In reading through the thread, I thought I'd chime in, in response to the "What does a Moderator do?' question... I don't know about the rest of the guys, so, I can only speak for myself, and, my responsibilities are a little different as a Global Mod, as opposed to a Mod for a specific section, as I have permissions on the entire board. The first thing I do is check for moderated threads and posts. When a new user registers, all his or her first threads and posts are automatically put in a moderated que, and from there have to be approved or not. This is one of the tools we use to catch spammers and people who register just to take advantage of the reach of the board to advertise either a car, or other products for sale. I would estimate that I review approximately 12 to 20 new first posts daily, and normally about 50% are spammers or advertisers, and the rest are approved for publication. For each confirmed spammer, I'll check to see if they have other names registered under the same IP, and if so, individually delete each of the other user names, as well. If they are from first time users who want to advertise, I delete their post or thread, and send them a PM, with copies to the other two Global Mods (Ylshih and El Wayne) explaining why their post or thread was deleted, and how to subscribe so they can use the FerrariAds section of the forum. After that, I systematically review each of the different areas for non-complying posts and threads. That takes about an hour, sometimes longer. Again, if I find a non-compliant post or thread, I delete it, or if appropriate, move to the correct forum, and send a note to the poster explaining the action. About twice a week, I review the newly registered list of users, and check their IP Geolocation. If someone registers with an 'obvious' spammer user name, like qc34dr54, or an obviously 'commercial' name like FerrariSalesCo, then I do an IP Check, to determine location (usually spammers post from China, India, or Eastern Europe), and further, check to see if there are any other user names registered from the same IP, as very often, the spammers will register 20 or more user names at the same time. If there are multiple user names, especially if they are qc34dr54, followed by qc34dr55, followed by qc34dr56, etc., then I'll go through and delete each user name individually, and send in a request to add the offending IP to the Spam Filter list. If the user has registered with a commercial user name, then I'll ban the name, and send an email to the user, using their registration email, to inform them that using a commercial name is not allowed, unless a designated site sponsor, and to contact Admin for a name change and reinstatement. Interwoven with this is all the reported posts and F-Chat police reports in the Silver and Rossa F-Chat police threads. Plus, individual user requests to modify posts (change of price or status in FerrariAds, requests for removal of personal information, or 'can you turn my photo right-side up, etc.). So, like any volunteer work, a moderator can stay as busy as they want to be. I usually spend four to six hours a day doing the above. Someone, in a previous post, mentioned that Mods have to have thick skin... and that's true. Not all my actions as a moderator are equally appreciated, and, as the result of the ban of one user, I have been threatened with legal action. (which, by the way, I'm not at all worried about). I also wanted to say that whomever is selected, essentially, needs to know one thing, and one thing only: The rules of the site MUST be enforced equally and consistently on all users. That's really the only guideline that matters. Mike
Mike thanks for your lengthy review. I knew the job was big but never realized your time commitment and scope. Obviously I realize in the CDN section it's not as comprehensive, but it does give me an idea of the role now. Very helpful. One of my original questions to Vasco is the help from other mods, and he edified all of you and indicated all of the mods are very helpful. Thanks again I look forward to working with you and the other mods Mike. Chris
4 to 6 hours a day!!!! Wow that's commitment. Thanks for the info, really gives us a better view of the responsibilities that come with being a moderator.
Vasco can you tell us how much time per day you devote to this Canada section? Gary Espada 8394 EtypeFHC 8874565
seriously guys if its more than say 30 mins a day I am not certain I can do it. don't really have that much free time as I do a lot of my job on line at night . Gary Espada 8394 EtypeFHC 887465 Vasco enlighten us please on the Canada role of Moderator.
I would like to reiterate everything that Mike said. To be an effective moderator requires a major time commitment. Let me also address the people who, early in this thread, insisted that Ferrari ownership be a prerequisite. When I became the first (and for quite some time, only) F-Chat moderator, I had never owned a Ferrari. I didn't buy my Ferrari until a couple of years later, but ownership in no way made me a more effective moderator. In fact, it only meant that I had less free time to devote to F-Chat (time spent driving/tinkering/etc.). It wasn't until after I sold the Ferrari that I was able to dedicate more time to doing this.
First off I would like to thank my fellow mods for adding their part. This helps a lot as I didn't go over the duties properly. Personally, cleaning up the Canadian section is probably one of the easiest. Nothing happens here per say. There was the 'confusion' in the past with competing events, law suits and restoration nightmares you hear about behind the scenes. But as I told Chris on the phone, by the time you filter out what you truly need to deal with it ends up being fairly little to do. You only deal with what pertains to your job here. Don't get involved or take sides etc. Keep a straight line like I did. If people wanna sue or threaten anyone then they need to do it off the boards. You as a mod just need to make sure all on fchat Canada follows the rules. You may miss something but be sure someone will point it out, or one of the fellow mods will get it. Time wise, I was doing a good 2-3 hours on fchat a day back in the day. Not as of late. I hope this helps.
Gary, did you want that to the minute or second? Kindly advise The last three months have been a tough one. I would say a couple of hours a week. If that. Not bad eh? The place still looks clean
I really, really hope Chris (Ferrarilover) gets this position. Nobody deserves it as much as he does, and I know he'll put in the time necessary. I don't think I've met anyone quite as passionate as him in my few years in this community.
Really, you registered JUST to give Fab one vote more than Chris? What are the chances this username is a phony?
ah I see thanks ! that certainly takes any pressure off to do this although based on the latest votes this may not be a concern at all for me LOL Gary Espada 8394 EtypeFHC 887465
As part of my campaign, I've asked some fellow fchatters to vote for me....However, some have been registered here for years and have NEVER posted. If your post count is at zero, you cannot vote so he had to get it up to 1 to cast his vote. Judging by his writing skills and originality, he's far better off as a reader than a poster (Don't hate me Rob, just stating the obvious....LOL) No shenanigans going on.....I'm all about winning or losing FAIR and SQUARE! I don't think out of all 3 candidates one deserves it more than the other and everyone seems equally passionate and dedicated so it's a win for Fchat and the Canada section no matter who takes the title in the end. Good luck to all!
