The Other Forum

[East Hill]

So now that I'm contemplating hosting a forum myself (adding an on-line discussion element to a professional society's membership journal I edit), I'd welcome any tips from the moderators as to how much work that is and how they go about doing it.

It's not that much work to moderate when everyone is well behaved and civil. I think the larger the board, the harder it gets. Some boards have strict rules, others are looser. It helps to know your member base.

If you think that your board will have some nasty fighting--have strict rules, and stick to them. Don't let one or two members get out of hand. You'll be accused of playing favourites if someone gets banned, and a perceived favourite does the same, and doesn't get banned. As a moderator, your biggest function (after getting rid of spammers) is to be HELPFUL. Welcome people, make them feel they are adding to the depth and breadth of a board. Don't belittle people. If you need to correct someone, try to do it without sounding spiteful, or condescending.

One last thing--have a hidden forum if you are not the only moderator, and use that as a 'test' forum. Make certain that your moderators (or you) can ban someone without taking out another user or two as collateral damage. Have your moderators practice thread merges and moves, deleting threads and posts, etc.

Good luck .

East Hill

[Flybye]

I got called stupid once on this forum and the poster wished that one day I'd be shot and buried in a hole. Possibly this person should check out the other less moderated site and share her well wishes with others there

Even though one or two ladies on this forum might be nasty, I LOVE THE SUPPORT AND THE LADIES. I can't say enough good about the way most of us are respectful and helpful. This is a top notch place to be!

Keep it up!
Love ya all!!

[mimitabby]

I must pipe in here too. This is the forum for me.

And hey, at the risk of jinxing ourselves, the spammers have left us alone for quite a while.

most of the time everyone here is considerate, kind, and sympathetic.

[indigoiis]

Perhaps we should integrate this into a TE jersey?

[KnottedYet]

I got called stupid once on this forum and the poster wished that one day I'd be shot and buried in a hole. Possibly this person should check out the other less moderated site and share her well wishes with others there !

Who the **** did that!?!?!? Dammm!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Who the **** did that!?!?!? Dammm!

It's been quoted totally out of context, so the original meaning and intent is altered. It's really best not to drag it up again.

[short cut sally]

I also give this forum a 2 thumbs up. I tried another bike forum twice, had to give it the benefit after the first visit, and all i could say was "wow" in a bad way. I visit this site daily, if not 3-5 times depending on what my day is like or with all the hullaballoo of the TdF i have to get my updates here. So, in addition to being a place to learn something, shopping experiences, get or give advice, or get just see what adventures my "friends" are having, or the bikes they just purchased. I am truly thankful for this site. Keep up the good work ladies, and Mr. Silver too

[Flybye]

Yep, SH is right, my statement (not a quote) was taken out of context. Others were discussing in previous posts on this, the "other forum" topic that they felt comfortable posting here. Not so much for me right now. My only intent was to let others know that there are folks everywhere, regardless of the forum, that lack the ability to be civil. Even though I am one tough cookie, the remarks that this person made toward me did hurt my feelings. I considered backing off the site and not posting anymore after the poster made these comments to me, but the wealth of experience and advice that I receive from the other women is worth more than a smack by someone else. I also received numerous personal messages in regards to the remarks made by this individual which helped. Her remarks were removed from the topic forum. Great moderators is right!!! Yeah and thanks!! I don't wish to name this person at all, just to let others know that controversial subject are best left off of this site - stick to cycling related stuff. IMHO.

Fortunately, there are not many folks here who are crusty, so this is a fantastic site. I am thankful for those who recognize diversity and are comfortable with those who have opinions that are other than their own. I applaud the TE ladies for their couth

[Kano]

Fortunately, there are not many folks here who are crusty, so this is a fantastic site.

This is because we shower after our rides -- if not, we would be pretty crusty!

And I too applaud the ladies of TE -- for all they share, and the delightful way they do it!

Karen in Boise