Considering:
http://www.linuxquestions.org/questi...7/#post2980310
OK - this example is out of line, but...

I'm thinking that when a mod closes a thread, a link could be provided in the closing method so the decision can be challenged in some way.

Inexperienced users seem unsure how to go about challenging a judgement-call like this. This could help. Or something like it.

A link to where?
If it seems like a good idea in general, maybe that's the next point of discussion? I was thinking in terms of a special forum for asking questions about mod decisions... the sidepane message can spell out common reasons.

Alternative: opens a private message cc'd to Jeremy? (I'm sure he'd enjoy the extra mail...)

Alternative: each time a thread is closed, one is opened with "thread xyz was closed because <short reason here> by <moderator>." Link is to this thread - sidepane explains.

I am concerned that this may be counterproductive though - I have had threads moved or closed abruptly and my immediate impulse is to protest. On reflection, I've been able to work out the likely cause. Providing an immediate route to protest may remove the reflection.

Opinions?

Sorry Simon, but I disagree. I like the first part of your last paragraph- it would be counter-productive. In most cases I've seen elsewhere, giving even a small group the right to protest an authoritive figure's decision usually only leads to lengthy flame-wars, especially when the decision is upheld. I think the mods here do an excellent job. It's always natural to want to protest a decision against your own personal favor, but a good night's sleep will help you to realize you're wrong before you make a jerk of yourself on the internet. And I doubt anyone really wants to see that here. I know I don't. Of course, you can always use the 'contact us' link to get a second opinion off the board. Just my

Cheers

There is a "formal moderator challenge method" - emailing me directly. As a courtesy I'd always recommend that you contact the mod in question directly first, to see if you can work the issue out.

--jeremy

I appreciate that a fair-seeming balance is tricky here.
While I had my reservations, I figured it was important to air this point.

Many people come to us from more draconian boards and so come with a certain expectation. It is true that most boards seem to err too far one war or the other and management is to be commended for the equilibrium that has been achieved.

It's a bit like seeing migrants from a more oppressive country interact with the checks and balances that one has grown up with - they don't know what to do when an authority does something they don't like. They may ee something abrupt and arbitrary-seeming, and assume the reasons behind it are the ones they are used to (the perpetrator is a tyrant). They do not see the care and deliberation that has already gone into the structure.

Basically, you want to do something... but what?

I suppose I could start a quiz? Test your knowledge of the rules? Chocolate penguine for the winner?

Do we have a "best thread" poll?
User of the year?
Moderator of the year?
I forget...

Most of the closures I see are either duplicates being knocked off, or threads that seem to have goen off the rails completely (or in the current context, been whipped up after a long period of inactivity).

My feel is that the mods have enough on their plates without having to try and mediate someone busy flaming or whatever.

Mods are always available by email. We can't guarantee a speedy answer (!) but we will always discuss problems. There really is no need to open threads or what not, an email with a question as to why a decision was taken will always get an answer.

To address the thread in question - the thread was closed a long time ago, if a discussion was had at the time a reason would have been given. Digging a thread from the archives and pointing to that decision is counter productive at best.

My tuppence ...

Tell 'em to shut up.
Then try a less conciliatory approach.

Sheesh ....
(good thing I'm not a mod, or root)