Super User Election: Town Hall Chat

BloodPhilia

15:00

Gooood morning, good morning...

studiohack

everybody star @KronoS comment

BloodPhilia

I don't know the rest of the song

TomWij

awaits Rebecca's official message

BloodPhilia

awaits @TomWij 's response after Rebecca's official message

KronoS

is just plain waiting

Rebecca Chernoff

15:01

Welcome to the Super User Town Hall Chat

3

studiohack

awaits @alleverybody's reaction

nhinkle

hurray!

Rebecca Chernoff

We're here to get to know the candidates and discuss any questions people may have that might help with voting.

Sathya

instantrimshot.com/index.php?sound=rimshot&play=true

2

Rebecca Chernoff

The candidates that I see here are: @Sathya, @nhinkle, @RandolphPotter, @Linker3000, @BloodPhilia, @studiohack, @KronoS, and @TomWij. @DMA57361 will join towards the end if able.

As we go along, I'll star any questions y'all ask so that they're easily found on the right.

Feel free to star them as well. (:

studiohack

15:03

sounds good @RebeccaChernoff

oKtosiTe

That doesn't leave too many people here to ask questions. :-)
I know I already voted.

Rebecca Chernoff

There's a system message up on the site, so we may get some stragglers.

With that, anyone want to get us started with a question?

TomWij

karma to the first one

Sathya

on phone, delayed reply

KronoS

We should start off with something fun... to break the ice

studiohack

15:04

good idea @KronoS

nhinkle

Could we perhaps all introduce ourselves?

5

KronoS

@Sathya don't you know that this could quite possibly be the most important moment of your life?

Ivo Flipse

Who thinks he'll do a better job than me? ;P

5

Sathya

@KronoS :(

BloodPhilia

haha @IvoFlipse

nhinkle

15:05

Optionally saying our (real) name, where we're from, how much awesomer than @IvoFlipse we are, and something brief about ourselves

studiohack

@Sathya will, @IvoFlipse haha

KronoS

@IvoFlipse you are one of a kind...

Sathya

@IvoFlipse me :P

BloodPhilia

I don't think you can compare moderator efforts really @IvoFlipse

Linker3000

"Thinks" or "Knows"?

studiohack

15:05

hello @tombull89 @ChrisJesterYoung

@BloodPhilia, no you really can't

@Zypher hello

TomWij

@nhinkle Yeah, sounds like a good idea.

tombull89

@studiohack afternoon.

Depending on timesones of course.

KronoS

morning here ;)

Rebecca Chernoff

@nhinkle, feel free. (: I just got y'all here, y'all are the ones running this! time for me to kick back and relax!

KronoS

Well I'll start with the intro's... My name is Krono$ and I come from the foreign land of Arizona

studiohack

15:07

hello @Pekka

nhinkle

Here, I'll start.
My name is nhinkle. I'm from the west coast of the USA. I'm currently studying engineering, and might minor in computer science. I like doing things outside like running and hiking, and I also like working on computers.

Randolph Potter

Introduction: I'm originally from South Africa, moved to Canada last year, and love technology to the point of wanting to buy robots for my basement to <strike>take over the world</strike> make coffee.

Pekka

Hello @studiohack

(oh, sorry. Sitting down, shutting up and listening)

3

Sathya

right, back on.

TomWij

Tom Wijsman, 21 y.o., Ekeren (Antwerp) @ Belgium, I agree with BloodPhilia and I'm in a four week exam period (Bachelor Computer Science) at the moment.

KronoS

15:07

I'm a student going for Systems engineering, and also work part time as a PC repair and small business IT

Linker3000

I'm an IT Manager for an electronics and engineering company, managing two sites and lots of kit.

I'm the old boy (45)!!

Randolph Potter

I have worked as a SQL DBA, computer tech, software developer and high school teacher, sometimes all at the same time, and did a diploma in software support and networking, plus the NT 4 MCSE

studiohack

Introduction: I'm studiohack and I enjoy tech and helping people with all kinds of things. I'm a student and might pursue IT for a career.

Sathya

Intro: I'm Sathyajith Bhat ( too long, most call me Sathya/SJ), working as an Oracle Forms & PL/SQL Developer, Laptop addict, blogger, the-dude-everyone-runs-for-help-guy, gadget-maniac and most of all, SUPER USER!!!!!

BloodPhilia

Hmm, well the name's Tom(my), call me whatever you like as long as I know that you're talking to me, I've been a Psychology student up until 3 weeks ago, I live in The Netherlands, not too far from IvoFlipse and I'm a community fanboy... :D Oh, and I used to work in IT but realized it's more a hobby than it is a life's aspiration.

