Feedback on ResMod Program

Thank you Cybin. I do value your thoughts and feelings on the subject as a highly respected resident. However I *am* hoping for a Linden to address my concerns.

As for the secrecy of the ResMod selection, I wasn't EXACTLY criticizing it. It absolutely *IS* better to keep the ResMod winners a secret until the Lindens can weed out those who are disinterested, unqualified, or thoroughly opposed to ResMods.

However, while secrecy may save Linden Lab the embarassment inherent in a deeply flawed system, it is no subsitute to fixing the system to begin with. If Linden Lab only selects enthusiastic / engaged applicants, there would be no embarassment that requires hiding in the first place. Then transparency would be a policy that benefits Lindens AND Residents alike.

Thank you all for your feedback - a few things about volunteering - if the ResMod program continues, we will take volunteers much like we do for all other volunteer programs, via an application in Your Profile on the website.

When we first started the program, we wanted to include those who had contributed positively to the forum culture, which is why we invited others who had not volunteered, along with those who had volunteered to be part of the first round.

This was met with some confusion in the forums, which is why the newly added ResMods all volunteered in either the initial call or ongoing volunteer thread or in the case of one ResMod, via a call for volunteers in another volunteer group meeting held in-world.

I agree this "volunteer by posting" method is the less than desirable method of application and if it is determined that the Forum ResMod volunteer program will continue, we will add a more permanent method of application via the volunteer management page.

In order for the Second Life community to grow and flourish, Residents will need to continue to contribute to the leadership of their community.

Jeska, once again you take an entire thread of why the ResMod program SHOULDN'T exist and single out ONE moot point to "clarify".

Why don't you ever address the issues raised instead of glossing them over so you can repeat your talking points?



Hate to break this to you, but forum moderation is not leadership.

I am so elated. This was the first hint that canning the ResMod program is even an option. Not that it's a victory, but it's a wonderful change.

And a super special thanks to you, Jeska, for talking to us straight and not shooting us with the corporate-happy-gun ("We like to think of the resmod program as a glass that is half full, not half empty..."

I may take the night off

So we can just can this thread then eh?
/invalid_link.html

Controvertial thought: Make the process more democratic-republic esque.
Im thinking of a system that mirrors, in part, the US government's:
1. Two ResMods chosen by residents (Legislative Branch)
2. Two ResMods chosen by LL (Judicial Branch)
3. Jeska Linden (The President)

Linden-hired moderation is probably not scalable to the infinitely large world Philip Linden had in mind. I think the current ResMod system is a step in the right direction, but not yet ideal.


I agree with your stance concerning ResMod-imposed bans/suspensions, but not with that concerning contributing to decisions. Technically, an abuse report would be considered contributing to a decision to perma-ban someone. Are you saying we should get rid of ARs?
==Chris

Not to mention that the RM does not dictate disciplinary action.

I believe this is the worst possible option, Aimee. The more 'enthusiastic' applicants are over something which gives them power over other residents, the less suitable they are likely to be. IMO, anyway.

Another cancelled posting. I must go and lie down.

Something another thread just brought to my attention. If we have no choice about the ResMod program, other than quitting the forums...

Then I think ResMods should not be allowed to advertise their business, groups, etc. in their signature line while representing Linden Labs. Allowing that creates at least the appearance of Linden Labs endorsement.

I see where you are coming from, but balance this with a ResMod whos desire to smite another user overcomes any desire to maintain their ResMod status. I really think we have three likely scenarios:

1. Most desirable are hired moderators who are not residents and have a healthy distance from resident drama. Perhaps we agree on this one?

2. If that's not possible, then I would accept moderators who harbor a love for the RedMod job such that they will do their best to keep it.

3. The least desirable scenario is to empower residents whos lack of enthusiasm for the task leaves them feeling like they have nothing to lose for abusing their privileges.

However, I DO understand the reluctant leader scenario and believe it has validity.

I would agree with the other posters who have stated the resmod program should be abandoned, for the same reasons they've already articulated, in addition to the thread mentioned by Lecktor, in which Robin assures us:

"We have a basic principle underlying many of our decisions, which is that no player should have power over another. We also don't believe that it makes sense to implement governing systems from the top down, so we would not impose a form of government on the world."

This is especially critical since what a person says on the forums now directly affects their ability to participate in SL and to keep their goods and property therein.

If LL wants to run an official forums, they should pay official Lindens to oversee them, and I don't mean out of their back pocket as an add-on to all their other duties.

The resmod system is just a bandaid applied to a system that already doesn't work, and already has zero pretense of consistency, logic, meaning, or fairness.

The rules as articulated in the Guidelines and in the TOS should be applied evenly to all residents, according to what is written, and not according to whim or how many other residents seem to be "bothered" by what that poster has said, who the poster is, or any other arbitrary, unpredictable, and undiscernable standard.

Putting residents on the frontline as resmods and letting them take all the flack for a system that is broken at its core is unfair to them and to all of us.

coco

some explain to me what is going on? the greeters forums are getting JUNKEDUP with meetiing reports that are not offical! Can someone clean them off !!!!!!!!!!!!

