- ICEMAN ASSASS1N
- |
- Fabled Mythic Member
- gamertag: [none]
- user homepage:
Location: Outlaws' Summit.
Apologies for the Copy/Paste post I'm giving you here, but it's too much to attempt to type again:
[hr]I still think people are getting Forum Cop, Mod wannabe, and Helpful Member confused. But I can see why some people can get them confused, as it's sometimes a fine line between the three.
Hows about a little role play?
Lets say we see a post like this in New Mombasa:
Posted by:Eager new member
what do you guys think is going to be the new weapons in halo 3?
Now this kind of post is usually met with spam/flames, but when it's not, it's usually one of the three types of members who replies in their own unique way.
Posted by:"Mod Wannabe"
Posted by:Eager new member
what do you guys think is going to be the new weapons in halo 3?
Locked.
See what happened? The user replied to the thread only to cast judgement on it. This is probably a lot more annoying to see, as who are we members to decide what stays and what goes?
Scenario #2:
Posted by:"Forum Cop"
Posted by:Eager new member
what do you guys think is going to be the new weapons in halo 3?
This should go Here
Now this is a little more accepted than a "Mod wannabe" response, as the user is trying to help. Providing a link for a new member who doesn't even notice the box of links is a good gesture, but if it's a member who knows where the stuff is, links aren't necessary, and may be seen as patronizing the thread creator in question. That's why it's such a delicate thing- if you're going to do it, do it right (and try not to come off as cocky or anything like that.)
Scenario #3:
Posted by:"Helpful member"
Posted by:Eager new member
what do you guys think is going to be the new weapons in halo 3?
Well, I'm glad to see the Battle rifle returning. And they need to balance the sword a bit. What do you think? Oh, and this may be a little better suited for the Halo 3 forum, hopefully a mod will move it.
Here's what a "Helpful Member" will do. They're interacting with said user, and attempting to be of assisstance along the way. Now, he does do a little Forum copping, as seen by him pointing out to the Halo 3 forum. But his intention is to contribute to thread, then try to aid the user in getting to know what goes where.
There's a fine line with this stuff. Sometimes one will spill over to the other, but it's more or less clear to define these members who attempt to "better" the Forum.
I know it's the mod's job to clean up and whatnot, and I'm sure they enjoy pointing people in the right direction and making the typical new member's experience all the more worth while. But they aren't always there to make sure stuff like this is handled. That's why we have members who try to aid when they can, or direct people in the right direction for future notice.
It's just that it's difficult to tell when the situation calls for it sometimes.[hr]
This was from an earlier thread, and I think it accurately portrays what a member who's at least trying to help will do.
However, I'm just going to right out say it- the term "Forum Cop" has become negative in these times. But there are people who will still consider themselves "Forum Cops" even though they more closer mirror the actions of "Helpful Members."
I like how Mabian does it. He makes sure the user he's helping is comfortable with his assistance, and never attempts to degrade said user whatsoever.
Sometimes it can be tough "Forum Copping." That's why it's sort of a 'Lost art,' so to speak. The people that don't do it right is what made the term became negative.
All in all, people want to help, or at least that should be their goal. Not recognition, not superiority, and not 'mod points.' Because moderators do appreciate the help (or so I'm lead to believe) but you have to know when the appropiate time to help is, and when the appropiate time to let them do their job is.