Moderators

[DSEddie]

There used to be groups on the forum, and that made it easy to see who all of the moderators are. If that is still possible, I haven't found it. If anyone could point me to that or name all of the moderators for me I would appreciate it.

I ask because I am curious what the military status of our moderators is. Also, the Cadet Forum moderators cannot moderate in the upper half of the forum, correct?

Admin:

Grunt: Civilian

Moderators that I know of:

Ang1SG: Air Force
Soccermark: Air Force
Smiles: Civilian
JohnP: Air Force

Cadet Moderators I know of:

BillyD: Air Force
PhilK: Army
armysc 25B: Army
Buffaloe: Cadet
TruBlu: not sure
CAPSmith: not sure

Any help is appreciated.

[Billyd]

If you look towards the bottom of the Forum Index page, you will see a link "View Forum Leaders." If you follow that link, you will see a complete listing of all the moderators and where they can moderate.

[DSEddie]

So the list of Moderators by service and AO is as follows.

Moderators:

ang1sgt: Air Force
Billyd: Air Force
JohnP: Air Force
Smiles: Civilian
soccermark23: Air Force

Cadet Forum Moderators:

armysc_25b: Army
Buffa1oso1di3r: Cadet
CAPSmith: Cadet
PhilK: Army
TruBlu: Cadet

It seems the Air Force is well represented in all areas of the forum, and there are civilian reps in both areas, but the Army is not represented in the Military/General forums, and the Marine Corps and Navy are not represented in either area. A simple fix IMO is to make Philk able to moderate all parts of the forum, include the Marine Scribe who works with Cadets and make him able to moderate all areas of the forum, and do the same with Pingjockey. Then all bases would be covered with minimal additions to the staff. Ping's been a moderator before, so I'm sure there would be no problem there. If any of these people are not willing to take on the role, I'm sure others would be. The locust have named a few capable Marines to fill the slot. Anyone new to the forum would of course be vetted, given limited "forum power" until it is certain that they would do the job the way it should be done, etc.

Edited to add: I'm not trying to create a coup here, just making a suggestion to make things a little more even on the forum.

[Billyd]

DS, we are discussing this and when the final decision is reached, there will be a announcement to the Forum at large. Please be patient and allow us the opportunity to address these issues and make the right choices for the forum. I know you would be one of the last to stage a coup, at least here :D

[mtnsldr]

I dunno, he's kinda shady...

Is Ping gonna be around? I know he's one of the few Sailors we've got, but when he goes out, he's gone.

[DSEddie]

I appreciate your response and should have known things are going on behind the scenes. I guess I'm just too used to having to bring up solutions that should be obvious. My current duty assignment has a senior level (1SG and above) lacking in experience doing what we do. None of them have Drill Sergeant Identification Badges, nor have they worked "on the trail." I find myself often having to bring up solutions to problems that aren't really problems using solutions that are common place on the trail.

[SlightlyCatholic]

I dunno, he's kinda shady...

Is Ping gonna be around? I know he's one of the few Sailors we've got, but when he goes out, he's gone.

I wouldn't mind having PaulR as the "Navy rep"...he's a solid guy.

[ang1sgt]

When I joined this Forum in it's early days almost 6 years ago, the Moderators were in place were biased towards the Navy and Marines. Through some of the Mods passing, much too young, we took people from the forum that were actively posting and contributing. It seemed like back then we lost a mod or two do to change and these folks just walked away.

I was asked to come on board because of the information that I gave to folks. I try and base my answers on the Regulations and Instructions. I will admit, that I am starting to lose touch with these Regs and Instruction. I used to keep well versed in these because I could be called back to duty as a Retired Guardsman. The chances of that happening are so slim now and I know that in my heart.

As of late, I wonder if I should be here at all. My Honor has been called into question as well as my Service. Some here now question my service as much less than their own, and they have that right to think that way. I bought into the "TOTAL FORCE" concept and embraced that concepts as a First Sergeant while I was still serving. I tried to educate myself in the other branches of the service, to know some of the differences. Some of the schools I attended were Joint Services Schools and it was a good thing to get to work along side other Branches.

I had a Good Career, One that I can be proud of, but lately it seems like that is not enough for some here.

