The Modfag Game AKA BlueLight 101 with Professor TLB.

[New]

I accidentally logged out reading that.

 

[That_Guy]

Thank you for putting that out there. Everyone should go back and read every word. Every member and staff member needs to hear that.

 

[Thou]

lolthis was serious?

Fucking serious lounge discussions?

Shouldn't this truly be in some support forum or something, as not to decieve me?


TLB... Thank you that's the attitude necessary and it's wholeheartedly appreciated.



Mods... Everything I say in the lounge is, of course, in jest. Like the bad kids giving the substitue teacher a bit of trouble. Still, all in good fun, unless you get too serious.

So ITT:

No need to elaborate.

 

[auto238367]

I am willing to bet this is probably the longest thing I've ever written on this site...and I've written a lot. I'd be amazed if anyone actually reads the whole thing, I'm not sure I could - certainly not in one sitting.

But what could bring me to this point? How could I possibly have anything left unsaid at this late entry? What was the magic fuel that outpaced the meth effect and made cocaine look like sleeping powder for it's motivational effect? I suspect GM is sitting back smugly basking in the biggest troll in the history of this site - I'd give that about 5% credit. If I know GM like I think I do, the level of intelligence behind his comments also pumps his ego to think he's shared vital information for the life of the site that will finally bring about change that is so desperately needed within (sr) staff. I'd give that about 3% credit as it's greatly overvaluing his contribution, but more importantly he's didn't invent this wheel. I'd probably give about 10% to the need to address a lot of misinformation written here specifically. Granted, he's a featured part of this diatribe, but that's primarily because he's been a fountain of misinformation, on facts he knows better about but preferred to play martyr for his fan base. He is not an agent of change, he's merely offered speaking points which we can clarify for the public.

That's the bigger motivation, to set the record straight on things a lot of people probably don't know (even though most of it is available to them if they weren't so fucking lazy...which is wrong of me to say, because they may not even know where to look). But the strongest driving factor is that this site is ALWAYS in need of improvement - but it is consistently falling short, usually by a lack of effort by the members. :gasp: members? Yeah, members.

As longest serving admin (and possibly one of the longest serving staff members in general), I've seen a lot of shit go down. I've survived some unbelievable turmoil on this site, and put in a LOT of time at every level of membership (except banned....I don't think I've tried that one yet). The point is, I feel compelled to act as I see best for this site. A big part of that is asking 'what is missing, how do we get it?' or 'what is really wrong?' The thing is, members typically see a lot of things that are wrong, that people inside the machine can't see - and sometimes those people inside the machine ARE the problem.



A history lesson, for those of you who don't remember it. The major players in the story would be xtcxtc (site benefactor who paid to get us where we are, but has since passed on), skydancer (one of the site founders, long term admin), and a missing C-22 (then sole Sr. Admin). The plot, let's just say this thread wouldn't even be a shoelace on that centipede (gawd, that was an awful metaphor, apologies). Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Skydancer -- A Democratic Bluelight. Still in the public domain, and an example of this site being at it's worst. The effects of it are still echoing amongst staff that were here (even as members) at that time. A time when site management really did need to be overthrown and radically overhauled. Read it if you will. At 21 pages, you can consider my novella here as a primer.



Having experienced that, there are a few key things I keep at my core when it comes to BL. First, is the members - always. Anyone accepting a role on staff, accepts the responsibility to LISTEN to the members and ACT professionally so the site will be here for the members (current and future) and be better than it was before. Before...back then? Better than when you found the place.

Listen. Listen, Think, Do, Review. Always looking to improve, always looking to learn and make things better - either myself, those around me, the site, anything. The best way to do that is listen, because if you had all the answers, you'd be done by now.

But it isn't about you, TLB. It's about the site and it's members! Yeah, the members. Let's pull one more point out of that history lesson - and you only have to go as far as the title. Democracy.

Democracy is rule by the masses. Now, true democracy doesn't really work, because someone has to play the hard part and make the hard decisions. Someone has to be held accountable in carrying out the group desire, and still keep an eye out for danger so John Q Public doesn't burn his house down or shoot his foot off. Someone has to make the rules and enforce them, and it isn't always going to be popular to be that person. Who has the balls to do it? For free, on their own time, often at their own expense? For free, knowing the thanks you'll get is bitching by those who feel persecuted? Who has the integrity to do it with the people in mind, and not their own agenda? To do it without ego and with an awareness of what the members actually want and need?

