Occasionally there come times when I want to speak my mind but am vexed by the delicate nature of current situations. Too many considerations are at stake. Where should this be posted? For whom is my input beneficial- and in what context? Will posting directly to a specific forum become part of a solution or merely more fuel dumped upon a fire? I am grossly negligent if I fail to honestly examine both my motives and methodology.
These points are easy to identify with for those who value critical thought and the practical application thereof. This applies for both regular group members and those in an administrator/moderator capacity. At least that's a worthwhile collective aspiration. In the example below my reply has been slightly edited.
"With power comes fascism." - daspider
Ideally, with power should come situationally appropriate discretion and diplomacy. Deletions not performed by the initial poster fall squarely into the realm of administrator privilege. I am not an admin of [this group]. I would have zero right to complain if a ["group X"] admin (or relatively, an admin from any other group to which I'm subscribed) deleted my comments. Same applies to all Multiply members.
Ultimately this is Multiply's party. We are all but guests. For whatever reason(s) some parties need qualified bouncers to ensure that the host's preferences are maintained. Most approach this responsibility in the light of a trusted servant performing a necessary task. Ideally, such instances are not personal.
What seems to be missing from so many online exchanges is that people tend to forget that, more often than not, there is at least one live human being on the other end of the communication. When grievances need to be expressed it can be all too easy for this simple truth to be overlooked. Effective problem solving requires reasonable degrees of latitude to be granted amongst all parties involved. The responsibilities of ethical group administration demand this and more. Admins are essentially a site host's front line in helping to maintain a civil, productive environment for all users. Even if the site host proper was lacking in any "Powers That Be" capacity, the talents of its volunteer administrators can significantly effect proactive solutions.
Volunteer. Group administrators are generally not paid for the responsibilities they assume and the services they willingly share. Administrators are rarely contractually bound to act in any manner beyond those set forth in their site host's TOS- and the site host's legal protections do not cover volunteer administrators.
"So, why would anyone in their right mind be a
volunteer group administrator?" you ask.
I do it out of love for, and belief in the
communities I'm honored to serve.
