Is It True That Mods Can Remove Their Own Posts?

[ladybirder]

I see a couple of ABers have referred to a mod removing his/her own posts. Is this allowed? And how would we know who had removed a post although I suppose it is highly unlikely one mod would remove the post of another mod. Just interested as if it's true it seems unfair to me. Any thoughts?

[Retrochic]

How can all removals be flagged to the Ed before removal, when some are removed at 10pm on a Saturday night? Don't believe it.

[ladybirder]

Andy do you think it's OK for a mod to remove his/her post, when other ABers can't, because they have second thoughts?

[ladybirder]

Um not sure that makes sense but hope you know what I mean. If only I could remove it and start again;-)

[Sipowicz]

They are not "flagged" before removal, after!

[jno]

Retro, as far as I know it's just like anybody reporting a post - they have to put in a reason, which the Ed reads. Mods get to remove the post instantly but still have to give a reason, which the Ed looks at every night before he goes to bed (I may be making that last bit up).

[andy-hughes]

ladybirder - "Andy do you think it's OK for a mod to remove his/her post, when other ABers can't, because they have second thoughts?"

I think mods are chosen primarily because they are experienced, and are known to be able to exercise reasonable judgement in terms of policing the site.

The ability for a mod to remove his or her own post is simply a by-product of the system, and not something they would abuse - any such abuse would result in instant removal of mod status I am sure.

Yes, mods are able to remove their own inadvertent or ill-thought posts immediately, but anyone else can ask for a post to be removed if they wish, and a mod will comply with their request.

As I say, I think self-removal is simply a by-product provided by the system, not a perk of the job.

[andy-hughes]

Retrochic - "Moderators should have a symbol next to their username. This would serve two-fold: Firstly it means a contributor could avoid rubbing said Mod up the wrong way, and secondly the presence of a mod on a Thread that is becoming out of hand may just calm things down."

I disagree - I believe the moderator system works purely because of the anonymity enjoyed by most of the moderators.

I would never adjust my view or opinion on the basis that a moderator is known (by a label) to be on the same thread at the same time, and I would suggest that no moderator would be happy thinking that their presence is having an adverse effect on the expression of opinion, which is what debate is all about.

[Svejk]

Perhaps it's more in the nature of leftards to go running to teacher and that's why there appears to be a bias in their favour. For instance, I've never reported 1 post on here though many have left me almost sobbing.

[Mamyalynne]

Ladybirder - you say it is a enormous advantage that Mods can remove their own posts.

If they routinely removed them with a report of 'I had second thoughts' I am sure they wouldn't be a moderator much longer.


I have seen posts reinstated occasionally - presumably because on reading the report given , the Ed didn't think it warranted removal.

[andy-hughes]

Svejk - "Perhaps it's more in the nature of leftards to go running to teacher and that's why there appears to be a bias in their favour. For instance, I've never reported 1 post on here though many have left me almost sobbing."

Interesting perspective.

I don't think reporting - or not - reflects a 'soft leftie' or 'hard rightie' attitude, but it's a novel idea.

[Mamyalynne]

Does anyone else find the constant 'left/right' references lately extremely tedious?


I go to bed some nights feeling I've done a marathon Hokey-Cokey

Apologies for straying off topic

[ludwig]

// Moderators should have a symbol next to their username //

I think that's a good idea. I don't see why they should be all coy about it. Let's have some transparency, so we know who the culprits are.

[Prudie]

I do think it would be better if a mod got another mod to remove their post if required and yes it is a bit unfair although I'm sure it's not abused. The mods who (regularly) make themselves known to us are not exactly shrinking viiolets, there's no reason to assume they are without human failings either.

[Mamyalynne]

Ludwig - so if a post got removed from a thread a Moderator was taking part in - one would immediately assume that particular mod removed it?

Not a fair assumption is it?

[B00]

Us mods are culprits now? Nice!

And to answer Ladybirders OP, even though Andy and others have already answered it far better than I ever could, Yes, we can remove our own posts. I have in the past removed one of my own. I started what I believed was a lighthearted post (months ago now) and it quickly turned sour, so I advised folk I was removing it- then did so.

Abuse of power? Errr, yeah if you like, but it's no different to what I'v done for other users in the past (and will again if they ask), that I remove their posts for them at their request. Oddly enough I don't hear folk complaining when I do it for other members :-)

[ladybirder]

B00 did you mean you mean you removed the thread and not one of your posts?

[B00]

I removed a thread which I made LB.

[Svejk]

Mamyalynne /// Does anyone else find the constant 'left/right' references lately extremely tedious ///
No, but getting our threads removed left/right and centre is tedious(not to mention, the crux of the thread)
Something you don't have to worry about, mamya, as you're fortunate enough to be on the right(ie.left) side of the divide.

[Mamyalynne]

Am I? thank you for your guidance on my orientation.