I was asked if I wanted to be a PPOT moderator and I declined.
 

I declined because I would drain the swamp.

I've worked with Eric, especially on weekends so he can see the best of the worst Monday when he comes in. Eric has taken action on approximately one half of what I have pointed out. That tells me that I'm not aligned with the policies and I can't set policies of my own, well, because I really don't seem to know the boundaries even after all these years. That seems obvious given Eric's take on threads I thought should be moved, cleaned up, or deleted. It used to be a better place, that's all I know.

Comment if you wish on any aspect of the topic. Just know that Eric is looking. Before you submit, know that being a PPOT moderator, not just a moderator of any of the rest of the forums, is one hell of a tough job.

I thank Eric for all he does and I'm not complaining in any way.

I concur that Eric is doing a fine job. We are all adults here. Just because someone dislikes someone else or gets their feelings hurt doesn’t mean we need an over active school marm doling out punishment. It’s very easy to stay out of threads or topics that you find objectionable.

My thoughts. BTW...welcome back.

From 2001 and 2004... by Z-man and taken from Wayne.
 

I wonder who even looks at the rules as a refresher.

Some highlights:

1. No flaming: debates are ok, but responding to threads just to incite or start an argument or conflict is not permitted. Personal attacks, if hostile in nature, are not allowed.

2. No pointless threads or excessive posting allowed: Yes, this is an off topic forum, but let's keep the subject matter of an intelligent nature. If you're bored, play a game on your playstation or better yet, wash your car! Posting responses to increase your 'number of posts' is also not allowed.

-----------------(snip)------------------


The Subject line
Please use this to accurately describe what the thread is about. Simply stating: HEY: CHECK THIS OUT! is not descriptive enough. Perhaps try: Check out my new widget instead. Those who are not interested in widgets won't have to check out someone's new toy.

Note that there is no reason to quote the entire post, just use the ". . ." to indicate that only a section of what was originally written is being quoted...

Save some bandwidth!

Also: there is no need to include a picture in a quote... (the most common offense)

And the kicker, "There is a fine line between censorship and "posting freedom." Please keep in mind that this BBS is intended for auto enthusiasts. It is NOT an 'anything goes' forum...."

And hey, I found this little gem but I can't insert it:
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/5420634-post85.html

Thanks for taking an active part, Milt and for Eric for his dedication.

I wouldn't want to ride herd on this crowd. Most are good folk but there's a few who apparently have nothing else to do except try to evoke mayhem and a dour atmosphere.

That said - like Mike said so well above - easy enough to pick and choose what topics to participate in and what ones to ignore.

I do feel much of this is coach-able/teachable stuff given the right 'touch' by a moderator.

They way I look at is... "It's our forum so we should look after it".

That means people shouldn't post something they wouldn't say to that persons face.

The endless insults and stupid threats is what spoils it. Why be rude? You can disagree with someone in a respectful way.

Someone is doing a good job moderating here. This forum stays pretty civil compared to some that I left. I like that. As long as PARF stays in PARF I apreciate having this forum. I even buy parts from PP.

I was a mod on a large political board for about 3 years. Some people think you are too strict and not following guidelines. Some people think you are not strict enough and not following guidelines.

I would rather get my nutz slammed with a hammer.

what kind of hammer?

I head moderators here make BIG BUX ..... ;)

Sledge

<iframe width="606" height="340" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OJWJE0x7T4Q" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Eric does a great job, he should be commended. The forum seems it could be in a "self policing" mode if some Pelicans could refrain from making a whole page become back and forth homophobic insults.

Also just jumping in and throwing out incendiary posts just to rile the place up, we have a few Pelicans guilty of this practice. Summer's ending and the tourists are gone, open up "Ban Island" for off season tourists again. It might help in keeping some in line.

Couldn't pay me enough.

I think PPOT is doing just fine in recent years, BUT

Politics and Religion is a $hit Show - I rarely stroll through, and never post there...

I have made the mistake several times. I wish there were a way to hide it so I don't see it at the top of OT forum.

To quote a cave dweller, rules?

What rules would that be?

I like a forum full of intelligent folks that is not over moderated. THis forum has never been over moderated. It's currently not over moderated. The current folks seem to be doing a pretty good job, IMO.

I say leave the moderating (in OT) to things like personal attacks, things that are illegal and or things that are just way over the line. And that seems to be where we are now.

"I was asked if I wanted to be a PPOT moderator and I declined."

It's nice to know you haven't gone senile on us.

Best
Les

No you wouldn't because you have perspective, which is why they asked...reconsider.

I think you are correct that you should not be a moderator.

I would drain the swamp. I would ban most of my ignore list. Some of the folks on my ignore list I have met and like, some I never want to meet. But none of them contribute anything except drivel and/or whining, never have an original thought or any kind of critical thinking. Some just like to swoop in, schit all over everything and fly away. They'd be run out of town, which is why I'd never get the job.

