Most of you know who I am and what I stand for.  I know I've been gone for awhile, but they say absence makes the heart grow fonder, right?  

I've applied for local mod because I'd love to give back to the community.  I've been on vizzed for about 3.5 years, so I'm very comfortable with its standards and expectations.  I believe myself to be fair, non-judgemental, and honest to just about everyone.  Although I worked in the RGR for quite some time, I'm not so sure I have the time for that any more.  Moderating will be much easier for me to handle, and a nicer way for me to contribute during this busy period of my life.

I'm not a bragger and I think my past and personality can speak for themselves, so if you have any questions for me, please don't hesitate to ask! I'm an open book and have no problem addressing any concerns.  Vizzed is a wonderful place full of wonderful people, and I don't suspect that will change any time soon!

Singelli : How often to think you would have time to reply in threads and be active as a local mod? Sorry, I wasn't sure if this thread was meant for only the staff to reply.

I've been testing my availability and -ability- to post over the past few days, and it seems like I can easily manage at LEAST ten posts a day. Having the position of local mod will only encourage me to be even more active, however. I can even access vizzed from work and check it during my breaks if that becomes necessary.

So overall?  I'd probably be checking things and responding to threads during the early mornings (central time), during the middle of the day, and then frequently after 4:30ishpm.  My hours aren't what they used to be, but when I dedicate myself to something, I dedicate myself fully.  

You had a rather lengthy period of inactivity. 
Are there any reasons that might happen again?

Do you believe you would have time to dedicate to vizzed and can you consistently make quotas?

Well, I think there are always reasons someone might disappear for awhile.  Life is unpredictable and any number of things might happen, so it'd be unfair to say it -won't- happen.

A better question perhaps, is if I plan on it?  I most certainly do not PLAN on being absent for a lengthy amount of time again.   Vizzed is the place to be and with a purpose and a way to contribute, I'll feel its draw even further.  Plus, it's not like I'm moving this summer, starting a new job, or living by myself.  This past half year of inactivity was rather justified, I believe.

And yes, I do think and plan on having time to dedicate myself to vizzed. I think it's no secret that I've always tried to help vizzed when and where I can... whether that be through donations, working in the RGR, lending an ear to users who trust me, or providing opinions to higher-ups when asked.  I think my trust points speak for themselves when it comes to how much I care about this website.  It's just that at this particular point and time in my life, moderating is the most feasible way to give back.  

What do you think about the sections you would be assigned to mod? 

Any specific forum within those sections you have a special liking to? 

If you had to undergo a forum selection, which sections would you choose? Up to four sections allowed.

Singelli : You certainly are one of the most experienced members of the site but you just recently returned after being gone for quite a while, would you say you're ready to take on a position like being a local moderator so soon after returning with the site having changed a lot since you were last active?

You, like tgags123, just came back, more or less. You may have been in the shadows, but I've been in the shadows, and that hardly qualifies me to be a local moderator.

With that knowledge being known, is there any one issue you really want to tackle as a local moderator, and is there something you wish to change about the site, definitively?

In an era, where changes are needed and happening as we speak, it's important to have an opinion. You say you aren't a braggart, but do you have the conviction required to have your own opinion?

One thing that strikes me as a bad look is how you put this sentence:

"Although I worked in the RGR for quite some time, I' not so sure I have the time for that any more. Moderating will be much easier for me to handle, and a nicer way for me to contribute during this busy period of my life."

You seem to imply the RGR is inherently more work than the forums, which is something I heavily disagree with. It may have just been a misunderstanding, but what do you really believe it is a moderator does? What do you think is their role on the site, in full?

What makes you think you can handle being a mod, if you can't handle being RGR Staff, both of which are roles I have held with this site for a year+ in each role?

EX Palen : The section I'd be assigned to mod is very.... entertaining?  

In all seriousness, I like that the section is a little more light-hearted than some other sections, allowing users to loosen up a little and discuss things that they likely find enjoyable and de-stressing. It's hard to be very negative when talking about any of the topics within the section.

