BN YahooGroup/Forum 101
From BikeNomads
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Hi All,
This is in responce to the post by Arpan "[BN] 360deg feedback and performance appraisal of moderators"
I am listing out my views on this entire debate & new discussions on running of forum\group.
This a long post so please read patiently & we can discuss on any particular point that one may want to :)
About running an online group\forum
Most of the people believe that each forum\group achieves a position based on its content what they are not aware is that this is not the case & the content is just a minor reason for success or failure. Its the decisions that the owner\admin\moderator of a group\forum takes which decides the fate of the forum\group.
So while at times the decisions may seem wrong they help on a longer run, in case of BN the decisions taken so far(before all the controversy) were seemingly in right direction as otherwise this group wouldn't have been where it is now.
Something on Appraisals:
There are various reasons for Performance appraisals, I will list what is relevant here:
Appraisals are done to track a person's performance & reward them if its good & no reward or some stern action if the performance is poor \not upto expectation. This is even more important for organization appraisals as mostly one's salary is related to appraisals.
On online Moderatorships:
This is something that people do out of their goodwill\interest\enthusiasm etc most often there are no commercial interests.
The selection of Moderators in most cases is done by the same owner\admin who has created\started the forum in the first place. So it is his decision as to decide whether the Mods performed as per expectation or not because it was his vision & decisions that has given the group\forum its current status which could be either good or bad.
Role of Members:
- Contribute in a positive manner by this I mean in a way that is consistent with the overall nature of forum\group - Raise their issues & concern through proper channels & protocol.
Now Coming back to topic:
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-- Normally Mods are selected by Admin on his\her own will. In BN's case the Moderators were selected by the Admin after getting suggestions from members. Which ones he selects amongst the suggestions is entirely his call.
-- Are the moderators getting paid? if not what is purpose of the appraisal? If a Moderator doesnt perform well he might be removed from the panel but what if he does well, will he get something?
-- What can members do if they have issues with Mods?
Report to mods\admin & raise your concern & seek a resolution.
-- What can members do if they have issues with Mods?
They can always report issues to the admin & try to get it resolved.
-- What can members do if they have issues with Admin?
Same, voice your opinion through proper channel. Some groups\forum allow Admin\mod activities to be discussed & some dont.
-- On Getting Resolution to Issues
-- What can members do if they are not happy with the resolution of issues with Mods &\or Admin?
Most important is to remember that one is not getting paid for his duties & they have other work too so be patient
If the resolution is not coming or not upto you satisfaction then:
One option is to leave the group\forum because no use staying with a group\forum where your thoughts dont match, I mean do we hang out with people who's views we dont agree with?
-- What If I am very passionate about the theme\motive of the group & I am sure that it can be run in a better manner than it is being run currently?
Well you can always start your own group & if your belief is right you will surely succeed & will be glad & content that you did leave the place where you were uncomfortable & are doing things your way.
You will also know how easy\difficult it is to run\take decisions for a group\forum which at time might even face opposition.
This is purely based on my experience on internet forums\groups
Please feel free to air your suggestions\queries\ disagreements :)
Cheers
Kedar