Scratch

ESN wrote:

Sorry, I accidentally mini-modded ^^'

I'll hit the report button next time. (Sorry Wolfie)

That's OK ^^

fg123 wrote:

Maybe more moderators?

I think there are enough moderators - it's just that some of them aren't as active as normal Scratchers...

fg123 wrote:

Mini modding happens because not enough mods are on.

I think it's just that people do the mini-modding before any moderators come. 

Last edited by Jonathanpb (2010-12-20 02:18:53)

Heh, having more moderators would be a bit weird    We already have seven...

This is a really interesting topic! 

Well, when it comes to mini-modding, I find mini-mods annoying. Sometimes, it is as if they think they have some sort of authority over other users. We do not need every typo or error pointed out to us.

For example, I was reading through a *certain* popular thread where lots of New Members were posting, in the hope of being given a special position (I don't want to upset the person in question by giving details).

I was reading through, thinking 'ah, all these new members, what a nice community'. But as I scanned through the pages, I noticed that every one or two posts, there would be a post by a certain member. Most were saying stuff like 'good job, but you might want to [insert lots of bad points and links here]. Thanks, and Scratch On!

I have no problem with people being a bit helpful, and giving feedback, but literally HALF of the posts on one page where by the same person, pointing out errors and stuff. And that 'Thanks, and Scratch On!' bit is only usually used by mods and the ST.

I was considering reorting them, but they were only trying to be helpful, and I'm no bully. I did point out to them that their methods of giving feedback may seem a bit...forceful, and I think they might understand.

Nevertheless, I think we are in need of a good, long Mini-Modding rule book, not dissimilar to the one Cheddargirl quoted.

I don't really mind mini-modding when it's infrequent and just stuff like 'hey, I think we should be getting back on topic now', or 'I don't really think we should be talking about this kind of stuff'. It's not harsh, and it sounds almost as if you're talking TO the other people, not DOWN to them.

I have no problem with people who might say to a New Scratcher on a welcome thread: 'hello [insert name here], hope you are enjoying the website. Scratch On!'
When used in that context it does not sound like you are imitating a member of admin. What I mean is when someone might say:

'Hello [insert name here]. Please make sure you post in the right forum. This belongs in [insert forum name here]. Check in future, that you are posting in the right place. Thanks, and Scratch On!'

See what I mean? If you compare that to an actual mod's coments they sound very similar. It might give the impression that you are a mod, and may provoke a sense of fear.
So I'd say...

It's okay if...
You do not frequently mini-mod
You don't shove it down people's throats
You do not speak down to anyone
You do not target New Scratchers
You refrain from saying 'Thanks, and Scratch On!'

...and...

It's annoying if...
You overuse or misuse/abuse phrases such as 'Scratch On!'
You are constantly posting on one topic
You point out every error
You act like a mod/admin
You look down on others

Basically, I think it's down to common sense. If you are treating others as minors when you post, you should think twice before posting.

On the *certain* topic, there were lots of New Members, and although their submissions did not always meet the guidelines, they are people too. The have brains, and they can read. They don't need a Captain Obvious to come along and point it out to them. You sometimes need to let them learn for themselves and get on with it. They do not need babying, they are very intelligent!

Mods are given their privileges so that they can sort out problems like the one I mentioned in the *certain* topic. They are perfectly capable of quoting a previous point, just as a reminder. They can squish all their comments into one concise post to save on space. Not that mini-mods can't, but they don't. Mods are chosen because they are capable of doing these things, so we should leave them to sort it out. They do a better job than us.

Or there's one more option: instead of taking matters into your own hands, utilize the 'Report' button. I've seen posts like 'modss come quickkkkkk'. This is spammy and mini-moddish. Also, if you have a problem with users spamming and being offtopic, you should just report them. Don't flame!

Or just deal with it. Ignore them.

My idea is that maybe the ST could keep a record of known mini-mods, and a record of how many posts they make that imitate mods. After a certain number, the mini-mod could recieve a notification (the same way spammers and disrespectful users are given warnings) basically saying something like this...

Hello, although you are trying to be helpful, please make sure you do not act too much like a mod. It can be seen as rude. Regards, Scratch Team

Just as a warning, as it would have a positive impact on the mini-mod's behaviour. Or maybe something like this would be better?

Hello, please ensure that if you see a user being disrespectful, please use the 'Report' button. Do not reply - it takes two to flame. Regards, Scratch Team

Mini-modding is an important issue, and I've seen it rise since I joined. Overall, Scratch is very clean and friendly, but still, if we let mini-mods keep thinking they are helpful, things will certainly get out-of-hand and the real deserving mods will be undermined.

Mods are given their position for a reason! 

This is my opinion, I'm sure not everyone will agree, but oh well.   
Thanks for reading!

