Forum changes

@Faith-and-Hope In the spirit of openess and transparency, I have only been on here for three months now and mostly only for a couple of hours a week, but we came on with the understanding that we are to stay in the background because this is for forum members to encourage and share with minimal moderator involvement... just my 2 cents worth. It doesn't mean we don't feel the ups and downs, celebrate and empathise quietly with people, wishing to engage but holding back most of the time.

So I hope I can just put out some good vibes into the ether and retreat again....

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@Faith-and-Hope wrote:
@Former-Member ..... it feels like the mods are "popping in" less often ..... as in joining conversations on threads.

Are the forums much busier now at your end than they were ?

Are the longer-term mods less available ?

I think the convo on Riding a Wave thread is about a sense that the dynamics have changed, without being able to understand why that might be.

My first thought is whether it's circumstantial ..... transition changes ..... everyone is just busy behind the scenes and unconscious of the surface affect (or lack of usual affect) ?

Is it okay to tag you and other mods into threads for a chat with us ? Of course we don't know your shifts to be able to know who is on at any one time .....

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Hi @Faith-and-Hope I really am enjoying being on here and I probably 'feel' more, than the advise I can bring. I feel the incredible support and wisdom is wonderful that comes from all the 'forum dwellers' who are the experts here for sure. I'm not sure of anything else that may be happening as to why things may have changed. But it's nice to make a bit of contact and thanks for your reply.

Hi @dragonflygirl - it's been a while since I've seen one of my flying bug crew around here - so nice to see you again

Really great thread @Faith-and-Hope. Hello @dragonflygirl 🙂 It'll be interesting to follow the discussion.

There have definiately been some changes that have meant that the moderators you are most familiar with are in the forums less now. The moderation team has also grown in size But rather than go into a long explanation now, I'll see what others have to say and come back with more detail depending on what's asked and needed.

So what would you like to know? And what would you like us to know?

Hi @Faith-and-Hope I totally get that and agree about preferring to know who is silently there. I have added something to the "Meet the Moderators" thread. I am happy to reply to anything directed to me. I am usually here 12-2pm on a Tuesday, but this sometimes changes (as it will next week, I will be away and do a swap). I think taking part in the play times is good.

Hi @Zoe7 always nice to see you too. How are you? I'm just flying and darting and doing my mid-air stationary buzzing right now... how I wish I could do those amazing maneouvres.

@Faith-and-Hope I agree

Part of what makes this forum so great is the equality that is felt throughout - and part of that is having a sense of connection - in even a small way - to the mods. It is not about 'knowing them' it is simply knowing they are there! For some that instills a sense of safety, for others a support or 'backup' that is there even if not called upon.

It is true that these forums are peer-to-peer support but under the definition of that - everyone can be seen as peers - because that means everyone is infact equal. I understand that there has to be a 'distance' and 'professional approach' on both sides here but that does not mean that there should be NO interaction at all as that causes an even bigger divide and can begin to alienate people.

Some mods may be more 'approachable' or 'giving' on here and some may prefer to be more in the background - that is inevitable as part of human nature and the diversity of people and their comfotablility in certain areas. But what we have asked for is not about availability or mods over-sharing - it is more about transparency and consistency. When what has usually happened, all of a sudden does not - and there is no explanation or follow-up given, then that is confusing for everyone.

I understand that there are some members that have one kind of 'relationship' with certain mods, whilst others would not even know who the mods were - and whatever the 'relationship' is it is about being transparent with the limitations and 'rules' around those interactions - and any changes in these 'arrangements' should be upfront and clear to avoid unnecessary 'fall-out' or confusion.

Hey @dragonflygirl not in the best place at present but trying to work it out

My wings are a bit damaged again so I will watch from my flower while you dart around the sky. Maybe you could practice some new maneouvres for next time I see you fly by