Not a sufficient reason to have one, of course, but I think we'll all get tired of looking at threads like that at the top. I'm actually surprised any of it is still there. I thought these posts would get wiped before the ribbon cutting.

For example, pinning threads for discussing group related topics would be useful, sort of like the Please read thread at DU2-September 11.

Also blocking obvious trolls/disruptors from being allowed to post at all will probably be needed at some point.

What if we decided that for this group any Hosts related action could not be taken unilaterally, but would require some minimal form of a consensus? We could even limit it to just two Hosts, but they would have to agree before acting. Hopefully we could all agree on at least two people to Host in a reasonable manner.

Unfortunately not a lot of people frequent the DU2-Dungeon anymore, but I hope some will find it more productive over here at DU3 and visit more often. I think eomer would be a good candidate for being a Host, but I'm not sure if he's around enough should there only be two (or very few) hosts. Someone else that seems like a reasonable choice would be OnTheOtherHand - and he seems to check in quite frequently. There should probably also be some agreed to method to remove hosts if the group members feel they are over stepping their bounds.

Or, thinking as I type this, perhaps we should just have a single Host that simply serves as the person who acts as a representative of the group members. For example, votes could be held whether or not to block someone from (or reinstate them to) the group and the Host would simply enact whatever the result turned out to be.

There are a lot of possibilities on how to run a group. I have no issues with having a few hosts from different perspectives using their best judgement while using the Host position as it seems to be set up by the Admins, but I was usually not the one having issues with how the DU2-Dungeon was moderated.

What would be helpful to getting things off to a good start over here would be to get the input of people that found the DU2-Dungeon unfair. If people really want a place for more productive discussions, it shouldn't be terribly difficult to come up with some agreement on how to proceed.

Last edited Sun Dec 11, 2011, 12:14 PM - Edit history (1)

I've been around more than it would appear, but just reading. I'd like to participate more under this new protocol but that depends on how it plays out. Eliminating theories of space lizards wielding ray beams is in the direction of what I think is needed but probably misses the mark still because one could always ignore those threads anyway. What I would need is for us to also somehow eliminate the inane at the post level. And, as I think about it, also to eliminate posts that deliver no substance but instead attempt to sway by mere ridicule. And maybe those two will tend to feed into each other: less inanity leads to less tendency to use ridicule.

I think that many of the old regulars, from both sides of the fence, would be more interested and engaged if we could rein in the discussion in those ways. Of course, there are some other regulars who wouldn't, if you get my drift. And, to be clear, I wouldn't want to go so far in policing inanity that creativity was smothered. Creative speculation should probably be permitted in a group called Creative Speculation.

Regarding me being a host, I couldn't if it was one of only two, couldn't commit to that amount of engagement always. Being one of 6 or something like that is something I would do, assuming the DU3 version ends up making the conversation more attractive.

Edit to add: what I really meant was: space lizards wielding ray beams demolished the World Trade Center. There may actually be other threads about space lizards wielding ray beams that I think should be allowed, such as a discussion on whether aliens exist and whether they would be hostile or not.

(And also whether having Hosts would make things more amicable.)

My hope is that we can all agree on at least six Hosts initially. I couldn't fault anyone if they wanted to see how the first round went before jumping into the fire themselves (so to speak) - although I don't think the Hosts will get nearly as much criticism as the moderators did on DU2. It just seems to me like it would be a good idea to have someone around to lock off-topic threads and block people who are obviously disruptive from posting in the group.

At this point I think we are just trying to come up with a basic understanding of how the Hosts here will be selected and perhaps how their responsibilities might differ (or not) for this particular group. I've thrown some ideas out there (as has Bolo Boffin, who has made most of the effort so far), but I am still hoping some more people chime in.

Just be sure to check in periodically to see if there are any developments and let us know what your opinion is on anything being considered.

She's been a moderator over at DU for a couple of years now, right? If she was up to being a permanent host, her successful stint as a DU2 moderator makes me feel like she could be impartial.

Yes, I was a moderator for nearly three years. It's true that moderators were expected to put their biases aside when participating in the consensus process. It wasn't always easy!

I'd be happy to host here, although I would need to do this in the evenings as I might be going back to work in a week (have been unemployed for the last two months).

However, I also think you would make a good host. From what I saw over the last several days, you have the ability to be unbiased in your decisions...

and if you need anyone else, I'd be happy to help as well.

I'd endorse either without hesitation for the top spot.

I don't see any urgency in assigning a host here. I'd vote for giving it a couple weeks for people to start showing up again, and see how the group discussions about it play out.

No need to make a decision tomorrow or the next couple of weeks.

One host will work just fine in many groups; not, I think, this one.

I suggest Grateful for Hope as lead host, five other places to be filled.

Sid

One of the occasional things which happens is the occasional bad source is used and someone needs to kindly shut it down.

Lithos

And that's because most are suggesting a candidate or two. Anyone who disagrees and thinks we don't need a permanent host, please speak up.

I believe both of them would take seriously the job of Host and perform it without bias and... It gives one from each perspective. More may be desired down the road but I think these two would be an excellent start.

One of the alert options is that the thread/post be judged to not meet the group Statement of Purpose.
However, that throws the decision to a jury of 6 people across the entire DU map.

One advantage of a host is that important posts can be pinned.

Also bear in mind that a host can only lock the OP, NOT an indiv. thread IN the Op.
The thread has to be alerted on.

This group, as with the dungeon, could benefit from a few hosts. If "king forever" issue is a problem, the lead host could step down after a certain agreed upon period allowing #2 to move up, etc.
But bear in mind that any locked posts and pinned threads by #1 would remain.

I really recommend trying out, in due time, 2-3 host roster.

One host alone can be kept pretty busy, as I am finding out in another group.

My 2 $, FWIW.

I like creative speculation and back on DU2 I was afraid to step my toe into the dungeon.

One time was enough for me. It felt like no discussion was allowed. It felt as though some individual posters were successful in shutting down the conversation. I mean no disrespect, but it was almost like a closed group to the rest of us who were over powered by stronger personalities. I never alerted, I just never went back, so I hold some responsibility there too.

This is a new start. The way DU3 is set up groups will hopefully see more people participating. That is a good thing. No group should be owned by a few with domineering personalities. Any DUer should feel welcome in any forum or group on this board.

A group of hosts working in good faith for all can help mold the group into a welcoming place for all well intended DUers.

Besides, I think there are bound to be a few incidents when there will be a need for blocking.

Thanks for listening, LS