How are ATS Moderators chosen?

a reply to: IAMTAT

I can't tell details. My implant won't allow it.

In all seriousness, super mods have the ability to wander wherever they want, and mods have specific forums we monitor.

originally posted by: Zaphod58
a reply to: IAMTAT

I can't tell details. My implant won't allow it.

In all seriousness, super mods have the ability to wander wherever they want, and mods have specific forums we monitor.

Do you get assigned forums?

For example, would they assign you to a forum you wouldn't normally comment in?

Using your known skill set as an example, would they post you to monitor the metaphysics forum instead of the aircraft forum?

A total waste if you aren't a mod over all things aviation IMHO but I digress.

Also wtf is wrabbit?

Is he no longer a mod or active on the boards?

I have not seen him in months.

Well, first you got to pass a series of very tricky tests like recite the alphabet backwards and walk a straight line heel to toe forward and backwards without wobbling... No wait that is for something else.

Honestly it all comes down to being yourself. When the need arises for staff to be added then they are added. As for the specific selection process and criteria for evaluation; it is hard to put in straightforward terms. Mostly the question comes down to are they right for the position.

The perks: Access to a group of talented, intelligent and caring people that become a family. As a team we work to make the site enjoyable to the members and potential members by enforcement of the T&C. A quick read of the comment section on nearly any YouTube video shows why that is important for a family friendly site.

As for how I ended up here is anyone's guess. Heck, I don't even rate an honorable mention on the hate sites that read like an angry blog about how all the mods are Nazis and CIA operatives hiding the "Truth" ™ I guess those foaming at the mouth in a blind rage figure I was a court ordered punishment deal or something.

I think the moderators have to be popular as in well liked.
You can't just be educated on a certain topic and be a mod. They aren't teachers marking our papers.

It looks to me that those who come off as well balanced in their views are the chosen ones. They probably never get their posts removed for manners or going off topic etc.

They need to participate a lot which demonstrates they have the time to hang out here.

Aside from that I wouldn't know. I think they get asked.

Well, first you have to get the special ring.

But the real test is ...



If you survive that then you have what it takes.

Good luck!!

originally posted by: Zaphod58
a reply to: IAMTAT

I can't tell details. My implant won't allow it.

In all seriousness, super mods have the ability to wander wherever they want, and mods have specific forums we monitor.

Zaph's implant is malfunctioning -- don't mind him. We had to tweak it a while back because of all the amazing information on aviation he was sharing.

He forgot ceremonial ascot's:



I heard rumors we're getting smoking jackets, I just hope they spell my name right this time.

originally posted by: IAMTAT
...
Do Moderators get any special perks or remunerations for their moderation?
...

a reply to: smirkley

Of course you also have to be able to embed video using an android device.

originally posted by: IAMTAT
Who do you report to...or receive direction from?

We report to the Members and receive our orders from ATS' T&C policy. I realize that sounds like some hack goodie two shoes baloney, but it is actually the truth.

originally posted by: IAMTAT

Who do you report to...or receive direction from?

How are ATS Moderators chosen?

Pick two promising candidates....

They engage in mortal combat

Until one of them is dead.

The survivor is now a Mod.

Quite simple really, I don't understand why anyone even needs to ask the question.

a reply to: SLAYER69

Interocitor is just a fancy word for "t.v. set".

Anyway, I believe they have to prove their worthiness by seeing if they can wield Mjolnir in one hand and Excalibur in the other.

a reply to: IAMTAT

Last year I received a PM from the site owner asking if I'd help out around here as a moderator. I knew that being a moderator could be a headache so I told him I'd have to think it over. I discussed it with my husband and he said that when someone asks you to help them, you should. Considering how much time I spent here, it would have been rude of me to say 'no, I'm going to play here for free but not help when asked'.

Why the site owner asked me? I don't know.
Perks? None that I see.
FTR - There is an internet rumor that everyone here is a mason. I'm not a mason.

a reply to: FlyersFan

Maybe because you have a clean T&C rap sheet?

