An extremely difficult decision

[primsong]

Time for the icky part of my job.


This is a little different from what I would normally post, more of a 'business memo' for those who are also a part of our LOTRfanclub messageboards, to keep communication open wherever possible.



I have little doubt it will be mentioned here in some form, so for those who are unaware or only newly aware of the situation I would like to state that yes, there has been a need to remove three people from the fanclub boards for repeated abuse of the pm-system. This decision was not reached lightly, and has cost myself and others many hours in research and testimonies, documents and discussion. Emotionally, it has been quite difficult but we really do think this is for the best in the long-run.

For those who may fear I am being a maverick of some kind: The decision was not made hastily nor in a vacuum, but with more group discussion than I care to remember - it is in conjunction with the other mods as well as the rep from Decipher who agreed that they do not approve of their pm system being used to harrass, slander or intimidate. They claim they are working on drafting a new 'code of conduct' and this problem will be addressed in it.

I know it will be a shock to some, as the public personas were very different from what they said elsewhere in Decipher's system. Goodness knows we all understand online personas. As the affected individuals are also here on LiveJournal and may decide to bring it up, I saw a need to post some sort of explanation to this community also. What they choose to say or not say here is up to them of course, and we are all free to friend/unfriend or whatever, as we choose, but I do encourage everyone to please go to the source before believing negative rumors about anyone else. Get both sides of stories whenever possible.

And ever the optimist, I am hoping some of it will eventually be able to be ironed out.

I will not be discussing the details here, or anywhere - I promised anonymity and confidentiality to those who were courageous enough to let me know their experiences when approached and will not compromise that. I am open to private discussion, in generalities, to those who may wish to email me on the subject, but also somewhat limited in what I can personally do to direct the situation.



*sighs, climbs down from lectern, takes an aspirin and pops up umbrella for lobbed veggies*

Comments

[lin4gondor.livejournal.com]

Ah, Prim! *hugs you fiercely* Thanks for being willing to stick with it and do even the hard parts of the job. You're in my prayers big time.

[maidoforange.livejournal.com]

(((((((((Prim)))))))). That must have been difficult. I am sure you did it only after much abuse had taken place and it is probably for the best. You are the bestest Mod.

[wadearturo.livejournal.com]

((((((((((((((Prim))))))))))))))))))

I have never envied you your job. Just know that (and I do feel comfortable speaking for most of us here) we feel that you have always been fair, and just.

I'm glad I am not on the boards anymore, for reasons of my own, but during my time there, I have never thought you and the other mods were anything but fair.

My two cents.

*rubs your poor aching head*

Water seeks it's own level,,eh?

[syrcleoftrees.livejournal.com]

So you claim on-line persona is different from private ones? I have had it with this little pea-body community anyway.I have some friends from the boards and they have no idea what is going on here or in the Ban list. I think it is ok to ban me as I have said in my Lj,I have other things to do,and a life before the boards and will have one after.I think you people need to step back and see more of the situation,and stop using words of truth against others,anyway I am tired of the harassement and the two-facedness of some on those boards.LOL,it has become kindergarten anyway,,,

I do not play with children,,,Halona Treeclan

[the-tinidril.livejournal.com]

Ah, dear Prim, I've been there and done that, too. I know how you feel. I am so glad the Decipher boards are moderated by such as yourself and the others, it makes it a warm, safe, comfortable place. Thank you!

[wadearturo.livejournal.com]

*loves that pic*

*still wants to come see you ladies muchly, perhaps this summer*

*crosses fingers*

[the-tinidril.livejournal.com]

Yes, yes!! ::crosses fingers, toes, eyes, legs, and wears cross::

[psychotic-kiwi.livejournal.com]

(((((((((( Primula )))))))))))))

It is no picnic keeping up with things like this, and like Wade, I must say I never envied you your job, although once in my hubris, I craved being a part of the "green-team..." For many reasons, its a good thing that never happened, as I definitely lack the objectivity for the job.

I can guess the situation out, and I am sorry that you all had to go through this type of thing. You always have my support for what it is worth.

