Ed’s post in its entirety. I was basically repeating point 3.
In light of the controversy in this thread , there appears to be uncertainty about what’s supposed to happen when an SDMB moderator violates the board’s rules. The following is intended to clarify things:
The mods are expected to abide by SDMB rules just like all other members. We also have internal staff rules, policies and procedures. These aren’t for general distribution but they’re what you’d expect. Suffice it to say mods aren’t supposed to use their mod powers to give themselves special treatment. No harm was meant in the present case but it looked unfair and we want to avoid that.
It’s not the responsibility of one mod to chastise another. When a mod violates the rules or otherwise behaves problematically, that’s a matter for me to deal with as site administrator. I’m supposed to be alerted promptly when issues of this kind arise. There was a brief delay in the present case.
Dealings between the mods and me are a private matter. They’re volunteers and I’m not about to rebuke them in public. That’s not to say nothing happens when mistakes are made. Sometimes after a controversy I have discussions with the mods, either individually or as a group, to clarify policies and procedures. Sometimes after one of these discussions I post a note to clear the air and make sure all SDMB members understand how things are supposed to work. This is such a note.
Considerable care goes into the selection of mods - I’m continually impressed with their diligence, sound judgment and most of all their patience and good humor under trying conditions. They make this board what it is and I’m grateful for their efforts. Everybody messes up once in a while; we learn from the experience and move on. Having gone over this with the mods, I’m confident that’s the case here.
We are not publicly accountable. We are accountable to Ed. He hires us, fires us, disciplines us in any way that he sees fit. You (or anyone else on the SDMB) do not get oversight on that process.
This doesn’t mean that you have no input at all. Like I said, if there’s an issue, feel free to start an ATMB thread about it, and anyone should feel free to contribute to such ATMB discussions.
As TubaDiva used to say though, nowhere in the registration agreement does it say that you get to beat the mods like a stubborn mule.