It bothers me as a Man and Christian on some of the things that have transpired here in the past month. I have been mis-lead by people, I have lost trust in some others, and as I have said, My Duty and Honor has been called into question.

Maybe it is time for me to rest my Military mind and to leave this forum. While no one has called for this, I feel that it in the back of many minds here.

[TomNab2]

When I joined this Forum in it's early days almost 6 years ago, the Moderators were in place were biased towards the Navy and Marines. Through some of the Mods passing, much too young, we took people from the forum that were actively posting and contributing. It seemed like back then we lost a mod or two do to change and these folks just walked away.

I was asked to come on board because of the information that I gave to folks. I try and base my answers on the Regulations and Instructions. I will admit, that I am starting to lose touch with these Regs and Instruction. I used to keep well versed in these because I could be called back to duty as a Retired Guardsman. The chances of that happening are so slim now and I know that in my heart.

As of late, I wonder if I should be here at all. My Honor has been called into question as well as my Service. Some here now question my service as much less than their own, and they have that right to think that way. I bought into the "TOTAL FORCE" concept and embraced that concepts as a First Sergeant while I was still serving. I tried to educate myself in the other branches of the service, to know some of the differences. Some of the schools I attended were Joint Services Schools and it was a good thing to get to work along side other Branches.

I had a Good Career, One that I can be proud of, but lately it seems like that is not enough for some here.

It bothers me as a Man and Christian on some of the things that have transpired here in the past month. I have been mis-lead by people, I have lost trust in some others, and as I have said, My Duty and Honor has been called into question.

Maybe it is time for me to rest my Military mind and to leave this forum. While no one has called for this, I feel that it in the back of many minds here.


Maybe I've missed something but it sounds like you're saying standing up for yourself isn't important, and you're letting others run you off.

[ang1sgt]

Maybe I've missed something but it sounds like you're saying standing up for yourself isn't important, and you're letting others run you off.

No, what I am saying is that I am getting tired of it all and tired physically. It has been a tough year for me as my friends on this forum know and understand. It has been 9 years since I retired from the Military and I think I have enough of it out of me that if asked, I can and will walk away from this forum.

In talking with my two late departed Uncles before they passed, One a Mustang Officer that rose to be a LTC in the Marines and another that was Army Air Corp and then a Flying Tiger Pilot in China, I asked both of these men why they hadn't talked of their time while in uniform. With their friends they would talk of their service, but found out after awhile that their tours of duty, while important to them, seemed to pale in comparison to others. So they just stopped talking of it unless asked. They soon found that few asked. Seems like this is where I stand in my life right now and I am okay with that.

[DSEddie]

Top, anyone who questions your service is insecure in their own. You have never embellished your career. Not everyone is meant to be a front line serving, mud rolling, bayonet between the teeth grunt. Without all of the support from all other MOS's, our job would be impossible. Quartermasters supply us, aviation gives us CAS, finance keeps us paid, mechanics keep our vehicles moving, the list goes on and on. Every single service man or woman has had it harder than some others as well as easier than some others.

You have always been a man of integrity, and I would hate to see an example like you leave. The Cadets that can/want to join will join. Some will go enlisted while others will go officer. The ones that go officer will never forget their first NCO they work with. The ones that go enlisted will never forget their Drill Sergeants, nor will they forget the NCO's that showed why we are the backbone of the services. You are an example of that NCO, Top.

[Smiles]

Maybe I've missed something but it sounds like you're saying standing up for yourself isn't important, and you're letting others run you off.

Standing up for one's self seems to look like an act of aggression at times because it's usually taken outta context at first. Ever talk to a brick wall? Once some folks get things set in their mind, (ex. "my time served meant more overall than your's") it's not so easy to persuade them otherwise...some ego trips are a hard thing to deflate. Everyone's BTDTs aren't the same but we all had our place and duties to preform.

I've felt the same at times here too, then I figured what the hell...y'all need me! :p


*now that avatar suits you*

[DSEddie]

Bump to keep the issue fresh in the minds of the powers that be.

[pingjocky]

...do the same with Pingjockey.

While I appreciate the "thumbs up," I am not around enough to be an effective Mod. Being on sea duty occupies quite a good chunk of my life. I disappear for months at a time, and that's not good continuity for the forum. Thank you, but after I rotate back to shore duty, who knows.....