Rebecca Chernoff

15:10

Well hello all. (;

BloodPhilia

@Sathya I'm sorry, but I don't think I'll ever remember your name :P No offence

Sathya

@BloodPhilia =)) none taken :P that's why I mentioned too long :P

glad that he has omitted his middle name

studiohack

hello @random

Sathya

hey @random

BloodPhilia

@Sathya Hahaha!

nhinkle

15:11

Fun fact: I work with kids a lot (camp counselor, educational outreach events at the university, etc.) which is part of why I'm good at being patient and know what to say to get people to cooperate without getting upset

studiohack

good idea @Sathya

Randolph Potter

My Outlook inbox just exploded ... I'll respond where I can

Pekka

Folks, one thing, can you use the "reply" function when replying to a question? (the arrow to the left when you hover over a question) that will make it easier to sort the responses later. (Unless there is some other new system that I'm not aware of, @Rebecca makes the final rules around here :)

5

studiohack

very nice @nhinkle

BloodPhilia

@Pekka Sure

nhinkle

15:11

thanks @studiohack :)

Randolph Potter

@nhinkle Hey, I also worked with kids! Especially high school

nhinkle

@Pekka yes :D

TomWij

@Pekka: Good idea, will try to do so.

Josh

Yes to second what Pekka said, please use reply, it makes it much easier to follow and helps me with the digest.

4

Rebecca Chernoff

Question: How will you handle having a binding vote (to close, flag, delete, reopen...)?

5

nhinkle

15:12

@RandolphPotter Awesome. Are you a teacher or do you do other stuff?

Rebecca Chernoff

@Pekka Ah right, thanks for mentioning that. (:

BloodPhilia

@RebeccaChernoff No different from me voting now really...

I mean, should you change your standards once you become a diamond moderator?

Sathya

@RebeccaChernoff some of the more obvious ones I will cast right away. If there's a little bit of doubt, I'll abstain and watch the community trend

Chris Jester-Young

@BloodPhilia Your vote becomes much less nuanced once you have the blue diamond.

nhinkle

@RebeccaChernoff I think I would less often be the first to vote to close things which were borderline and may or may not need to be closed. If it's blatantly off-topic/subjective/bad, I'd close it, but if not, I'd wait to see if anyone in the community nominates it for closing first, as closing is supposed to be a democratic process

studiohack

15:13

@RebeccaChernoff I will make sure that it is a correct question to be closed, and if in doubt, consult with other mods and/or use the Vote to Close Chat Room to discuss.

TomWij

@RebeccaChernoff Maintaining a list of guidelines that I can go through and thinking twice before actually performing the binding vote.

Sathya

@BloodPhilia diamond mods have binding votes, 1 vote and it gets closed

Ivo Flipse

@RebeccaChernoff In what circumstances? Is there a dispute or should you use them more often? Would you be afraid of using a super-vote on your own?

Linker3000

@RebeccaChernoff Pretty much as now - using common sense and

KronoS

@RebeccaChernoff Well I'm going to back off and let the community vote for most questions. However if a question is presented that clearly violates FAQ then I'll cast the vote

BloodPhilia

15:14

@Sathya I know

Linker3000

..and an eye on the moderator rules

random

Question is heading toward being closed, but doesn't suit any of the options, do you slam it closed just to reopen it and wipe away the close votes or just let it ride out?

4

studiohack

hello @Fosco

Fosco

Hi

Randolph Potter

I'm back - sorry - work intervened

Linker3000

15:15

@random If it deserves to be closed according to the rules then I'd pick the most relevant option otherwise let it ride out

BloodPhilia

@random Depends on the question... To be honest, I find it really hard to answer the question on how to deal with binding votes in theory

studiohack

@random I would let it ride out, but it depends heavily on the question...

Sathya

@random close it, reopen it and take according action (migrate/delete/whatever)

Randolph Potter

@nhinkle I taught computer literacy

Rebecca Chernoff

@IvoFlipse In terms of the community thinking the mods are being heavy-handed because they aren't letting the community close.

KronoS

15:16

@random that really depends on the quality of the question, which if it's being closed there more than likely will need to be closed. However if a quick edit can bring clarity to the question that I would go that route first

nhinkle

@random Are we presuming this imaginary question actually should be closed, or not?

