New Moderator!

Hey everyone,

Sher has reluctantly decided to step down as a moderator as she cannot commit enough time to the site. She has been here longer than most of us can remember, and we thank her for the effort she has put into the role. Looking forward to seeing her around as a member in the future :)

This move means that there is a spot open for a new moderator. It's a chance for us to take a look at the moderator system and to freshen things up!

In the past, the current mods have selected their preferred candidate for the role and approached them through pm. This time, we invite anybody who has an interest in becoming a mod on PnQ to fill out an application and send it to the mod account via pm where it will be considered by the current squad. We will pick from the list of applicants through a vetting process.

If you have any inquiries about the role, please contact us. An outline of moderator responsibilities is found below.

We would like the process to be as democratic as possible and would value member input. We cannot, however, have an open vote or election. If you think you know someone who would make a good mod, please don't hesitate to send us a pm stating why so that we may approach them personally with an application.

Thanks and looking forward to hearing from you! Check your private messages for the application 5 minutes after this post has been made.

Best,
PnQ Mods

Mod Responsibilities (incomplete list):

Weekly Contest:
- Recruit judges every three months and send instructions to new judges.
- Take turns hosting the weekly site contest and communicating with judges

Using Moderator Tools:
- Review poetry articles, member appeals, and comment praises.
- Manage complaints about comments, poems, and private messages
- Maintain vigilance for threats to members, particularly in the form of pedophiles, abusive members and the like. If there is reason to suspect someone of such behavior, bring it to the other mods where a decision will be taken as to correct action, including law enforcement involvement
- Settle inter-member disputes fairly and follow-up whenever necessary
- Delete spam accounts quickly and ban their IP addresses
- Set boundaries and prevent communication between members when necessary -- i.e., in cases of harassment/unwanted attention, as complained of by members
- Keep track of penalized and/or suspended accounts and alternate accounts created by suspended members
- Help members retrieve poems from suspended accounts

On the Message Forums:
- Maintain the rules set out by the site owner, as sometimes interpreted by the moderator team
- When a thread is full, lock and suggest that a new thread may begin, or begin a new thread yourself using last post in old thread as first post in new thread
- Lock threads using best judgment, as a last resort in flame war
- Tone down, edit, delete, or penalize forum posts using best judgment, using least restraint necessary
- Avoid bias in all situations, but if this is not possible, step aside and request that another mod handle the situation
- Delete threads that are offensive and against the rules on their face (e.g. glorifying or calls for violence, racist in nature, commercial, spam)

Greater Site:
- Aid club managers in the management of their clubs when help or advice is requested
- Browse poems and quotes posted to PnQ, checking for plagiarism or any forms of rule-breaking

Within Mod Account:
- Never share private information within the moderator forum or conversations between moderators unless otherwise instructed by the other member; likewise, never share moderator discussions with the membership unless agreed upon by the consensus
- In cases that are not 'run of the mill,' do not act without consulting first with fellow moderators
- Maintain a united face regardless of disputes in the moderator forum -- i.e., be professional.
- Vote on all site-related issues that require action
- Respond in a timely manner to all comments/questions addressed to the joint moderator account, or brought up in the forums, or sent via private message
- Keep track of multiple accounts by self-reporting and IP address/computer ID checks
- Keep abreast of news in "Site Discussion," "Judging," and other threads that may arise
- Be alert in the event Janis shows up to direct him to the "Wish List" & notify all other mods via PM, Facebook, WhatsApp and Pony Express

Here's someone with enthusiasm/ambition...

http://www.poems-and-quotes.com/discussion/topic.html?topic_id=143456

Here is a copy of the application in case anybody missed the mass pm that it was sent out in.

We, the PnQ mods, are looking for a new moderator to join our team. If you are interested in the position of PnQ Moderator, please fill out the application below and turn it in to the joint moderator account by midnight (PnQ time) of November 16th, 2014. We will begin reviewing applications the following day on November 17th.