As for liking any -particular- forum within the entertainment section... I can't say that one stands out as being better than the others.  Modding is modding regardless of the topic, but if I were to choose a forum area to post in myself (for leisure), I'd be least likely to post in the sports area (because I have the grace of a flopping fish!).  I wouldn't be any less likely to mod it, however.

Zlinqx :
Why yes, yes I would.  Otherwise, it would have been silly to apply, now wouldn't it?  

SPEED LEGGY :
First, why is it that you're allowed a re-reg while that's normally seen as a bannable offence?  That hardly seems fair, and it seems a little silly to not post under your original account?

The main issue I'd want to tackle as a local moderator is maintaining the quality of my forums by ensuring the posts there are exactly as they should be, according to vizzed standards and rules.  I'd like to ensure that people feel comfortable posting and that users are aware of what is appropriate and inappropriate to discuss.  I can't say there is much I'd change about vizzed definitively as it's a pretty good darn-tootin' site already, but after giving it more thought, I might come address that question later.  

As for opinions and convictions, I think most people here know that I have strong convictions and am not afraid of expressing my opinions.  However, when I do so, I know how to be respectful even to parties that might disagree very strongly with what I have to say.  That has very little to due with not being a braggart.

And finally, to esteem one position on vizzed over another hardly seems fair, in my opinion.  I never said, for example, that I can't -handle- being RGR staff. In fact, if I don't get to be a local mod, I will be asking to work for the RGR once more.  What I actually stated was that moderating would be an easier job for me to handle right now.  This has more to do with 'chunking' work, than with ability to do it.  As an RGR staff, I would test (and fix) MAME games, while adding pretty much every piece of content possible.  Right now, my availability is such that I can be on and off for snippets of time.  When I worked in the RGR, I would sit down for hours at a time and get through dozens of games in one sitting.  I would need multiple browsers and tabs open, I'd have to both watch and listen to the games, and often have to cross-reference various resources in order to get the job done.  There were even times when I could not finish a particular task due to lack of knowledge, and I'd have to hold discussions with tRIUNE in order to accomplish my goal.

Moderating will not require me to sit down for hours at a time, and in fact, is best done pieced throughout the day, in my opinion.  There are many things a moderator is responsible for, namely ensuring that general forum rules are applied and followed throughout their section. This requires reading threads to make sure they are in the right location, that they are appropriate and on topic, and that they aren't copycats of already existing threads. A local moderator should -never- sow dissent and be able to act as a non-biased liaison between two parties, if necessary. They should remain calm and collected when solving disputes, but they should pick their battles wisely. For example, if two users are energetically arguing over which TV show most accurately satires current issues in politics, it is not a moderator's place to step in and offer an opinion while using their title to hush one side of the debate.  However, if the discussion becomes disrespectful, the moderator most certainly step in to cool things down and (if necessary) edit the most offensive posts.

I also believe a moderator should keep their section as clean as possible with the various tools they have available, but without getting 'trigger happy'.  I think when some moderators begin their work, they get a little -too- eager and start moving tons of threads to the trash can, closing threads which are perfectly valid to stay open, etc, etc.

And of course, a moderator of any sort should be able to work with their co-moderator, respect the decisions of their higher-up counterparts, and be unafraid to ask for assistance / seek clarification / pass the baton when necessary.

What is one thing you think needs to change on Vizzed?

What would you do if enforcing a rule on Vizzed would require disagreeing with your opinions? Would it be likely that such a problem would occur?

Finally, do you feel like you're up to the challenge of being a mod?

A user of this :  I honestly don't think there is much that needs to be changed about vizzed.  Over the past several years that I've been around, things have gone from shaky to stable and quite alright.  While I understand there is a wide group of people that would disagree with me, I think vizzed is near as perfect as it can be. There are tons of little glitches that really don't impact the awesomeness of the site, so I don't even think those are pressing matters.