BloodPhilia

@nhinkle Fair question :P

Randolph Potter

@RebeccaChernoff Binding votes should be taken as a result of community trend I reckon ... after discussion with others perhaps

nhinkle

As I've stated before, I like to edit questions to bring them within compliance/make them so they won't need to be closed, whenever possible

If it doesn't fit any of the close reasons, perhaps it just needs a little touching up

random

@nhinkle Let's say the question is either slated for off-topic or dupe, but doesn't fit either and can stand on its own and is otherwise valid and (most important) sensical

nhinkle

15:17

@random In that case, I would possibly comment explaining why it shouldn't be closed, then touch it up if necessary

TomWij

@random: Removing close votes so they have to vote again is what I would deem bad. If it is closed though (which I monitor through favorites), I will think if the question needs to be reopened and edited to help the user get an answer to his (if allowed and detailed enough) question.

studiohack

@random then I would edit to make it stand on it's own better so that there is less app to be closed.

nhinkle

If it ended up getting closed anyways, and I was sure it belonged, I'd reopen it

Randolph Potter

@random Then it should stand, and be edited to make sense if necessary

Sathya

@random in that case, I'd let it stand on it's own

Randolph Potter

15:18

hehe

snap

TomWij

@random As @nhinkle said: Commenting and editing to prevent further close votes and then what I said in this message.

Rebecca Chernoff

Next question? (:

random

Don't forget that as a 3k user can only vote to close or reopen once per question, a mod coming along to "wipe away the votes" removes the chance for that first party of 3k users to close again

2

BloodPhilia

@RebeccaChernoff Hmm I still struggle with answering this one but yes...

Rebecca Chernoff

No worries, noticed a pause. Wanted to make sure people know they can just jump in and ask.

nhinkle

15:20

@random I don't foresee this exact situation coming up too often though - wiping votes and whatnot

@RebeccaChernoff Sure, let's go :)

Josh

I have a question. What are your thoughts on the new "anyone can edit" feature that's under development?

3

BloodPhilia

@Josh I think it's great

TomWij

@nhinkle I can't tell but I would agree with that. Although I have seen this "wiping behavior" occur on Programmers.SE before.

Randolph Potter

@Josh I tested it on the Apple site and I like the principle - it may create more work for moderators but it lets you keep sight of things you may have missed in the normal flow of things

BloodPhilia

Since it involves peer review from higher rep users, the basics on which modern science also builds

studiohack

15:22

@Josh I think that it will really help the moderators and the community as a whole.

KronoS

@Josh I think that it's a great thing actually. It helps us 3k+ user a lot. However I do want to see a 3k+ option that will show pending edits so that we can be more useful... Also I don't like the fact (correct me if I'm wrong) that anonymous edits can be made... I believe registered users should only be able to make the edits

TomWij

I think the wiping might be useful if the close votes really don't make sense compared to the guidelines.

Linker3000

@Josh I expect it will keep all mods on their toes a bit more

studiohack

@Josh I also agree with @KronoS, in that a queue of some sort with the pending edits would be nice.

nhinkle

@Josh Initially I was doubtful of how well it would work out, but it's turned out to be a good feature I think. They need to add pending edits to /review so we can more easily see them - I can't go around to every question looking for edit(1). It makes a bit more work for mods/high-rep users, but at the end of the day, will probably improve content

Michael Mrozek

15:23

To take a page from Josh's book and steal SO town hall questions: How would you deal with a user who produced a steady stream of valuable answers, but tends to generate a large number of arguments/flags from comments?

5

Sathya

@Josh I'm yet to see it properly in action, but I love the concept. It's a lot better than my current style of paying a visit to a Stack Exchange site where I do not have editing privileges and upon seeing a post which can be made a lot better with edits. and having to flag it/ wait for someone to come edit it

TomWij

@Josh It's a very good idea as it improves the quality of the site more, I would say it is less work for the moderators because they have to approve/reject instead of typing the actual text themselves. So this allows the quality to improve at a faster rate. (SO has 1000+ edit suggestions so far)

Chris Jester-Young

@Josh AKA How would you deal with a Scoble clone? :-P

Josh

@MichaelMrozek if this was posted on SO's town hall, it was someone stealing it from when I asked it in SF's town hall ;-)

Randolph Potter

@MichaelMrozek It depends on the reasoning for the flags and or arguments, surely? If the person is a valuable contributor then this argumentative side may show up and people generally get used to that - but I would try and mediate a softer approach in language if that is possible - otherwise, let it stand

BloodPhilia

15:24

@MichaelMrozek The user should be monitored of course, but the thing is, users don't posess qualities on all levels, and neither do moderators. Everyone contributes to the community in their own way. As long as the user isn't getting too rude/disturbing, I'd be more than happy to clean up his comments in order to maintain his steady stream of high quality answers. Of course, this doesn't mean the user shouldn't be made clear some behaviour is unwanted.

studiohack

@MichaelMrozek I would discuss with other moderators what kind of action should (if any, depending on the severity of the situation) be taken, and perhaps talk to the user one on one about his actions and to try to be more considerate of others.