- Tell us about your PnQ history: When did you join, have you had other accounts, have you been in clubs (which ones?), do you use the forums?
- How much time do you spend on PnQ on average a day/week?
- How do you spend your time on PnQ?
- Why do you want to be a PnQ moderator?
- What do you believe should be the number one priority as a mod?
- What five adjectives do you think describe an ideal mod?
- What aspects of teamwork (working with the other mods) do you think you would find challenging?
- What are three things you would like to change about PnQ as a mod?
- In your words, what makes a comment praiseworthy?
- Do you have any knowledge or experience with IT?
- In 2-3 sentences, describe what PnQ means to you as a member.
- Have you ever been penalized? If so, why?
- Have you ever been suspended? If so, why? How were you able to return to the site?

"What would you do?" situations:

(1) You find a thread has turned into a flame war, how do you handle it? What if the issue were about an intrinsically conflictual topic (i.e. religion, politics, or privacy)?

(2) Sometimes you must deal with accusations of plagiarism. Often, it is difficult or impossible to tell if an accusation is well founded or not. How would you approach such an accusation?

Reference:

Please provide one member on PnQ that we can follow up with and interview privately about the credibility of your application. The interview with said member will be completely confidential. You should ask for their approval before providing them as a reference and sending in this application.

Thank you,
PnQ Mods

Hellon, he sounds like just some guy to me.

;)

Whoever becomes a new Mod congrats in advance :) because it's gonna be hard

Come on!
It can't be that hard, I've lasted three years.

It's been that long? I keep thinking I'm the newest mod and I've been around less than a year. I am now the oldest mod. Have stranger things happened?

Oh hey. It's me, Jane. Oldest mod and I still can't figure out what account I'm signed into, oh boy. I feel sorry for you all!

Larry, love the new profile picture.

To anyone interested: If you really want to shine bright as an applicant, we value quick action because it signals presence on the site *hint*hint*

EDIT: The timeframe got me interested and I decided to look up how long the current mods have been around.

Promotion dates:

2010.9.02 Jane (50 months)
2011.6.05 Larry (40 months)
2011.11.26 Mel (35 months)
2012.12.29 Colm (22 months)

Wow! We haven't had a new mod in almost 2 years. Guess our current team is pretty strong.

Hey guys, I'd like to volunteer though I'm not sure if I would be a great candidate because A: I'm not entirely computer literate,I can do the basics but nothing hectic, though I'm sure with a little help I could change that, and B: I'm currently in my senior year and writing finals so I'm a little busy, though to be fair I'm a terrible student when it comes to studying so I do end up spending a lot of time online.I'll fill in the application form anyway (do I pm it to someone?) And you guys can decide for yourselves.it would be a great honour to own this title and help p and q to grow, it really has become like an online home and safe haven for me :-)

Great! Shoot an application to the PnQ Mod account, which is the account I posted under right before your posted :)

http://www.poems-and-quotes.com/author.html?id=15021

Awesome, thanks Jane :-)

I know the perfect candidate :]

Forgive me Hazel but...you've been on this site for around six weeks and you are applying for the mod position? Well...I pointed out that you were enthusiastic and ambitious from that previous thread but...I should have added the prefix overly to both adjectives :)

Ha ha I know I know I am exceptionally ambitious Hellon, but I believe that if you want something bad enough you have to go for it, also, you were talking about me in that thread??? Frankly I'm shocked and thoroughly pleased so I guess this calls for a"thank you" :-) and yes ha ha I give you full permission to add"overly"to both those adjectives :-P

Well....after 6 whole weeks on this site how can you possibly know you want to become a mod so badly??? I find that very strange...most new members are still trying to pluck up courage to come on the main boards in such a short period.

Ah Hellon, do tell me that you aren't going back to that implication of my being ddavidd and ddavidd being illuminati and the three of us being one in the same?I thought we'd clarified that situation already,I am who I say I am, and so what if I'm exceptionally confident in p and q, can you really blame me for being so enthusiastic, confident and ambitious here at p and q when this happens to be the only place where I've ever felt entirely accepted and where people applaud me for being myself rather than criticize me? I'm happy here, and going back to our original topic of discussion when we first met, I've made some wonderful friends and some special connections with people who welcome me with open arms as though I were some long lost relative, and I know that you'd disagree with the notion of making a connection with people you've never met in the short space of a few days, but I believe that life is what you make of it, and I choose to make my life one whereby I connect with people of all walks of life at any given time simply by being open about who I am and where I stand in life, yes it's very forward of be to want to make an application to be a Mod after not having been here very long, but I don't see the point in deception and in pretending to not desire something, to be frank,I don't trust people who seem to have ulterior motives, and in pretending that I don't wish to be a Mod,I would be practising the art of deception and concealing am ulterior motive, thereby making be untrustworthy, would you not agree?

