A thank you to our members...

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I always liked DW_a_mom, she's OUR mom.

Oh yes I do agree, we need to have more mods because we are really running short of them and at Aspergic forums at the time it was still running, everybody had to do a form and the owner would have to read all of them to make sure they are the right part of it, turned out I was unexpectedly the right part to it since I had the positivity, so yea, its just a suggestion (idea based on DW_a_mom and a reply to her).

I was rather shocked when this happened, I found out through another forum and could hardly believe it at first. As someone who's had his share of problems with WP moderators over the years including Mak himself, I can authoritatively say that Makuranososhi was one of the best, discrete, reasonable, open to suggestions and willing to hear both sides of an argument before making a decision. For Alex to dismiss such an asset to his site at a time when competent and reliable moderators are in short supply is beyond senseless, I can't even begin to imagine what he's thinking.

I can't even imagine what this site would be like if there was no mods...

But hey, as I said before, why can't we advertise for more mods, maybe that might bring alex's attention.
But it would mean that alex would have to look into it carefully and find the right person who is suitable for the job.

But yea, meh... I think I got enough on my plate.

Dox - thank you. Hearing something like that from someone who I have disagreed with has a great deal of value to me, as it means that I have been successful, even if just on some level, of doing the job I committed myself to when I accepted the request and nomination to be a moderator here and meeting those expectations I had for me. And through some rather conflicting times, it is that standard and that commitment that I have held myself to over and over again. It's been good to see you back and involved, and I definitely appreciate your more subtle posts for both their humor and the still-potent points you strive to make. Even when we've disagreed, with rare exception we've managed to focus on the matter at hand and keep things from becoming distinctly personal. We both know that we have different views and don't condone some things said or done by the other - and yet, oddly enough... you and I can have a conversation, whereas I find that completely lacking in any approach I have taken with Alex. I can say that both as a member and as a moderator, I have found communication with Alex to be challenging at the best of times.

Regarding moderators... there has been a list of suggested individuals proposed to Alex since late last year. Up until the time I was removed as a moderator, there had been no response at all to any of the suggestions. Until Alex chooses to do something, his inaction has effectively frozen certain processes and has had a negative impact on the WP as a whole. Advertising for mods? At least historically, this site operates rather differently than the one you were selected to be a moderator for, superboyian... but I will agree that it is essential to find those both capable of doing the job while understanding the conditions under which they work; those with inherent bias or deceit, those who allow their feelings to rule their reactions or act with haste, and those who would forget their obligation to others over a sense of self are not the sort of candidates that I think are best suited for such a position. Being a moderator means taking yourself out of the equation, and look at the best interests of the site and of those who depend on the community here - even if that means at times your personal feelings are at odds with the rules or situation at hand. There are a few who I think would be exceptional candidates for the whole of WP... but I also agree with Merle that they should be aware that there be dragons here, and the ground may shift beneath their feet.


M.

I have a proposition. Apologies if this is not the appropriate place, but why not? The Wrong Planet is progressive in thought.

Perhaps an Open Forum, for all to share, and with Alex present. The Open Forum, maybe for a set window of time to accommodate all, could be (1) Ideas for Moderators, such as who, what expectations, etc. (2) For leading/developing the Wrong Planet -- should this be divied up into task? Such as technical duties, rules, membership, etc.

The reason for an Open Forum would be so Wrong Planet can be a concerted effort where we can all share. To further the culture of Autism/AS, which has emerged. And, logistically, so this unfortunate 'moderator incident' is averted; I believe this was a communication failure. Since the Wrong Planet has grown and evolved, then the leadership agenda should too.

An idea, yes?
I think we all know Aspies speak their mind!
Let's do just that. We would need Alex to attend as he's the site developer. Plus site admin, etc.

