons/emotion-3.gif' alt=':eek:' />)]<br /><br />Frank<br /<a target="_blank" href=http://www.insidesql.de>http://www.insidesql.de</a><br /<a target="_blank" href=http://www.familienzirkus.de>http://www.familienzirkus.de</a>
    FrankKalis, Dec 1, 2003
    #2

  39. satya Moderator

    ..if you really work for a prize... if not spread out your knowledge in replying threads. [8d]<br /><br />I'm sure the first place would be for Gaurav as tactically the contribution started since yesterday [<img src='/community/emoticons/emotion-5.gif' alt=';)' />]<br /><br />_________<br />Satya SKJ<br />Moderator<br />SQL-Server-Performance.Com<br />
    satya, Dec 2, 2003
    #2

  40. FrankKalis Moderator

    [quote[<br />if not spread out your knowledge in replying threads. [8d]<br /><br />I'm sure the first place would be for Gaurav as tactically the contribution started since yesterday [<img src='/community/emoticons/emotion-5.gif' alt=';)' />]<br /></blockquote><br />I'm not here for spreading my knowledge, but rather gain knowledge by thinking about a reply and answering. This might be very selfish [:I]<br /><br />Once again, the price is a nice to have.<br /><br />If it is the first, second, or whatsoever place isn't important at all (Hey, there's no such thing as the first place in Relational Forum discussions) [<img src='/community/emoticons/emotion-2.gif' alt=':D' />]<br /><br />Frank<br /<a target="_blank" href=http://www.insidesql.de>http://www.insidesql.de</a><br /<a target="_blank" href=http://www.familienzirkus.de>http://www.familienzirkus.de</a>
    FrankKalis, Dec 2, 2003
    #2

  41. Luis Martin Moderator

    Of course my post was thinking in Gaurav[<img src='/community/emoticons/emotion-4.gif' alt=':p' />].<br /><br />Luis Martin<br /><br />...Thus mathematics may be defined as the subject in which we never know what we are talking about, nor whether what we are saying is true. <br />Bertrand Russell
    Luis Martin, Dec 2, 2003
    #2

  42. FrankKalis Moderator

    <blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by LuisMartin</i><br /><br />Of course my post was thinking in Gaurav.<br /><br />Luis Martin<br /><br />...Thus mathematics may be defined as the subject in which we never know what we are talking about, nor whether what we are saying is true. <br />Bertrand Russell<br /><hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote"></font id="quote"><br />I know [<img src='/community/emoticons/emotion-1.gif' alt=':)' />]<br /><br />Frank<br /<a target="_blank" href=http://www.insidesql.de>http://www.insidesql.de</a><br /<a target="_blank" href=http://www.familienzirkus.de>http://www.familienzirkus.de</a>
    FrankKalis, Dec 2, 2003
    #2

  43. satya Moderator

    Yes Frank, I agree and recall the ranking all are equal at knowledge-sharing....

    _________
    Satya SKJ
    Moderator
    SQL-Server-Performance.Com
    satya, Dec 2, 2003
    #2

  44. gaurav_bindlish New Member

    Hey guys.... u have done well enough to embarass me now..... I appreciate the commentd from all of you and beleive in working your level best.....

    Keep it up guys.... Keep your and forum's spirit up.......

    Cheers,

    Gaurav
    Moderator
    Man thrives, oddly enough, only in the presence of a challenging environment- L. Ron Hubbard
    gaurav_bindlish, Dec 2, 2003
    #2
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