Randolph Potter

@BloodPhilia We think alike

studiohack

well said! @BloodPhilia

Sathya

@MichaelMrozek It would depend on the context. I'd drop the person couple of comments first trying to get the person not to get into defensive/confrontational mode. If the person continues - again depends on the situation/context. I'd speak with the other mods first before taking any action.

nhinkle

@MichaelMrozek I would keep an eye out for a while. If the user's comments actually were inflammatory, I would consider either talking to them in chat (if they weren't too bad), or emailing them directly if necessary, to explain that we really appreciate all their hard work and want to commend that, but that some users don't feel comfortable with their comments and that we would appreciate if they would tone it down a bit. If they were just unpopular but perfectly reasonable comments... then that's ok

2

Linker3000

15:25

@MichaelMrozek ^^ Hmm, what they said. Everyone needs to be taken on their own merits/demerits - there's no universal answer

KronoS

@MichaelMrozek Wow that's a great question... and it's a situation that needs to be dealt with delicately. I feel that the user should be warned to stay away from such actions and to bring those comments to possibly the CHAT instead of cluttering the comments

2

BloodPhilia

Thanks ;)

TomWij

@MichaelMrozek Inform the user and monitor him, if he continues his bad behavior over a prolonged time he could face suspension. Removing comments that don't fit while doing so...

nhinkle

@studiohack, I like your idea of discussing with other moderators. Discussion amongst the mods would be good to ensure that troublesome users get consistent treatment and aren't sent conflicting messages

TomWij

I would bookmark his activity page.

random

15:27

If you're not elected, will you take a break from SU or will you just carry on like before?

3

BloodPhilia

@random Carry on of course

nhinkle

@random Absolutely carry on

Randolph Potter

@random Carry on as normal

studiohack

@random carry on like before, for sure.

Sathya

@random life goes on, I carry on as usual, pestering mods with my flags :P

2

KronoS

15:28

@random Carry on as before... I don't really think that this election has changed my SU habits all that much

nhinkle

In fact, if I'm not elected, I'll probably work twice as hard to get to 10k :)

3

Linker3000

@random Carry on, of course

TomWij

@random Carry on, and as my exams are done at that time my activity will most likely even increase compared to today...

BloodPhilia

But then again, I don't think people would want to run for moderator if they weren't bound to the community

4

So I think nearly everyone here that is running to become a moderator would carry on

Some exceptions in the nominee list perhaps

Randolph Potter

@BloodPhilia Stop taking my best lines! :-)

TomWij

15:29

@nhinkle Same here, have seen on Programmer.SE how useful those tools are.

BloodPhilia

@RandolphPotter Haha! type faster ;)!

Randolph Potter

@BloodPhilia I'm workin' here!

TomWij

@BloodPhilia I've had an inactive time, but... I've spent that time to other SE sites so it isn't really "not carrying on".

KronoS

Wow this is already half way done!? time flew!

TomWij

Up to the next question...

Randolph Potter

15:30

If I'm inactive it's because I'm not at a computer - I'm kind of addicted to the trilogy

BloodPhilia

@RandolphPotter I like "The fellowship of the ring" best ;)

Chris Jester-Young

@BloodPhilia Learn Dvorak! FTFY ;-)

Ivo Flipse

Why should we pick you (over those who got more votes than you in the primaries AKA @Sathya)?

4

Randolph Potter

@BloodPhilia Ok, you've had more coffee

studiohack

How do you, the potential moderators, feel about suspensions? in what cases should it be used? and not?

4

two questions, sorry @IvoFlipse

BloodPhilia

15:32

@IvoFlipse I don't know, and I think those reasons are different for every voter...

Randolph Potter

@IvoFlipse You should pick the nomination with which you're the most comfortable

KronoS

@IvoFlipse Because I live in the US, and I'll continue on while @Sathya sleeps ;)

TomWij

@studiohack: I'm in to help and give everyone a chance, human errors are possible. But then there are the exceptional human errors, when it goes too far then suspension is needed

BloodPhilia

Hence, that's why I got some downvotes, the qualities that my upvoters liked, were apparently downsides for others

Sathya

@KronoS nice :P

BloodPhilia

15:33

@studiohack though I had humour in my comments, some might consider that to be quite annoying... If you guys get my drift... I think that's one of my reasons for refraining from "sales chat" in my nomination

Randolph Potter

@studiohack It's like a cooling off period and again it depends on circumstances, but I'm not against the use if it's agreed on by other mods

nhinkle

@IvoFlipse I think all of the candidates (who've made it this far) have great potential. I have been more involved with things like closing/editing/other janitor work than people who've been at 3k less time, but besides that... I support everybody here

Ivo Flipse

@RandolphPotter surely you must have some reasons why you think yourself more suitable than @Sathya or @studiohack even though those two clearly have the most edits and close votes

2

Randolph Potter

@BloodPhilia There's nothing wrong with a bit of humour now and then

studiohack

@IvoFlipse Like @BloodPhilia said, every voter feels different, they relate in different ways.