If anything, I think the mindset of the unhappy users can be improved.  I'm not saying they are in the wrong.... everyone is validated to their own opinions.  However, if there is anything that can be done to make them more comfortable without losing vizzed's integrity, then THIS is what could be worked on.  Many thoughts of unhappy users, I think, come from a lack of understanding or a lack of knowledge of what goes on backstage.  By creating a more transparent relationship between users and higher-ups, many of these misunderstandings and feelings of disgruntlement could be assuaged.

And of course, a vizzed rule is supreme to my opinion of it.  There have been times when I have disagreed with actions of mods (or even David!), and I expressed my views respectfully and held productive conversations with the higher ups.  (This was always done privately or in super-private forums to maintain discretion and not undermine anyone's authority.  I do not wish to tarnish anyone's name, especially when I am just as capable, if not more, of being in the wrong.)  This has, at times, encouraged change, and at other times only created stronger foundations when things weren't changed.  As a moderator, I am dedicating myself to enforcing the rules because I am agreeing to them before I even get hired.

And the last question has been asked... but yes, yes I have.  hehe.  It would be silly to apply otherwise.  (And though they were for brief stints, I HAVE been a mod here on vizzed, as well as held other positions of authority on other sites.)

As you are no doubt aware, I'm just fulfilling a purpose few are willing to.

I actually don't have many more questions for you, I think I know everything I need to, to make an informed decision.

However, you claim that Vizzed doesn't need change. As you mentioned... a vocal, wide, majority of people would disagree. I'm not going to pile on and say "If that many people think so, it's true", since it's dangerous thinking, but why do you believe such a wide majority of people feel this way? It's not typical restlessness, and this is the first time the site has been so vocal in their displeasure, to be sure, in many many years.

SPEED LEGGY :
Of course!  Ask away.

First of all, claiming that a "majority" of people are upset is a gross overstatement.  Just because people are 'loud' about their disgruntlement most certainly does not make them the majority.  (And to be honest, I haven't seen many people being 'loud' about being upset, either.) I see many, many more satisfied users, than dissatisfied users.  The number in the latter category are really quite few given how many are active and happy.

Secondly, I completely agree with you to say that "majority thinking = right thinking" is dangerous.  I'm glad you recognize that.

As for why I think the disgruntled group is unhappy?  Well, I believe that people feel self-entitled, lack understanding, and will always find -something- to complain about.  (I'm talking about people in general.)  Vizzed could be the most perfect site out there that caters to EVERY individual (pretending it was possible), and people would find something they don't agree with.  There will ALWAYS be a group of people who get together and gossip and fume and find common things to be disappointed in.  It's just human nature.  Teachers get together and vent and 'discover' that they have common things to vent about. Students get together and rant about how much they hate a particular teacher and come up with things to band together over.  The same is true for groups of website users.  It happens.  To say that it is abnormal, excessive, or out of place is a misstatement, in my opinion.

As I mentioned in the post above, I truly believe that furthering the transparency of staff decisions and actions will go a long way in helping establish, build, and heal any relationships between users of all ranks.

I also disagree that the site is more vocal about displeasure than it has been.... at least over the four years I've been here. I remember many, many more complaints and much more anger when I first joined the site.

Singelli, I am going to ask a question that has been bugging me but I have been afraid might come across wrong, and I ask you to take into account who is saying it and trust my intentions.

Since my arrival in mid 2012 you have left and returned either two or three times. This is my biggest concern with you receiving this role. I've worked alongside you as a Local (we were hired together, and my what a great team we were hired with), so I'm well aware of your abilities as a Local as well as your views and that you are one of the few who are as strict as I am about existing rules such as swearing and flaming (zero tolerance. They're such simple rules to follow), and that weighs in your favor I believe.

However, as I said, your consistency of presence concerns me a little. And as I recall, the last time you left one of your reasons was "Vizzed is too young and too fast for me" and added "I know it's difficult to flesh with someone of my convictions". This seemed to indicate that you felt that Vizzed was no longer for you and was too, shall we say, "worldly" for a conservative Christian, which I am as well, and am 100% certain the things that grieve you as such do so to me as well, so I understand why you might feel that way.

