Thread: I Must Say...

The need to clean a thread or posts falls into the lap of a mod on a regular basis. When that happens, it is our policy to do the deed and PM the original poster. Here is where things are really nice for us: The members of this site, much more often than not, usually reply with a quick "No problem, sorry to be an issue" type statement. I recently received a reply that actually made me laugh! I was talking with a friend who is a mod on two other forums and he was stunned to learn this is the case on our site. He said he usually experiences a drawn out word brawl. Ladies and Gentlemen, let it stand as yet another sign of the air of civility that we prize enough to bring to our corner of the web! This is a great place to be a member, and it isn't half bad being a mod either! Thanks to you all!

-Rob

I think it's also a reflection of how important this site is to us. As much as tempers may flare in discussions, I don't think there's anyone here who could tolerate the idea of being banned from a resource that we feel is really essential.

I think it helps that the mods here tend not to be assholes and lord the position over others. Too many people get caught up in the "power" and forget the real reason they are participating in the forum- fellowship rather than deleting posts. I do disagree with some of the decisions made by the mod team here, but it helps that I can say "you know, I generally like this person and we get along otherwise, why be a pita?"

Thanks for doing the dirty work, Rob

- Scott

I have spent time on forums with good moderation, bad moderation and no moderation. By far my best experience has been well moderated forums. Sure people think anarchy is a good thing until they have to experience it for themselves, lol.

I think what makes a good moderator is being part of the community, which translates to knowing their community and the people in it. Also, knowing it is a job and treating it like one instead of letting the power go to their heads or letting their place in the community (and their friends/grudges/enemies/etc) influence how they use their powers.

Haven't been here long enough to really say one way or the other but it appears to be run well here. The one question I did have to a moderator via PMs was handled quickly and professionally. A very good sign in my book.

I am a member and regularly pot on at least 9 forums. I have been using forums for about 3 years, and have in the region of 15000 posts. My most regularly visted forums are for motorcycles. I am also a member of a few classic car forums. I have made numerous 'real life' mates from my bike and car forums, people who have helped me out a lot over the years and are a testement to the power of the internet and its ability to bring people together.

I would say I am a pretty experienced forum user, and I have to say, this one is impressive. Considering the number of members, this place has retained it's ability to welcome new members - something not all do. I think that the passion - and it is passion - for shaving really shines through. People want to help, they want to provide the epihany moment for others.

This place also has the luxury of being without prejudice, some of the bike forums I use will target you if you ride a certain bike or what ever - in this place, I don't think it matter so much, and it seems that this is not an anamoly, badger and blade is the same. If you're enjoying your shave, then good luck to you sir.

Also, the fact that the people who make their money off this trade come down to a semi personal basis (which is not unique to here either) is great - it's fantasic IMO when people refer to Steve at the Invisible Edge, Tony Miller for his strops, Kenrup for his strops and often starter kits, Lynn for his honing etc etc. It's not pointing people in the direction of some faceless corportation but saying hey, these guys are good people - they'll set you on the right track.

I think that ultimately, the power of internet forums is the fact that tens, hundreds, even thousands of people can come together, with a shared passion (what ever it may be) and talk. Forget every social pillar you (may or may not) use to measure your self against others - it means squat all on a forum. There are no prejudices, you judge people only on what they have to say - and that is a very powerful thing.

I'm rambling, over analytical mind strikes again! Cheers,
Greg