KronoS

15:34

@studiohack those IMO should only be used in dire and necessary cases, where apparant and blatant SU protocol is being broken. In some cases and at first I will consult with other mod's before suspending but in others, like the other day in @IvoFlipse case where other user's are being affected I will take quick and swift action

Linker3000

@IvoFlipse I have a high degree of business-oriented experience and have spent time in many different working environments (corporate, small biz etc.) so I have a lot of real-world experience to bring to both the front end (technical) and back end (moderation) in the fields of service delivery, technical authoring and knowledge management

Sathya

@studiohack Suspensions. suspensions IMO should be done as a last-ditch attempt. Ofcourse, if the user makes no attempt to change their ways, what must be done, must be done

BloodPhilia

@IvoFlipse And no, I definitely do not see myself do better than @studiohack or @Sathya

@Sathya I second that

Randolph Potter

@IvoFlipse I sleep different hours? But I don't see myself as a better candidate by any means.

TomWij

Let's say you've just been elected as a new moderator, what initial approach would you take? Will you immediately go moderate the site? Will you start bookmarking important pages? Will you talk with the other moderators? ...?

2

nhinkle

15:35

@studiohack I think there's the occasional extreme case where a suspension is necessary. I've seen one or two of these users before. I would certainly try hard to talk to them and let them reform their ways before using a suspension though. It should be a last-resort sort of thing

Randolph Potter

@TomWij I'll learn the ropes, taking it slow at first, and checking out those flags everyone talks about

studiohack

@Josh: in the Digest, you have some of the questions associated incorrectly - some go to @IvoFlipse's question, and some to @studiohack's question

Rebecca Chernoff

The first thing you'll want to do is read the moderator's manual.

Oh...wait... q:

Ivo Flipse

And does everyone think they're ready to moderate, especially when you haven't had access to many of the moderator tools or even close votes for some time? And why would we expect anyone to 'magically' use these tools more after becoming a mod?

3

BloodPhilia

I agree with Randolph, it's not like you've mastered the art of moderating once you get a diamond stitched to your name

Linker3000

15:36

@TomWij First thing I will do is read all the back-end stuff about the roles and responsibilities.

studiohack

@RebeccaChernoff: there is one? oh....

Josh

@studiohack Thank you, I will correct, I am having trouble keeping up :-)

Rebecca Chernoff

No, there isn't. (;

Randolph Potter

@IvoFlipse I'm ready to learn by example

nhinkle

@TomWij I would definitely start looking around right away, but would take my time in actually exercising new abilities, observing what the current mods do, reading the documentation, etc. So, start slow, but keep doing the stuff I already do, and gradually increase from there

studiohack

15:37

@Josh: no problem, if you need help later sorting, let me know.

TomWij

@RandolphPotter: Same here, I thought about organizing things first, get to learn the button/link locations, talking with other moderators and watching their actions and then slowly get into the flow.

Randolph Potter

@IvoFlipse All things take time and I would take that time to learn

Linker3000

@IvoFlipse Ready for full moderation rights? Not until I have done some studying

KronoS

@TomWij I will take it slowly at first, but continue on as I have already, in editing questions, reviewing new user answers and questions. Familiarizing myself with the MOD interface/page/tools. I will continue to look at other mod's and their examples, and then start to use those tools

Sathya

I'll quote my answer which I posted in the Meta Q&A post

. I can understand the concerns about going all-guns-blazing if I get elected - that's not going to happen because I've overseen moderator election at another discussion forum (where I'm a moderator), and my first piece of advice to the newly elected moderators was:

Don't go at a full blast - wait for a bit, see how others handle things, get your feet wet and then apply the same.

I've approached the same tactic when I hit the various privilege stage - 500/3k/10k. And if I get elected, I will continue with the same.

3

Rebecca Chernoff

15:37

Note that there is a private chat room for mods from all the sites, for asking general mod questions. We're not hanging you out to dry.

2

BloodPhilia

@RebeccaChernoff Haha! Very comforting!