R/
Pingjocky

[DSEddie]

While I appreciate the "thumbs up," I am not around enough to be an effective Mod. Being on sea duty occupies quite a good chunk of my life. I disappear for months at a time, and that's not good continuity for the forum. Thank you, but after I rotate back to shore duty, who knows.....

R/
Pingjocky

The needs of the Navy and the needs of America far outweigh the needs of this forum, but whenever you rotate back to shore duty, you'll have my standing vote and nomination. RDC and Submariner experience show that the "pressures" of moderating a forum would be a cake walk.

[Grunt]

Bump to keep the issue fresh in the minds of the powers that be.

Thanks for the bump. The issue definitely hasn't been forgotten. Hopefully some updates soon.

[DSEddie]

Roger that, thanks Jeff.

[Desert Sapper]

Chris,

If you go, this forum has lost its soul. If anybody calls your service into question, they have no idea what the word 'service' means. God bless you and thank you for giving this country your best years.

Nate

[Machine]

Top, you leave, and quite frankly, I'll come to New Angland and rip off your screen door and pull up your front yard bushes.

[ang1sgt]

GOOD! I have a nasty Arborvitae that needs to get pulled out to be sure.

I've always tried to do my best guys. I guess after some of the things that have gone on in Life this past year, I just started losing my desire to do things. I know other folks have done the same when parents have passed away and such. The funny thing is, I see it coming and find a project to work on, and that helps me get through things better.

This Forum has always been my place to throw my hat, I'll be here...

[mtnsldr]

Look, I know it isn't an easy process, but with the rash of "unverifieds" and the recent influx of some pretty heavy spammers, can we put a bit of a rush on getting some new moderators in who will be around enough to do the work needed here? Its evident that we are "short-handed".

I mean, its been several weeks to make the selections, and I'd like to think there are at least a couple of "no-brainers" out here in the group that could step up and fill the void, maybe even in a temporary basis.

I really think this has gone on too long.

[MOM]

Have to agree with above.

[SlightlyCatholic]

Look, I know it isn't an easy process, but with the rash of "unverifieds" and the recent influx of some pretty heavy spammers, can we put a bit of a rush on getting some new moderators in who will be around enough to do the work needed here? Its evident that we are "short-handed".

I mean, its been several weeks to make the selections, and I'd like to think there are at least a couple of "no-brainers" out here in the group that could step up and fill the void, maybe even in a temporary basis.

I really think this has gone on too long.

It might not be a bad idea for the Admin to get in on the party...nothing gets progress rolling like talking to the top of the ladder.

[mtnsldr]

Again today a spammer on the forums with no moderators around to get him.

[soccermark23]

It is still being discussed, but you have to remember, no matter how many Mods we have, there are always going to be times when there isn't one of us online. I for one can't log onto the forum while I work.

[Walker]

It's time to make registering bot-proof. That's going to require at least another Admin in order to approve memberships.

[Smiles]

While we're at it, we're gonna need more members to check other members, that are already watching other members who maybe members or maybe not.:D

This's a very delicate procedure, we need to make sure the person(s) that are up for consideration fit the criteria of a Mod...you must be female to apply...we need as close to perfection as we can get...that cannot be found in mostmales!:p

Smiles!!:o

[mtnsldr]

Just to put a timeline on this thing:

Grunt posted about Shooter’s banning and HE’s mod status being revoked on 5-27-2009.

DSEddie posted about the moderators of the forum and was told “discussions” were taking place on 6-2-2009.

DSEddie bumped the thread which drew a response from Grunt that it hadn’t been forgotten on 6-7-2009.

I posted the above comments on 6-16-2009 with still no action.

We’re 10 days shy of a month and still no resolution. Seriously?

Heck, I had a response back from FEMA faster than that.


Oh, and I don't know when sexual innuendo became your "thing" Smiles. I know I don't find it all that humorous.

[Ben Shotalot]

This's a very delicate procedure, we need to make sure the person(s) that are up for consideration fit the criteria of a Mod...you must be female to apply...we need as close to perfection as we can get...that cannot be found in mostmales!:p

Only females? You mean MOM?

We're gettin' there and those up for consideration are being weighed and measured....

Did someone apply or are you just going to suprise them?

