I'll start off with saying that this does not equate, nor compare, in any rate to being a real moderator on FAF, where there is much more direct involvement and actions taken to responding to reports. However some time ago I applied and became a Discord moderator, and think that there are similar issues that are recurring, even if they are insignificant in comparison to the likes of aeolus, where it is far more populated, and being on client there is much more work to be done (I'd like to think FAF discord matters a little, right?
). My time there and the people I've worked gave me a bit of understanding into the kind of mindset that goes into making these difficult decisions, and appropriately reacting when there are regulations and a certain conduct that must be taken to ensure there is a comfortable, fair, and ideal environment for FAF.Because I don't understand what a real FAF moderator goes through, I can't assume much, however I do take to noticing things that might come across as odd or peculiar. Generally on the discord it is ideal, at least in working with the other mods, that we communicate with one to the best we can, as we attempt to keep track of noteworthy actions that should be recorded and given transparency to the administrator JJ. There have been several times in which the nature of an issue has challenged the members of the moderators there to consider the weight of a decision, and often they are discussed with the best intent of recognizing the potential of future problems, and depending on what it might entail, decisively act to adjust accordingly, if it is deemed necessary. As a group I say the moderators act fairly well and react appropriately, perhaps in part to the better tools available already, which ties to some the issues touched upon, though I wonder how difficult it may be to be communicative with your peers, even when every moderator is their own agent. Again, it is likely not a fair point to bring up, when I have no clue what being a moderator on FAF is like, though I do suspect there are ways to cross that bridge.
When it comes to direct interaction on the discord I am quite open and expressive with the community there, I'd say most of the mods are, and overall are well received. We do receive the general complaint of rules or actions, whether it comes down to the layout and design of the channels offered (we're open to feedback, let us know!), or when we must step in where there is a complication. We have had trouble in the past about certain members and their behavior towards others, and enough of these have offered a glimpse into the different kinds of situations we sometimes get. Typically action taken against the offender is discussed unless it is indisputably evident of misconduct, yet we still like to report these to ensure that there is a level of consensus and appropriate understanding of the situation. Be it profile photos uploaded or names, or much worse, the team on discord have done a fair job of communicating this with the offender, and providing as much of an opportunity to make corrective action or to make it clear of the nature of their consequences.
Does this make us any better or equal? Likely not; in fact I'd go as far to say that we are meme-worthy at least in the eyes of most who cross between the client and the discord (I'd like to think I've got a decent sense of humor about it). Still, I feel it would mean something to at least offer some insight into that part of FAF, that while optimisim is a waning candle, I think there are still ways and opportunities for the mods on FAF to consider the way they handle transparency, and to be reminded that communication is vital, which we all know that's clear from the interaction of many mods here
. But perhaps there are ways that we can look to improving the conditions now, and I'm certain we can if we look around at other options and sources to inspire us to move in the right direction.Good work chatting this place up everyone! Wow!
Statistics: Posted by Ze Dogfather — 13 Nov 2017, 07:47
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