And, if we're going to listen to the members, they've gotta fucking speak. Staff has to listen, but dammit, the public has to send a message in order for one to be heard. Dialogue involves more than one person speaking. Progress requires both parties actively listening and engaging the other party. You got the time required to do this? Who is willing to invest their time as a staff member to actually hear people out, formulate a plan to implement and get it in place? Versus how many people are unwilling to step outside their own needs and wants, who prefer to remain a member who bitches without doing? A member that can state whatever they want and leave at a whim?

Here it is, the payoff for all this I've written. I'll offer you a deal, and I bet I can get the rest of the staff to go along with it (if they don't agree, I'll simply provide them the stone fucking tablet, and offer them the choice of tits or gtfo). Here's the deal:

As staff, we'll promise to work towards more transparency, and accountability to the members. This will require us to continue giving our volunteer time and effort, and to listen to the members (and for sr staff to listen to the mods) - all without fear of persecution or ridicule. We'll do our best to implement changes that benefit the site and it's members to the best of our ability. And if, as an individual, we find we can't give what's needed we'll step down of our own volition and allow someone with the time and interest to pick up our spot. We'll promise to act in a way that would make you proud to be associated with the site (read that as 'act professional') while retaining that sense of humility, of humanity.

But here's the rub. As members, you have to help us develop these plans and ideas. You have to come to SUPPORT with your suggestions, with your comments on how to improve transparency, improve operations, improve the experience for the members. YOU have to care at least half as much as you expect us to. No more sitting on your ass and bitching about the status quo without doing something about it - either forum content where you can raise the level of quality; or in calling us to accountability with a real instance to which we can learn and respond.

SUPPORT is there for a reason, and it isn't just telling people we aren't going to delete all their posts or change their screen name. SUPPORT also means you are helping us improve this place and make it better than when you got here. Don't just point at staff and say we aren't doing anything when you don't even look at what we ARE doing, when you don't participate in our efforts to engage you and get your opinions on how things are going. Hell, you don't have to wait for us to ask. Look at how many staff members jump in and respond to any post in SUPPORT - and the ones with merit, see what effect they've had in changing policy or practice.

Staff is here to serve, but members need to take some ownership as well, and not assume the staff have all the answers (I think we've proven consistently that we don't) nor chide us for not having things done how you'd like....you need to help us find those answers, you need to help us know how you'd like things done.

Donations are needed, but for every person who donates there are 10 who either claim no money is available or simply remain silent in the shadows. You can still contribute - you're already doing it with your posts in the forums. Give us something more than the lulz, give us something to make the place better than when you got here. Give us your ideas, give us your feedback on our plans, give us your support as we try to roll them out. Speak up or shut up. Your choice. But get off our nuts for busting our ass when you can't get past your petty LOUNGE drama bitchfest. This site is FOR the MEMBERS....act like it's yours and take some ownership in what it is.

dismantle BL in its current form. break it down into a number of cells, each cell is connected to the network. each cell can be run on its own accord by its own people. but cells can be different and it gives people the choice of picking what kind of BL experience they want.

I have been yearning for accountability here. Things like Soup Nazi and the like need to end. Warnings and bannings should be accountable things, the creation of a seperate entity to obsure where it comes from is the tip of the iceburg of accountability issues. This is a site that asks for thousands of dollars from its members but offers nothing really in the way of any accountability, its like the fucking government... a tax with no say in really how things are run.

I would like to see (as previously stated) an ombaudsom or some possition so that the masses can have an advocate and a watchdog ensure things are cool. Obviously the possition is only as good as the person filling the role, but I would think that an old wise dude is prolly kickin around with some wisdom and compassion left to kick around.

I am glad to see that there is progressive talk to come out of this shitshow, now if there is actual progressive change, rather than this being another media blitz, that would certainly be welcome.

 

[tambourine-man]

I would like to see (as previously stated) an ombaudsom or some possition so that the masses can have an advocate and a watchdog ensure things are cool.

Why? So that we can personify the divide between staff and members???

If there's such segmentation between staff and posters, then levering a wedge into the divide isn't a solution.

 

[auto238367]

Why? So that we can personify the divide between staff and members???

If there's such segmentation between staff and posters, then levering a wedge into the divide isn't a solution.

Sometimes a third party with a common interest in the best solution can provide a way to streamline communication.

It has been suggested that BL staff now are suddenly going to be open to suggestion on how to make BL.

Would you rather have PMs from dozens of people to multiple staff, or would you like someone to aggregate all the suggestions, critism (constructive) and gripes, formulate a report detailing urgency for certain issues such as security issues, and provide a feedback loop. This person or people can then look into the workings of BL and look for efficiencies, or improvements or new ways to do things.

Don't think of it as a wedge. Think of it as a bridge, uniting two user groups.