[mtnsldr]

No, you are "selected" to serve. If you are chosen then you will be notified. Of course it is up to you whether you accept the position.

[Ben Shotalot]

Hmmmmmm. I hope nobody is thinking that I want the job....

Not even a little bit.

[SlightlyCatholic]

Just to put a timeline on this thing:

Grunt posted about Shooter’s banning and HE’s mod status being revoked on 5-27-2009.

DSEddie posted about the moderators of the forum and was told “discussions” were taking place on 6-2-2009.

DSEddie bumped the thread which drew a response from Grunt that it hadn’t been forgotten on 6-7-2009.

I posted the above comments on 6-16-2009 with still no action.

We’re 10 days shy of a month and still no resolution. Seriously?

Heck, I had a response back from FEMA faster than that.


Oh, and I don't know when sexual innuendo became your "thing" Smiles. I know I don't find it all that humorous.

Forgive me if I start a firestorm over what I'm about to say, but what's the use of Moderators here in the Adult section? Do we know?

It seems to me that at this point, the adults here can police themselves. Nobody needs to be scolded about proper grammar or anything like that. And not for nothing, but the Moderators here don't have a whole lot of power. Several posters have shown that when push comes to shove, a "How 'bout no" to the demands of a "Moderator" results in, well...nothing. So what do we use Moderators for on Grunt's? It seems that now (again, excuse my bluntness) we just use Moderators as internet janitors. Spammers have come in and out of here frequently lately and they haven't really been dealt with...and the sky didn't fall.

What's my point? Before we make more Moderators, it might be a good idea to ask why Grunt's Military Forum needs them. The Cadet Forum I can see, because they still need some guidance, grammar help, spelling corrections, etc. Here, however...I really believe we are more than capable of policing ourselves and while I don't want to degrade anyone's reputation, I think there is a strong case to be made that the majority of our problems now and in the recent past have come from the Moderator staff and not the regular posting population.

Is the Moderator as a functional office more trouble than it's worth?

N.B. Mods, I realize you may not take this too well but I would ask that you allow any defense you have for your "offices" to be a rational one, built on argumentation and not emotion or defensive reaction. All I'm really doing is asking a question.

[mtnsldr]

From someone on the "outside":

Moderators are here to remind the membership of the rules of the forum. To ensure that the standards are kept in the light, and keep folks from being bullied into a single thought stream.

They also are the "janitors" so to speak, to keep that trash out of here, and to refer those who wish to use this place as a spam dumping ground for the ban hammer.

Additionally, I would say they are the "vetters". They are here to ensure that we are policing our own. Thats the importance of having each branch represented. With a few questions I can get a feel if an Army guy is BSing me on their service or not. At least enough of an inkling to start digging.

I think they certainly play a role here. It isn't that you need your grammar policed, but to enforce the standards this forum was built on.

[SlightlyCatholic]

From someone on the "outside":

Moderators are here to remind the membership of the rules of the forum. To ensure that the standards are kept in the light, and keep folks from being bullied into a single thought stream.

They also are the "janitors" so to speak, to keep that trash out of here, and to refer those who wish to use this place as a spam dumping ground for the ban hammer.

Additionally, I would say they are the "vetters". They are here to ensure that we are policing our own. Thats the importance of having each branch represented. With a few questions I can get a feel if an Army guy is BSing me on their service or not. At least enough of an inkling to start digging.

I think they certainly play a role here. It isn't that you need your grammar policed, but to enforce the standards this forum was built on.

You make good points, especially the part about being able to sniff out posers. My concern really has to do with having an excessive amount of chiefs for what are (for the majority of the time) independently operating indians.

[DSEddie]

If the "indians" are independetly operating properly, the mods won't have to do anything other than weigh in on posts like anyone else would or take care of threads started that contain nudity, advertisements, etc. Mtnsldr hit the nail on the head. Mods from each branch are necessary to be able to raise the BS alarm when someone comes in spouting falsehoods to feel good about themselves.

[soccermark23]

I like to look at it this way. In my opinion, the more smoothly the forum is running, the less you will see of the Moderators outside of normal conversation throughout the forum. At least in my time as a Moderator, the majority of post editing and deletion I had to do involved spam invading the forum.

[Ben Shotalot]

Like HOAs, moderators are sometimes necessary.

