Power Struggle

[SOB]

It is strange how people who get a little bit of power and authority seem to go crazy and think that they are pretty good and then try to show their power and try-hard dominance by announcing it and enforcing it whenever possible on threads to make themselves feel big.

This is not an attack on any one person on this site but just a simple statement to see what other peoples opinions are.

[brodes]

thanks for that. :? sounds more like rangers or security guards to me.

[johnny]

This is the only forum that I frequent and I have no probs with any of the mods/admins here. To be honest, I don't think you can really hold any mods/admins in contempt. The forums that I know of a free and set up by some one for their own specific purposes. If you don't like the rules, start your own forum and you can wield the stick as fairly as you see fit.

Please don't acuse me of arse crawling again, for I truly don't have the need to. Riding my bike is the juice, this forum is only the bonus. Plus, I don't piss anyone off, so I have nothing to worry about :wink:

[Rik]

To generalise, as a starting point... this is how I see things:
On one end of the scale are those that are power crazy, such as the stereotypical power crazy security guard/ranger, yelling because they can, talking big because they can. On the other end of the scale are those that feel victimised and small due to the presence of a person with authority, those that will cry foul whenever they feel someone is standing over them in any way, even in the most trivial of circumstances. I beleive both ends are due to insecurities of some sort... there is no need to go weilding your powers like it's your god given right, but on the other hand, if you let yourself feel victimised due to someones apparent abuse of power, you're only going to open yourself up to being picked on even more. The only thing you can do to combat those that try and overbear, is be strong and have a thick skin, don't let things cut too deep.

In the context of internet forums, it all depends what you define as power crazy. To me, to be power crazy online you need to have moderating powers over the general users, and use these powers inappropriately. Such as locking threads because they didn't like the user, editing posts for their own humour value, and abusing others whilst hiding behind the veil of moderation. That'd be what I call power crazy, in the online world. Thankfully, Farkin has none of that at all. To those that think the adminators are power crazy here, you haven't seen half the things forum moderators get away with on other sites. I beleive we have a rather objective and fair adminator team here, I'm proud to be part of it too.

So since we don't have any power crazy figures of authority on Farkin as far as I define it, I'll ramble about some other crap for a bit, which I think could be the reason why you posted this thread:
It is really hard to judge the tone someone is conveying with their post. What can be typed with lightheartedness by the poster can be interpereted as serious abuse by a reader. Same with posts that are made in a matter-of-fact manner just stating raw facts with objectivity, can be perceived as having a condescending "talk down to you because I know all" tone to some. Herein lies a problem, how do you know if someone is being "power crazy" with overbearing aggression, and how do you know if they're just being as direct and factual as possible? The difference would be in the tone they are using, but since you can't truly judge the tone of their words, you're left guessing. And I'm guessing this is where the perception of "power craziness" can come from, as people are misreading the intended tone of the post, and feeling as if it's a personal attack of sorts.
So when it comes down to it, perceived tone is the biggest issue here... is it a helpful post, an abusive post, a condescending post? How do you know, you can only guess.

I've cobbled together the above views from my observations of a few internet forums with broader userbase than Farkin, and some with a prevalence of power abuse... so it's all relative, and my views/definitions are formed by juxtaposition of above mentioned forums.
Edit: And I do realise some of what's said above is a bit simplistic and broad, I'm sure things go alot deeper than simply blaming it on insecurity, but I'm also sure johnny will correct me where needed... I have a feeling he's typing another thesis reply right now ;)

[edit:wording]

[Regan]

I beleive we have a rather objectional and fair adminator team here...

I agree. IMO your all doing a fantastic job.

Concerning the general Farkin public... like me

People should quit taking every post as a personal attack. If someone thinks they’re top s@%t... let em think that. It's a matter of whatever twists their nipple. Everyone is top s@%t at something... some people just haven't found what that is yet...

[johnny]

[ Everyone is top s@%t at something... some people just haven't found what that is yet...

