The coming week or so, in the wake of the successful launch and when a lot of people are around, is probably the right moment to broach the question of the future management of the forum and the way it might be run.
I’m sure you realise that – even if it were desirable – one person can’t keep pace with all that needs to be done on a daily basis. It’s also my feeling that, as there seem to be a lot of new ‘faces’, lurkers perhaps on the old boards, it would be unfair (and short-sighted) to leap into some kind of election process which would exclude them because they aren’t yet as well known.
I have a proposal that we first form a General Council (eugh, call it what you like) made up of a pool of all those who think they will be posting here regularly and are keen enough to want to contribute to the forum as a flourishing, long-lasting group. It would be a small commitment from those who have enjoyed and benefited from the old boards, and hope to do so from these. From the General Council, a smaller, electable, group of moderators/managers could be set up to establish, among other things, what the relationship should be between the forum and the technical administrators (Mark and me) and how House Rules should be established.
The forum has been set up, stably in every sense: there are no onerous tasks, such as Hon. Treasurer, Hon. Secy or legal responsibilities, but there are various ways in which we can all help the forum on its way. It’s another aspect of cooperative action, like the forum discussions – the more participants the better.
My second suggestion: I believe that in the successful running of the forum a vital ingredient is a proper hosting system. Each category might have hosts who will look out for new members and make them feel part of the group; and they could ensure that their messageboards are replenished with news and new topics to discuss (well aware that the jass bored might wish to resist all attempts to organise it). I hope this would reduce the need for any imposed moderation, but … messageboards are messageboards …
So, as a start, would people show their support for the forum by indicating here (or PM me with any queries) that they would be part of a (self-selecting) General Council. Well, provided people don't think it's a bad idea
[I post this in some trepidation, remembering the short-lived existence of the Phrenological Society of Cincinnati ]
I’m sure you realise that – even if it were desirable – one person can’t keep pace with all that needs to be done on a daily basis. It’s also my feeling that, as there seem to be a lot of new ‘faces’, lurkers perhaps on the old boards, it would be unfair (and short-sighted) to leap into some kind of election process which would exclude them because they aren’t yet as well known.
I have a proposal that we first form a General Council (eugh, call it what you like) made up of a pool of all those who think they will be posting here regularly and are keen enough to want to contribute to the forum as a flourishing, long-lasting group. It would be a small commitment from those who have enjoyed and benefited from the old boards, and hope to do so from these. From the General Council, a smaller, electable, group of moderators/managers could be set up to establish, among other things, what the relationship should be between the forum and the technical administrators (Mark and me) and how House Rules should be established.
The forum has been set up, stably in every sense: there are no onerous tasks, such as Hon. Treasurer, Hon. Secy or legal responsibilities, but there are various ways in which we can all help the forum on its way. It’s another aspect of cooperative action, like the forum discussions – the more participants the better.
My second suggestion: I believe that in the successful running of the forum a vital ingredient is a proper hosting system. Each category might have hosts who will look out for new members and make them feel part of the group; and they could ensure that their messageboards are replenished with news and new topics to discuss (well aware that the jass bored might wish to resist all attempts to organise it). I hope this would reduce the need for any imposed moderation, but … messageboards are messageboards …
So, as a start, would people show their support for the forum by indicating here (or PM me with any queries) that they would be part of a (self-selecting) General Council. Well, provided people don't think it's a bad idea
[I post this in some trepidation, remembering the short-lived existence of the Phrenological Society of Cincinnati ]
. Each forum develops its own style...
)
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