Direction of the board

[Eric the Red]

Hopefully some of the newer Mods like me can chime in here. I've spent the vast majority of my time here as a regular member. Before becoming a Mod, all my interactions with the Mods and Admins were positive.

I've been a member of a LOT of message boards. I can't think of a board that has a better rapport between the members and the Mods than here. Look at how people treat BRI, Mike, Rawhide, zoogies, newearth, I See Red People, etc. Those interactions are easygoing and positive.

I have no problem with "please" and "thank you." That'll work most of the time, and it's easy enough to do. But there are going to be times when we have to be more direct. I'd just like to know that it's not going to be a problem to be more direct if someone goes out of control.

Your last point brings up another item. Actually I'm hoping it never gets to that point. I'm hoping you pull the trigger quicker on someone if they don't follow the rules.

Kill'em with kindness guys

If you see something that is out of line, let them know in the nicest way possible what they are doing isn't in line with our board or how it breaks rules, let them know if it continues there will be a possible suspension, ask them if the explanation makes sense, offer them the opportunity to pm you for further clarrification and then wish them well. The moment it happens again....suspend for the amount of time you deem necessary.......something like "Hello Eric the Red, unfortunently it appears you have broken the rules again. You will be suspended for 30 days for a repeat violation. PLease feel free to pm me for any clarification. Thank you and we appreciate you being a member."

Guys...this will do a few things. 1) people are going to feel guilty for pushing the envolope, 2) members will be able to learn the rules (lets face it NO ONE reads them)and 3) our members will be able to police better because we are making it very clear what the rules are, how they are breaking them, the penalty and what will happen. Also if they see something somewhere else they will let us know.

Let's just give it a shot...stay consistent....and do your best.

 

[rawhide]

I sedate one patient at a time; does that count??? :rollin

GBR

can I be serious? sure when I need to which hopefully isn't very often.

 

[Eric the Red]

Hopefully some of the newer Mods like me can chime in here. I've spent the vast majority of my time here as a regular member. Before becoming a Mod, all my interactions with the Mods and Admins were positive.

I've been a member of a LOT of message boards. I can't think of a board that has a better rapport between the members and the Mods than here. Look at how people treat BRI, Mike, Rawhide, zoogies, newearth, I See Red People, etc. Those interactions are easygoing and positive.

I have no problem with "please" and "thank you." That'll work most of the time, and it's easy enough to do. But there are going to be times when we have to be more direct. I'd just like to know that it's not going to be a problem to be more direct if someone goes out of control.

Your last point brings up another item. Actually I'm hoping it never gets to that point. I'm hoping you pull the trigger quicker on someone if they don't follow the rules.

Kill'em with kindness guys

If you see something that is out of line, let them know in the nicest way possible what they are doing isn't in line with our board or how it breaks rules, let them know if it continues there will be a possible suspension, ask them if the explanation makes sense, offer them the opportunity to pm you for further clarrification and then wish them well. The moment it happens again....suspend for the amount of time you deem necessary.......something like "Hello Eric the Red, unfortunently it appears you have broken the rules again. You will be suspended for 30 days for a repeat violation. PLease feel free to pm me for any clarification. Thank you and we appreciate you being a member."

Guys...this will do a few things. 1) people are going to feel guilty for pushing the envolope, 2) members will be able to learn the rules (lets face it NO ONE reads them)and 3) our members will be able to police better because we are making it very clear what the rules are, how they are breaking them, the penalty and what will happen. Also if they see something somewhere else they will let us know.

Let's just give it a shot...stay consistent....and do your best.

One final point, make sure you let them know they can pm you and offer an explanation....you never know it might be legit...odds are it won't, but never know.

 

[Eric the Red]

Eric I can see what you are trying to do. Train the new mods to take a professional business like approach. Great idea. No problem..

The approach I want to take really doesn't have much to do with business in the sense of uniformity, but more so wanting to seperate us from all the message boards out there. It has more to do with taking a more friendly, human approach. A message board that just doesn't look at their members as numbers but productive, interesting and generally friendly folks that want to talk seriously about the Big Red.

We have accomplished so much as a board and Mike you are a huge part to this. There are so many things that we do that others, even the ones that charge their members to post, don't do. And I am so proud of that. As an alumni, I want to create a place where all members regardless of team affiliation can come and feel they are apart of something special. We are the only board that I can think of that offers gift certificates out to those who can pick a winning score and other contest, a board that allows its members to help in choosing mods, a board that takes suggestions from its members about design, possible trolls, and advertisements.

