PTS: Introducing The New Political Forum Subject Matter Experts (PTS FSMEs)

I am very pleased to (finally!) introduce the new Forum Subject Matter Experts (FSMEs) for [email protected] (PTS).

The FSME program was started on ATS to recognize members with exceptional knowledge in fields related to specific forums, and give them a role in the operation and management of those forums.

On PTS, I've taken that concept and tinkered with it somewhat. Because PTS is a political discussion forum, I have selected the PTS FSMEs for a similar but nonetheless different role.

After all, in politics everyone's an expert.

So rather than be “know-it-alls” for a given area of politics, I want PTS FSMEs to become experts on discussing the topics their forums are dedicated to.

I also think of them as the “owners” of their forums, and look to them for ideas and initiatives which will make their forums more appealing to members and stimulate a high quality of discussion of the subjects their forums address.

Tools Of The Trade

To this end, PTS FSMEs can perform certain administrative tasks in their forums, give warnings for minor infractions such as one-line, copy/paste or big-quote posts, post and top (“sticky”) announcements and -- best of all -- award applause worth 1500 PTS Points to deserving posts.

Additionally, PTS FSMEs are given access to a private forum where I and other staff members can consult with them on various matters related to the planning and operation of PTS.

As with all staff positions, the goal of PTS FSMEs is to provide you the best environment for discussion possible. So please don't hesitate to share your opinions and suggestions with your FSME.

We want you to be happy with our forums.

And now, without further ado, here they are!

PTS: FSME Assignments

Total PTS Forums: 25
Total FSMEs: 18

Breaking Political News: DontTreadOnMe
Canadian Politics: Duzey
Candidate Advocacy: Off_The_Street
Conservative: djohnsto77
Economic Issues:
Energy & Science Issues: Sauron
Environmental Issues:
Euro Politics:
General Ideological Topics: 12m8keall2c
Liberal: mrwupy
Medical Issues: Djarums
Middle-East Conflict: intrepid
Military & Security Issues: kinglizard
Moderate: Mirthful Me
Other Global Politics: subz
Other Ideologies:
Political Figures: Relentless
Politics Head-2-Head:
Politics of War: Skadi_the_Evil_Elf
Religion in Government Issues:
Slug-Fest: Majic
Social Issues: GradyPhilpott
Socialist:
U.K. Politics: sminkeypinkey
U.S. Politics: The Vagabond

The A-Team

To say I am thrilled to have such an all-star team for PTS would be a gross understatement. Each FSME is a member I hold in high regard, and whom are well-recognized within the ATS community.

When considering prospective candidates, I did not extend an offer to anyone I didn't think would do an excellent job, and I have utmost confidence that these members will take very good care of PTS.

I am also very happy that some of my fellow mods have chosen to help out as FSMEs. Having worked closely with them, seen how they behave “under fire” and knowing how hard they already work, I am especially humbled by their willingness to take on these extra duties.

Answering The Call

As you can see, not all FSME positions have been filled. I am still considering candidates for the remaining forums, and will likely fill most of them next week.

Also, I took Slug-Fest for myself because I want to experiment with it as an ad hoc debate forum (or “Fight Club”, if you will).

Of course, there's plenty more to come in the months ahead -- especially with all the new ideas and initiatives we'll be seeing from the new PTS FSMEs.

Please join me in extending them a warm welcome.



[edit on 7/21/2006 by Majic]

They Found The PTS FSMEs!

As part of the new emphasis on PTS as a fun place to talk politics, I wish to give credit to the following members for their participation in our first new PTS contest.

This thread chronicles the hoopla, fanfare, insanity and general hilarity of the first new PTS contest:

CONTEST: Find The PTS FSMEs (Update: We Have Winners!)

Congratulations to the following members who made out like point bandits from this contest:

1. Xeros: 10,000 - First Place

2. ragster: 5000 - Second Place

3. Kellter: 2000 - Third Place

4. Mechanic 32: 1000 - First correct guess

5. Mechanic 32: 2000 - First post to correctly name all winners.

In addition, for helping with the judging (I'm lazy, so this was a self-judged contest), all-around good sportsmanship or as consolation, the following members also got (more) points:

ragster: 2000 (pointed out possible judging anomaly)

Jenna: 1000 (very close)

Kellter: 500 (a little extra bonus for hitting third)

SportyMB: 1000 (also close)

redmage: 1000 (good sportsmanship)

semperfortis: 500 (gave it a try)

TONE23: 500 (also gave it a try)

All told, 26,500 PTS Points were awarded for this somewhat unplanned but fun promotion, and a good time was had by all.

Congratulations, and well-played!




P.S. Special thanks to Umbrax for suggesting this contest.

[edit on 7/21/2006 by Majic]

Not Another Secret Forum!!!!



Good choices Majic. At least some of the ones I know.

Thanks for this entire endeavor.

I was happy with ATS before, but now I am ecstatic!!!!

PTS is informative, free flowing and engaging, and it has only just begun.

Semper

Majic you are awesome this is a great way to get members involved with PTS wich might i add was already great but you just made it even better!

When threads are slow moving on ATS, it is always good to browse the archives. Just uncovered this one.

Hats off to all you new (not so new anymore) FSME's!

Of the forums not filled, have they been filled without the member being acknowledged?