Just wanted to chime in that if there's anyone criteriafied who feels like they're pressing at the window (and the sign says OPEN but the door is locked) and wants to be a ResMod... and gets the impression they are being ignored or whatnot, please, PLEASE get in touch with me. Unlike the Coldcut song, "Autumn Leaves", you won't be forgotten--passion drives!

While I came from a place of roboticism, I'm not there anymore. (What? You think I was always this way? It's been a 180-degree turn!) Some people have "nervous breakdowns" which shatter their lives apart. I had opposite experiences that put me back together, fully--and gave me a Second Life too.

Call me a positive person, but I think there's too much emphasis on "What could go wrong?"... i.e. threads getting locked and that kind of thing. It happens, and is worth the discussion, but the ratio of that to all the joy I've experienced here is puny and pales dimly.

So, "What could go right?" There are numerous lines in the ResMod manual emphasizing happy things! ResMods guiding lost Resis in the right direction like an usher with a flashlight that shoots hearts and is full of *huggerz*.

Instead of "How many threads will be closed?", consider: "How many threads will not only be open, but continue to blossom like flowers?"

It's tragique when bad things do happen. There's lots of lousy crap in this world. Which is why I sheerly cannot be happy enough. I take time, just about every day, to count everything that's right in my life, and that includes learning and growing from the general knowledge that accumulates here, the vivid perspectives shared that teach me more about others, and the whacked-out humor too!

Seriously. There's vibrant conversation, we're alive and have access to advanced technology to express ourselves, and I'd like to see many more posts that leave people smiling.

Ohboy

This is not our job, it's all the employees of Linden Lab. I do not pay to lead a group of people who do not wish to be lead, and I do not want to be a follower of anyone else in a world where government is not necessary i.e Second Life. The majority of the community does not want this, so how can it grow and flourish while so many despise the fact that it even exists? Please wake up Linden Lab.

There are a few greeter and mentors acting like the are leaders of the group....... HELL there was a meeting or not today? I never got the message there was one at 6pm!

I think that's what makes it even worse, they are just hoping that by asking for our imput and making everything a little more quite each time they make a change, that we will all become accustomed to ResMods. It almost makes me sick to see someone try to pull something like this. But then again, maybe they really believe they are doing the right thing

Jeska stated: "please keep in mind that the number one goal of the ResMod program is to put residents in a leadership position where they can help define and shape a strong, positive forum community." however, many of those selected in the first round did not exemplify leadership pursuant to the TOS/CS and forum rules for posting, When complaints were rendered concerning the offending members, those complaints were disregarded and the standards changed, lessened, concerning those particular resmods.

It is hard to look upon offending members as leaders when they cannot be respected because of past conduct and interaction with the membership. When members several members complain about a particular resmod the complaint must not be disregarded and standards lowered if there is to be any respect for the resmods selected and the program.

Resmods should not be permitted to post in any thread during the time they are acting in a resmod capacity except perhaps to note why an official action was taken. So far we have seen several resmods who feel compelled to post responses in almost every thread as if the posts were directed to them and they are an official spokesperson for LL. This chills interaction and its also offensive for the resmods to act in a superior manner to other members.

The action of some resmods has been contradictory and its clear they can engage in conduct for which they are reprimanding other members. A thread I started that asked why people who complain they lack money for paying child support can find the money to play online games was closed as inappropriate for SL forum discussion, while at the same time posts where one res mod discussed at length why he was arrested for nonpayment of child support was permitted to stand, making it appear as though it was this resmod who acted to close my thread because of his personal agenda. Other off topic or innapropriate threads are permitted to remain, such as where this same resmod began posting all of his real life activity as though he was a superstar because he was a resmod.

This is called an ego powertrip, not leadership.

One resmod is not active in SL any longer and has not been for a long time, in fact, I dont even remember seeing posts made by him. A couple of resmods have reprimanded members for conduct they themselves engaged in.

It is a mistake to select members and place them in a "leadership" postion, the implication being one where you are putting them in charge of other members. That is not the task of a moderator, and it can only alienate and anger the rest of the membership to have a handful of members selected without the input of other members. In a system where "leaders" are put into place they must be nominated and/or elected by those to be led if the leader and system is to be successful and respected.

If the purpose of the resmod program is for LL to select leaders to govern the membership in the forums, then this program has grown far astray from the duties of a moderator. A moderator should review posts and report those that violate the forum rules for posting as well as the TOS/CS without glee or editorial comment. A moderator should remain unobtrusive and not act as a chilling superior presence. A moderator should not be placed in a leadership postion over the membership unless that person is a paid employee of Linden Lab, or unless they are selected by the membership as a whole to lead them.

LL has repeatedly put forth the postion that it now wants self governance by the membership, however the moderator system as it stands is not that. I dont want to be governed by a resmod whose duty is to moderate posts; lets not confuse the duties of this position. I would rather abandon all participation in the forums than be governed by member leaders, several of which have openly violated the rules; which contradicts the stated goal of makign the forums a welcome place for all members.