[MOM]

I agree with DSEddie & mtnsldr, you need at least one mod from each branch of the service.

I also agree that FEMA moves faster.

I also agree with Tim that the members here from what I've always seen, are quite capable of policing themselves (there haven't been any big blow ups or angry words since the two most polarizing members were booted); the mods are still needed though, to do janitor work.

We could all be janitor mods. This could be like a new Intarweb experiment. Give all posters mod status so we can all edit each other's posts randomly, and without a trail. :devil:

[Smiles]

Pushin' and proddin' doesn't get things done any faster. Patience is needed where Mods are concerned as well, and we can see who has a wee bit and who doesn't!

The folks chosen, and who are under consideration, stand out above the rest through their posts and their actions in the past. I've stated my opinion on the matter and I'm sure that when the bosses are ready they'll move on the entire decision to promote. Beyond that you're gonna have to wait, postin' and postin' about it ain't gonna make things go any faster...hasn't worked so far!!


Smiles!

*and Mtn, that's always been me...that's the grunt influence over 16+yrs showin' through!

[mtnsldr]

I guess I never noticed you taking potshots at the length of BillyD, Pingjockey, HE or Shooter's manhood. Musta missed that. I'll have to go back and check the Google Cache. Hmm, strange. The only hits seem to be the recent additions from the dear olde USMC and myself...

Grunt influence huh? There are so many things wrong with that statement, I'll just leave it for my USMC bretheren to field if they feel so inclined.

So patience is a virtue for a moderator? Is that why it takes weeks for spam to get cleaned up, until specific moderators take out the trash? Or why overbearing, weight throw-arounders (its a technical term) are allowed to shut out other views and opinions? Or why standards of conduct have to be enforced by senior members because some Moderators won't step in? Yeah, you're right. I guess none of us are up for the job.

You can sit there and try and explain what a "delicate" process this is, but its all smoke and mirrors. Its not a difficult job. Its a freakin internet forum. Its a simple task. Determine the 4-5 top choice people (depending on if you want to recognize the Coast Guard separate) and nominate them, vote and call it good. Keep you on for good measure as the "family coordinator".

I have a feeling if you let the senior posters here have a day to put their heads together this would already be complete. Three weeks should be an embarrassment to you all.

[SlightlyCatholic]

Pushin' and proddin' doesn't get things done any faster.

Since the members here can't write their forum Congressmen, "pushin" and "proddin" is the only way to express frustration over the wait. Could you at least provide some sort of ETA for a Moderator announcement? Or maybe you could provide us with which people are being considered and then later announce from that group who will chosen?

What people want is action, information, or both. The fact that neither has been given in sufficient quantities (given the time elapsed) is why people are "postin and postin".

[soccermark23]

Since the members here can't write their forum Congressmen, "pushin" and "proddin" is the only way to express frustration over the wait. Could you at least provide some sort of ETA for a Moderator announcement? Or maybe you could provide us with which people are being considered and then later announce from that group who will chosen?

What people want is action, information, or both. The fact that neither has been given in sufficient quantities (given the time elapsed) is why people are "postin and postin".

Here's your information:

We have discussed a number of potential candidates and come up with a couple that we believe would be good choices. We are going to contact them and let them decide whether or not they want to accept the position. If they decide to accept, then Grunt will activate their new Moderator abilities. Happy?

[SlightlyCatholic]

Here's your information:

We have discussed a number of potential candidates and come up with a couple that we believe would be good choices. We are going to contact them and let them decide whether or not they want to accept the position. If they decide to accept, then Grunt will activate their new Moderator abilities. Happy?

Personally, I have no desire to pin blame on any particular Moderator for the wait itself. What I have a problem with is the question of "What the hell is taking so long?" being answered by "You need to stop posting." There has been a solid case made that this thing is dragging and to tell somebody to stop asking why instead of answering the question is unnecessary.

[Billyd]

Let me put it in very plain language so that all can understand.

We have a number of individuals being considered. We also all have a life outside the forum that must be attended to and that does take time away from our discussions.

Yes, we could just throw all the names into a hat and draw out a name and promote that person. But that is not how we are doing it.

And posting constant reminders that we are short mods, does not help the process. It only frustrates you and the staff.