Thoughts on Moderators moderating their own topics?

[OgNasty]

I'm curious what people think about Moderators moderating their own threads.  If they would like this ability, should they start "Self-moderated" threads like everyone else?  If they don't and have issues with posts in their threads, should they report them like everyone else to allow another Moderator to address the situation or is it okay to self-moderate threads without the warning?  Seems like a conflict of interest situation.  Should there be rules in place to address this?

[S_Therapist]

For becoming transparent, mods can create a self-moderated thread but the meaning will be the same. A moderator can delete posts even if it is not self-moderated while in a self-moderated topic OP/moderator can do whatever s/he wishes. Won't both be same again?

In self-moderated threads, replies belong to the OP. In other threads, replies belong to the respondents individually. Think carefully about whether you want to reply to a self-moderated topic, as your post may not be given due respect.

[hilariousandco]

I'm curious what people think about Moderators moderating their own threads.  If they would like this ability, should they start "Self-moderated" threads like everyone else?  If they don't and have issues with posts in their threads, should they report them like everyone else to allow another Moderator to address the situation or is it okay to self-moderate threads without the warning?  Seems like a conflict of interest situation.  Should there be rules in place to address this?

Moderators can't make make up their own rules even in their own threads. If they want to do that then the thread should be self-modded.

[OgNasty]

Moderators can't make make up their own rules even in their own threads. If they want to do that then the thread should be self-modded.

Just so I understand, are you saying they should be allowed to moderate their own threads without the self-moderated warning so long as they don't make up their own rules?

[cryptohunter]

I'm curious what people think about Moderators moderating their own threads.  If they would like this ability, should they start "Self-moderated" threads like everyone else?  If they don't and have issues with posts in their threads, should they report them like everyone else to allow another Moderator to address the situation or is it okay to self-moderate threads without the warning?  Seems like a conflict of interest situation.  Should there be rules in place to address this?

edit - - strange must have gone through first time.

[Quickseller]

I don’t have an issue with a mod moderating a thread they happen to be the OP of. I think they can frequently do this without any conflicts.

I do have an issue with a mod moderating a thread and/or post that is about them as this is clearly a conflict of interest and unless the post contains a link to malware, the mod should let someone else handle it.

The fact that a modatiom activity is correct doesn’t matter. The fact that another moderator “gave permission” to do said action doesn’t matter.

[cryptohunter]

I'm curious what people think about Moderators moderating their own threads.  If they would like this ability, should they start "Self-moderated" threads like everyone else?  If they don't and have issues with posts in their threads, should they report them like everyone else to allow another Moderator to address the situation or is it okay to self-moderate threads without the warning?  Seems like a conflict of interest situation.  Should there be rules in place to address this?

I agree. Should be self moderated.

Mods here have been making some strange deletes lately if you ask me.

[coolcoinz]

Would you like a mod to ask other mods to moderate his own threads, even if the thread is located in a section moderated by only 1 mod, who at the same time is the OP?
What about local sections? If a local mod makes a thread there, shouldn't he be able to moderate it? If not him then who? Usually there is only 1 mod per local section and only that mod speaks the language, which means he can't ask for someone to moderate it for him even if he wanted to.

[Hivalley]

A moderator should be able to moderate his/her thread without requiring assistance from another moderator,i actually do not see any thing wrong in it, as a moderator is bestowed with that authority to moderate threads by deleting low content,spam and plagiarised content,so why not do that in his or her own thread..

As long as the moderator doesn't abuse the authority and delete threads that doesn't support his suggestions in the original posts, or goes about deleting posts he doesn't concur with,then it shouldn't be much of a problem

But if he/she does then it is abuse of power i think

[jackg]

Moderators can't make make up their own rules even in their own threads. If they want to do that then the thread should be self-modded.

Just so I understand, are you saying they should be allowed to moderate their own threads without the self-moderated warning so long as they don't make up their own rules?

I agree with that one. But I’d say to moderate it with the same harshness as you do everywhere else. Say a genuine need for multi posting pops up or something like that, think before editing a post as to whether you’d do it normally on someone else’s thread. Possibly look at the mod log now and then to keep an eye on whether you’re doing like the other mods here on that thread, but that’s probably more general than would be liked as a response...

[Gloverwrt]

Moderators can't make make up their own rules even in their own threads. If they want to do that then the thread should be self-modded.

Just so I understand, are you saying they should be allowed to moderate their own threads without the self-moderated warning so long as they don't make up their own rules?

I believe yes. As king as they keep within the ambit of their power and the guidelines governing thread moderation.
They can still act in an official capacity even in their own thread.

If they want to make up their own rules for a thread then it should be self moderated.

[Thekool1s]

I mean its a no brainer. Let the users know that the thread will be moderated in a note, But there is already an option for self-moderating, So yeah. Basically its abuse of power iyam.

P.S does this has to do with what happened with TecShare and FH?

[SaltySpitoon]

Moderators can't make make up their own rules even in their own threads. If they want to do that then the thread should be self-modded.