But now you say "Vizzed is the place to be". What has changed your mind from one extreme to the next over the past months? And do you believe that there is a possiblity that you will again feel that you cannot remain here as a Conservative Christian?


Again, I hope you know I would never intend to attack you or accuse. We've known each other a while now, in fact you were the first person I befriended on here, and we both have very conservative views on most every topic. I just feel that these questions are on the mind of many users. Also this is only slightly different than some questions you've already answered here, but it contains some things that I feel are important that the others did not contain.

If you were to win the election, would you consider getting a vizzed staff job to go with it?

Now, for you, Singelli...

I have only one question, and it's simple.

1. What is your stance on legal medical marijuana?

Eirinn :
First, I'm not offended by your questions in the least! As a matter of fact, I was a little hurt that you -weren't- asking me questions, considering that you had told others you were asking questions of those you were interested in.   (I tease!)

Second of all, your questions are quite fair and I've been wondering if / when someone would ask them.  I'd like to address them in two parts if I may.

1. My absences.
I think anyone would agree that my last absence of 6 months was quite reasonable and justified, so I'm not going to bother explaining that one away. Prior to this hiatus in activity, I believe I left three times... once for a couple weeks, and the other two times for a couple months.  There were many, many reasons for these periods of time.  One of the reasons I kept leaving was that my emotional life was a mess. Without going into detail publicly, there were many things that weighed heavy on my heart and mind, and had nothing to do with vizzed.  (I can pm you about those if we've never discussed them.)  Each time I left, I was experiencing one of my bouts of depression or being overwhelmed by real life events.  It was a time of growth for me, and over the past year or so..... I've changed quite a bit.  I've gained a lot of understanding, maturity, and capability (of handling my emotions).

Vizzed was only the second ever online community I had been a part of.  The first one, while I loved it, had a very bad impact on me.  I had been there for about three years and not learned a thing about interacting and being a part of a place like vizzed.  The adjustment involved a steep learning curve, and I'm proud to say that I'm beyond it now.  I'm better composed, know how to behave, understand how to prioritize my concerns, and can manage my time.  I've also, over the past year, made leaps and bounds in my relationship with Christ and in my relationship with others.  Ever since having Joel, I have not experienced a SINGLE bout of depression... a record of five months!  He keeps me so happy that I doubt I will ever have the displeasure again.  I have a new outlook on life.

The times I took for myself, I no longer need.  Any absences I take would be ones that I HAVE to take (due to job or no internet access, for example).

I think it's also worth noting that I would not abandon a position of authority.  If I'm elected to be a mod, this gives me a responsibility, and I don't plan on shirking it.  It gives me even more reason to stick around, be active, and provide a voice.

2.  Vizzed being 'too fast'.
I do indeed remember making this comment to you, although I don't remember the second one.  I trust you that I made it, however, because we've had some awesome conversations.

I think a lot of your concern about this can be addressed the same way I've addressed my absences.

Yes, vizzed was far, far too fast for me. I was concerned with making everyone happy, meeting milestones, and making a place here.  I put way too much weight on responding to EVERYONE in as much detail as possible, being open and candid everywhere, and doing it all in a timely manner. While I still value the interactions between myself and vizzed users.... and while I still want to be timely about such things... I have matured enough to realize what things are important and what things are less important.  I don't feel the pressure that I once felt to impress absolutely everyone.  I don't feel the need to apologize if it takes me a few days to respond to a pm.   I don't feel guilty if I let a conversation idle due to my real life obligations.

In essence, vizzed was 'too fast' for me because I was trying to be fast myself. I couldn't keep up.  Quality takes time, and I wasn't willing to accept that. I wanted it to be instant and thus felt rushed.

Will I still respond to people's pms? You betchya! Will I answer summons that require a response?  Of course! But I won't pressure myself into socializing quicker than I am able.  If elected, my modship would take precedence when it comes to dividing my time.  I will always be an ear and I will always offer my advice, sentiments, and company, but I won't allow it to stress me out.