MEETING

I think your proposal is sound, LabPet - the caveat is that it requires both Alex's approval and Alex's involvement... neither of which has been forthcoming for some time now. That approach, however, also requires that WrongPlanet move from a strictly corporate entity where Alex has appeared to use it as both advertising and as leverage, and move to a more community-based structure. Honestly, I don't know how that would work given my experiences... it would involve the removal of a lot of ego and vested self-interest and focusing on what is best for the site as a whole. One example would be the "Autism Talk TV" link at the top of the screen. A relatively high number of members complained both in public and in private regarding the color and its' adverse affect on them - to the extent that Lau had to provide a work-around for the membership to revert the site to the original scheme. This feedback was not only publicly available, but was also forwarded to Alex through a couple of channels. While there was as temporary change (no response, however) to an off-white, within a short time it had returned to the garish red and made larger as well. The promotion of the video was never an issue; the only complaint was with the choice of color. This does not reflect a good sense of awareness of the desires and needs of the community, and an unwillingness to compromise for the best situation for all. That was a disappointing experience for me, as I had hoped for a positive resolution only to have to explain to others that no change appeared to be coming and to follow Lau's instructions. Spending time in making changes to WrongPlanet that put such a burden on the members that they have to modify their browser in order to visit here does not seem to me to be a wise or prudent investment of resources, nor good public relations for a prospective employee and business owner.


M.

In order of operation: Thanks League_Girl; yes, in theory. BUT...this meeting would have a directed purpose and is therefore distinct. A set time and place.

makuranososhi: Yes, attendance would be mandatory. That's a good example (the video link on site) - the leader must be receptive and present. If not, then.......? Much of the problem is a negligent leader. No offense intended, Alex. If the Wrong Planet is contingent upon a leader, then we have a problem, which is being manifested as such.

1st: If there were to be an Open Forum (aka meeting) then it must be made known to all - especially Alex.

2nd: He must read/listen to all during meeting. With respect all around.

One could suggest we just get new moderators but this is no resolution as the pattern would likely repeat with no changes in place. The reality is that the Wrong Planet has gained public rapport (this is good!) and we need to show well, change how Autism is regarded amongst the general population (although this goal is far reaching at this time - we need logistical basics first).

If above stipulations are not met, then, by logic, a coup is in order. Personally, I regard the Wrong Planet as a Collective of like-minded individuals. A Collective (hive) needs a queen (or king, in this case). Alex fulfills the need of our developer but other needs are not being met. Case in point: Moderator mishap and those who've expressed concern here. If our funding ends, then so does the Wrong Planet. We must keep our culture intact as prime directive.

This means, I think an "outside party" may be in order for meeting. I understand the Wrong Planet has lawyers on board - I think they ought to be involved as well. Plus all parties. Perhaps Skype? Merle must speak too. Quatermass, lau, DW, etc.

Ideas on how to implement?

MEETING

*edit: Maybe those concerned could prepare a succinct list, with 2 or 3 main points, beforehand. Alex is our respected developer. But maybe we could have Lead Moderator(s) to tackle major issues. Personally, I could not imagine de-modding (!) anyone (except for an egregious offense, which is certainly not the case - the contrary)! Merle has generously donated much and I am sorry as are others. As a moderator, I did ban a few members but only when rules were clearly broken, purposely, and warnings were not heeded. I do not take banning lightly. We need go-to moderators that are active on site too. Then technical support, legal consult, etc.

Suggestion: Alex is site developer, BUT let's add-on a Lead Moderator(s) to lead - this takes some burden off Alex. A Lead Moderator(s) should want to govern and be responsive to suggestions and concerns. Then, moderators that are given some security (from the Lead) so they're not ousted over a (non-descript?) rift. Moderators could be a liaison for members to the Lead Moderator(s) for major decisions or changes. Some have suggested moderator roles be better defined.

This is why I think a meeting is in order. With Alex and everyone.

i'd have to learn how to use skype. i've heard of it and it sounds like a most mystical, magical place.

*researches* wait a tic, it's like a video conferences thing? intriguing.

how/why does a mod get demodded?

If you all feel so disaffected, you do have the option to make a new website on better lines...