"Trial" Staff

[Kasynlie]

What do you think of forums that have a usergroup entitled something along the lines of Trial Moderator etc?



What are your thoughts on probationary periods?

 

[IcarusForde]

Don't be idiots plz people.

If you don't trust someone enough to enter them into the staff usergroup right off, then they shouldn't be on staff.

 

[Bluezone777]

It's not always about trust as some people really don't know what they are getting into and just might find themselves in a job they end up either not liking or simply can't handle. It's a way to train people without giving them a lot of power so you can see how they are and if they are cut out for the actual job.



It's a good way to catch people who go on power trips once they have some power as a lot of these types of people do not give any real indication they are going to do that before getting power.

 

[Cranos]

It's not always about trust as some people really don't know what they are getting into and just might find themselves in a job they end up either not liking or simply can't handle. It's a way to train people without giving them a lot of power so you can see how they are and if they are cut out for the actual job.



It's a good way to catch people who go on power trips once they have some power as a lot of these types of people do not give any real indication they are going to do that before getting power.

I agree.



I've also noticed a lot of people stop doing anything when they get on the staff team, so giving them a trial period isn't a bad idea.

 

[Kasynlie]

Should they be publicly announced as staff if they are on trial? Given a special Trial moderator rank and title? Or should it just be kept a little secret during the trial period?

 

[Cranos]

They should be given a trial moderator title. If it seems like they're just members then what they do looks like backseat moderating rather than doing their job.

 

[Jazzy]

Oh come on people. Every moderator is on a trial period when asked to become one. The Admin of the site should along with the rest of the staff discuss any problems with a new moderator and try to work it out. Putting up front in members faces trial staff only leads to an open hunting season.

 

[Cranos]

Too many staff changes look bad though, while with a trial in their name, it's all justifiable.

 

[Jazzy]

Too many staff changes look bad though, while with a trial in their name, it's all justifiable.

I disagree with this. If you promote members within your forum who have proven to be quality members and dedicated members then why would you put trial in their names? Who's to judge them? Do they get jury duty pay while on this trial period?



To many staff changes to me would mean that the forum went outside their member base to get staff. I would also make me feel like I had a trial Admin that couldn't get a good staff together within their own forum. That pisses loyal members off and I would feel very sorry for the person that had trial in their name.

 

[Cranos]

Yes, unfortunately not every beginning forum can hire from within because no one actually proved themselves yet. I've never even seen trial staff on a large community with loyal members.



You should also keep in mind that not every forum is self hosted, not every forum can keep back ups, so not every forum is safe from retards who feel like cracking the place.

 

[volux]

What do you think of forums that have a usergroup entitled something along the lines of Trial Moderator etc?



What are your thoughts on probationary periods?

Honestly, I think this is an excellent idea.



I think it will give them some responsibility, but not enough to where it will affect your forum a lot. I think if they don't have any experience at your forum, or at any forums, this is a great idea.

 

[Nebulous's iconNebulous]

Oh come on people. Every moderator is on a trial period when asked to become one. The Admin of the site should along with the rest of the staff discuss any problems with a new moderator and try to work it out. Putting up front in members faces trial staff only leads to an open hunting season.

I agree.

 

[Howard]

If you let a new moderator, staff member know that he/she is on a trial period from the outset, then they will know where they stand from the start. No need for putting 'trial' in their rank title.



I always find that being open and honest with new staff members is the best policy.

 

[James]

I've never really considered this..

 

[N!ck]

The idea sounds nice, could make them in charge of a certain forum for awhile, and have the older staff members evaluate and rate the trial moderator.

 

[Wayne]

I've never trialled such a thing. But I don't think its an ideal situtation - I think that its perfectly valid for an administrator to give a probationary period of sorts, to see how things go. But should all go under one usergroup