Wow ! I can't quite believe we have over 80 responses. If nothing else, I think that must surely illustrate how important we all feel this community is. Thanks everyone for taking the time to post.
I must admit I deliberately sort of stepped back a little bit, once I had initiated the thread, so that it wouldn't and couldn't be seen as me grinding some axe or another. I had also decided I would “Like” responses to the thread, but I was overtaken by responses, so anyone who hasn't had a “Like” and feels deprived, let me know and I'll press that button.
But, onto the business of the thread.
I completely agree with so many of the posts acknowledging the unending patience and support of those who post on here; repeating the same messages to the new members who inevitably end up here with an issue, and that issue is often compounded by bewilderment and frustration. So, a response of “It's all here, just hit search” would probably feel off-hand.
Like others on here, I recognise that our moderators give up their time, without financial reward, but I also agree that a more consistent and more visible presence would be appreciated by me. Whilst our current moderators are very much silent in the background (as far as we know), it feels, to me anyway, that when one pops up, that something's about to happen. That might be threads locked or deleted, and of course, sometimes nothing. One the occasion I have felt a moderation action was inappropriate I wrote to the moderator, who responded, albeit not making the response I might, personally, have hoped for. I'm not suggesting the response was wrong or out of hand, but not what I would have felt to be the best outcome.
In terms of actions, I think my requests would be for a low-profile, but increased visible pressence by our moderator population. I'm not suggesting they come wielding cyber clubs, but just the odd word could deflect an errant poster or thread back on-track. Similarly, if a thread is locked, it would be fair to pre-warn of that position so that there is an opportunity to either bring the thread back into line, or cease the disruptive activity. One one recent example, the OP seemed bewildered by his thread disappearing, and started another to question that, and how it had transpired. Not too many newbies have the confidence and mental strength to do that when they arrive here.
I do also believe, like others, that even an acknowledgement of and reports would be helpful. I'm not a behind the scenes complainer by nature. I am more likely to try to challenge or sort out issues I experience, but on the very few times I have hit the Report button, it almost feels like I might as well write the message on Word, hit the red X and not save. Shame?
I have tagged the moderators again, to ensure the thread is highlighted and to invite any response they either individually or collectively might like to make.
Anyway, thanks again everyone. It's good to clear the air, and I hope this thread has given that opportunity. Please keep posting.
Mods:
@Osidge,
@Robinredbreast,
@anna29,
@daisy1,
@IanD,
@janewatt
I have unfortunately been absent from this site for a few months, and on my arrival back an hour ago this was the first post I came across and haven't got any further. I have read lots of the replies, but haven't yet got through them all.
Thank you, AndBreathe for the original post and for this later response.
Earlier this year I had the impression that people were contributing less and that posts were becoming rather abrupt and sometimes aggressive. Now from the position of a few months' absence it seems that this is now well established. The replies I've read do show a wide variety of perceptions of the site.
My reasons for volunteering to be a Moderator was that I've learned so much from others on the site, because I'm very concerned to offer real support and because I have a long experience of working with adults both in groups and as individuals, to make the best of their situation. I'm no expert on diabetes although I do my best to learn and to keep up to date. I therefore don't often respond to posts from Newcomers about factual (?) type issues, but do try to step in when it feels that simple support etc will be useful or when some of the responses are rather too forceful.
I'm very interested in communication methods and I think a real problem with any Forum can be the fact that many users aren't used to reading and writing. They often don't read all reposes to a post (as I've just done - sorry) before replying which can cause confusion and hostility.
Another problem can be that a poster may use words and expressions that spoken in person with gestures, facial expressions etc. might be OK ish, can appear much too blunt and aggressive when written.
I fully understand people's issues with the Moderators' group. I'm not sure that there is a "group" and I've been surprised at the lack of cohesion and exchange between them (us?). I still don't understand the lines of "authority" and "accountability". I try to read as many issues and responses as possible and to understand what's happening overall on the site. As I'm not posting much I played a couple of the games on a regular basis to show my presence.
As a volunteer, I still feel accountable to Forum members. It might be useful for each moderator to write a short piece about themselves (to show their relevant skills, knowledge, experience, times they regularly go on the Forum, etc.). and to make clear what members can expect from them. There should be more clarity about what Moderators do and how they become Moderators. Forum members could suggest how particular skills could be used.
Recently I've been absent due to IT problems. Back at the beginning of the summer I asked for advice over Internet connection, and you, AndBreathe, offered help. However I was unable to resolve the issueby your method but was prepared to leave my temporary home every day or so to find an Internet connection. Then my computer died! It's an Apple MacBook, so it was difficult to get help. Eventually it was taken to a specialised workshop some distance away. This took 8 weeks to be resolved (July & August are no-go times in France).
Computer eventually restored to me and then my return to my own house meant that mid-September I was in a position to re-start on the Forum. However as I was due to depart on holiday on September 25th I decided to wait until my return last night. So, here I am. I'm sorry that there doesn't appear to be a space where I might have been able to inform any Forum member who might have been interested or noticed my absence.
A thread of "notices" would be helpful to enable members and Moderators to work more closely together.
Sorry if these points have already been covered recently elsewhere and I haven't yet caught up with them.
I'm about to spend next couple of days catching up.
Thanks for your patience if you've read my ramblings down to the end!
Best wishes to everyone,
Jane.
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