Ivo Flipse

If it takes some learning, wouldn't it be wiser to first gain access to the tools at hand before jumping in for the real deal?

2

Randolph Potter

@RebeccaChernoff That's good to know, and reassuringly what I expected to hear.

KronoS

@IvoFlipse I wounldn't run if I didn't think that I was ready. I do feel that I have a lot to learn, but I am ready to start learning and using the tools that will be given to me

studiohack

@IvoFlipse I feel that I am ready to moderate in general, but at the same time, I feel there will be a "breaking in" period, learning the policy on various things, like deleting low quality posts or what is the meaning behind suspension. etc. I learn quickly, so hopefully the process will go smoothly.

nhinkle

15:38

@IvoFlipse I absolutely thing I am ready to start becoming a moderator. I've been actively using the available tools (closing, editing, etc.) ever since I got them, and frequently discuss things with the existing moderators. I wouldn't start laying down my power everywhere, but do think I'd be able to learn quickly how to judiciously apply moderator abilities

Sathya

@IvoFlipse Though I've had access to 10k tools for a while, I don't think I'll be moderate right away. The first week or so will be a watch-and-learn-phase - which I've done for 3k & 10k stages

Randolph Potter

@IvoFlipse I think we're all able to read and discover like we did with the rest of the tools we earned by rep count

Ivo Flipse

@studiohack, but when it comes out of your mouth, there's clear 'evidence' that you already know how to use the tools (the same applies to several other candidates as well)

Sathya

@RebeccaChernoff :P

nhinkle

Also, I think I'm ready to become a moderator because the great and all-knowing ;) @IvoFlipse thinks I am:

4

in Root Access, Jan 22 at 22:28, by Ivo Flipse

since, I'd trust you with the mod tools any day

TomWij

15:39

@IvoFlipse Have had access to the tools for 10k, so I know their ropes. Still have to get to learn the ropes of the mod tools. But if I'm not sure, I won't hit it and instead ask it first.

KronoS

@IvoFlipse I second @RandolphPotter's answer

Randolph Potter

@IvoFlipse There is no evidence because we've not used them. I think it's a tricky question to answer.

BloodPhilia

Lol, this is so interesting to read, I'd almost forget to participate in the debate

random

There's an iffy tag on a couple dozen questions. Another tag is close in meaning to it. Both suck though. How do you handle the tags and/or the questions? Merge? Delete? Close? Ask Meta.SU?

2

Sathya

@random Ask Meta.SU

Randolph Potter

15:40

@random Meta first, then ranging from merge to close to delete in that order, depending on the "iffyness"

nhinkle

@random I think discussion on MSU is the right place to start if "both suck" and it's a questionable scenario

TomWij

@random Ask Meta.SU

KronoS

@random meta

wow... that's a whole lot of meta

studiohack

@random I would batch retag with the best one or a new tag replacing both after asking on Meta.SU and see how the community feels about it.

BloodPhilia

@random Depends on the scenario really

Sathya

15:41

@KronoS think everyone's conditioned to discuss-on-meta-for-general-consensus-routine

Ivo Flipse

@RandolphPotter it isn't tricky, wouldn't it simply imply that others have already shown to be (more) capable at moderating in the past while others haven't?

BloodPhilia

But I figure in most cases, Meta would be your first stop though

Linker3000

@random Hard to answer in the abstract, but deferring to colleagues (Meta) would be sensible and courteous

Randolph Potter

It's like SQL Server - where "it depends" is the standard answer - what we're anticipating is people with the right skills to assess a situation on its merits, talk to others to discuss, and act on the consensus

nhinkle

A couple things I wouldn't wait to do once I become moderator: retag excel -> microsoft-excel (@Sathya proposed this months ago!), and go edit a bunch of tag wikis with my new-found power :D
Not going to offend anyone by doing that

TomWij

15:43

@Sathya An alternative to Meta would be the other moderators, but my guess it is best to have the view from the community.

Randolph Potter

sometimes we have to act on our own instrincts, without community interaction (for what, I don't know necessarily), but then that's where being responsible for your actions comes in

2

BloodPhilia

You know, the questions asked here are quite hard to answer... It's all hypothetical questions ans situations. Two years of psychology learned that it is hard, if not impossible to predict behaviour with so little known parameters

Randolph Potter

I think this group of moderator nominations has expressed that they're a responsible bunch

Ivo Flipse

welcome @DMA57361

studiohack

@DMA57361's here!

DMA57361

15:44

hello all

BloodPhilia

I think every situation has a specific "gut-feeling"

KronoS

@BloodPhilia that's what MOD's have to deal with though... the unpredicatble

@DMA57361 yay!!!!!