How profound!

do you mind if I use it sometimes?

I'd usually appologise for being OT, but I don't think that this thread deserves the consideration.

[Techno Destructo]

SOB, since you've joined Farkin, you seem intent on creating friction.

Aren't you happy to be here?

There are lots of other great MTB sites out there as well if this one doesn't suit.

www.nsmb.com is a good one, and www.pinkbike.com is a huge site as well. In fact, I think there's lots of links on the front page of the site to other cool websites about MTBing.

If I've misinterpreted your thread, then please accept my apologies. But it seems like since you registered here, you've continually complained?

[Ryan]

As far as our fair and rational moderating team goes I pride myself on being the most erratic, irrational and generally abusive of my priveleges. So let me make it absolutely clear for you.

If you don't like our forums / moderating style / font selection / colour scheme / political leaning / sexual orientation / odour or whatever really you are free at any time to pick up your stuff and fark off. I promise you we won't try and stop you and though it will be hard for us at first, tomorrow, when another 11-odd users (on average) sign up to take your place, we'll probably get over it.

[DJ_Robbie]

I think, in general this is a reasonably fair statement. The big problem starts when the word "thread" is brought into the argument, implying that the related opinion concearns this site and forums. Out in the "real" world people are power hungry, you see em every day, as rik has said, on other forums you see em too. I think there is no problem here and as a general statement is correct. If you are indeed trying to abuse farkin and its mods

If you don't like our forums / moderating style / font selection / colour scheme / political leaning / sexual orientation / odour or whatever really you are free at any time to pick up your stuff and fark off.

If your comment was supposed to be more general and the referral to the internet and the implication that this site in particular was showing "power hungry people then i apologise and make sure you word your opinion more clearly.

Im done!

[protecon]

Whilst I generally float around and never beneficially contribute to anything worthwhile, I can add that, due to the moderation of these forums, I find leadership and the value of maturity and respect as a growing process for apprentice members.

If you have a genuine problem with a particular user, perhaps direct communication would be a more tactful option rather than airing grievencies in public? This only leads to discombobulation for all.

[Commander Dilsnikk]

I beleive we have a rather objectional and fair adminator team here

...perhaps the word you were looking for was objective :wink: :lol:

[parallax]

This is not an attack on any one person on this site but just a simple statement to see what other peoples opinions are.
Hey guys chill pill. Let's not make the guy feel unwelcome.

In my five years in cadets I've seen just about every leadership style around. In theory and in practice. We had RSM's wake us up at 3am in the morning to go for a run in the blistering cold because he was a bastard, I once had two other corporals in my platoon (with three sections!!) that could never make a decision, and a "company" of elitist senior cadets hell-bent on disruption and selective militarism. I still hate that RSM, dislike those two corporals and spit on the "specialists" way of management. But in the end, if you aren't doing your job properly you're generally not going to last too long.

Whilst my CO did run a pretty tight unit, my company had about a roughly 60% authoritarian, 35% democratic and about a 5% laizze faire style leadership. Those precentages were just rough calculation juding on the context, but it's how a leader interprets their surroundings and acts accordingly and appropraitely which will gain the respect and admiration of their troops.

Those that act in a manner aimed at boosting personal preservation and fulfillment, and neglects the welfare and morale of their subjects will no doubt become unpopular and hated.

Absolute power corrupts absolutely

I recommend, if only just for interest purposes glancing over the works of George Orwell. 1984 and Animal Farm are quintessential discussions of the way power can be used and abused.

</my shit rant>

[Rik]

...perhaps the word you were looking for was objective :wink: :lol:
Yeh probably... I was getting a bit lightheaded when typing that out, I'm suprised it makes some amount of sense.

[toodles]

I pride myself on being the most erratic, irrational and generally abusive of my priveleges. So let me make it absolutely clear for you.

Mod me. I reckon I'd give you a run for your money as far as being irrational and abusive goes.