Ps, as the incredible John green wrote in his book "the fault in our stars"there are different measures of eternity/infinity (I did not quote it because I'm unsure of the direct words) for example Hellon, six weeks in a die-hard prison full of vagrants, would seem like eternity to someone who has led a good and pure life, whereas six weeks spent on a romantic island getaway with a lover whom one has not seen in several months/years, may seem like a fleeting breath of a moment to one in love

Do you guys feel you really need a new mod?

Very good question Britt....I mean how long has it been since Sher has been active and...the current mods have managed so...why now guys?

I've made some wonderful friends and some special connections with people who welcome me with open arms as though I were some long lost relative

^^^

The only thing I can do regarding this statement is shake my head and...remind myself that, on your profile, you state you are 18...

as for the incredible John Green....I had to google him and...couldn't find anything that makes him incredible?

"...is shake my head and...remind myself that, on your profile you state that you are 18..."

And what of my being eighteen...? Is it now a crime to be a passionate, confident and ambitious being at eighteen? Forgive me Hellon, but it seems as though you're one of those metaphorical"old wolves"mentioned in a previous post, who doesn't seem to appreciate being challenged by new blood.I understand that it is probably wrong of me as a youth to be so outspoken towards an older individual, however I feel that as a p and q member,I have the right to speak up for myself wherever it is seen necessary, by joining this group we both have indirectly made a pact to see eye to eye and be on equal footing, not as young and old, but as poets who do everything for the love of poetry.

As for John green, you simply have to read his books in order to understand his mastery :-)

Who doesn't seem to appreciate being challenged by new blood

^^^^

That statement alone tells me just how long you've been a member on here sweety :)

..."I had to google him and...couldn't find anything that makes him incredible?"

Do you think any one here will ever have an article written about them in Wikipedia?

That would be incredible lol

Michael...I'm confused? He's an author and has a book made into a movie as far as I could tell???

"that statement alone tells me just how long you've been on here sweety :-)"

And what exactly are you implying by this statement? :-)

"do you think anyone here will have an article..."

My point exactly!!!! The fact that one can search for his name and find his story is incredible in and of it's own.but really though,I read the fault in our stars and it was so refreshing to read a story that was not only romantically inclined, but it contained messages and little innuendos that make you stop and actually consider the meaning behind his words.

In my culture incredible is most often taken as a compliment . Would you say, you are not impressed with an author of a book that was made into a movie . I am confused :(

And what exactly are you implying by this statement? :-)

^^^

I'm sure you'll figure it out for yourself eventually :)

Perhaps I'm wrong but it would seem that you're either A: implying that I'm inexperienced and over sensitive, or B: you're going back to the theory of my not being who I say I am :-)

It's one or the other deary...just thought I'd let you know BTW...I've started to fill my application in :)

I nominate Senyru and Everlasting they seem to have good heads on their shoulders. I do not know Senyru that well but Everlasting even though I am utterly disappointed of her but by far passes any other members (except me) for that job.
I do not nominate myself because you guys are way behind the level to appreciate the true values.
As you Hazel I am sure you could be a fabulous Mod if you want to in future. But I disapprove of your enthusiasm trying to compliment your way up. Like complimenting Larry's poetry. Even though they are cute little poem but I am sure deep inside you know they are not the true wines and they would not even be considered if for example I posted them or so many others in that scale. But yet you compliment them that enthusiastically shows me that you want the job and ready to bend to get it. And I do not approve of bending in that way. Though do not worry because II was worst than this when I had you age. You are adorable and have lots of energy to explore these things in the future.
Hellon you have some fairness in you like Abby. It sometimes surpasses the level of this site. But I think you always tilt towards your people and not free all together in the final analysis.

Let me see, how many people did I offend in few world? Absolute truth is a bitter remedy!!

I'm also curious as to why y'all are now searching for a new mod. I don't think Sher has been very active in a long time and, the current mod team has been very effective. Just curious. :]

[EDIT]

To answer my own question, I must think objectively about it and realize that the current mod team could be and probably is swamped with work to do on here. Aside from that, they have a life outside this website and they can't be as active as the site needs, therefore the application for a new mod position.

