With all the talk surrounding moderation practices, I thought I would chime in with my own idea to hopefully help everyone gain more insight into moderation decisions.
My idea involves two parts:
1 - A monthly mod post pinned for 2 days showing the break down of each moderator’s trackable moderation actions. A quick paragraph or two stating what went well and reminders when posting going along with the stats would be even better. Kind of like a short “state of the forum” update from the mod team.
2 - A publicly accessible list of banned persons and what they’re banned for. This has a few benefits, it allows for public denouncement of bad behaviour, and also shows examples of people who you don’t want to be (posting styles, tones, etc.).
I think the above measures will introduce an element of accountability to moderators that wasn’t previously afforded. If the moderators are not willing to publicly discuss their decisions (I don’t blame ya) they can lock the mod post right away and ask that all inquires be directed to DM. These measures are taken from other large online communities, therefore I do not think that these measures will decrease moderation effectiveness, but it will help our members gain a better understanding of what is happening behind the scenes.
The stuff we, especialy the others mods as I haven’t been active that much due to work / holiday, is not suitable to show due to language and insults that are being throw at us :(
I’m sorry, I did not clarify how this will work. The things being said do not need to be shown, the reason could simply be “profanity”. I’m not requesting a post-by-post breakdown. Just some stats would be nice. I don’t think the ban reasons have profanity AFAIK.
We have said this many times but I am happy to reiterate. Whether someone’s profile shows or doesn’t show a reason, this is no one else’s business except the person suspended and the moderating team. If we spent half the time used worrying about other’s problems and used it to set a great example and positively converse with these individuals about mature interaction we would see a severe drop in suspensions.
Many are fast to grab the popcorn and continue to surround themselves with a bad group of people, but will be the first to ask “why”? Separate yourself from those situations and help make the forum a more positive place for all. These moderators volunteer their time and have been held accountable for every action. As a team, developers included, we make the tough call to ban, suspend, warn, and shape this forum. Unless you’re the one directly involved, you are not owed and will not receive a reason for the actions taken. Please continue to trust that we are here to make this an enjoyable, but safe environment where people from all walks of life can share their passion for Infinite Flight and aviation.
I appreciate the thread and open ideas. I think there may be ways that we can be more transparent in areas, but it has always been our belief that the focus in this community should be on the 99% doing right, not the 1% doing wrong. Again, thanks for taking the time to voice your idea and PM if you have any other feedback you’d like to share direct.
That is true but people should have a right to know like a general term. Like spamming, hacking, etc. Also some of them are friends and the only way of communicating is the forum. IMO i think honesty is the best policy but i agree with what you say.
Jeez. This is a forum to talk about a flight simulator. Not a political forum. Not a controversial topic forum. Not an ethical debate forum. It is a shame there is a need for moderators at all.
The contents of the banned and suspended material is enough to make a grown person cry. Trust me. You don’t want to see any of it.
Tyler’s right. Stay out of the drama and don’t let some bad apples lead you down the path of thinking there needs to be some sort of justice. Treat people with some respect and add to the conversation. Anything else is just noise.