TomWij

@BloodPhilia: Thinking about it helps you start out more right, I think...

Sathya

hey @DMA57361

DMA57361

apologies for the latest - life and all :)

nhinkle

15:44

hey @DMA57361! welcome :)

BloodPhilia

@KronoS And that's why I think it's why it's hard to answer hypothetical questions

And, DMA, we missed you, read back :D

DMA57361

I've not read the transcript - don't know if you want me to just join in here or backtrack?

nhinkle

now for the true test: how fast can @DMA57361 read everything above and respond to every question? :P

2

Ivo Flipse

tell us why we should pick you @DMA57361 ;)

BloodPhilia

You've got 10 seconds

:P

Sathya

15:45

@BloodPhilia =p

studiohack

pressssurrrree

Randolph Potter

Moderators are not usually power-hungry people - they're maintenance staff, and that's important to remember

3

Linker3000

DMA should be speedy!?

Chris Jester-Young

@Linker3000 Speedier than PIO! *rimshot*

BloodPhilia

Moderators should be considered subjects of the community I think...

Randolph Potter

15:46

If I'm elected I promise to be a good janitor - you shouldn't notice me, and if you do, you should leave knowing that I did the best in that situation

Sathya

@ChrisJesterYoung instantrimshot.com/index.php?sound=rimshot&play=true

nhinkle

Yeah I think we all know we're basically just signing up for a lot of grunt work, not glory

3

Randolph Potter

If I don't know what to do, I'll defer to the community, whether the other mods or meta

studiohack

@nhinkle agreed

BloodPhilia

@nhinkle Still, the additional glory isn't THAT BAD =P

KronoS

15:47

just stars things instead of always saying agreed

2

Josh

@Linker3000 I believe I may have missed your answer to @studiohack's question?

15 mins ago, by studiohack

How do you, the potential moderators, feel about suspensions? in what cases should it be used? and not?

Randolph Potter

I think it's safe to say we all know how to take responsibility for our actions

Josh

@studiohack did you answer your own question?

TomWij

I can't star messages anymore, party time!

> You have fully used your vote allowance for today.

studiohack

@KronoS: studiohack is out of stars so he has to say agreed @KronoS

TomWij

15:48

:D

studiohack

@Josh: no, I didn't actually.

Rebecca Chernoff

How much time do you think you'll spend modding?

3

Sathya

@TomWij have a star, good sir :P

KronoS

@studiohack lol

nhinkle

We can run out of stars? O_o

Sathya

15:48

@RebeccaChernoff 6-8 weeks :P

Josh

@studiohack OK, no problem, just wanted to make sure I didn't miss it for the digest

Rebecca Chernoff

oy

BloodPhilia

@RebeccaChernoff As much time as I spend in the community now... So about 1-2 hours every day in total? Unless I'm out for the holidays of course :P

Randolph Potter

@RebeccaChernoff I'll spend time modding during the times I usually spend refreshing the site, looking for questions to answer :-)

Ivo Flipse

If the answer is more than @IvoFlipse, I advise you to resign your nomination ;)

Sathya

15:49

@RebeccaChernoff probably 3-4 hours / day

@IvoFlipse what's your answer ;)

studiohack

@Josh personally, I feel that suspensions should be reserved for the worst offensive cases, where a user is refusing to listen to any and all other attempts to talk to him.

nhinkle

Probably way too much :P
I already spend quite a bit of time on the site when I've got the spare time. Anywhere from just a few minutes to check in if I'm really busy that day, to many hours when I've got time, like yesterday

KronoS

@RebeccaChernoff judging by how much I've seen @IvoFlipse and @Diago moderating... I pretty much know that most of my Q/A will be obliterated when/if I become a mod

studiohack

@Josh: responded to my question :-)

Randolph Potter

@RebeccaChernoff Do you have stats for the time we've spent on the site, as a matter of interest?

TomWij

15:49

@RebeccaChernoff Would be a bit more active than I am now.

BloodPhilia

@RebeccaChernoff Of course, if you check out my records, you'll find that I've requested the /election page at least three times per hour the last weeks :P

Josh

@studiohack great thanks!

Randolph Potter

I already get challenged by the CAPTCHA bot quite a lot - I hope that doesn't increase ...

Sathya

btw

Ivo Flipse

I'm online all day @Sathya, doesn't that say enough

Randolph Potter

15:50

it happened on the Apple site yesterday, and sad trombone played in my head

studiohack

@RebeccaChernoff I probably would not spend more time than I already do on the site, seeing as a lot of time is spent here, but more of my attention would be focused on mod duties and making sure everything is going smoothly

3

nhinkle

(basically, the only days I'm not on SU at all are days when I literally have no internet access, like when I'm on vacation camping in the middle of nowhere. and then I think to myself, "dang, now I don't get that fanatic badge!")

