How do hide Super Moderator Identity?

[shimei]

Hi,

I have an issue on my forum. In order to keep Super Moderators from being targeted, we conceal their identity by making them anonymous. The Title is kept as "Senior Member" instead of Moderator or Super Moderator. The problem is when the Mod needs to issue an infraction or PM, the username of the person who issues the infraction or PM is displayed. How can I conceal the identity of these moderators from members?

Your suggestions and step by step instructions would be appreciated!

Thanks,
William

[MarkFL]

Why not create a separate (anonymous) account to which your super-moderators have access for the express purpose of issuing infractions and sending PMs?

[shimei]

Originally Posted by MarkFL

Why not create a separate (anonymous) account to which your super-moderators have access for the express purpose of issuing infractions and sending PMs?

Thanks, we have been doing this. Seems that it is my only option at this time.

[cellarius]

Drawback of this solution is that you won't be able to trace who issued infractions, moved threads and so on. Moderator log is useless this way.

[Replicant]

Originally Posted by cellarius

Drawback of this solution is that you won't be able to trace who issued infractions, moved threads and so on. Moderator log is useless this way.

Mod1, Mod2, Mod3 and so forth would solve that. Just curious, how do they do it in VB4 (or do they)? Maybe that will shed some light on how to go about it in vb5.

[cellarius]

Not an vB5 user either, as probably everyone knows. But: If the username of the Mod is displayed, in it has to happen via template or phrase. Both normally can be edited without much trouble (should be like that even in vB5). I just can't offer any pointers.

[Replicant]

I think a "quick change user" would be a good way to go about it. Meaning, when a moderator pulls down the mod menu, he is automagically a different user until the moderation is finished. I think it could probably be done especially now that the php hooks are back. This is one mod that would probably depend on it.

Editing templates for the displayed name won't do it in vb5 as there are to many templates to edit.

[MarkFL]

This may be off-topic, but I think rather than making my moderating staff go incognito, my main concern would be dealing with users who would "target" them. When a user is promoted to staff on the site I help admin, it is because they have proven themselves to be extremely valuable, and I would demand a certain amount of respect be shown to them by everyone.

[shimei]

Originally Posted by MarkFL

This may be off-topic, but I think rather than making my moderating staff go incognito, my main concern would be dealing with users who would "target" them. When a user is promoted to staff on the site I help admin, it is because they have proven themselves to be extremely valuable, and I would demand a certain amount of respect be shown to them by everyone.

We prefer to keep the staff anonymous. In my niche, staff are often viewed as representing the board. If all staff are "Conservative" then liberals seldom join and vice versa. We are focused on topics of Theology and Politics. When a staff member speaks people take what they say, even if it is a personal opinion as a representation of the board. To prevent people from reflecting on the board itself by what others suggest we prefer anonymity.

Also, there are issues with whether it is better for staff to post a bunch or not. Anonymity makes this a non-issue. Staff members may have the freedom of enjoying the board as any other member without consequences.

Lastly, people take too much to heart what staff members say. They are often hurt by innocent responses, or are angered when staff oppose what a person says, as stated above, they perceive this as a direct representation of the board itself.

So instead of allowing staff members to paint the board or others perception, thereby keeping it as neutral as can be for discussion, debate, and dialogue ... we prefer anonymity. This is all besides a disgruntle member targeting or stalking a staff member, following them around the board, being argumentative.

While I agree with you Mark, I think a simple "incognito" option would allow staff to operate with less worry, and also prevent some ill affects.

[MarkFL]

Originally Posted by shimei

...We are focused on topics of Theology and Politics...

Yes, I can see where that would make a HUGE difference. On the site I help admin, we are focused on mathematics, where actual hard proof is possible, and so this tends to keep opinion conveniently tamed.

It sounds like you have put a lot of thought and consideration into your policies, and I respect that.