[mousechief.livejournal.com]

((((((((((((((((Prim)))))))))))))))))))
I really appreciate the effort that you and the other mods make to keep the boards family friendly and safe. You provide a community haven for LOTR fans, and that's no small task. *Applauds*

Re: Water seeks it's own level,,eh?

[irascian.livejournal.com]

Your response to Prim's articulate and thoughtful posting reminds me of why I gave up being a moderator on the boards (which I left around the same time) a couple of years ago. It's not a decision I've regretted - who needs the grief?! I think your statement 'stop using words of truth against others' probably says it all. Presumably you are saying moderators should follow the examples of others and use words of falsehood against others?!!!!

If I learnt one thing from the online LOTR fan club 'community' it's that there are a lot of strange people out there who in the real world should be seeking psychiatric help. Unfortunately online boards seem to draw such people like moths to a flame but fortunately they are still very much in the minority and actions like those taken by the board's moderators become necessary.

[bellatook.livejournal.com]

All of the hard work done by the mods is always underestimated, however it is appreciated by all. You all do an outstanding job at making everyone feel welcome and feel like part of the community. This is just another way that you all protect your posters. It is very much appreciated and many will be grateful to you for a long time to come.
(((Prim and other mods)))

Re: Water seeks it's own level,,eh?

[syrcleoftrees.livejournal.com]

No you are wrong,I am using the correct words to the situation. Speak truth and be banned. I agree there aer plenty on those boards who need to be seeking professional help.It must be spring fever.

Anyway the drama behind all this has been playing out for a year and up to now I have been handling this.Until said,mods came into the pic. Their response was to toss out the pearls and keep the swine.

So how do ya like then yapples?

[primsong.livejournal.com]

Yes! Let us know! *hopes*

[wadearturo.livejournal.com]

*hugs you tight*

Sorry for spamming your journal here...*sheepish grin*

[lothithil.livejournal.com]

You have my support as well, dear Prim! I'm glad you've got my six!

Re: Water seeks it's own level,,eh?

[syrcleoftrees.livejournal.com]

and Do Not Fear,I have removed you,Prim from my list,along with numerous others. Good bye,,waves at all,except a few,and exits to go on with her own life!!!

[onegoat.livejournal.com]

And you definitely have my axe...er, support.
It is the warmth and fun and judgement of the mods that have always made our boards wonderful :)

*Is desperately tempted to chew on those vegetables you thought would be lobbed (LOL)*

[estellye.livejournal.com]

(((Prim))) No situation is ever really black and white. If it were, all decisions would be easy and nobody would ever argue about anything. I know you and the other mods would never have come to a decision like this without serious and considered deliberation - hence the headache.

I hope you know that you are greatly appreciated and I hope this experience does not sour you on your duties as a moderator. The fairness, compassion, and warmth (as GG noted above) of the moderating team on our boards is the main reason it remains a community I appreciate having the opportunity to participate in. Thank you for all that you do.

[gondoriangirl.livejournal.com]

((((Amy)))) I am so sorry for the nastiness you have had to endure. I only hope those who were banned realize their mistake and grow up. ((((hugs to all mods and their difficult job))))

[elessar852.livejournal.com]

(((Prim))) I'm sorry you had to deal with all this. :-/ Thanks for being the great mod that you are!

[mrspippin.livejournal.com]

This is a bit late for a reaction..but my computer was broke for a while.
I have talked with you prim and you have helped me a lot.
No bad words...not even at LJ because if we do this, we will lower ourselves.
You have done whatever you could and I have given you the information you needed.
I think it's time to tell the truth...
IT'S FINALLY SPRINGTIME!!! I WANT TO SMELL THE FLOWERS!!! ( I'm really in a springtime mood)
As I said..it is not right to call each other names. It's making yourself low. I won't join the fight when it takes this direction.
My real final word?
God bless you! And just do what you have to do, because it's also very tough for you to make these decisions and at least, you give others a chance to talk about this.

[primsong.livejournal.com]

Thank you, MrsP... and please remember that I am not the sole decision maker - I am only one part of it, and sometimes have to 'wait and wait' myself...

Flowers are a lovely and delicate thing - I have bluebells coming up all over in my yard. :-)