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Posted By PRH
I have started this new thread to pick up on a matter arising out of thread headed "moderators". The thread started as a question about moderation and then branched out into discussion about the content and style of postings, is humour appropriate, personal responses etc. The subject that I would like to discuss further is the desirability of having two lines, one for "working" together on line, the other existing line for "chatting." I have outlined some opening thoughts below.
I think separate lines where members can clearly choose between chatting or working on line together would improve the usability of the forum.
The chat forum is a great modern equivalent of the staff canteen, the bar at the local, the branch meeting tea break. Everyone understands the social context in real life, context is a little more difficult in the virtual world.
I also agree with comments that we are often lonely souls in our working lifes because we are the only elf&saferty anorak in the organisation. Of course we need a like minded shoulder to lean on sometimes whether for advice on how to gain the most pleasure from sucking a kitkat or to just think aloud in supportive surooundings about an H&S matter that we are mulling over.
I would compare it to the " have you got minute, need to chat this over with you" or "coming for a pint tonight, I need to wind down or even start a wind up!". That is perfectly acceptable for any profession and we should not concern ourselves about Joe Public or big bad press baron knowing that we are as mad as the next "expert". We do actually drink the pint without checking the safety standards of the pub or the food safety aspects of the beer and sometimes even exceed the safe dosage.
However, or do I mean but? What if you are trying to use the forum in a more serious manner because you are either really struggling with a technical issue or are desperately searching for help under some duress or you are just plain busy and need good quick focused responses from fellow professionals? You do not need to be told you are not competent so just forget it and find an expert, you do not need to be told how to suck a kitkat, you do not your thread bumped by those with no real interest in helping you.
Why? Because now you are not chatting but working hard and just like in the real world, those who want to chat and have fun can be a real pain just for that precise moment. You love 'em to bits but you will still ask them to focus or give you some slack whilst you get this done. If you have ever tried to do that on a chat forum you will know what happens next.
The other advantage is that in such a "working" environment the moderators task would be more focused and therefore easier to perform whilst maintaining user respect
What do others think? is there a case for this and would you use it?
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Posted By Ron Hunter
The principle is fine, the reality may be different. Would Moderators then spend their time advising on, or removing postings which were then considered to be on the "wrong forum"?
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Posted By Alan Hoskins
Peter,
My thoughts are that a serious forum would become, well, just too serious.
I enjoy the mix of serious and not so serious and have learned a lot from both aspects of the mix.
I do take your point though about when a serious answer or comment is required to resolve a pressing issue.
Perhaps the poster should try to make this clear at the outset and then (maybe) the responses would be appropriate.
Alan
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Posted By Catman
I agree with Alan.
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Posted By Merv Newman
I come back to this forum once or twice a day because I find it a pleasant experience. I very very rarely go to any of the others, not because they are unpleasant or uninteresting. They just don't attract me. (I think I still have a thread up on one of the members forums, but I haven't checked lately. Must do that as soon as I get to the bottom of this page)
I come to be informed, to see if I can offer information, and to relax.
Today has been solid paperwork. Potential client called at 9am, wanted three contracts "today"
Thats done, brain is cooling nicely, coffee break, IOSH chat forum.
So no, I'm not for a "serious" thread. If it ain't broke don't try to fix it. And this forum is really only slightly cracked.
Where would you have put today's link to the Sun Newspaper ?
Cheers
Merv (one of the occasional offenders)
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Posted By Ann Guerrini
I for one enjoy the forum I have received help in the past and have also provided a little help to others. The sense humour is needed especially when you are having a hard time trying to get the message across. Reading some good threads can really make you feel you are doing a worthwhile job. Where would we be without Merv's recipes, knowledge and great sense of humour.
This is a chat forum and little light hearted banter goes along way to making a stressful day more bearble, it nice to know you are not on your own. Yes some rules are needed I think the moderators do a difficult job
well.
Maybe this forum should come with a warning, this forum can be addictive.
Regards
Ann
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Posted By Catman
Wise warning Ann, it can be addictive.
I am going to be sacked soon for spending too much time on here and have had to downsize in the property market.
TW
Bin no 3
Asda car park.
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Posted By sagalout
Thanks for the responses.
I am quite happy to throw away my anorak and join the happy band.
I was really just pondering on the questions raised about standards and style of moderation and some heartfelt comments in various threads about the both the frustration of those trying to work on line and those worried about a public image.
I suppose I should have known that the indomitable free spirit of the human state would quite rightly triumph. Most likely those that use the "chat" forum to chat most would be the ones to reply anyway I guess. (wrong marketing strategy again?)
I guess I should now go away to hone my e-skills in order to survive the world of electronic virtuality (as George W would undoubtably say it); to learn how to look disapprovingly over my glasses; tut; polish my leather arm patches; flick my clipboard; look VERY serious or even shout loudly.
The one thing that I think we all agree on is that this resource is a great asset.
p.s. In case you are confused, I have changed my "handle" since first starting this thread.
PRH
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Posted By Merv Newman
Sagalout ?
In the spirit of this forum in it's current form : looks like you are going on a booze cruise with the golden oldies ?
Merv
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Posted By sagalout
Merv, my alias given to me by my grandsons. Something to do with grey hair, over 50, adventurous and found of bacchus and his wares!
Love your contributions to the forum, lets keep it going.
p.s if you want a H&S story about booze cruises I have some? Whoops bumping my own thread
SL (hic)
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