Im guessing its a combination of long term membership and history of not pissing anyone off.

a reply to: crazyewok

I once came within a hairs breadth of being Banned by the Big Guy himself, and when I got asked had just had at least one post removed that day.

originally posted by: Zaphod58
a reply to: crazyewok

I once came within a hairs breadth of being Banned by the Big Guy himself, and when I got asked had just had at least one post removed that day.

Yikes

So I am not immune from the draft then

Do you take medical exemptions?

originally posted by: crazyewok

originally posted by: Zaphod58
a reply to: crazyewok

I once came within a hairs breadth of being Banned by the Big Guy himself, and when I got asked had just had at least one post removed that day.

Yikes

So I am not immune from the draft then

Do you take medical exemptions?

Start posting in a dress or just use a bunny avatar. (I don't always wear a dress, mind you, just on days when I want to feel pretty)

I have no idea as to how to become a mod on ATS, but have been a mod on a few very large forums (vBulletin built) for completely different subjects of which I have an affinity. Being a mod is not exactly a "fun" thing.

I found on one forum it was a huge headache, mainly because of the forum topic and the crowd it drew. On another forum it was great, again, mainly because of the crowd it drew. The third forum was one I built myself and was "invite only" so it really doesn't count.

The first two had members into the ten thousands with around 1200-1500+ active daily. One I was the only super mod/admin besides the 2 site owners....it required a LOT of time and patience. After about 6 years I stepped down, though I still am active there and we do very large gatherings a couple times a year in the US, so it is nice to get to know the people you interact with online.

Either way, ATS is a fun place, but because of the topics discussed here, I can imagine the crowd it draws is a fairly hard one to wrangle at times. My guess is they look at posts and check for a level head, T&C violations, time on ATS, personality that gets along with other mods yet able to think for themselves critically and outside their own single mindedness....at least some of those are things that I looked for and would assume they are similar here.

a reply to: FlyersFan

Well, you've made a damn fine moderator, FlyersFan. You were an impressive and fair debater as a lowly 'member' like most of us...and you remain so now, as a mod. Awe-inspiring power has definitely not gone to your head.

I have to say that sometimes, when I start a thread and am debating my point of view on the subject at hand.. a Mod or S.Mod coming in to argue against my point...can occasionally be a bit intimidating...

I have no problem taking up debate with a member...but going up against a Super Moderator in debate (not in his/her moderating capacity) ...sometimes makes me apprehensive and causes me to tread more gingerly.

I will say ATS has been doing a great job choosing many of it's mods...and I want recognize one Super Moderator for doing something most of us here rarely come across...

In a recent thread, Super Moderator 'tothetenthpower' jumped into the discussion (in his unofficial capacity) and argued very well against my position on the subject at hand...that subject concerned a breaking story and involved an ongoing and developing situation.

Well, during debate, events on the ground, regarding the ongoing event under discussion changed in such a manner that my position on the situation was validated.

What happened next impressed the hell out of me (and I'm sure other members involved in the thread, as well)...'tothetenthpower' straight-forwardly and humbly...admitted he/she was wrong: "As an ETA to that original post I made on page 1.
I was wrong about my statement."

Most members here, know how unusual it is to hear those words from a fellow member...let alone, a Super Moderator. It's hard to admit when you've been wrong, without pride and ego getting in your way.

Long story short, Bravo Tenth...Bravo ATS. However you choose your Mods and Super Mods...whatever criteria you ultimately use to select them...don't change a thing.

a reply to: IAMTAT
ToTheTenthPower is one of my very favorite posters here. When he'd start a thread, I'd go on and a lot of the time have an opposite opinion from him (I loved scrums !) . At times he'd give me applause while I was debating him. He's an excellent human being and no one should ever be intimidated by his 'super' status. I wish more people in the world were like him.

originally posted by: crazyewok
... and history of not pissing anyone off.

Naaah. I liked scrums too much to ever be able to say that.