RAV TUX: Closing of Israel: Illegitimate State? Poll Thread

[eXisor]

I have no objection to the closing of Israel thread. As many have said, it was bound to happen, but I do object to RAV TUX doing so.

It is clear from his posts in the thread that he seems to be personally involved/affected in the matter, and it is in this context that I feel him being the one to close the thread is insensitive, and in fact seems to be the execution of the threat he made in (IMO) his most controversial post.

Sensitivity to the posters who were trying to walk the thin line suggests another moderator should have closed the thread.

Also, the renaming of the thread seems to indicate an attempt to hide the exact nature of the thread. This is disrespectful to the OP and should at least have been consultative. (MIPS?)

These actions are indicative of a sphere of influence within the moderator community which leaves little room for reasonable debate on this important matter.

And finally, the closing of the thread after a few of the frankly tamer/lamer posts suggests a 'aah, finally we have the justification' approach. If it really is that difficult to moderate a thread you personally object to, surely you should recuse yourself?

Why is moderatorship of this forum becoming so intensely personal?

These two actions:

- the closing by RAV TUX who seems to have a vested interest

- the renaming oif the thread to obscure it's nature

are not Ubuntu.

[matthew]

I'll look into this. It may take a day or two to get back with a good answer. We have a forums council meeting today that needs some time and I'm quite busy at work...if another Admin has time to get to this before I am able please feel free to do so.

[eXisor]

Thank you.

[eXisor]

I have just noticed that the thread has been renamed yet again:

a) It was - "Israel: Illegitimate State?"

b) Then it was - "Israel?

c) And now it is - "Israel - Thread Closed"

Between a) and b) there seems to be an attempt to obscure the purpose of the thread.

Between b) and c) there seems to be an attempt to cover the obscuring attempt with a 'legitimate' cause for renaming. This is spurious since the thread closed icon suffices.

Please investigate as this appears to be a clear and ongoing breach of moderator ethics and is an abuse of power.

[matthew]

Yeah, that was pointed out to me by someone else. It's on the list of things I'm looking into. Thanks.

[eXisor]

Thank you, matthew.

I do not envy you the task, but this matter has far-reaching implications for the community and the distro in general.

I leave you with this thought:

- The distro and the distro forum are irrevocably tied. (The latest kernel update problems are a case in point of why they are tied).

It would be a pity if the forum becomes a reason to abandon the distro. A case of the tail wagging the dog?

[matthew]

It would be a pity if the forum becomes a reason to abandon the distro. A case of the tail wagging the dog?It would be a silly reason to leave the distro and anyone making that sort of threat would probably find another reason to leave soon enough.

That said, I definitely want to do what is right--not because of any threat of members leaving, but simply because it is right. Our members are worth that.

[eXisor]

matthew:

I'm a bit gobsmacked at your response. I wasn't threatening and I am sorry you read it that way.

If you knew me better you'd realise I don't go for parting shots. If I decided to leave, for whatever reason, there would be no thread or post about it.

I was merely pointing out that the forum is in service to the distro, and as a moderator, the relationship is one to bear in mind.

[matthew]

matthew:

I'm a bit gobsmacked at your response. I wasn't threatening and I am sorry you read it that way.

If you knew me better you'd realise I don't go for parting shots. If I decided to leave, for whatever reason, there would be no thread or post about it.

I was merely pointing out that the forum is in service to the distro, and as a moderator, the relationship is one to bear in mind.I didn't mean my response to come off as a direct attack. I was just explaining my thoughts. Sorry. I didn't have any other motive...my intent was to agree with you in principle and add my insight.
:)

[eXisor]

I understand completely.

Sometimes my reading of my own written word highlights only my original intent, not what I actually end up saying.

You have my fullest respect and I thank you for the clarification.

[matthew]

Overall RavTux is a good member of this staff and I support him. I understand your points and here's what I'm doing to address them:

I'm talking with Rav Tux about the issues you raised with his moderation and posts in the thread. We will try to prevent a similar occurrence in the future.

The thread has been renamed back to its original title.

Finally, I am going to leave the thread closed, but for other reasons that I will post in the thread itself soon.

[eXisor]

matthew:

That sounds fair and reasonable.

I too value RAV TUX as a moderator and am glad to hear the resolution.

Thank you.