I think there are really some good ideas here. For one thing, increased numbers of mods can provide a more consistent presence. I believe in the past discussions just rambled on into trouble until crisis stage, then a mod was called, and then Ashton just stomped it to dust. Unless a mod had a personal interest in the topic, they never noticed it until trouble came.
And in more recent events, I saw what looked like a lot of bad feeling that had built up over a long time until it exploded. Hurt feelings fester. If a mod who appeared more approachable was available, like Shecky, maybe some drama could be avoided. Of course Shecky will have to quit any semblance of a day job and just devote his life to this.
I've been amazed and humbled at some of the things people put out there on this board. Deeply personal and hurtful (to them) situations. As a firmly repressed white woman from the frozen north, I was first appalled, then charmed, and then jealous of the torrent of warmth and caring provided by other board members. Mac's Pub provided a window into different worlds, if only in terms of the weather. I've seen other perspectives and been made keenly aware the world consists of more than the 3 square miles around me. I've seen genuine kindness, (as well as a very few total jerks).
This board is a tricky balancing act, and like humor itself, these opinions
can and will be totally subjective. If the mods, having had eggs instead of French toast for breakfast, are offended they can take action - or at least issue a warning. I think short-term banning powers would be good, but tell the offender what happened and why.
And there are people who like to argue and stir the pot just to see what happens. Sometimes I'm one of them. I can certainly understand why Fred doesn't want that. It's annoying, time consuming and he's a dad but he's
not our dad. (How's the baby, btw?) And of course he shouldn't have to.
FWIW
