I suggest admins and moderators need to give (in profile) their real names, what arts they study/studied, and optionally what school/org they are currently with.

That does 2 things:
1. sets an example to deter somewhat from the forum phenomenon of 'anonymous bravery'. also promotes an atmosphere of honesty and openess.

2. minimize forum hypocracy when someone is asked who they are.

I second that.

This idea came up while I was admin at least once. While it is a good policy and constructive in maintaining forum integrity, I cannot in good faith recommend that as a rule.

Some people have situations relating to stalking or other potential assaults or hazards that can result from being "found" on the internet. Fortunately, I do not fall into that category, so I don't mind having my name, etc, out there. But not everyone is so lucky. There are considerations that others on the forum have to deal with relating to geographical/class/religious concerns that could mean harm to them if personal info was divulged.

From that point, I do not recommend mandatory disclosure. But I feel that everyone that can (without putting themselves in danger), should. FWIW.

I do agree that everyone's martial arts profile should be filled out, regardless.

how about in bad faith, could you recommend it then? kidding.

it's just an idea, no demands here...I wouldn't want to put anyone at risk of being accused of breeching government secrets, offing anyone from the mission impossible NOC list...or even putting someone of unquestioned authority in the uncomfortable position of it being reveiled that they had lied.

wouldn't want that. so I withdraw the request - everyone can promptly put their heads back in the sand.

"Move along folks...nothing to see here."

Ed,
If you have a problem stop [censored] footing around. State it clearly.

I did not mean that to be offensive, I meant tip toeing.

fair enough. publically or PM ?

Feel free to contact me privately. Though I am no longer in the admin or moderator role I would address any question or issuse you bring as well as I am able.

no. didn't realize that. I thought everyone here was from Mayberry. Did you realize my first post starts with: "I suggest admins and moderators... " not users.

To the anonymous admins and mods from Croatia and Northern Ireland: my appologies.

will do.

zing. good one. I'm just edgy cuz it's been dull reading on the forums lately....so I thought I'd take it out on the new staff to break em in. was that wrong? lol

This is hilarious.

My real name is Buttswana Oxbottom and I'm from the Bermuda Triangle Region.

I see Ed's point. If someone wants to be in a lead role, they should in all fairness reveal themselves to establish credibility. But,his identity was revealed to the site owner and he had no problem with it so....... I dunno...

I have wondered this for awhile. How does the whole Administrator/Moderator thing work? Are they chosen by other people or do they show an interest in the job and then are vetted by a group? If so are there criterea that have to be met?

was just picking on the new crew...ignore (or excuse) my attempt at humor. sorry if anyone got the idea I was trying to publicaly start a which-hunt.

JM,
When I first became a member Elliot "Mr. Vigarous" Vigar was The Administrator. He removed himself from the postion rather abruptly at one point without notice. It was a difficult time for the forum. After weeks of attemping to contact him I contacted Mr. Caile the site owner with the hope of getiing some of the issues with the site addressed. After a few contacts he asked if I would be willing to fill the role and I accepted. After a period of time I stepped down. When I did I considered possible replacements from the staff of moderators. Based on his contribtions over time and having met and trained with him personaly I recommended MattJ be considered for the job. He accepted. A few months back Mattj wanted to step down after a long period of excellent service to the forum. He asked me if I would step in again. Which I did know that ultimately I would find a replacement.

Matt and I discussed which moderators might be considered for the positon. As often happens it takes time to find someone who has both the apptitude and the inclination. I approach a number of members with the possibility and ultimatley Zombie Zero stepped in the role in December.

The job of Moderator and the job of admin can be both challenging and a great learning experience. From my persective a mod or admin should be firm but fair. I believe ZZ can be that. The site is in his hands now and he will answer to Mr. Caile. As always if you ahve an issuse with the site or the staff members can take take them directly to Mr. Caile.

Thanks for the replies and excellent explanations, BrianS and oldman. Also, thanks oldman for the advice of where to go if I ever have problems.

one more question to whoever is monotoring here nowadays...is advertising on commission, recruiting, preeching and religious topics now allowed on these boards?

just wondering if there was a policy change. thanks again.

Not at all. When you see anything like that, feel free to punch that "Notify Moderator" button.

Hello Ed:

There is at least one other factor with two aspects that explain my hesitation to attach links, specific art to my particular profile. Students and/or worse peers. In retelling events past/present, I avoid like plague (I hope) making them "identifiable". The last thing I want is to make an unhappy parent, even more so "....WHY DID YOU WRITE ABOUT MY DAUGHTER'S PROBLEMS ON www.FIGHTINGARTS.COM..." Even worse, the "peer" issue. Once upon a time I had vented some kind of personal frustration (dont remember what)... not even 100% certain it was here.. regardless one of my "peers" found same and took that venting back to the head instructor. (nasty little snake...).



If someone truly wants to know my art, my full name, how long, etc. I share. But I prefer my thoughts to stand on their own merit somehow. Not being as clear as I'd like, apologies.

I will defer to the group consensus on this...
Jeff

Hello Ed:

<<sorry if anyone got the idea I was trying to publicaly start a which-hunt.

Jeff trying to remember the correct Monte Python response lines for "she's a witch"....

Jeff

I was "recruited" by Kempoman (Scott) who i had trained under for a period of time. I had to play e-mail tag with Mr. Caile a few times to answer a few questions and "justify" my qualifications for the areas i was going to moderate. I don't think we had an administrator then but shortly after Mr.V took it up. I just wish i had the time and patience to take it up again. Even if only to see what kind of trash they have been talking about me in the batcave.