 

[sixpartseven]

I have been yearning for accountability here. Things like Soup Nazi and the like need to end. Warnings and bannings should be accountable things, the creation of a seperate entity to obsure where it comes from is the tip of the iceburg of accountability issues. This is a site that asks for thousands of dollars from its members but offers nothing really in the way of any accountability, its like the fucking government... a tax with no say in really how things are run.

IIRC, warnings now show who they are issued from, not that you couldn't have figured it out on your own in the past. If you're getting a warning, you probably already know why, so besides the fact that moderators sign their warnings (at least I do with a "6/7" and whoever doesn't know what that means,well...whoever isn't signing them must not have heard the same suggestion made by the admins that we do it) it should be pretty obvious to you who is warning you.

 

[tambourine-man]

Sometimes a third party with a common interest in the best solution can provide a way to streamline communication.

It has been suggested that BL staff now are suddenly going to be open to suggestion on how to make BL.

Would you rather have PMs from dozens of people to multiple staff, or would you like someone to aggregate all the suggestions, critism (constructive) and gripes, formulate a report detailing urgency for certain issues such as security issues, and provide a feedback loop. This person or people can then look into the workings of BL and look for efficiencies, or improvements or new ways to do things.

Don't think of it as a wedge. Think of it as a bridge, uniting two user groups.

There shouldn't be two user groups.

If people genuinely believe that there is, then there's a problem. But one that shouldn't be solved by maintaining that distinction and pandering to the idea that members and staff are fundamentally different. So different that the plebs need an advocate to translate their needs to the otherworldly demi-gods of staff???

Nah.

 

[Rogue Robot]

auto#, i think what you're forgetting is that all staff members at some point in time were BLers, and we're brought on for not only knowledge and help in a specific forum, but obviously, each person owns their own flavor of personality and ideas, too.

any big changes that are done to the forum (and other things, as well) are usually brought up in support where both staff and members participate in discussion. so, i'm failing to see how you think it's totally segregated.

on another note, maybe a discussion like this would be better suited for support (sorry felix )?

 

[Finder]

dismantle BL in its current form. break it down into a number of cells, each cell is connected to the network. each cell can be run on its own accord by its own people. but cells can be different and it gives people the choice of picking what kind of BL experience they want.

I really don't see how this is a viable option. The amount of coordination required would be monstrous for any sort of consistency.

I have been yearning for accountability here. Things like Soup Nazi and the like need to end. Warnings and bannings should be accountable things, the creation of a seperate entity to obsure where it comes from is the tip of the iceburg of accountability issues. This is a site that asks for thousands of dollars from its members but offers nothing really in the way of any accountability, its like the fucking government... a tax with no say in really how things are run.

So you know who to fuck with next time you get banned during one of your episodes? I mean, really, you're one to talk about accountability. Frankly, you're lucky to be around this site at all. Shouldn't you be held accountable for wasting our collective time over the years?

It has been suggested that BL staff now are suddenly going to be open to suggestion on how to make BL.

Show me where we have been unresponsive to suggestion. We do not censor such things nor intentionally obfuscate decisions made.

Would you rather have PMs from dozens of people to multiple staff, or would you like someone to aggregate all the suggestions, critism (constructive) and gripes, formulate a report detailing urgency for certain issues such as security issues, and provide a feedback loop. This person or people can then look into the workings of BL and look for efficiencies, or improvements or new ways to do things.

It's called the support forum and anyone is free to raise any issue they like.

 

[Pander Bear]

ITT: Trolls, alters, and loungetrash make demands about how they might better be served

 

[Thou]

on another note, maybe a discussion like this would be better suited for support (sorry felix )?

Indeeeed.

 

[auto238367]

There shouldn't be two user groups.

If people genuinely believe that there is, then there's a problem. But one that shouldn't be solved by maintaining that distinction and pandering to the idea that members and staff are fundamentally different. So different that the plebs need an advocate to translate their needs to the otherworldly demi-gods of staff???

Nah.

Ok then make everyone a mod and we can be all one big happy family.
but no we have two groups. one with power, one with power en mass.

auto#, i think what you're forgetting is that all staff members at some point in time were BLers, and we're brought on for not only knowledge and help in a specific forum, but obviously, each person owns their own flavor of personality and ideas, too.

any big changes that are done to the forum (and other things, as well) are usually brought up in support where both staff and members participate in discussion. so, i'm failing to see how you think it's totally segregated.

on another note, maybe a discussion like this would be better suited for
support (sorry felix )?

When I was a boy... When I was a man I put away childish things... The magic was gone, I forgot how to be a dinosaur.

