[Suggestion] "Assistant Moderator" Position

Yes, I was inspired by this thread.

My suggestion is that an additional moderator position be created called the "Assistant Moderator". This person would have the ability to lock/close threads and edit posts, but would not be able to dish out bans, unlock previously locked threads, or supercede the authority of the official forum moderator. Any "mod" activites an AM uses would be PMed to the moderator. The main reason for this suggestion is often a forum can have a moderator but can't get on often enough to properly maintain a forum and it starts to look cluttered. This suggestion would fix that.

There's two possible ways an AM could be selected. The way regular moderators are now (if the current moderator files a request for another moderator and the forum isn't deemed active enough, or possibly a "runner-up" to the initial moderator selection could be given this position) or a moderator can select someone and give them the power. Only one person would have these powers at a time (other than the regular moderator). The obvious cons to this would be abuse of power, favoritsm, "why should he get this position and I don't", etc., but in my mind it's worth it.

This suggestion will be probably be shot down for reasons I didn't consider, but at least for now it seems like something plausable.

quote Hammerburst

The main reason for this suggestion is often a forum can have a moderator but can't get on often enough to properly maintain a forum and it starts to look cluttered. This suggestion would fix that.

_{What about simply requesting a co-moderator? You are basically suggesting a slightly alternate type of co-mod, but with less abilities. I fail to see the advantage of that.}

Nah, it's a waste of time and space. If they can be trusted with locking threads and editing posts then they might as well just be a moderator.

I think it is a good idea, but if you need a new moderator why don't you just ask for a Co-Mod?

^ Or they could even ask a section/super mod to cover for them for a while. I fail to see any real advantages to this, don't support.

quote Underated

I don't support this suggestion. As previously said; all you're suggesting is to have co-moderators but with less ability, which would help less. Also, having the ability to lock threads but not open any locked threads seems a bit pointless. If someone keeps trolling a specific forum and the AM can't ban him and the full time moderator isn't online, there will be a problem. A problem a co-moderator would be able to handle, so all in all your suggestion is to have a weakened co-mod, there's just no point in it.

I don't think people would see it as a weaker mod...more like a stronger member. Equally as bad, but different lighting on the same thing, as it were.

quote Anonymous

I don't think people would see it as a weaker mod...more like a stronger member. Equally as bad, but different lighting on the same thing, as it were.

Well I view it as a weaker mod, lol. However people view the suggestion of an AM, in reality, all they will be is a moderator with less abilities, abilities which are certainly needed should the trouble arise.

As already mentioned, if a moderator can't handle their forum then they can request a co-mod, or ask a Section Mod to look after the forum while they're offline.

Don't support