New forum moderator required

[santhosh]

Guys, suggest you stop replying to each other or take your fight off-line.

Bluu: Thanks for volunteering to be a mod knowing very well the challenges involved.

Let supermod decide if there is a need for more mods and then decide who that should be.

Btw, I propose Spirovious's name for being a mod.

 

[captrajesh]

Look how nicely TBHP is run and they are a Big Board.

Don't get me started.. They can as well say they are a "read only" forum..
.........
I hope arrogance is the starting point there!!

Blasto, TBHP is a big board with thousands of members and they have the validation now to ensure that new members will contribute to the forum and not cause problems for moderators.

I tend to agree with Blasto here. I joined Team BHP in May 2010 but made only 60 posts because, firstly, I've shifted my loyalties from being a petrol head to stereo head secondly (and mostly) because, that forum is over moderated. It is irritating to see your posts being deleted because someone doesn't see any value addition in it whereas you may feel genuinely about something and made a post. Under moderation is bad but over moderation is worst.

Having said that, I think rules should not be interpreted unjustly. I'm saying this because, sometime back, I made a post not explicitly mentioning but just implying something about a non-regular member to counter his controversial statement which appeared to be a troll. That member responded by making a personal attack on my by way of PM. Guess what, he went scot free whereas, I got an infraction for violating the forum rule, wonder which one.

 

[sud98]

Completely agree with you about the popularity contest bit. No wonder my previous attempt to become a mod failed as well. I gather I'm not good enough.

I guess its less important who becomes the mod but more important that the forum is run well. I am sure you have the skillsets and as more and more people know of your abilities you will become a moderator.

Lets keep this thread to what we need to improve ( I saw language, bad recommendations) and then see if more or better mods help.

 

[Bluu]

Guys, suggest you stop replying to each other or take your fight off-line.

Bluu: Thanks for volunteering to be a mod knowing very well the challenges involved.

Let supermod decide if there is a need for more mods and then decide who that should be.

Btw, I propose Spirovious's name for being a mod.

Santhosh, thanks for your support and there is no fight. My intentions have been clearly mis-read by most members. Also, I realize now that giving T-BHP as an example was a bad idea because there seem to be a lot of members here who are unable to join/post successfully there. I wonder why.

Capt sir, no offence but large boards have to be strictly moderated simply because letting 67,000 members have their own way can get out of hand.

 

[santhosh]

If you want HFV to run like T-BHP, we have to block all posts, read each posts, and then only allow posts that we think are correct. That will take care of your incorrect posts as well your SMS language, use of bad words and all that. This will cut the discussion in HFV to less than 10% of what it is today. And, this if all the moderators work 8 hours a day. Remember, we do not take any remuneration from HFV. Actually I, for one, will be very happy with this arrangement.

Thanks for the clarification on the sale thread.

But I have to respectfully disagree with yours and captrajesh's view on team bhp. Posts are not moderated before they appear. It is just that there are several moderators and chances of catching non-compliant posts is higher. Moderators are also chosen based on their area of interests (but not restricted to), so sub-forums they frequent are automatically taken care of. Content is organized very well and searching for information is very easy.

Like Bluu mentioned, we can take a middlepath. A cleanup is definitely required before the clutter increases. Like the saying goes "A stitch in time saves nine".

Happy to help with the cleanup if required.

 

[captrajesh]

@santhol2, what I've stated on TBHP is not my view but my experience. May be I should spend more time there to familiarise myself.

BTW, regarding moderation, I think it is not the job only of the moderators. We all can contribute by reporting posts. I do report posts which are spam post or offensive or abusive. Members must also be urged to report posts with bad / ungrammatical / language etc

 

[sidvee]

Guys since there is so much discussion about TBHP I thought I will contribute my 2 paisa. Not too sure how it is moderated - but they sure moderate the heck out of joining the site.
I have been in the auto industry in Detroit for about 15 years - worked on designing production lines for cars like Dodge Viper, Ford Gt40 as well as regular sedans, SUv's etc., also have about 4 years of experience in India, Pune, Chennai, Delhi - for cars such as VW Polo, Hyundai Verna, BMW 3&5 etc. So recently when I wanted to join the site as I was planning to buy a new car and needed some reviews from members as all the car magazines in India (just as audio magazines) are pretty much biased, guess what - after writing an essay etc. they rejected me.
Not too sure why - but I sure hope HFV does not go down that road.
I am not pointing any fingers but just stating my experience.
Cheers
Sid

 

[deepakgang]

Essay like in the GMAT? May be you needed a recommendation letter as well
btw Dodge makes some cool SUV's and Detriot is the paradise

I have strong opposition on posts made for advise on low-fi products. Posts on unheard 5.1 speakers for the PC and all should not be allowed here.