In order to accomplish many of these items we need lots of members. These things aren't free. Because we have a clothing store we are able to give back what we can to the board. In order to do more, we need more members. I'm not sure some of our approaches are very condusive to building a larger member base.

Also I don't know if the new guys know. Becasue of the board growth, we are able to score you a 25-50% in our clothing store. Most of the items are going to be closer to 25%, but still pretty cool. Please PM and let me know if you want to place an order. It will have to go through Chad or I. I put in an order a few months ago for about $525 and paid about $325-$360.....something like that.

So let me know if I can help.

 

[BIGREDIOWAN]

Eric I can see what you are trying to do. Train the new mods to take a professional business like approach. Great idea. No problem..

The approach I want to take really doesn't have much to do with business in the sense of uniformity, but more so wanting to seperate us from all the message boards out there. It has more to do with taking a more friendly, human approach. A message board that just doesn't look at their members as numbers but productive, interesting and generally friendly folks that want to talk seriously about the Big Red.

We have accomplished so much as a board and Mike you are a huge part to this. There are so many things that we do that others, even the ones that charge their members to post, don't do. And I am so proud of that. As an alumni, I want to create a place where all members regardless of team affiliation can come and feel they are apart of something special. We are the only board that I can think of that offers gift certificates out to those who can pick a winning score and other contest, a board that allows its members to help in choosing mods, a board that takes suggestions from its members about design, possible trolls, and advertisements.

In order to accomplish many of these items we need lots of members. These things aren't free. Because we have a clothing store we are able to give back what we can to the board. In order to do more, we need more members. I'm not sure some of our approaches are very condusive to building a larger member base.

Also I don't know if the new guys know. Becasue of the board growth, we are able to score you a 25-50% in our clothing store. Most of the items are going to be closer to 25%, but still pretty cool. Please PM and let me know if you want to place an order. It will have to go through Chad or I. I put in an order a few months ago for about $525 and paid about $325-$360.....something like that.

So let me know if I can help.

THAT'S AWESOME! My wife will love to hear that I can get my fix a little cheaper now. :lol:

 

[Eric the Red]

When we serve our board, we need to understand, we need to go down or up to their level, not the other way around. You were all chosen because you are intellegent, smart, social, and adaptable.

Check this article out and you'll understand where I'm getting some of my info and generating thougths and ideas.

http://www.fdu.edu/newspubs/magazine/05ws/generations.htm

A very good example of what I am talking about.

http://legalcareers.about.com/od/practicetips/a/GenerationY.htm

Generation Y

By Sally Kane, About.com Guide

Born in the mid-1980's and later, Generation Y legal professionals are in their 20s and are just entering the workforce. With numbers estimated as high as 70 million, Generation Y (also known as the Millennials) is the fastest growing segment of today’s workforce. As law firms compete for available talent, employers cannot ignore the needs, desires and attitudes of this vast generation.

Below are a few common traits that define Generation Y.

Tech-Savvy: Generation Y grew up with technology and rely on it to perform their jobs better. Armed with BlackBerrys, laptops, cellphones and other gadgets, Generation Y is plugged-in 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This generation prefers to communicate through e-mail and text messaging rather than face-to-face contact and prefers webinars and online technology to traditional lecture-based presentations.

Family-Centric: The fast-track has lost much of its appeal for Generation Y who is willing to trade high pay for fewer billable hours, flexible schedules and a better work/life balance. While older generations1 may view this attitude as narcissistic or lacking commitment, discipline and drive, Generation Y legal professionals have a different vision of workplace expectations and prioritize family over work.

Achievement-Oriented: Nurtured and pampered by parents who did not want to make the mistakes of the previous generation2, Generation Y is confident, ambitious and achievement-oriented. They have high expectations of their employers, seek out new challenges and are not afraid to question authority. Generation Y wants meaningful work and a solid learning curve.

Team-Oriented: As children, Generation Y participated in team sports, play groups and other group activities. They value teamwork and seek the input and affirmation of others. Part of a no-person-left-behind generation, Generation Y is loyal, committed and wants to be included and involved.

Attention-Craving: Generation Y craves attention in the forms of feedback and guidance. They appreciate being kept in the loop and seek frequent praise and reassurance. Generation Y may benefit greatly from mentors who can help guide and develop their young careers.

This About.com page has been optimized for print. To view this page in its original form, please visit: http://legalcareers.about.com/od/practicetips/a/GenerationY.htm

©2010 About.com, Inc., a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.

