The Question and Answer Board

[Lojiko]

I like this idea in spirit, but the implementation leaves a lot to be desired. Perhaps the Admins don't understand that moderating a board is a lot like moderating iHub. Would the Admins be so cavalier about this new policy if it meant anyone could become an Admin? When you have the answer to that question, you'll understand why the established mods have such a big problem with this new mod policy. If the goal was to increase the signal/noise ratio, the Admins did a lot to increase the noise while only moderately improving the signal.

Case in point, my board. After implementing this policy, two new mods have been added to my board. One of the new mods has been a pest since day 1 and doesn't seem to have a strong command of the English language. No one likes this guy, I field complaints about him daily, I'd be astonished if the Admins have received no objections about his being added as a mod from posters on my board, and the only reason he hasn't had any violations is not because he contributes to the discussion but because I prefer not to run my board like a fascist state. In that sense, I only use my privileges as mod to address egregious violations and listen to my fellow posters when making such decisions. I encourage dissent and welcome new asst mod applications.

The other mod just wanted to "test" the system, I assume because he didn't believe me that I didn't add that other mod. Now he wants to be removed as a mod, but I can't remove him. In this example, the Admins only created more work for themselves with a frivolous mod addition.

The Admins want to increase the signal/noise ratio on their boards and selecting new mods is one way to do it. There is no doubt that some mods run their boards like fascists, which can drown out dissent - dissent being something I have mentioned on my board numerous times as being crucial to smart investing. However, adding new mods willy-nilly, without adequate examination, only leads to anarchy, confusion, and makes iHub a less enjoyable place for investors to congregate and share their knowledge.

I would propose that iHub strike a balance between the power sharing of the new mod policy and adequate examination by posters on the board. Why not take it to a vote? When someone applies to mod a new board, post a poll in the stickies which will be in place for one week. All the posters on the board could then vote on whether they would like the applicant to be a mod. This amendment to the new policy would allow Admins to make a more informed decision as to whether they should add a new mod to a board. In this manner, mods couldn't complain if a mod applicant had popular support and iHub could still create more diversity on the boards.

Again, while some mods might run their boards like fascists, and the goal of adding new mods to foster diverse opinions is applaudable, the new mod addition policy ignores the experience of the mods/posters on the boards and creates the potential for anarchy. The new policy - as currently implemented - only creates more work for Admins and makes iHub less enjoyable for the posters, on my board at least. I would encourage the Admins to either reinstate the old policy or to strike some balance between the old and the new, a balance which will respect the opinions of the board mods/posters while allowing for the addition of new mods, even if a particular mod might object.