The resmod program should be abandoned; or those chosen to govern as leaders should be made employees. If the program is permitted to continue, then resmods should be selected by the membership since they are apparently now being charged with much more authority than merely monitoring forum posts for violations. Resmods should not be permitted to post in threads, apart from comments relating to official action, during the weeks they are "on duty." Resmods should not be permitted to make editorial comments, particularly comments of glee, when taking action against a post.

Regardless of my suggestions for improvement, I think the program should be elimiated because as it exists now it offends the membership. If LL wants leaders to govern the membership, then hire more employees or declare that a government exists in SL and allow election of those in a leadership postition.

So lets get this straight...are these select members chosen to govern and lead the membership or are they supposed to review posts for violations..there is a difference and I absolutely reject the suggestion that they are in postions of leadership.

I find it surprising the amount of venom being directed at me (and I have to assume its at me, even if its not, because I care so much about others). I try hard to ignore that *very* tiny status which was allowed to me, and just go about SL as normal. What's so wrong about that?

I think the crux of the situation is that forum ban/suspension is still linked to that in-world. Perhaps this should be recinded ASAP? Those who are interested in removing the program, would that help at all?

Or would it be better to disconnect the forums altogether - Hand over its administration to a 3rd party like Coco mentioned eventually happened with TSO (which at its core I feel was a nice idea BTW).

I don't think that a ResMod should just restrict his/her posts during that time to just moderation duties. Please, stop by the Notebook Forums (also a vBullitin format), and see that there are many moderators there acting as leaders as well as moderators. In fact I don't even know who the Administrator is anymore - the Moderators themselves have done so well in their niches that its not as much needed. I do understand the one horrid example brought up, and am saddened by that, and agree that a measure of review by Company Employees (whomever that may be) should help in this.



I suppose I can be placed in catagory 2 currently; I care much about SL and its future. Depending on what happens this week regarding the DRC aka Cyan I may end up in catagory 1, sort of - would that make my life as a ResMod easier on people?

If they make you a Linden? Absolutely. And I think you would make a great Linden all around, not just as a forum moderator.

This is an interesting take but one worth mentioning. While my desires in SL are almost exclusively creative (I hate administration like a vampire hates garlic) I think I could at least sympathize with the dissapointment felt by those who wanted the position and applied, but were passed up in favor of those who didn't know about the program and didn't care about it. Like when the team captains in high school gym class select their team from a lineup, it can be crushing when they start fishing for ANYBODY but you...

"I'll take, ummmm that mailbox over there... or the ummm school mascot. Yes I KNOW he's a goat, but look what we have to work with here!!!"

Still, failure is part part of success. I hope those dissapointed by not being selected as a ResMod stay optimistic. There are TONS of WONDERFUL opportunities in SL.



Agreed and I think a ton of very postitive things have come out of this whole experience.

We have seen mortal enemies come together in ways I could have never have imagined. Coco, Enabran, Eboni, Martin, J-Wu, Weedy, katykiwi, Aimee, Prokofy and many more. I would NEVER have thought so many people with so many differences could be on the same side on any issue. It's been curiously inspiring!

And I hope there isn't an impression that I am ANTI-ResMod. I'm PRO-Linden! Let's move this ResMod program FORWARD ASAP! These thankless, payless volunteers have already shown that they are willing to put in the time and sacrifice for Linden Lab. It's time to be PROactive. Give them an interview! Let them have a permanent position with a salary. Let's give them the Linden title. And by way of contractual obligation and non-disclosure agreement, let's make them feel like their contribution to the Second Life forums is more than a passing moment where they are being used for free labor.

So let's not call my position on the issue "Anti-ResMod" but rather "ResMod 2006" !!

I'm rigidly anti-resmod. the negatives I've seen make the positives look small.

Positives = cardboard box on corner

Negatives = playboy mansion

Lets close the resmod program immediately

But as predicted I see all the actual complaints being ignored...the masses of forum goers who do NOT want the system.

The forums seem united AGAINST the resmod system.

I for one will be ignoring their posts from this point on, at least the oens done as resmods. the worst they can do is report me.

I think I will personally put every ResMod, present and future, on my ignore list. I do not allow people to have control over me IRL and I will not do it in SL either. I don't care to listen to the puppets, and the worst puppets in the world are the ones who don't even know they are puppets.

The vast majority of comments in these forums are negative to the idea of ResMods and the Linden response is to cup their hands over their ears and sing loudly, "LALALALALA WE CAN'T HEAR THE NEGATIVE LALALALALA."

This is no longer a company I really want to deal with because they do no listen to criticism. They only listen to "constructive criticsm", i.e., "as long as you agree with us, we'll listen to what you have to say." Don't come to the community, say, "Hey what do you think of this?" And then 10 minutes later make ANOTHER post announcing the implementation of what you just asked for "input "on. Why the fuck ask for input if you have no intention of listening anyway?

I've sold off all my land and am keeping my premium account just to keep my main store open, as my SL income is currently paying all my utility bills.

NO to community "leadership".
NO to resident government FORCED on the general population.

I think the Suicide Girls should be our res mods.