 

[Eric the Red]

Achievement-Oriented: Nurtured and pampered by parents who did not want to make the mistakes of the previous generation

They were nurtured. They want you to tell them they are doing a good job and that we appreciate them being a member. That's why it's so important that we use "please" and "thank you."

Generation Y is confident

Many times they think they are always right. Many times they don't think they are doing anything wrong. That's why it's so important on our first contact when we see something to explain what they may be doing wrong and the consequences.

are not afraid to question authority

As well as they should, it's their message board, not ours. We are merely the facilitators in a way. This connects to my previous point. ALways allow our members an opportunity to to PM you or me and explain themselves, ask for clarification or challenge the point you made. When you do this once, most likely them never will again. And if they consistenly do, refer them to me.

Generation Y wants meaningful work and a solid learning curve.

One of the most important points. As I said, it may appear some members are just trying to push buttons, but they are just clueless on the culture of the board or the expectations. Always give them the benefit of the doubt. Let them know what they are doing is wrong, out of order, inappropriate, wrong forum, etc. and see whewre it goes afterward.

Attention-Craving: Generation Y craves attention in the forms of feedback and guidance. They appreciate being kept in the loop and seek frequent praise and reassurance. Generation Y may benefit greatly from mentors who can help guide and develop their young careers.

Sums up a lot of what I am discussing.

I know there are holes in what I am presenting, please feel free to reply and discuss anything what isn't adding up and I will do my best to clarrify.

I appreciate all you are doing. Thanks gentlemen.

 

[I See Red People]

Being a noob, this perspective gives me a good direction to take as I begin my new role on the board. Having never been a mod on any other board, a good foundation of basics will be helpful. Thanks Guys.

 

[DJR313]

I agree with what your goal and intention is, Eric. This, unfortunately, has become the reality of my job. I work in risk mitigation and I am no one's friend, but I have to respond to all inquiries as politely and professionally as possible, regardless of how stupid or indignant the inquiry is. I'm on board. :thumbs

 

[AR Husker Fan]

First, let me apologize for not being on board the last week and a half - I've been travelling on business and simply couldn't find the time to log in. (For the new folks, this is something that came up not long before you were named as mods, and for various reasons will continue for another 18 months or so, I'm estimating).

Second, let me apologize for that's to follow - I fear that it's going to be long and rambling. I'll do my best to resist, but as a law professor once said, "Never say in a few words what can be said in a few thousand - when you get paid by the hour."

I think that we're all actually on the same page here. I think that's been evidenced by the fact that the new Mods have done such a stellar job (and guys, I sincerely mean that) - all with little need for input or guidance. I think this reflects that everyone here has a feel for what we want to achieve - a board that is friendly and inviting, that is tolerant. But at the same time, a board that makes it possible for people to post without fear of being flammed or heckled.

I agree - we need to be polite and helpful. I'll freely admit - I am without question the worst offender of this policy. There have been a number of times I've jumped into the middle of a flame war that was just getting started or that was really heating up and saying, "Enough. Either take to to the 'Shed or stop. If this continues, bans will follow." In a least some of those cases, I could have handled it better. No doubt - I became the Board's resident Son-of-a-b!^@h. We want to avoid that when possible.

Now, having said that, let me be equally blunt in playing devil's advocate. There are times that being authoritarian is the right way to go. Not always, and not even mostly - but it will be necessary at times in my opinion.

When I first joined the board, I think it had been around about 6 or 9 months. It seemed that most of the posters were well into adulthood - either they were adults or they acted like it. During those early years, a friendly reminder was enough.

After a while, the inevitable trolls found their way to Huskerboard - for a short, but memorable time, we were invaded by posters from another board that wanted to just f#*k with us. Simple as that. A hard line was necessary for a while to deal with that. But that was an abberition.

Over the last few years, it seems that the level of civility has declined. By that, I don't mean we haven't been doing our job - I mean that it seems were are getting more and more younger posters. Or, at least, folks that sure act in an immature fashion. Folks that are used to forums in which flaming and insults are the norm. There was a thread in the BS forum a while back that asked posters to list their ages. Most that responded were younger - I'd venture to say that had that same thread started closer to when the board began that the average age would have been about a decade older.

While I understand the issues with "Generation Y" and that we need to take those into consideration, I also recognize that sometimes what is needed is a firm hand. A kind of "no nonsense" attitude.

I don't think Eric is saying that we should never do that - as he said, if that was all he was wanting he'd simply post some language and ask us to follow it in all occassions. The idea is to try and not be an a$$ (or, put another way, don't be like me) unless or until necessary. Take it on a case-by-case basis, but each time we should first ask ourselves - can this issue be handled in a way that that doesn't look as if we're just being a$$hole$ or "rules followers", etc.? If so, then do that. However, if, in your best judgment the situtation calls for a firm hand, use it.