Just so I understand, are you saying they should be allowed to moderate their own threads without the self-moderated warning so long as they don't make up their own rules?

If its something that obviously deserves to be deleted, its not a huge deal. We can probably all agree that referral link spam, threats, or illegal advertisements can probably be removed on sight without too much conflict of interest. If its someone posting an opposing opinion, even if its spam, probably best for the moderator to report it and let an unbiased party handle it.

I wouldn't say rules need to be put in place, its kind of an unspoken rule. If someone does it, call them on it. As far as I know this is the first time the topic has come up in 8 years, so I wouldn't say its been much of a problem.

[The Sceptical Chymist]

P.S does this has to do with what happened with TecShare and FH?

I assumed that from the start, since OgNasty chimed in on the thread in which FH and TECHSHARE refuse to end.  I haven't read all of the posts in it and I certainly don't read any posts in P&S or Off-Topic, but as long as Flying Hellfish is enforcing the rules and not deleting posts based on his personal feelings, I don't see a problem here. 

Maybe Theymos ought to take a look at what's going on and make a ruling.  We can discuss this all day long, but ultimately if a moderator is not doing his job appropriately then the boss of bosses should take action--and I'm not saying Flying Hellfish is guilty of anything, just that there's a raging argument between the two and it needs to be settled one way or another.

[Goodvalony]

there should be rules to prevent some unexpected and useless activity. i support the idea of threat creators moderating their threads but i don't like the idea behind account banning. i prefer comment deleting if a moderator those not like what someone posted. Also, i would like to know  who  is responsible for banning accounts? can this be made public please.

[ibminer]

On one hand, I'm not sure why a mod would not use the self-mod option, if not only for the sole reason of avoiding controversy.

On the other hand, it should be possible for a good mod to do (although I would think it may potentially be harder to be neutral in your own thread), and since they're already sort of entrusted with this ability across other threads in their areas, and expected to moderate appropriately.... then why should it matter?  

At the end of the day, I would think a mod would prefer to use a self-modded thread to avoid using mod-level powers for anything, in general. IMO, all levels of power should be handled delicately, and if there is an option available to that mod which allows them to avoid using mod-level powers, I'd think that would be a better path chosen. Otherwise, I'd think it exposes that mod being harassed more about censorship and gives people a reason to start analyzing how many posts are removed from their own threads as opposed to comments removed from other threads, cry power abuse, and so on.

My question is: Should a moderator always be moderate?  

[Theb]

A moderator should be able to moderate his/her thread without requiring assistance from another moderator,i actually do not see any thing wrong in it, as a moderator is bestowed with that authority to moderate threads by deleting low content,spam and plagiarised content,so why not do that in his or her own thread..

As long as the moderator doesn't abuse the authority and delete threads that doesn't support his suggestions in the original posts, or goes about deleting posts he doesn't concur with,then it shouldn't be much of a problem

But if he/she does then it is abuse of power i think

But that is the problem, what OgNasty is trying to point out is there is a possible conflict on interest when a mod is creating a normal thread as it has powers of a "self-moderated" thread even without making it into one. As a moderator he can possibly delete the posts he doesn't like on his normal thread just like what normal members can do only on their self-moderated threads.

[Lauda]

On one hand, I'm not sure why a mod would not use the self-mod option, if not only for the sole reason of avoiding controversy.

Aside from the argumentation that it may result in fewer responses, I see none. Certain parties will attack you if you delete posts, self-moderated or not though.

Otherwise, I'd think it exposes that mod being harassed more about censorship..

Correct. A case example is TECSHARE's baseless (butthurt) complaint that spiraled out in the reputation section.

My question is: Should a moderator always be moderate?  

Do you want a moderate junkyard or a moderate(ly) clean environment? Hint: Bitcointalk is the former.

[Flying Hellfish]

but as long as Flying Hellfish is enforcing the rules and not deleting posts based on his personal feelings, I don't see a problem here.  

Ironically I am being accused of censoring because I DIDN'T delete his posts.

In fact what I did is what was suggested I moved it to a section I don't mod so the completely off topic attacks could continue without me moderating them.  None of the section mods have done anything to the threads.

I also didn't start the thread TECHSHARES first post was moved from.

BTW I also moved this thread from P&S to reputation would that also be considered censorship?
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5061434.0

I don't mind anyone attacking me that's why I didn't delete his posts.  But I do feel like they mostly just attacked me and a lot more off topic was going to follow.  I thought moving his post to a section I didn't mod might be the right thing to do to protect his right to bitch about me.

I assume all other mods then have every thread they have ever started be self moderated right?  I assume theymos' threads must be self moderated as well right?

[OgNasty]

I assume all other mods then have every thread they have ever started be self moderated right?  I assume theymos' threads must be self moderated as well right?

There is no need to make assumptions. This thread isn’t about administrators or changing historical threads. It’s about conflict of interest, how it is perceived, and if rules should be put in place to address it. These rules would be to protect moderators from attacks that could arise from misinterpretations of their motives.