 

[square_wave]

I think I need to clarify a bit about my post regarding the comparison with TBHP. The intention is not to copy the entire format but to adopt pertinent practices.

-Having more full time moderators.

-Having moderators who are chosen for their expertise in their area of interests.

-Healthy moderation of posts regarding quality of content, relevance of content, quality of language etc.....

-fairness and even-handedness in their intentions

 

[sam9s]

I would like to do it. I'm online on HFV most of my waking hours. HFV will become a better forum if there are more people taking care of it. Look how nicely TBHP is run and they are a Big Board.

I dont think HIFI is as bad moderated as its been projected ...... even I had/have issues but for me members count more at the end of the day and HiFi have one of the most decent members among the indian fourms I have been a part of ....

Wow.. Don't get me started.. They can as well say they are a "read only" forum.. Have been trying to get a membership since ages and what do they validate?? Their policy is, "Write stories in the 'why do you want to join' section which we will not read but eventually send you a bulk message saying your english sucks"..

I hope arrogance is the starting point there!!

EXACTLY!!! the same experience .... even I tried for ages to get a membership......and eventually gave up and joined xbhp .... ... But after reading captrajesh post I think its was better for me that I could not join it ..... seems like a Jail Forum rather than a discuession Forum ....lol

 

[sidvee]

Essay like in the GMAT? May be you needed a recommendation letter as well

You got that right. Joining the site is probably tougher than GMAT essays. Anyways they must be doing something right - they were mentioned in today's economic times as a site where one can sell/buy used and also that they have 60k members.
Anyways, I have no ill will towards their owners or moderators - just thought that I can contribute meaningfully to their site as I strive to do here on HFV. Evidently I was not upto their standards.
Cheers
Sid

 

[deepakgang]

If you compare the number of vehicles in Indian roads to the number of hi-fi owners, its obvious why they have these many members and they might be right in choosing high quality. but they have for sure missed some good ones out there like yourself.

Anyways lets not de-rail this thread. Our area of focus is different so will the the way we do things also.

 

[sandeepmohan]

we have to block all posts, read each posts, and then only allow posts that we think are correct. That will take care of your incorrect posts as well your SMS language, use of bad words and all that. This will cut the discussion in HFV to less than 10% of what it is today.

This is exactly what I want the moderators to do. It is impossible for one person to do it. I completely understand. I also believe in a better moderator or more moderator's who have the time to filter posts.

What is the point of some wishing a person good luck on his sale? This is pointless.

Its alright if the number of posts reduce to less than 10% of what it is now. It does not matter. What gets posted will at least make sense. Who wants to read trash anyways. The reduction will be temporary.

This very thread has so much that can be cleared.

All I am asking if for Hi Fi Vision to be more polished in the language used. We are talking serious Hi Fi knowledge here. We don't need any trash to come and ruin a post which is what the case is in nearly every thread.

 

[santhosh]

Same here, the essay idea is a bad one. Clearly, it doesn't seem to be working as can be seen in Sid's and so many other cases.

Like Sud98 has mentioned, we should welcome newbies and experts alike.

 

[sandeepmohan]

In the budget range Wharf excels and more over it is also an another Foreign(UK) brand we are behind

I don't need a crash course on Wharfedale. This brand is one of oldest and most respected names' in the Hi Fi industry. That does not mean you keep recommending the brand to each and every person who steps into the world of Hi Fi. There are a dozen speaker brands priced in the exact same range as Wharfedale. Some compete and some just beat the daylights out of a Wharfedale. You need to explore options.

 

[venkatcr]

Just to bring things to perspective, moderation has been quite an experience for me. From people threatening me, to those using the foulest words, to people calling me 'who the * do you think you are', to people calling me a turncoat, I have faced them all. One thing I really miss is to make those technical contributions I used to do before. Today if I say something, there are ten guys who jump in and say I am forcing my thoughts on people. I am forced to keep quite even when I know by experience that what is being said is completely wrong.

