Newsletter for mods
So just a thought, as we all know there are a certain types of trolls which keep coming back and there are times that a mod may take a break or just have been too busy so they would not know the regular trolls ,so maybe sending a periodic newsletter uprising the mods about the trolls who have been making the rounds amongst other things so they can stay updated and are ready if they have to encounter any difficulty in any of the rooms .any thoughts ?
Thanks for noticing this thread:)
The newsletter is more to keep updating the mods who may have been too busy or taken a short break as well as providing information to newer mods.
Few aspects which can be included will be the types of trolls being encountered in that period in all the three rooms(WR,DS,SYS).
Any difficult situation faced by any of the mods and how they dealt with the same.
Any uncomfortable situations which have been faced or which may be faced in the future .
Names of the super active mods and around what time are they usually available so as to create a support system .
Different ways to get people to interact or get people to talkwhen there are not so many people who are talking (specially in the wr) like recently we had this game of either or (questions)(everyone was silent) and then people started joining in and it lasted for around 3 hours.
Maybe a welcome article for the newer mods.
Names of mods who have joined in that time period.
Maybe a feature on some mod who has been real active in that time period (to motivate them as well as others to keep up the good work )
then we can go on to include some inspritational quotes or if someone wants to write articles say for the improvement of the site or just things that would be pleasent to read.
It can also include major updates to the site specially if they are concerning mods.
To answeryour second question it can be published every week ,bi monthly or monthly depending on the number of people ready to help.
Just some ideas .
Realistically, a newsletter would have to be short and simple for everyone to want to read it. A lot of what you mentioned can be addressed through current means. For example, acknowledging another listener can be done in shout outs, PMs, or nominating them as a featured listener.
Anyways, we'll see if it's possible to send a newsletter out to keep everyone updated. For now, group mods should keeputilizing this forum and the group mod zone to keep each other in the loop since that's what it's here for. :)
The main idea was something along the lines of publishing regular troll issues ,help regarding certain situations which may be encountered and creating a dedicated network of mods who would update the others as also create a support system for the mods across the rooms , the other things were secondary which could have supplemented the primary aspect of keeping the rest updated .that being said thanks anyways
sorry one point I seem to have forgotten is that if a mod wants to thank or acknowledge another mod or listener(there have been many who have helped me )so that can be included.
And the names of listeners who have been super helpful and who should be considered (consider enrolling )can also be nominated by the mods and can be vetted by the mentors maybe. just some ideas
Just a clarification bi monthly I meant once every two weeks
And not once every two months .
I love it @poeticguy! It is a really good idea.
I like this idea although I am not a super active Mod due to work commitments and having a family I do come in when I can. I think having a newsletter that keeps us up to date with what is happening would really help.
Fantastic idea
Fantastic!! I would love to help!!
@poeticguy..I think the idea presented here is good..you can always count me in...:)
This is a great idea! Because sometimes the same people take advantage of the different mods. But, if we do get a newsletter it should be by a few select people and not everyone, the ones who want something to be said can tell those editors to include it in one post. That way there wont be a cluster of posts.
This will be essential if the site makes the mistake in hiring more group moderators. If we over-saturate the system and hire too many group moderators, it defeats the purpose, causes disorganization, and causes confusion as a smaller, more active group is ideal. We add to the team like I feel the site will do, it's just going tobe all over the place.
@Ej - not totally sure about the adult side, but in the Teen Side, there are few mods who are very active, and then the rest seem like they pop in VERY occasionally... What's the point in them being mod when they never come... I know 10 (tops!) teen group mods who are active there... and to be honest, we cover the 12 hours (we don't do 24/7!)
No doubt, if and when the teens get 24/7 (do the adults?) we will need more, but then we can add mods then...
I always admire your insight.
Too many moderators will appear authoritarian in my opinion. It's already bad enough when too many moderators are on where we outnumber the members. Both teens and regular adults have an active group of members in all chat rooms where they know and appreciate the moderation staff -- have too many, and that feeling will be a disconnect. The purpose of group moderation is to make it our primary focus, not secondary, and if we allow too much of an influx then you'll have the majority of moderation..moderating as second priority.
I was actually impressed because this week I mostly took private 1-on-1 messages because we had substantial moderation on for ALL rooms.
More so, it''s important to understand the dynamic and environment of each room. Adding more moderators isn't an ideal solution in my opinion. I'd be in favor of an 8 hour minimum requirement of some sort each week. If you can't dedicate that time, then the position should be available for those able to contribute more time. It shouldn't be a candy hand-out. Needs to be closed and regulated.
Just my opinion of course. I have seen the majority of the moderation staff saying the same, but I have seen no word from the higher-ups.
@Ej First of all, no one is being "hired" to be a group moderator. Last time I checked, we weren't getting paid, since this isn't a job. So any time requirements shouldn't be necessary. Also, I think that the problem you speak about won't be resolved by not adding any more group mods, but rather by working with and educating them. I don't think members/guests are intimidated by mods only, they are intimidated by listeners in general. Therefore, even if there aren't any more moderators, no one is stopping listeners from taking over the member chats.
Also, I imagine you're a human being and need sleep at times. Therefore, you probably don't know that there seems to be a shortage of moderators in, say, the morning hours in my time zone. Not adding anyone else will not solve that problem. Unless you can stay up and moderate 24/7, of course.