Last edited by The_Dancing_Donut (2010-12-21 08:58:20)

fg123 wrote:

The_Dancing_Donut wrote:

This is a really interesting topic! 
Well, when it comes to mini-modding, I find mini-mods annoying. Sometimes, it is as if they think they have some sort of authority over other users. We do not need every typo or error pointed out to us. For example, I was reading through a *certain* popular thread where lots of New Members were posting, in the hope of being given a special position (I don't want to upset the person in question by giving details). I was reading through, thinking 'ah, all these new members, what a nice community'. But as I scanned through the pages, I noticed that every one or two posts, there would be a post by a certain member. Most were saying stuff like 'good job, but you might want to [insert lots of bad points and links here]. Thanks, and Scratch On!
I have no problem with people being a bit helpful, and giving feedback, but literally HALF of the posts on one page where by the same person, pointing out errors and stuff. And that 'Thanks, and Scratch On!' bit is only usually used by mods and the ST.
I was considering reorting them, but they were only trying to be helpful, and I'm no bully. I did point out to them that their methods of giving feedback may seem a bit...forceful, and I think they understand.
Nevertheless, I think we are in need of a good, long Mini-Modding rule book, not dissimilar to the one Cheddargirl quoted.
I don't really mind mini-modding when it's infrequent and just stuff like 'hey, I think we should be getting back on topic now', or 'I don't really think we should be talking about this kind of stuff'. It's not harsh, and it sounds almost as if you're talking TO the other people, not DOWN to them.
So I'd say...

It's okay if...
You do not frequently mini-mod
You don't shove it down people's throats
You do not speak down to anyone
You do not target New Scratchers
You refrain from saying 'Thanks, and Scratch On!'

There. If you read it, thanks! 

Nice points! 

One of my concerns with your post (not mini-modding here, just giving feedback) is the Refrain Saying Thanks and Scratch on.

I don't see why that shouldn't be allowed; Thanks means a form of respect, and Scratch On, is the Scratch forum Motto.
Just my opinion.

Thanks!
What mean is, kind-of posting Thanks and Scratch On! after every post. Not so much thanks, but the Scratch On part is usually used by the ST, and it just seems like if you use it a lot, it might give the impression that you are authoritative (argh, I can't spell today DX) and are maybe affilated with Scratch itself.
I can't explain it, it just makes ordinary Scratchers sound like those promo people... 

The_Dancing_Donut wrote:

fg123 wrote:

The_Dancing_Donut wrote:

This is a really interesting topic! 
Well, when it comes to mini-modding, I find mini-mods annoying. Sometimes, it is as if they think they have some sort of authority over other users. We do not need every typo or error pointed out to us. For example, I was reading through a *certain* popular thread where lots of New Members were posting, in the hope of being given a special position (I don't want to upset the person in question by giving details). I was reading through, thinking 'ah, all these new members, what a nice community'. But as I scanned through the pages, I noticed that every one or two posts, there would be a post by a certain member. Most were saying stuff like 'good job, but you might want to [insert lots of bad points and links here]. Thanks, and Scratch On!
I have no problem with people being a bit helpful, and giving feedback, but literally HALF of the posts on one page where by the same person, pointing out errors and stuff. And that 'Thanks, and Scratch On!' bit is only usually used by mods and the ST.
I was considering reorting them, but they were only trying to be helpful, and I'm no bully. I did point out to them that their methods of giving feedback may seem a bit...forceful, and I think they understand.
Nevertheless, I think we are in need of a good, long Mini-Modding rule book, not dissimilar to the one Cheddargirl quoted.
I don't really mind mini-modding when it's infrequent and just stuff like 'hey, I think we should be getting back on topic now', or 'I don't really think we should be talking about this kind of stuff'. It's not harsh, and it sounds almost as if you're talking TO the other people, not DOWN to them.
So I'd say...


There. If you read it, thanks! 

Nice points! 

One of my concerns with your post (not mini-modding here, just giving feedback) is the Refrain Saying Thanks and Scratch on.

I don't see why that shouldn't be allowed; Thanks means a form of respect, and Scratch On, is the Scratch forum Motto.
Just my opinion.

Thanks!
What mean is, kind-of posting Thanks and Scratch On! after every post. Not so much thanks, but the Scratch On part is usually used by the ST, and it just seems like if you use it a lot, it might give the impression that you are authoritative (argh, I can't spell today DX) and are maybe affilated with Scratch itself.
I can't explain it, it just makes ordinary Scratchers sound like those promo people... 

True, but I don't see people posting that after every post, though it would be annoying, i don't have too much of a concern for it.

fg123 wrote:

The_Dancing_Donut wrote:

fg123 wrote:

Nice points! 

One of my concerns with your post (not mini-modding here, just giving feedback) is the Refrain Saying Thanks and Scratch on.

I don't see why that shouldn't be allowed; Thanks means a form of respect, and Scratch On, is the Scratch forum Motto.
Just my opinion.

Thanks!
What mean is, kind-of posting Thanks and Scratch On! after every post. Not so much thanks, but the Scratch On part is usually used by the ST, and it just seems like if you use it a lot, it might give the impression that you are authoritative (argh, I can't spell today DX) and are maybe affilated with Scratch itself.
I can't explain it, it just makes ordinary Scratchers sound like those promo people... 

True, but I don't see people posting that after every post, though it would be annoying, i don't have too much of a concern for it.

I've seen one user that does. It irritates me a bit, though...

Is the kind of mini-modding I sometimes do OK?
I often point out when stuff is in the wrong forum and then report it, but should I just report it?

EDIT: I had this reopened so I could post this. 

Last edited by scimonster (2011-05-15 01:33:20)

Jonathanpb wrote:

Well, a moderator can always do the post for you, and I think it's probably better if they do it    And for spam, I don't think there's a need to say something like "What does this have to do with the topic?", since the moderators will be deleting both your post and the spam anyway. 

Just my opinions ^^

They don't always delete the spam.

I think that they should report it to you. That way it isn't handled by somebody who will get carried away, but it will be taken care of properly. I also think the person being moderated will be more respectful of the moderator, because of their authority.