2

BloodPhilia

@studiohack Amen

Josh

@DMA57361 I can quote all of your answers to the questions in a final group in the digest, if you prefer

BloodPhilia

@nhinkle HAHA so true! And I always try to go online somewhere, but sometimes I'm just a few hours late :( resetting the counter

studiohack

15:52

I have like 57 days so far, but I think i might have to break it soon :'( :P

KronoS

darn SU being on UTC... completely throws me off all the time

Linker3000

@RebeccaChernoff Depends what I am doing elsewhere - family and work take priority - in that order wherever possible!

studiohack

@KronoS: just think, a new day at SU at 5 PM MST

Randolph Potter

LOL @ MST

KronoS

@studiohack I know... but if I go to school early and don't get back late... it can throw things off...

Michael Mrozek

15:53

A diamond will be attached to everything you say, including questions, answers and comments. Everything you will do will be seen under a different light. How do you feel about that? (-- badp )

4

Randolph Potter

@MichaelMrozek I feel fine about it, because it falls under the responsibility story once again

@MichaelMrozek You're responsible for your actions, and the visibility is just higher now

KronoS

@MichaelMrozek I've accepted that fact when I decided to run. I know that every action I make is not only a representation of myself but of the Super User site. I will not and can not treat it lightly

Rebecca Chernoff

@MichaelMrozek In addition to everything in the past you've said.

Linker3000

@MichaelMrozek Meh! It won't change me. As others have said, most of what a mod does should be pretty invisible to the masses and I take responsibility for everything I do already.

studiohack

@MichaelMrozek I feel it is a responsibility and a privilege to be moderator. That said, I will need to watch my actions more closely to make sure that I don't create problems or irritate other users.

2

DMA57361

15:55

@Josh sounds like a good idea, do you require my answers posted here for "historic" questions to be able to draw them out?

nhinkle

@MichaelMrozek It certainly won't stop me from answering questions, etc. It does mean I'll be even more certain when talking to users to be polite and respectful, but I think I already do that well.

4

Sathya

@MichaelMrozek It doesn't affect me much. I will continue as always - and I think few people can attest to my patience.

TomWij

@MichaelMrozek I second Randolph. I will take more caution in what I do and write, which will increase responsibility and let me perform the right way.

BloodPhilia

@MichaelMrozek I think everything is said above by @studiohack and @nhinkle...

Josh

@DMA57361 I'll draw them out after I finish the digest

studiohack

15:56

studiohack wishes he could star @nhinkle's comment

2

Lord Torgamus

@Sathya Was that a typo, or did you intend to say that you are impatient?

BloodPhilia

@studiohack I starred it for you :P

nhinkle

also, don't forget to keep an eye on vote-to-close room! we're all so busy over here chatting...

chat.stackexchange.com/rooms/117/super-user-vote-to-close

KronoS

@studiohack I starred it for you...

@nhinkle already taken care of ;)

Rebecca Chernoff

We've got about 5 minutes left. If you've got a question to ask, now's your chance! (:

nhinkle

15:57

:D

TomWij

Fun question: A group of annoying anonymous internet users has invaded Super User during a time that wasn't covered by moderators, there are a lot of weird questions, comment and answers popping up everywhere. What would you do?

studiohack

good job @nhinkle

Sathya

@LordTorgamus Wasn't a typo. I'm not impatient. My intent was that having a Diamond against me won't make me became impatient.

BloodPhilia

@TomWij Get some extra coffee and start the humdrum task :D

Sathya

@nhinkle ah yes.

Randolph Potter

15:58

@TomWij I'd systematically clean it up, along with the others

nhinkle

@TomWij Take a deep sigh, grab some snacks, and get started

studiohack

@TomWij: close! then recruit others to help.

nhinkle

Perhaps sending a message to my fellow mods saying OH GOD THE ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE HAS COME, please come help me out!

4

Sathya

@TomWij clear it up.

Linker3000

@TomWij Do what needs to be done, but grab another coffee first.

KronoS

15:59

@TomWij Write about it in the blog

3

studiohack

@BloodPhilia: humdrum

Moshe

To add to @TomWij's question - would you ban/suspend the users? IP addresses?

nhinkle

@KronoS Haha, of course you would :D

BloodPhilia

@Moshe If they have malicious intent... yes

Randolph Potter

@Moshe If there's enough evidence to support it, I'd ban / suspend

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