JDK wrote:
I am resigning from the volunteer role of moderator with immediate effect, due to the personal attacks based on nationality specifically, by Jlittle and Hellcat, and general abuse and presumptions of actions taken.
I'm sorry I can no longer try and keep the forum working for the majority, and those posters who wish to discuss warbirds.
I was not responsible for banning Bill Greenwood. Only Scott can ban members.
I (perhaps foolishly) volunteered to help out as a moderator to Scott. Since starting, and even though I have simply been following the agreed forum rules, I've never received as much abuse, both inaccurate and personal in any of the other jobs I've done. I've frankly been amazed at the insults and inaccurate charges at times.
I've stuck with it through some pretty raw times, because the forum's worth it. Currently it's making my dog wait for his walk, and I've realised he's more important right now.
Anyone who thinks there's some power to enjoy here as a moderator should try it.
Good luck, and play nice. My apologies to those who've tried to be supportive or just stick to warbirds.
Regards,
James,
I know you took, and delivered your moderator role seriously, and am dis-appointed you have copped unfair flak over issues such as Bill's banning, which you have clearly indicated was a decision that Scott made, and related to PM's and behaviours not neccessarily witnessed by all.
I am dis-appointed you have chosen to hang up the red pen as I feel Wix will be poorer for that outcome, a lack of moderation and control would only result in more offensive behaviour, I suspect an eventual loss of patience by Scott and certainly a further loss of posters.
As a "Non-American" (and fellow Australian) I do regret the attitudes by your recent critics that only an American can have an opinion on American politics or even other social issues, and urging that WIX simply post a sign at the door that a "Free for All" approach exists.
I treat the forum like a Pub, we all come here to chat about "warbirds" and aviation history, you can enter and meet strangers and discuss issues with them without knowing their personal and political views, and equally you can be chatting with close friends, in both instances I tend to only post here what I would be willing say face to face to the person, were they a stranger or a close friend, and not try to hide behind an anonomous nickname, or 1000 miles of distance.
Like a Pub there may be a need for a publican, bar tender or even bouncer, to eject the unruly, or stop serving those who have had too much to drink before they type, or simply havent plugged their brain or manners into gear, and therefore can be offensive to others in the "Pub" or Forum.
for instance, regardless of being a Moderator or not, I can understand you finding the following attitude particularly offensive and irrelevent to any situation at WIX? and not justified in being made.
Quote:
I respectfully do not bow to any individual that is not an American citizen ! I am especially dissmissive of a non American blasting Bill for expressing his political views
In fact I tend to be very "dissmissive" of people with such myopic views, I hope such people do not travel overseas representing their country with such views? I particularly hope they dont travel overseas into an Aussie pub to make such statements expecting to be still standing afterwards? - much much easier behind the safety of a nick, modem and screen?
Scott has posted rule clarifications on numerous times regarding the ban on political debates in the main or "off-topic" forums and it is dis-appointing that his requirements as the owner and funder of WIX cannot be respected and abided by -
Quote:
There are 20+ other sites that seem to get along just fine, because they are smart enough to create a forum on the site that if you enter it, you get a warning that political views are being expressed on that particular forum location, and if you don't want to engage in a lively, spirated debate...then don't enter it, and go over to another part of the site
If these other "free for all" forums exist, then why not leave the political debates at those locations?, and respect the rules of the owner of this site, in intentionally excluding such "lively spirited" debates, the major problems on Wix have ALL related to forumites not abiding by the rules, and then complaining when Mods intervene, or repeated offenders get banned. No one has ever been banned for abiding by the rules?
Those who seek the "free for all" are welcome to frequent the 20+ other sites, why? is it they seek to change? this site, is it because this site has something the others do not, and if so? is it possible thats a product of Scott's rules and the Moderation in the first place?
It is a shame someone "volunteering" to Moderate gets constant criticism rather than constructive support, when their role is simply to keep the site operating in line with the owners rules and requirements.
I do hope your critics immediately now step forward as volunteers for Moderators, take up your vacancy and walk a mile in your shoes.
They can decide their own Moderating style, choosing either to rule over a rabble with light regulation of a "Free for All" interpretation of the rules, or being constantly complained about as being hypocrytical, tyrannic, superior or egotistical, or "non-American" for daring to challenge someone's post as offensive or against the rules of the forum, and in doing so demonstrate to us all how they would do it so much better. (using red text or not)
I look forward to their speedy offer and commencement on the beat! (however I wont be holding my breath!)
I also look forward to your own ongoing contributions as a "normal" poster, free from the criticism and burden of dealing with such critics.
Thanks again for your efforts during your role as Moderator.
Regards
Mark Pilkington, A fellow non American