Last time I was in a position of leadership and responsibility I misused my powers to the fullest :D

[SOB]

Why do you guys get so cut when i post something. I am not trying to offend anyone or start arguments.

My main reason for posting the message is due to the fact that people, whether mods or not, feel the need to reiterate the same point over and over just to have a say. If they dont have anything original to say then why not just post a message saying "I agree".

As for comments like " promise you we won't try and stop you and though it will be hard for us at first, tomorrow, when another 11-odd users (on average) sign up to take your place, we'll probably get over it."
That is just plain arrogance.

[johnny]

Mate, I agree about your point on power hungary people in the world, but you haven't exactly been the politest new member of Farkin lately. So I think that it's only rational for people to react in the way they have. Your reputation is beginning to preceed you. Remember, we are all guests here, and on any other forum.

*edit for after thought, you may also notice that most other poeple don't get the reaction that you do. Why do you think that is? (not a flame, honest question)

**edit 2, HEY, WHO CHANGED MY TITLE??!!

[SOB]

Like you guys say "11 new members each day", maybe the home time bell has rung on the old school guys and the new generation are coming to class.

Or maybe it's because i upset the balance like water in the ear drum and people dont' like it.

I don't think that being new should mean that people are not very receptive to my opinions, but if they dont like me they can find a new site (and yes i am joking here).

[Ryan]

As for comments like " promise you we won't try and stop you and though it will be hard for us at first, tomorrow, when another 11-odd users (on average) sign up to take your place, we'll probably get over it."
That is just plain arrogance.

It would only be arrogance if it wasn't true. I guarantee it makes no difference to me whether you post here or not.

[SOB]

I think you will find that it is arrogance whether it is true or not.

It would also not bother me if you didn't post here but that is completely irrelevant to the post topic (although you do seem to be having some power issues). If you cant stay on track then start a new post to air your gripes.

[Techno Destructo]

SOB, I've spoken with you in private, and you seem like an ok, level-headed dude. But you GOT to stop starting threads like this! :wink:

I recommend just staying with the threads about biking, since threads about the running of a website tend to paint a bullseye on whoever questions it (whether the point is valid or not) due to the fans/supporters/followers/diehards/etc... who won't hear of somebody slagging their favorite site.

Everybody else... please go easy on SOB... he's a nice guy! He's just new! 8)

And SOB, believe me, I get proved wrong with stuff I say about bikes all the time! So I know where you're coming from! But "I've got a PHD in... life!"

[Rik]

My main reason for posting the message is ...
Really? Yet again, you've made a very vague initial post, ignored those trying to make a discussion with you and just bitten back at those on the attack, and then replied down the track with "but I meant this-and-that". You were given a few pointers when it comes to posting threads, you even replied with I will take this into consdieration on future posts and maybe state things a little clearer.
But this is just another vague thread that doesn't seem like much more than flamebait. And instead of trying to discuss your original point, you've bitten back at the flamers and yet again dropped smartass remarks. How about staying on track with the initial thread topic, like you say Ryan should do? It takes a bigger man to ignore a flamebait than it does to retaliate. I like TD's suggestion... less threads like this, well, unless you can back up your opinion and discuss things rationally.
Or maybe it's because i upset the balance like water in the ear drum and people dont' like it.. Or maybe people are trying to figure out WTF you are saying, as you aren't doing the best job of it right now.
As for those attacking SOB, sure, it's fun to flame, but maybe he did have a valid point and he can air it... alas it's a shame things weren't really elaborated on. Next time, let's give the guy half a chance. If he deserves ridicule, he'll bring it on himself. Like they say, give someone enough rope... ;)

[Grip]

You know... I'm tempted to lock this thread quicker than a virgin's legs, but at the moment I'm not sure whether or not I'm one of SOB's 'forum nazis' or not and that would sort of confirm it.

[scotty beefs]

grip i think that is the reason this thread has lasted as long as it has... locking it would be a bit too ironic