09-27-2014, 11:18 AM
(This post was last modified: 09-27-2014, 11:20 AM by Wonky3. Edited 2 times in total.)
I have no knowledge of how "moderators" are selected, or who might want to accept the job, expect for the the "big money" offered. 
Controls of some kind are absolutely necessary. Because this site is open to all who choose to sign-up, the site attracts folks from the entire social spectrum, including a few who have obvious personality problems.
I regret I can offer little, if any, suggestions to improve the site the members might accept. Having said that, my first suggestion (
) would be that there should be a small charge for membership. (Maybe five bucks a month, payable by credit card, paypal, or personal check). Maybe the moderators could be paid a stipend for their efforts. Or, if required dues are not possible, there could be "paid members" who volunteer fees, and are recognized at their avatar, perhaps encouraging membership.
As to the amount of "control", the "operator" should give this due diligence and arbitrarily make the necessary rules of conduct. This is after all a place where inaproppriate comments are far too easy to post, and can pollute the entire mood of the forum. Those comments and conduct will destroy the forum in time. Clear and enforced rules of conduct would keep the exchanges civil and attract more responsible people. We simply have no "rights" to inappropriate posts, especially when we have no vested interest in the site.
And finally, the operator should feel free to ask for donations when upgrades to equipment are necessary. Twenty bucks from a few ("I'd be happy to be one) might make the site a bit faster and more secure. (Perhaps PM's to long-standing members?)
The long history of this site proves the "need" for it. Its time the members be required to make some small investment in it's future, and to be willing to conform to some standard of civil conduct.
Good luck and thanks for all you do in making this possible.
Wonky3
Controls of some kind are absolutely necessary. Because this site is open to all who choose to sign-up, the site attracts folks from the entire social spectrum, including a few who have obvious personality problems.
I regret I can offer little, if any, suggestions to improve the site the members might accept. Having said that, my first suggestion (
) would be that there should be a small charge for membership. (Maybe five bucks a month, payable by credit card, paypal, or personal check). Maybe the moderators could be paid a stipend for their efforts. Or, if required dues are not possible, there could be "paid members" who volunteer fees, and are recognized at their avatar, perhaps encouraging membership. As to the amount of "control", the "operator" should give this due diligence and arbitrarily make the necessary rules of conduct. This is after all a place where inaproppriate comments are far too easy to post, and can pollute the entire mood of the forum. Those comments and conduct will destroy the forum in time. Clear and enforced rules of conduct would keep the exchanges civil and attract more responsible people. We simply have no "rights" to inappropriate posts, especially when we have no vested interest in the site.
And finally, the operator should feel free to ask for donations when upgrades to equipment are necessary. Twenty bucks from a few ("I'd be happy to be one) might make the site a bit faster and more secure. (Perhaps PM's to long-standing members?)
The long history of this site proves the "need" for it. Its time the members be required to make some small investment in it's future, and to be willing to conform to some standard of civil conduct.
Good luck and thanks for all you do in making this possible.
Wonky3