Eyes on Final Fantasy Forums > Reference > General Archive > April Fool's Forum > Serious or silly?

[Big D]

Should message board staff be rigid and rule-abiding, or should they take a few liberties and have fun with the whole thing?

Basically, do you think moderators and admins should be professional and responsible - just like in a real job - or should staffing be a fun activity, meant to contribute to the enjoyment on a message board?

Personally, I'm a big believer in the importance of setting a good example and maintaining high standards, without being excessively strict. MBs are meant to be fun diversions from the rigmarole of real life, but too much goofing off leads to a spam-cluttered, unenjoyable environment, as well as inevitable accusations of hypocrisy or favouritism when the regular members get penalised after following or question the lead they are shown by those with power.

Discuss, please - just for curiosity's sake.

[Raistlin]

I think there are times for both. For instance:

In general, I say have fun with it. Be witty, play pranks on each other or regular members, spam, whatever. In most situations, fun is the perfectly acceptable choice. However, there's nothing wrong with wanting to maintain a more serious, professional attitude, either.

However, there are times with I believe it is absolutely necessary for Staff to be professional. Feedback is one of them. When a member suggests something, especially if they are in some form giving feedback to staff(usually to critique) in a serious manner, than I believe it's necessary to respond in turn. I won't name names, but when Staff members blow someone off(especially using naughty langauge which would get a regular member in trouble), it sets a horrible example and just looks bad.

[Yamaneko]

Yeah, I'm all for having fun and playing pranks. I don't get paid enough (read: nothing) to be professional.

[Roogle]

Originally Posted by Raistlin

However, there are times with I believe it is absolutely necessary for Staff to be professional. Feedback is one of them. When a member suggests something, especially if they are in some form giving feedback to staff(usually to critique) in a serious manner, than I believe it's necessary to respond in turn. I won't name names, but when Staff members blow someone off(especially using naughty langauge which would get a regular member in trouble), it sets a horrible example and just looks bad.

It doesn't help when the suggestions are really bad. Regular users and staff need to take this forum a little more seriously, anyway.

[Big D]

Originally Posted by Yamaneko

Yeah, I'm all for having fun and playing pranks. I don't get paid enough (read: nothing) to be professional.

But then, weren't we offered this job so that we could contribute to the ongoing success of the forum? We all chose to become moderators (except RSL who is chained for life), so I'd say we're morally obliged to do a decent job.

Originally Posted by Raistlin:

When a member suggests something, especially if they are in some form giving feedback to staff(usually to critique) in a serious manner, than I believe it's necessary to respond in turn. I won't name names, but when Staff members blow someone off(especially using naughty langauge which would get a regular member in trouble), it sets a horrible example and just looks bad.

A good point. But then, in many cases there are staffers with different approaches to things. If a handful of staff members are horsing around, does it make the whole team look bad? Does it drag an entire forum into a deeper low? That's what would worry me, if it ever came to that. The idea of a whole forum being dragged into disrepute by a minority.

[RSL]

Originally Posted by No Big Deal

(except RSL who is chained for life)

[LH]

I can't stand automatons who live by the rules of something as recreational as a message boards. There's nothing wrong with a little spammishness every once in a while, whether it's from a staffer or a regular user. I'd say you're safe if about 5 to 15 percent of your posts are one-liners, jokes, spam or whatever. It's supposed to be a fun environment, not an office!

[Jojee]

Or, an office of FUN!