Even if you don't perceive it, you are different. if someone has a problem with a mod or a rule or something, its not easy to post in support.

IIRC, warnings now show who they are issued from, not that you couldn't have figured it out on your own in the past. If you're getting a warning, you probably already know why, so besides the fact that moderators sign their warnings (at least I do with a "6/7" and whoever doesn't know what that means,well...whoever isn't signing them must not have heard the same suggestion made by the admins that we do it) it should be pretty obvious to you who is warning you.

Dude I am so baked on this site, that if there isn't a PM when a thread gets closed or i rant and rave, i dont know why it happened.


the attitude of resistance to chance does not bode well.
you complain about doing work, and here is a new way to make your work more efficient at recieving suggestions and you regect it. sounds like jewish banking conspiracy to me.

 

[sixpartseven]

Dude I am so baked on this site, that if there isn't a PM when a thread gets closed or i rant and rave, i dont know why it happened.

How is that not your fault?

It's not resistance to change just because someone doesn't agree with you.

 

[auto238367]

I really don't see how this is a viable option. The amount of coordination required would be monstrous for any sort of consistency.



So you know who to fuck with next time you get banned during one of your episodes? I mean, really, you're one to talk about accountability. Frankly, you're lucky to be around this site at all. Shouldn't you be held accountable for wasting our collective time over the years?

It's called the support forum and anyone is free to raise any issue they like.

Easy to implement. Links to other sites. BL could become a host, offering hosts to minisite/forums within the BL network. could roll it out with upgraded security, decentralize it... web 2.0 drug talk ftw. give people a playground to socialize, share, and have fun on the webs with likeminded individuals.

I think I have put in enough to this website to make up for any shit I have caused. Sorry I am mentally unstable.

They are free to do so but do they feel free to do so. In Ontario it is legal for women to be topless in public, but most women would not feel free to walk around with they tits swinging (also its cold now).

 

[thujone]

dang.. i'll have shaved twice and run out of weed by the time i finish reading tlb's civics lesson

 

[auto238367]

How is that not your fault?

It's not resistance to change just because someone doesn't agree with you.

Tell me I made a mistake and say why. Then I will try not to do so again. If you just close it I don't know what happened, was it a glitch in the system, or how did i fail so i can prevent it. I wan't to push the line not cross it. When I cross it let me know, then i can better obey my masters.

Its attitude dude. Disagreeing is fine, I am all for disagreement and logical discussion but its the vibe of "Fuck off you plebs, we are 1337, we run shit, stay outta our house its a private party and we are going to continue on as before after this appeasement session to appear to be nice, while we continue to plot in the shadows without any accountability."

 

[sixpartseven]

Closing a thread and receiving a warning are two different things. There must have been some misunderstanding between you and I because I was under the impression we were discussing how you think The Soup Nazi should be gone and warnings should come directly from mods.

Closed threads do not always equal a warning, and if they do, my point still stands, warnings are supposed to be signed by the issuing mod. ALSO, warnings come with a reason for why you received the warning, so it will most likely be explained for you. ALSO ALSO, if you created a thread recently and received a warning shortly after, it should be common sense that that thread is probably the reason for the warning.

Well, I can't comment on the attitude you speak of in other forums, but I can speak for OD and BDD when I say if you have an issue with the forum, at the very least my PM box is always open and I can guarantee the rest of the team will say the same. Let us know and we will be more than happy to work with you. Ask anyone from OD who has PMed me in the past, I always listen and do my best to help.

 

[L2R]

• post or upload any content that is libelous, deceptive, fraudulent, tortious or inaccurate;
• post or upload any content that is copyrighted or invasive of another's privacy;
• post or upload any content that victimizes, harasses, degrades, or intimidates an individual or group of individuals on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or any other reason;
• post or upload to a forum any content that violates specific rules of that forum;

 

[Disabled_Traveller]

TLB: Thank you for posting that "primer". My intention when I said that with the "..." was to indicate that as far I was concerned the "truth" lied somewhere in the middle. That was communicated to admin in PMs. As was also indicated, I appreciate the effort that the admins put in to BL. I hope we all remember the upgrade and the hassles created. I can only imagine the work spent behind the scenes. So, thank you.

I don't agree that this should be moved. It might have served/is serving the important task of enlightening some of us new BLers on the history. That task would go undone if it was moved. Just my thoughts on it. At this point, we all know how "serious" this thread is. Click or don't. That is your prerogative.

I am comfortable with the way the site is running now. My only proviso is that there is some form of transparency and more of an attempt at a harm reduction in The Lounge. There is no need to be mentioning what drugs are ingesting and the manner that you do. "No Drug Talk In The Lounge" should be followed.