assistant moderator

[Guest guest]

Members

 

I would like to introduce CHA members to Laurie Burton. Laurie is just

about to graduate from PCOM and has been a longtime member of CHA. Some of

you may have already felt her moderating influences at times when I was

otherwise occupied. She has always demonstrated fairness and humor. Well,

Laurie will now be screening CHA posts for me, attempting to identify

issues before they explode and in many cases, moderating the concerns. I

will not be giving up my discretion in these matters in any way. However

I am unable to read every post at the current volume. Laurie will thus

also be identifying posts that she feels need attention, such as requests

for information or help that are going unanswered. I will make my best

effort to make sure anyone on this list who asks for help will receive at

least some direction.

 

I see no conflict with being both owner and editor under most circumstances,

just as others on this list simultaneously own and edit either journals

and/or publishing houses. And I do consider CHA to be essentially a

publication and my role essentially an editor and publisher. I need to

concern myself with things like content, libel, etc., just like any other

type of publisher. But since I also have an agenda as a member, it seemed

wise to have assistance in fair decision making on a day to day basis.

 

Laurie's main task will be the screening and flagging of posts after they

are posted. Most regular members already post without any screening.

However, CHA has an intent and a mission to uphold. While it may appear

that this is just a free forum, in fact, as Alon noted, I do a tremendous

amount of behind the scenes work preventing spammers and laypeople from

infiltrating the group, making sure only those who meet certain criteria

are admitted. I do this to prevent my intent from being thwarted. Thus

newer members's posts are blocked until I read them in order to prevent

such infiltration or poor behavior, etc. I will continue to exercise this

latter function and also remain the sole gatekeeper for entry to the group.

Hopefully the addition of our new assistant moderator will invigorate CHA

to continue to grow in the direction I think most of us want it to.

 

So Welcome Laurie.

 

 

 

 

Chinese Herbs

 

 

" Great spirits have always found violent opposition from mediocre minds " --

Albert Einstein