We the People *NEED* Forum Moderation

...transparent moderation.  However, I understand why DPR would not be a fan of it.  First of all, it takes more effort to explain why what was done was done than to just do it.  Secondly, if the mod made a decision that was unpopular with either the majority or any sizable minority, they would have to deal with threads complaining about the decision.  Lastly, if the mod bothered to read the threads complaining about their decision, and realized they made a mistake, now they have to deal with the hassle of righting it.

In short, very time consuming, and DPR would rather put their time and effort elsewhere -- like not reviewing lenses (I know, I know -- I read the blurb about partnering with DxOMark for lens tests). 

So, where's DPR gonna get mods that will work for free?  God forbid they choose a "community moderator" who wants to be a moderator -- we know how that will go. Indeed, I know of people who have claimed to have been moderators on other sites, and who have received multiple bans here (not to say that there's anything wrong with being banned, mind you! ). So what do they do to coax someone to do it for free?

Well, in my opinion there are two things that would help a lot.  One, make bans short -- something like three days.  Even if the ban is unjust, three days is no biggie, and whatever "entertainment" was going on that prompted the ban will be over by then.  Of course, there's still the possibility of multiple "unjust" bans, but, well, nothing's perfect.

Secondly, create a Troll Wars Forum.  When threads, or subthreads, get too "entertaining", simply move them to that forum, and put in a place marker:  "Thread/Subthread moved to [link]."  Also, when people are banned for "bad" posts, do the same with the offending post, and add "So-and-so banned for the following post:  [link]"

Lastly, mods should intervene with public warnings.  Something lke, "Please try to be a bit more civil with your replies, or I'll open a can o' whoopass on you".  The problem with that is now the mod opens themselves up to an argument with the offender, and has inadvertently taken the thread into full entertainment with their well-meaning post".  Well, if it goes that way, then just move it to the Troll Wars Forum.

Anyway, the bottom line is that whether or not my ideas have any merit, any form of improved moderation, to include transparent moderation, requires more resources.  So, the question becomes, "Who's gonna do it for free that won't be worse than the current situation?"

That's a tough question, actually, and likely why DPR's done nothing about it for so long.  A phrase I like is, "The people get the government they deserve."  I don't think that's always true, and there are some terrible exceptions.  But there is something about that statement that seems to ring true, in terms of DPR moderation.