I'm going to open a can of worms here, that I'd like everybody to comment on that has an opinion.
Bob has mentioned that as the site is growing, my attitude should be more serious. It has been mentioned I could be coming across as too playful, not serious enough (capricious or inconsistent), or immature in my dealings with folks on the site.
No, there are no major problems at the top. I blast Bob all the time and he blasts me. Makes a great marriage. :)
I have always been one open to criticism. I've brought this topic up about a year ago, or so and it seems we sculpted a little bit.
My stance? Absolutely, I goof off. I think the Jail has an edge. I think that people who break the rules often deserve to be slapped around, played with. It's fun entertainment. I don't recall ever treating a paying member like crap. There's a reason for that. Paying folks don't act like idiots. They have something to lose. Matter of fact, I can only recall blasting/terminating one premium user (mikey) and that was after, like 15+ accounts.
I think it's a fine line. I've always been a very public admin. I'll open myself up allow you to convince me otherwise. You can get out of trouble as fast as you got in it. I'll goof off with you, I'll be serious. The dynamics change based on the person. Not all folks who get in trouble go through the Jail. Only a fraction. Some I deal with privately. Others I throw in Jail to make a point.
Bob's proposing some more ADmin tools and "timed" suspensions (more systemized/standardized). I have seen no need for timed suspensions. Most of the problems around here are on impulse. A timed suspension to me isn't sensible for adults. A simple public agreement seems to work with the folks I've dealt with (aka "cut me a deal").
So, you guys tell me. Would you like to see more serious over Admin issues in the Jail? Are my Jail deals not working? Less "playful" in picking on people? I've always taken the role as Admin very serious, but with a touch of humor; and not taking myself too seriously. I know it's the cornerstone of keeping the site busy. But I also don't want to scare people off because they think I'm immature or not handling people correctly. Ihub is a different place. Always will be. I love being right in the middle of things and I think it has an edge to it.
Anyways, please, everybody offer your view. Just like I was talking to John H about, I'm out for whatever will benefit the long-term success of this community. If that means losing some of my "personal" edge, then by all means, I'll do it.
MB
BTW, I'd like to mention that the most interesting part of this job is learning how to properly deal with each personality. Some people, you can playfully do it, others, you have to deal with very seriously. A good Admin can do both.
Another point I just remembered is that Bob mentioned as the site continues to get larger, less folks will know me, so it's important that I'm consistent. I agree strongly on this. Unfortunately, I disagree I'm inconsistent. This goes back to the point that each situation and personality is totally different. What might work for one dude, could be different from another. If I'm worth my weight in KKD glaze, I should be able to pick that out. The goal is to encourage further discussion of stocks. Being able to pick just the right touch of "handling" the dynamic situation is what does it -- not consistently slapping the wrist in the same place on each person.
