Member/Mod Middleman

August 4, 2007, 7:41 AM

I think it would be a good idea to elect a member - or members - to be a sort of Middleman for the mods and the members. This person would have access to the staff forum - but no modding powers - so they could tell the staff what we members want? We could tell this person our ideas and suggestions instead of making a thread about it.

August 4, 2007, 9:39 AM

You mean like member reps? It do sound like a good idea. But in practice it may just cause drama (as on another forum). If the communication between the staff and the members are really that blurred here (which I personaly havn't noticed). Than yeah maybe something like that should be put togeather. But that's only my two cents.

August 4, 2007, 12:35 PM

I'm not sure that's really necessary considering that we have this forum. Not to mention it's not like mods are really different from members other than a few key details. We still talk to members just as we would if we were one ourselves.

August 4, 2007, 1:12 PM

If we have "Member Reps" that would render this section useless and I don't think this forum's big enough to need them, Mods and the like are almost always there if any of us should need to voice an opinion or make a suggestion, it's not as if they alienate themselves from us...I don't smell that bad

August 4, 2007, 8:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jinx

You mean like member reps? It do sound like a good idea. But in practice it may just cause drama (as on another forum). If the communication between the staff and the members are really that blurred here (which I personaly havn't noticed). Than yeah maybe something like that should be put togeather. But that's only my two cents.

Actually, the drama was caused by the senior staff's blatant disregard of TCH. The Reps tried endlessly to do thins in there.

Anyway, I agree that it could work, though without access to the staff section. Create another section viewable only by these "middlemen" and staff. It wouldn't actually render this section useless. The purpose of such a section would be fore more in-depth discussion between the "middlemen" and staff. It would (or should) make things run more smoothly on the forums. Trust me, I've seen this implemented and providing that the staff treat it with respect, it would really help FFF.

August 4, 2007, 8:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aztec Triogal

Not to mention it's not like mods are really different from members other than a few key details. We still talk to members just as we would if we were one ourselves.

I'd disagree and I've got a few PM's to back that up. Apparently, we can't use this forum for complaints anyway. Sorry, backtalking.

I like the idea of Member Representatives. For those people who do feel intimidated by the staff members, this can be quite beneficial for them. For disagreements between staff and members, the member reps can be almost impartial parties to sort out problems; or, at least, help to.

August 4, 2007, 8:19 PM

I'm mixed on this subject. On another forum I was on before, I suggested an idea like this because we were having a huge SPAM epedemic. Everyone else shot the idea down saying Mods were all that we needed. I agree with the part that there should be a middleman of sorts, I just don't know how you could do it without them turning into Mods.

August 4, 2007, 8:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ace Strife

I just don't know how you could do it without them turning into Mods.

Easy; don't give them moderative powers.

Riku's point is also a good one. There will be countless members out there who have perfectly good opinions and input on matters, but probably feel intimidated by the power a member of staff has. And regardless of words to the contrary, that will not change. They would probably feel more comfortable talking it over with regular members, and then the idea or point or whatever is passed on.
Really the only reason that staff would go against an idea such as this is because they fear that it may undermine their authoritory.

August 4, 2007, 8:25 PM

Well, this forum here kinda serves that purpose. Plus mods can also be contacted via PMs or IM services like MSN and Yahoo. The idea of a middleman makes me think that members think that staff do not make themselves easily accessible.

August 4, 2007, 8:41 PM

The idea is good, yes. However, if (as members claim) the staff won't listen to the members as it is, what are the chances of them listening to the middleman, too?