Secret Moderators

[ABSpareEditor]

I would like to acknowledge that there are some accounts that have been created by our moderators, to help them control the community, without breaking their normal identity.

Having multiple AnswerBank accounts is against site rules. However, these accounts have been approved by the Editors.

These moderators will be added to this thread, and you should give them as much respect as you would give to an Editor.

If you are a moderator, and would like to have one of these accounts, please send us an email.

[1ozzy]

Thank goodness for that.
Peace at last?

[Bazile]

So , what has been agreed upon - has there been a consensus on anything ?

[andy-hughes]

I have just returned from being away for two weeks, and thought I would comment on what's been said, since some of it involves me directly, and indirectly.

I have read every post, and what shakes down at the end of it, is that this seriously long exchange of opinions is like the AB itself - a microcosm of the world in which we live.

We all have knowledge about some things, to a varying degree, and we all have opinions, that's why we are here.

As far as the issues of moderation go, I have been a Moderator on here as long as there have been Moderators, and I have seen every possible view on it many times over.

No moderation system is perfect, I think that has to be accepted, but I believe that the moderation on here is done fairly, and with the best intentions.

Being a Mod is like being a referee - at any time, a section of the crowd think you are wonderful, and another section thinks you are the devil incarnate, depending on their view of your actions.

I accept that, and take lots of no notice, because no decision will please everyone, that's the way life is.

The only times I respond to criticism is when either people moan at Mods in general - I will always defend them - or at me specifically along the 'How he remains a Mod is a mystery / how can he say that as Mod, blah blah blah ...' which I object to, and respond to on sight.

Opinions on moderation, as this thread shows, vary from complete indifference, to opinions of a conspiracy theory that would give the Kennedy assassination a run for its money.

The truth is, Moderators act on their own instincts, and if the Ed thinks they are wrong, they can be overruled, or if their are abusing their role, it is taken from them.

People with no knowledge of who moderates where, can loftily claim 'inside knowledge', and can, and do, spout boundless piffle into the ether, which is best ignored for the nonsense it is.

A little perspective perhaps?

It's a Q & A site, it's not trying to change society or build a new Eden, it's just a Q & A site, run by Editors with the best intentions, and assisted by Moderators doing the same.

It's really not worth getting in such a state about it!

I moderate as I post, to the best of my ability, and in terms of moderation, I answer to the Editorial Team and no-one else, and I am free to ignore the opinions of anyone else, and mostly, I do.

I post what I think and feel, and will argue my point with anyone, anywhere, anytime.

That attitude has got me through twenty-two years, and counting, on here - maybe the complainers and theorists and moaners and stirrers and agitators and critics should try doing the same.

Good to be back!

[jazzgirl]

Very well said Andy Hughes. Your explanation deserves to be shown as a "stickie" for all to view as they join AB

[Spicerack]

I think he's wonderful.

[pimplyteen]

Now can that be the end of it? I hope so.

[Peter Pedant]

I think if he were preaching a sermon, I would walk out.
Ay hev been sensitized by the Beeb and the death of the Queen.

I thought I might say " oh this is new. I havent seen this before" but....I can't carry it off