(As an example of what I'm trying to say.... in the past, taking two days to respond to your questions would have driven me NUTS and I would have felt absolutely horrible about it.  I would have thought about it all the day long and felt guilty that I took my time.  Now?  I know that others are understanding of my real life.  I know (at least, I'm sure...) that you won't hold it against me.  I didn't rush myself, I made sure this post was high-quality and thorough... and I didn't feel rushed to make it.)

Modding requires fast action, but it's not as though (most) modding would require 1,000 word responses, either.  

So yes, it's manageable and no, I wouldn't take two days to take care of something! That's not the impression I am trying to make.

And as for my convictions and being conservative?  I think vizzed has slowly become more conservative... or at least, more welcoming of us that are.  I have absolutely no concerns about being off-put by more liberal ideas, users, and actions.  I have a stronger foundation as a continually growing Christian and have developed (over the past three years) from a shaky, un-confident believer... into a believer with firm footing.

This response all sounded better in my head two days ago and I'm sure I missed some points I had previously thought up... so if there's something I could explain better, please don't hesitate to ask!

NintendoTails :
I absolutely do not plan on getting an RGR staff role to go along with modship, should I be elected. I do not wish to stretch myself thin and believe that I should focus on ONE thing at a time.  If I am NOT elected, however, I will talk with David and tRIUNE about resuming my previous RGR job.  I simply will have to take that one a lot slower than I used to.

Snowdeath :
I feel like this is a trick question?
It's totally off topic, and as such, needs to be discussed in another thread.  If you wish for me to answer the question (and I have no problem doing so!) you can summon me to a more appropriate thread on the topic. (Or you can pm me / comment on my wall)

If there was only 1 change you could make (and it would happen exactly how you envision it) what change would you make to Vizzed....

geeogree : I haven't been avoiding your question out of laziness or forgetfulness. As I mentioned previously in this thread, I find it exceptionally difficult to say that anything -needs- to change on vizzed.  The online community I used to be a part of was SUCH a stark contrast to vizzed, that maybe I'm spoiled in thinking vizzed is just about perfect. Sure, there are upset users, but there will always be upset users.... no matter what.  We live in a generation of self-entitlement, and it's a difficult thing to overcome.

Of course, the discontent is the one thing I would want to change.  This would make happier users, create more positivity, and build more appreciation for staff (because my goodness, are they under-appreciated!).

I think the election is one good step, although I had no problems with prior staff being privy to the hiring process.  More transparency between staff and regular users could help.  By this, I don't mean that staff threads should be opened to public perusal.  Some people aren't meant to make the hard decisions staff have to make.  They don't understand the thought that must go into the discussions, the blunt honesty that is sometimes needed, or the precariousness of some decisions that have to be made.

Vizzed users also already have a huge voice... I think they just don't realize it.There aren't many sites where the owner PERSONALLY responds to every summon or pm sent his way (and spends gobs of time doing it).  There are probably fewer sites in which owners and 'higher-ups' seriously consider the complaints / suggestions of its users.  If we were to sit down and make a list of every change to vizzed that has come via a user's idea.... I'm willing to bet the list would be ginormous.

However, some of them seem to FEEL like they don't have a voice.  Maybe we could create a posting area that is -specifically- meant for asking staff questions about decisions made, or to discuss concerns over site decisions.  It'd have to be a safe zone, with very clear rules that prevent harassment, and it'd probably need to be monitored closely.  Many such discussions probably take place privately and users aren't aware of it. This would make them more public and allow vizzed users to see how much the staff care and how much they are involved.

I don't know that I'm completely sold on the idea, but I guess it would be worth a shot.

Congrats on making the top three. I have a/multiple scenario(s) for you and want to know how you would act in each one. I'm gonna be asking the other 2 candidates too.
A trusted member and a regular member are having a conflict.
Scenario 1: The member claims to have been cheated by the trusted member out of his/her _______ (e.g. steam code, gift code ,etc.) There isn't any substantial evidence pointing to whether the regular member is lying, or was actually scammed.
Scenario 2: This time the trusted member was cheated of his/her _______ (e.g. steam code, gift code, etc.)
How would you react to both of the scenarios?