Isn’t “drain the swamp” a political term, Milt?
You libertarians sure have a lot of rules.

What I can't figure out is, why would anyone want to be a poopy-head?

Would you drain the swamp, or let the swamp drain itself by enforcing some decorum and adherence to the rules?

A 'refresh' or turnover is most effective in my line of work when people self select out. The decision becomes theirs, with the new sheriff in town it becomes a binary action; either this or that. It's unambiguous and either they can align with the normal or move on. Whether they agree with it or not their choice.

Despite that, you couldn't pay me enough. I did it once, briefly - never again. The side you see of people is depressing.

I get paid so much to post...I just ignore rule #2 :)

I wish a few threads were moved to PARF....like one I started when they really take on a "nasty vibe", etc. I'm as guilty as anyone of "poking PARFers" for fun....band me....lead cobell solo.

We do pretty good at moderating ourselves, Eric and the mods have always done a fine job imo...unless they are poopyheads....

And of course they are... pick me :)

HELL naw...I have a 10lb sledge tho' ;)

Can someone explain why a car forum has such a heated political forum, I occasionally visit but never post

Don't understand why 'car guys' need to drag politics into random threads or ram their political views down other peoples throats

I visit other car forms and members rarely bring up politics. Is it an old person, lonely at home, get of my lawn thing or just a USA thing or a USA Porsche thing?? Is there the same type of area on Mustang, JDM or BMW USA forums???

Genuinely I just don't get it :confused:

Anyone who hangs here much can name the serial offenders.

Why not add a feature to the BBS to allow the person who started the thread to moderate it. This way the thread creator could separate the wheat from the chaff, and reduce work by the actual moderators.

No one has mentioned politics in this thread

Well....almost no one.

:rolleyes:

Started off with a loaded political term in the first sentence of post # 1.

I think a more powerful title is in order. I just can't think of one. Grand Overseer?? AND they should be able to wield more power than just deleting comments or sending you off to ban island. They should be able to make you listen to a month of boy band music for any infractions.

I think you might call it a phrase adapted. You remember when Saddam was spouting "mother of all bombs?" Then it became popular to call anything and everything big and powerful the mother of all xxxx, or just the mother. Actually I got plenty sick and tired of the phrase "mother of all (enter your term here)." It was around too long.

These euphemisms take on a broader meaning after a time. I think the time has passed that a reference to "draining the swamp" can be adapted to my point.

Now if that doesn't work for you, try this — if I decided to become a moderator, given the authority, I would take full advantage of time outs and total bans. It doesn't take a genius to know who is continually toxic here. After a few training warnings I would pull the plug on several that perpetuate down talking, insults and general malaise.

There is no productivity in any of the above.

Well, if you like your Pelican BBS you can keep your Pelican BBS.

Because everything is about politics... even if it isn't. It bleeds over here into the OT section. Some people just can't help but make everything about politics.

And thus is demonstrated how one person's "adapted" term can be viewed as political even when not so intended.

It's telling that the certain conservatives on this board want you to do it. Little doubt which way you'd lean.

But here's a few kind suggestions--stop looking for things to be outraged about. Don't read threads that are intended to be or will obviously become political. And most importantly---take a chill pill.

How much does Soros pay you? The Clintons are cheap as hell. I may have to switch over.

As speeder once said, and I paraphrase, "you don't have any idea what I stand for." I'll take that as a form of attack. Noted.

Drain the swamp has been used by no less than a dozen quotable figures since the 1800's. It is generally used in political parlance, but is not necessarily partisan in nature. It generally speaks of ridding an institution of corruption.

So now we delve into what is political vs. politics. Some narrow minded folks wouldn't know the difference. In that, I submit the the PPOT statement at the top in the banner, "All topics having to do with Politics and Religion must be placed here. Failure to follow this rule will result in "time-outs" from the forums," is vague.

"Attack?" Calling you a libertarian? Hardly.

Good call not taking the job. But kudos to Eric for offering it. Whenever someone *****es about how I do a job (e.g., doing the dishes) I like to try to delegate.

Off topic forum.
A place to talk about stuff OTHER than cars.

First: this forum is not just a nicey-nice thing they do for customers.
It's a revenue generator.
Over-moderate, ban, cut posts, reduce visits = less revenue.
More posts, more visits, more revenue.
They know what they are doing and are doing it well.

Third: it ain't OUR forum. Never has been, never will be.
it's theirs, they just let us play here. And I thank them for that.

Second: I'm reminded of another car forum where the inmates too over the asylum and hijacked the software and content, claimed it was theirs.
Don't think that could ever happen here but lesson learned.

Fourth: Please deduct my 2020 annual subscription cost from my post hoar commission check, thanks ;)

See now that's funny!!