I was going to handle this via PM, but I feel the community needs to be aware of what's going on here...and I feel holding back the truth will only continue to leave members in the dark about what actually transpires behind closed doors.
As many of you have brought to my attention voices have been removed in chat. This was a judgment call done by Lostcost and something at this time I think was done with valid reason (primarily complaints about who has and doesn't have VOP).
I find the above statement a bit confusing...since you PMed me and stated the following...and I quote:
I agree what Lostcost did was a bad judgment call but overall I still am holding to my belief that he is a good AOP, just has had some issues.
The reason I find it confusing...is that you state in this thread that there was a valid reason, yet you PM me and tell me a different story. So which is it? A valid reason?...or...A bad judgment call?
I'll take most of the blame on this since I was not available to accept/deny the request of removing VOP since at the time he sent the PM and the few days following that I was dealing with a funeral and really lost focus of chat (he did however ask me before just doing it). This caused a lot of confusion since it wasn't mentioned anywhere why this was done and I think Lostcost was frustrated with the complaints he was receiving about it so didn't handle it perfectly when asked about it.
Okay...time for a little history lesson, folks. I'm sure you're all aware of why all of the OPs were removed from the #computerhope channel. Nathan has told us that because of all of the conflict between the previous Chat Operators, OPs were removed from chat. So...why is it, now, that lostcoast is an OP in the channel? I was under the impression that there would be
NO OPs in the channel, anymore. So, again...I'm confused.
The previous issue you were having with your OPs, was that certain OPs could not follow rules. They also had a tendency to play around, by banning the bot and/or removing bans that were given by another OP. This only goes to show the childishness that was running rampant throughout the channel. Instead of giving OP status to those with common sense...it was given to children...or those with no common sense, whatsoever. I'll reiterate what I have stated on several different occasions: What is common sense to a 15 year old...is not the same as the common sense of an individual in their 30s, 40s, or 50s. Of course, the relationship between age and common sense is not all that it's cracked up to be...since there are those (who are much older) displaying the common sense of a child. This depends on the individual. I have dealt with both types. I'll also be the first to admit I've dealt with one individual, in particular, who is very wise for their age...and has proven it time and time again. While I've seen individuals, much older, acting like children.
Back to the current issue...
Above you had stated that you were away, so lostcoast made the decision to remove Voice...even though he contacted you about it...and you did not reply. In my opinion...this only proves my point further. An OP cannot arbitrarily make a decision until he has contacted the Admin/Owner of the site...and received a response from same. In this case, he just went ahead and removed Voice. It wasn't even talked about in chat with other members...it was just done.
The only reason I can think of why this happened...is because lostcoast may have been given express authority (by you, the Administrator) to run chat as he sees fit. If this is the case, then why weren't the members of your forum/channel notified about this. Also, why is there now an OP...when you have previously stated that there will be no OPs? The whole thing just goes to confuse one even further.
Personally...I could care less if one is an OP, or has Voice...it's just a title...but, that's not the point here. The point is, that rules were/are being made up on the fly...without regard to the Administrator or member. An OP should only be in the channel to enforce the rules that are currently being implemented within your channel. You also have a bot...which monitors the channel. If a user is in the channel to either spam it...or cause trouble, the bot (if properly programmed) can warn, kick, or ban the offender...correct? OPs are there as an added measure and to make sure the rules are obeyed.
I know nobody's perfect...and I'll agree that your members don't need to know everything that transpires behind closed doors...but when it has a direct impact on the members of a forum community...it needs to be addressed as quickly as possible. If a member needs to know...then they should be made aware of any change on the site that has a direct impact on them.
There are those who thought having Voice distinguished them between those that did help out in the channel/forum by providing support to those who needed it and guests. Now...that has been taken away from them...without any given notice...just GONE! I really don't blame those who use the channel for being a little upset about this. I would...if I cared. There are also those in the channel now...and prior to all of this happening who had OP status...and let that title go to their heads. They know who they were and are.
I used to enjoy coming here and helping out whenever and wherever I could, but it has turned into a God awful mess...with no end in sight. I know I have come and gone on several different occasions, but the above only goes to prove why. I thought..."Why let it bother me? Just come back and do what you came here to do." This time...I'm not quitting...I'm just refusing to participate any more. Some will say, "You know it's a forum and one has to deal with this type of behavior in a forum community." No you don't...and you shouldn't have to. A forum should be where you can come to talk about what is allowed within the forum rules, as well as be a part of it...contributing when and where you can...without someone giving you a hard time...or making fun of you. It should be a friendly atmosphere with knowledgeable and friendly Staff.
I appologize for the confusion and hopes this brings some clarity and answers. As always feedback about this or any issues are always welcome.
Actually...it hasn't. You have "flip-flopped" way too much...and for way too long, Nathan.