Community Moderators

But they were all (as far as I could tell) about moderation which, by the rules, is not allowed.  That's not dictatorial,  that's simple application of the rules as they are.  The word "dictatorial" implies a degree of capriciousness or favoritism which does not seem to be in play in those threads being locked.  The same result would apply with any moderator in any forum on DPReview.

You might disagree with the rule but that's not a problem with moderation, just the rule.  In fact if anything it shows the Sigma forum moderators are taking the rules seriously which is good.

I agree but talk about moderation for example, is exactly the kind of thing that would NOT bring anything of value to individual forums that would cause more people to come by and read.  I think that there should be *a* place to talk about it, which it appears to be the Open forum is (or at least this topic - I made the suggestion myself that there needed to be one place users could post publicly discussing moderation).

We have NO examples yet of people being banned even!  It's way to early to say the moderation that will be done will not in fact allow for refreshing or different views.  Should we not wait for problems to arise before we start slapping on solutions to them?

I totally disagree with a moderator being any kind of "leader".  A moderator is a janitor, or grounds-keeper.  They are there to keep the forums just a bit cleaner and tidier than they would be with less careful attention.  The moderator role is not one of bringing anyone together, but to make sure OTHERS do not drive people apart or away.

The "leaders" of any forum are basically the people posting there most often.  Even then while they may drive most discussion, they will not drive all of it - and that is fine.   In truth internet forums need "leaders" like a dog needs fleas.

--
---> Kendall
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kigiphoto/
http://www.pbase.com/kgelner
http://www.pbase.com/sigmadslr/user_home