Why Zen sticky post are now "anonymous" ?

[NTJedi]

Well he must have been upset about something since he left by having himself entirely removed from the forum. Most people on forums just appear less and less frequently eventually fading away.

[Cheezeninja]

from what i've seen being a moderator can be a very vicious cycle. Quite often a moderator only gets involved when things turn decidedly negative, in fact that's probably the prime reason there are Moderators, to defuse potentially explosive situations. This leads to Moderators having to lay down the law at times when people are at their most opinionated, which can generate distastful feelings towards the Moderators in question, who are only trying to do their job. I've had feelings like this myself for Zen in the past, when he was only doing what he felt his job to be. And it saddens me to think that my responses might have played a role in Zen's decision to leave. I have a hard time dealing with anything that smacks of censorship, even when the censorship is for the good of all, which can make my gut reaction something that i later regret in retrospect.

On the flip side the general posters often feel that unless the number of people posting an opinion reaches a certain critical mass, their opinions are often undervalued by a system that functions much like a military hierarchy. We are forbidden any expression of dissenting opinion when it comes to the act's of Moderators. I can't speak for others but this rubs me very wrong since i get quite enough of it in my day job. The only time a rank system is really necessary is in combat when discussion could lead to inaction which could lead to death.

Its a vicious cycle that's far harder on the Moderators becuase they are doing a job as opposed to spitting out their personal opinions and are expected to always remain calm and neutral. I can still vent when i feel like it . Much of the animosity is the product of the system, not any personal angst against Moderators, and i think the Moderators here are some of the best.

[Gandalf Parker]

Cheezeninja said:
system that functions much like a military hierarchy. We are forbidden any expression of dissenting opinion when it comes to the act's of Moderators. I can't speak for others but this rubs me very wrong since i get quite enough of it in my day job. The only time a rank system is really necessary is in combat when discussion could lead to inaction which could lead to death.

As a long time professional moderator I have alittle different view of that. Funny, I always chalked it up to being retired military.

Cheezeninja said:Its a vicious cycle that's far harder on the Moderators becuase they are doing a job as opposed to spitting out their personal opinions and are expected to always remain calm and neutral. I can still vent when i feel like it . Much of the animosity is the product of the system, not any personal angst against Moderators, and i think the Moderators here are some of the best.

True enough. One of these days Im going to create a secret personae just so I can post opinions and ask newbie questions in other game forums here.

[Stormbinder]

True enough. One of these days Im going to create a secret personae just so I can post opinions and ask newbie questions in other game forums here.

Well, frankly Zen was never too shy about expressing his opinions. Please note that I am not saying that it is good or bad thing, just observing the fact.

[Gandalf Parker]

Stormbinder said:

Well, frankly Zen was never too shy about expressing his opinions. Please note that I am not saying that it is good or bad thing, just observing the fact.

Yes but the previous posters comments that it can get in the way of good moderating was a true statement. It can be a problem if they do speak out personally abit too much. And it can be a problem if they force themselves to hold it in too much. On other Boards Ive moderated I have often recommended that the Moderators create a personal user personae to make it easier to split their replies in a healthy manner.

[Stormbinder]

Gandalf Parker said:

Yes but the previous posters comments that it can get in the way of good moderating was a true statement. It can be a problem if they do speak out personally abit too much. And it can be a problem if they force themselves to hold it in too much. On other Boards Ive moderated I have often recommended that the Moderators create a personal user personae to make it easier to split their replies in a healthy manner.

Aye, I completely agree with you Gandalf. And yes, it can certanly get in the way of good moderating. Perhaps creating another person is a good idea, either that or having tight control on your emotions when you, the moderator, decide to participate in heated debate.
BTW I never noticed that to be a problem with you, although I imagine you probably had a strong desire to tell what you reeealy feel in plain words over some controversial topics. Personally I respect your self control and discipline, I think they are sign of good moderator.