And a firm hand doesn't mean we can't provide the reasoning. Not only do we owe the posters we're trying to correct that, but stating the reasons will help other members understand the rules and the culture of the board.

Anyway, those are my thoughts. Eric, if I've misstated your position, please jump in and correct me.

 

[I See Red People]

Again, the input is great, AR.

Gotta say I'm with DJR here again. I have been slapping on a smile everyday for many years.

I remember working back at OfficeMax a number of years back. People would come at you and act obscene for whatever reason, and the more polite you were, the more they looked like horses arse.

It wasn't every case, but like AR said, each time we should first ask ourselves - can this issue be handled in a way that that doesn't look as if we're just being a$$hole$ or "rules followers", etc.? If so, then do that. However, if, in your best judgment the situtation calls for a firm hand, use it.

 

[Pedro Guerrero]

I also recognize that sometimes what is needed is a firm hand. A kind of "no nonsense" attitude.

Amen! :yeah

 

[DaveH]

As usual I think Frank hit the nail on the head. I agree !

 

[Eric the Red]

First, let me apologize for not being on board the last week and a half - I've been travelling on business and simply couldn't find the time to log in. (For the new folks, this is something that came up not long before you were named as mods, and for various reasons will continue for another 18 months or so, I'm estimating).

Second, let me apologize for that's to follow - I fear that it's going to be long and rambling. I'll do my best to resist, but as a law professor once said, "Never say in a few words what can be said in a few thousand - when you get paid by the hour."

I think that we're all actually on the same page here. I think that's been evidenced by the fact that the new Mods have done such a stellar job (and guys, I sincerely mean that) - all with little need for input or guidance. I think this reflects that everyone here has a feel for what we want to achieve - a board that is friendly and inviting, that is tolerant. But at the same time, a board that makes it possible for people to post without fear of being flammed or heckled.

I agree - we need to be polite and helpful. I'll freely admit - I am without question the worst offender of this policy. There have been a number of times I've jumped into the middle of a flame war that was just getting started or that was really heating up and saying, "Enough. Either take to to the 'Shed or stop. If this continues, bans will follow." In a least some of those cases, I could have handled it better. No doubt - I became the Board's resident Son-of-a-b!^@h. We want to avoid that when possible.

Now, having said that, let me be equally blunt in playing devil's advocate. There are times that being authoritarian is the right way to go. Not always, and not even mostly - but it will be necessary at times in my opinion.

When I first joined the board, I think it had been around about 6 or 9 months. It seemed that most of the posters were well into adulthood - either they were adults or they acted like it. During those early years, a friendly reminder was enough.

After a while, the inevitable trolls found their way to Huskerboard - for a short, but memorable time, we were invaded by posters from another board that wanted to just f#*k with us. Simple as that. A hard line was necessary for a while to deal with that. But that was an abberition.

Over the last few years, it seems that the level of civility has declined. By that, I don't mean we haven't been doing our job - I mean that it seems were are getting more and more younger posters. Or, at least, folks that sure act in an immature fashion. Folks that are used to forums in which flaming and insults are the norm. There was a thread in the BS forum a while back that asked posters to list their ages. Most that responded were younger - I'd venture to say that had that same thread started closer to when the board began that the average age would have been about a decade older.

While I understand the issues with "Generation Y" and that we need to take those into consideration, I also recognize that sometimes what is needed is a firm hand. A kind of "no nonsense" attitude.

I don't think Eric is saying that we should never do that - as he said, if that was all he was wanting he'd simply post some language and ask us to follow it in all occassions. The idea is to try and not be an a$$ (or, put another way, don't be like me) unless or until necessary. Take it on a case-by-case basis, but each time we should first ask ourselves - can this issue be handled in a way that that doesn't look as if we're just being a$$hole$ or "rules followers", etc.? If so, then do that. However, if, in your best judgment the situtation calls for a firm hand, use it.

And a firm hand doesn't mean we can't provide the reasoning. Not only do we owe the posters we're trying to correct that, but stating the reasons will help other members understand the rules and the culture of the board.

Anyway, those are my thoughts. Eric, if I've misstated your position, please jump in and correct me.

Certainly wanted to acknowledge this post...you hit the nail Frank.

We are all on the same page. I will pin this thread as a sort of symbol to what we are all about. Continue to lead with the same passion, compassion and enthusiasm.

GO BIG RED!