Suggestion to help the Moderators

Make it easier for them to notify users

[BGumble]

Whenever a post is moved or deleted, on the moderator's screen, add a check box:

(X) Send user a Sticky Mail notifying them of the move/delete?

Moderator Notes: _____________________________________________

And a small text field so they can add a note. The system, when moving or deleting the post, will also send a Sticky to the user who's post was affected. It would say:

"Automated Message - Do not Reply"

Your post has been moved. You can now find it here:

Moderator's Notes: This was more on topic for the PPC room

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That should shave an hour off of each mod's day :)

[lazerzubb]

How do you know that doesn't exist ;)?

[BGumble]

Oooh good point! I'm guessing it doesn't because I've never received one of the automated notices. I'm not complaining, just pointing out that with a few clicks, notification can be instantaneous. If this doesn't exist, I'm sure the mods are sick of posts asking "where did my post go?" And as the admin, BT likely gets quite a few of those questions as well.

[DaveAtIFG]

If it exists nobody told me and I wanna know! Great suggestion BGumble!

Most of my stickies have a little "personalization" to them though, and Brett may prefer to retain the "personal touch." He's hard on us mods! ;) :)

[BGumble]

That's exactly what the comment box is for :) The impersonal feeling of "Automated Reply" could certainly be toned down to make it feel like it is simply the same sort of sticky that the mods must now send manually. Glad you like it, I know my mods think it's a necessity. As the admin, I was tired of receiving questions when other mods were the ones moving the posts.

[oilman]

>>I'm sure the mods are sick of posts asking "where did my post go?"
there's very few of those anyway - I don't recall the last time someone's post was moved or deleted and a sticky wasn't sent.

That said - a bit of automation to it would be pretty cool.....:)

[BGumble]

As someone handling a large forum myself, I have always been impressed with the level of moderators here-- both in professionalism and knowledge of the subjects. Automation is always nice when the staff is made of volunteers :)

[Marcia]

I've done a lot more editing than I have posts, by far, and like Dave, I prefer the personal touch. It gives an opportunity to have that little extra communication, ease it if there's a chance of hurt feelings, and give a little encouragement or special help sometimes. Most often people respond, and I'd say it's 99% positive and helps build relationships.

But at times having the option of something automated as an OPTION would help tremendously. It can be very time consuming - I've had one thread take almost an hour to go through and do a fix-up. Having an automated option would make it easier when time is short, but I'd still opt for a personal note most of the time. If it came to be I'd also far prefer my own wording - we all communicate differently.

It's actually a great idea for the pre-moderation particularly. I've had a lot of people sticky me asking why their post was held back, was there something wrong with it. They just didn't know, so if they got an automated notice it would save them wondering - just while they're not accustomed to it.

What's interesting and surprised me was having people walk over in Boston to introduce themselves and make mention of the fact that I'd edited them, remarking how courteous and friendly the stickymail was. It's like turning something that could be negative into a positive, and the personal communication gives us a chance to do that.

Even though it's an edit (or a move - whatever) it's an extra opportunity to make people feel welcome, and helps us get to know them better. I wouldn't like that eliminated, but I'd love an option available to automate.

[ciml]

Anything that makes things easier is good, but the personal element is important. I like the idea, but for the reasons Marcia goes into I'm not at all keen on "Automated Message - Do not Reply".

Back to replying to last nights moved/"left on hold" correspondence...