Still would like to hear their opinions if I may ask. :]

I agree with Austin...why now? The team has been perfect and if you have to choose a new Mod let it be someone that has been here for years just a thought no offence Hazel but I don't think you should be a Mod yet it has a lot of responsibility and stress and I don't think you'll make it hun I'm sorry it's for those that can handle a lot of things at once, and those who have like Ddavidd said that have become older and wiser and better than the new members I know when I joined I was still barely touching the pond of poetry I couldn't comment well now I do, before I seeked friendships now I don't I have grown a bit yet I'm not still not where I want to be you need to grow a little bit more but other than that you'll do great in the future

Oh ddavidd!!! You know,I think you're the first person I've met in about...five years that can get away with what you do.you're so charming and sweet one moment, and the next you're insulting everyone under the sun.I must admit that now that I've adapted to your strange ways I find you rather entertaining :-)

As for my complimenting my way up to the Mod role,I disagree with you entirely, because you see, if I really wanted to charm my way into the Mod role,I would"roll over backwards"everytime Hellon and I have a confrontation, but I don't,I speak my mind.also, with regard to commenting so positively on Larry's poetry, you must realize something about me ddavidd dearest, I'm not in the habit of being hypocritical, if I read a poem and dislike it,I will say so or just not comment at all,I really see no reason to waste my much needed time and energy on voting and commenting on poems that I do not enjoy :-)

Oh yeah and also, it's true that I would like to be a Mod, however, if there is (and I'm sure there are many) people who are better qualified to be mods, then I would gladly applaud them and support them all the way, and as I originally mentioned in this thread,I am currently busy writing exams and I'm not the most computer literate person so it would only be natural for someone older, wiser and more qualified to take on the role.Ps, since we're nominating publicly,I would just like to add that I think James would be an interesting candidate, perhaps my judgement is inaccurate but I find him to be a rather balanced and level headed person with an endearing personality (but that's just my opinion) :-)

Of course Mori,I entirely understand that,I was simply putting a thought out there (for future reference ;-))
I know that it's just me dreaming dreams that are too grand for this little head of mine, but I find it's always rather fun to entertain these ideas and see what people have to say, perhaps I'll grow up to be like ddavidd, stirring up situations for the simple purpose of sheer entertainment :-)

Lol Ddavidd does what he loves to do there's nothing bad about that but thank you for not taking insult for I meant nothing of insult just my personal view for a Mod they have to be more mature.

Ha ha yes indeed he does and we love him for it (don't tell him I said that ;-) :-P)

Of course not honey,I don't get offended from hearing the truth :-)

Thank you Hazel

I think a new mod would be a fresh idea for this site. :). Thank you Hazel for the compliment but I would not have time to be a mod right now. I'm too unstable in my life, but I am one of the most non biased person I know.

We would not be seeking a new mod if we were not overworked. There is more to the maintenance of this site than fits in your experience of it. Please read the "Mod Responsibilities (incomplete list)" in the first post & you will get an idea of things that are beginning to slide.

PS: Please remember to EDIT your post to add additional text rather than to double & triple post. We have to close each thread when they reach 100 posts.

EDIT: I think Hellon can attest that even Mods have a wry sense of humor. Take us all with a grain of salt in the wound.

To answer the people wondering about timing and/or why we need a new mod (It's Colm here by the way!)

- Its freshens things up. There hasn't been a new mod since I've come on board almost 2 years ago. A new mod with fresh enthusiasm I think should be a positive. It should be nice to have a new mod who is still looking at the site through the eyes of a member: something we can sometimes forget to do! Also, an extra mod helps ensure a better spread of responsibility and diversity.

- 5 on the mod team is more ideal than 4 because if an issue comes to a vote and there are only 4 mods, it can be 2 v 2 and then there is stalemate. With 5 mods, there will always be a majority with regard issues that need voting on.

- The workload isn't overwhelmingly taxing but often we (current mods) might not be able to log in for hours or days at a time. Sometimes circumstances can occur in our lives where we can't devote time to PnQ for a few days or week, and in that case it can sometimes be left on the shoulders of one or two mods, which is when the workload can really pile up. Having 5 mods allows a better spread of the workload and should ensure things are done and done efficiently.

Well put colm. And I agree with the person who said that a mod should know this site pretty well. It is not an easy task.