Moderators Wanted - Application Open

[Alex]

This forum has gotten big and a bit messy over the years and it's time to have some Moderators step in! So if you already are a regular, are responsible and have the time to spare, please apply to be a Moderator.

What do Moderators do? Here are a few key points:

• Browse the forums! Seriously, simply being active in the forums is a big part of this.
• Take care of spam. Bots are always a problem, and you have all seen bot spam here. Our system catches most of it automatically, but some gets through. Moderators have the ability to take care of it when they find it.
• Move forum topics into the right categories, keep things clean and organized.
• Enforce forum rules. Moderators are responsible for knowing all of our forum rules, and for stepping in when one is broken. Delete or Edit Inappropriate posts.
• Be helpful. Perhaps the single most important part of being a forum moderator. If a member has a question, answer it! If you don't have an answer, try to find someone who does. If someone seems to feel unwelcome, step in and be a friend. Encourage helpful and productive conversations. If a topic is starting to go toxic, try to intervene. If that doesn't work, close the topic.

Application Directions: Simply answer the following questions and only post serious applications in this thread.

Questions:

1. What skills do you possess that you believe would make you a good candidate for this position?
2. What would your moderation style be like?
3. How often do you frequent the official forum categories and do you post often?
4. Have you reported inappropriate threads before? If so, how often?
5. How much time do you think you would be able to devote to moderating?
6. What other activities occupy your time?
7. What timezone do you live in?
8. If you have any other comments that you feel is necessary and wasn't covered in the other questions, you may write them here:

Thank you!

[Redial]

I hereby apply for the job of moderator. I believe that I have the necessary skills and expertise for the position,

• list item including a retired Group 4 judge.
• list item have handled Basenjis since 1972.
• list item I come here often and post often;
• list item I have reported inappropriate messages whenever they occur on this list;
• list itemI can spend time moderating, everyday, except when I have other things to do;
• Many things, but I am retired, so I make my own agenda.
• I live in the timezone of UTC +10 (eastern Australia).
  We need moderators so that new people can always be welcomed, old hands be respected, and the list to be inclusive of fellow Basenji, pure blood and mixed, travellers. It should be a happy place where no question is too hard, or too sloppy, to answer.

[elbrant]

What skills do you possess that you believe would make you a good candidate for this position?

My first moderator experience was in the mid-late 90's with the "Lovebird's Mailing List"... it's been quite a while since then, but I learned a lot about online communities. I helped create the first online community portal for the PetroChem(ical) Industry. I understand CommonMark, so I could assist in that area as well should the need arise.

What would your moderation style be like?

I tend to stand up for myself, however, I'm equally willing to see other people's viewpoint(s). And, I'm quick to apologize when I've misunderstood, or when I'm mistaken about something.

How often do you frequent the official forum categories and do you post often?

I check for new activity (almost) daily.

Have you reported inappropriate threads before? If so, how often?

egads, yes! I've even posted instructions of what my reporting process is.

How much time do you think you would be able to devote to moderating?

Our current participation volume requires little more than a half hour to read/peruse unread/new threads... I can't imagine that it would take much more time as a "moderator".

What other activities occupy your time?

I wake up, I get dressed (most of the time), I take my dog for a "stupid-long" walk. No, seriously, I am retired with hobbies: internet programming, research, tv/movies, cooking/eating good food, and a love of sarcasm.

What timezone do you live in?

East Coast USA (-5:00)

If you have any other comments that you feel is necessary and wasn't covered in the other questions, you may write them here:

I would be willing to be one of the (part-time) site moderators, but not into the idea of being the "only" moderator (if that makes sense).

[Alex]

Thank you @Redial and @elbrant , appreciate you stepping in to help moderate.