Originally Posted by
bdcheung
I strongly disagree with your analogy. Forum moderators are not the parents and members are not children. The relationships between the two pairs are infinitely different. Moderators do not love members with the unconditional affection of a parent. Moderators do not share genetic or hormonal ties with members. Moderators are the enforcers of rules, and members are those who agree to abide by them. You are hall monitors, police officers, prison guards, but not parents.
There's a lot of room for subjective interpretation in that sentence, both with regards to whether a member is abiding by policies and what level of moderation is appropriate.
Which is the problem with rules and those who enforce them: interpretation. But a lot of these inherent problems resolve themselves through process of appeal, which is not available to BF members. Which, to bring this all around to my original post, is the problem. Lack of transparency. Lack of accountability. And now, I can add lack of outlet for appeal (according to the Forum Guidelines).
You know exactly where I'm coming from on the parent/child analogy......and to edit a quote of yuors.. 'parents are the enforcers of the rules, and children are are those who agree to abide by them.
Very simply, if member isnt sure if his or her actions is appropriate he or she should ask a moderator first. If a member is sitting at keyboard comtemplating an action that action shouldnt be taken. Plain and simple.
Trust me, there's accountabilty on the moderators. Accountabilty is handled behing closed doors and its during those accountability 'sessions' that interpretation of the rules is clarified. If you think us moderators get run free I've got news for you.....we're moderated just as members are.
You said, "members are those who agree to abide by them" The rules state mods have the last, only and final word.
Let me ask you a question. What exactly is it that you'd like to do or say on this forum that your not allowed to now?