I have received innumerable PMs from people asking for help, demanding why their posts are getting delayed, why their For Sale posts has not been uploaded, why, why, why? I patiently answer all of them. I try to resolve misunderstandings and fights between people as amicably as possible, at the same time not taking any sides.

Regarding Wharfedales, I have never forced any one to buy one or even forced it down anyone's throat. My advise has always been, 'listen to it and buy it only if you like it'. At the same time, I must say that I do see Wharfedale providing tremendous VFM. We must also understand that many people cannot be an audiophile and spend endless hours and money brooding over brands and sound signature, etc. I have come across numerous people for whom an HT of one lakh is a life time purchase and they do not want to make any mistakes. At the same time, these people do not have the 'ears' to be able to differentiate between brands and sound signatures. What will you recommend in such a situation, particularly when these people have nearly blind faith is what you say?

Believe me, for me that is more important than the raves and rants of knowledgeable people. We can continue having our disagreements and fights. At the end of the day, we can only blame ourselves if we make a mistake.

We are not the only ones occupying this planet.

Have fun. Enjoy your music, laugh at the antics of a comedian.

Cheers

 

[Thad E Ginathom]

We are talking serious Hi Fi knowledge here

And serious hifi knowledge should never be taken too seriously.

Particularly in an area like this, one person's dogma is another's absurdity. In co-existing, sometimes the truth emerges, and often, both parties learn something.

One person's nonsense post is another's social cohesion. Humour makes the world go round.

By The Way... I survive on Team-BHP, and I'm not even that interested in cars. In fact, I make rude remarks about Hummers and certain genital-enhancing sports cars --- items which are worth crores of somebody's hard-earned cash, or are symbols of aspiration to many members (hey, I like Bentleys, and I wouldn't kick a Maserati out of the drive ).

When I have a post deleted, I shrug and move on. Usually it was in one of those threads that goes off at a tangent regularly, and I accept that the mods want to keep it in line. I have never had a post deleted because I'm not a ferrari fan, etc etc

Just for the record... only posts by new members are moderated before they appear.

Yes, it is a strictly moderated forum, but consider the mass-popularity of the subject. Things should be easier here!

<Crossposted>

Venkat... sure, been there, done that, that's what it's like.

Moderating a busy forum for a couple of years was one of the most interesting jobs I've ever done (unpaid, but, seeing as how I didn't have much else to do, it took most of my day, so might a well call it a job) but I can clearly say, never again, thanks! About the only thing that makes it doable is the mutual support of a team --- and even then, when dramas erupt backstage they are far worse than anything out front.

 

[Bluu]

I dont think HIFI is as bad moderated as its been projected ...... HiFi have one of the most decent members among the indian fourms I have been a part of

eventually gave up and joined xbhp...seems like a Jail Forum rather than a discuession Forum ....lol

Firstly, no one said HFV has bad members or anything like that. Also, the plain fact is that more mods will be better. You can read in Venkat's post that he is overwhelmed. So why not share the burden?

Secondly, I am huge fan of motorcycles but the reason I hate XBHP is because their rules allow 5000 smileys per post and all the SMS lingo possible. I can understand that TBHP is getting to be a little bit of a bitch to join but I would hate to see HFV turn out like XBHP. If someone asked me to choose between an incredibly anal TBHP or the non-English speaking XBHP, I would go with TBHP every day.

 

[magma]

hmmm

this thread now needs MODERATION!

i still see only complaints (and leaving out a couple posts )and no constructive advice that members feel should be added to the dos and donts

that is what will help this forum
Not a discussion about who should be mod or whether we need a mod ( leave that upto the already existing mods or the supermod)

so please do contribute to a list like that

i am a member of tbhp -quite an old one at that
im sure there are others too

lets take its positives
Please contribute to that list ( mentioned above)

help the forum ...help the mods

 

[sandeepmohan]

And serious hifi knowledge should never be taken too seriously.

I accept. However trash needs to be filtered. There is just too much of it allowed right now on hi fi vision. The idea is to reduce the number of unecessary replies to threads that are of no use. Someone wants to responds to a thread just to show involvement. There is no need. We want useful responses to reach a person. Not some dude who decides to suddenly write a word in his mother tongue and expect everyone to understand what he/she is saying.