Dispute options with the Admin or Board Staff.

[griffin]

Even though the board staff only really gets criticism from people who give us the most trouble, I still want to have some sort of system in place for people to appeal a decision or action of any of the board staff.

In the past I have been telling people that if they have a problem with any of the Staff, to come to me. But what happens if you have a problem with me? After all, I'm just a fan as well, and am not perfect (and I shouldn't pretend to be, by not being accountable for my own actions here).
We all have our bad days, and if someone is on the receiving end of a harsh penalty or behaviour by me, they should be able to feel like they have someone else to refer to - or else they will be less cooperative, or just leave to go elsewhere.

I also don't want to give off the impression that I'm some inflexable dictator here, that is unwilling to listen to any dissenting opinion or be challanged in any way.

As much as I try to pro-actively involve members with decisions and changes here (in the various polls and topics asking for opinions and suggestions), this new measure is a responsive one.

Basically, if you have a problem with something I've done or said, and fear reprisal by approaching me about it - approach one or more Staff members, and tell them what has occured.

Since the Board Staff are only in that position voluntarily, and I need as many Staff members as I can afford to trust, I'm not prepared to risk losing any by dismissing problems they bring to me. There have been times in the past when Staff members have spoken against me and made me undertake better approaches to issues, and I value their input if it make me more reliable to the members, and in turn makes this place worth joining and playing. At least, I think I've been accomodating to their opinions, even when it opposes mine, so that I can be more objective with what I do here, or at least make amends when I haven't been objective enough.

Also, if for some reason I've done something bad enough to have the majority of Global Board Staff to agree that I shouldn't have done it, and they can't change my mind, they can over-rule me if they agree it is the better course of action.

Fear of accountabilty for your actions is something many of you keep in mind when adhering to the rules here, and it's only fair that I am held to the same standard of accountability (even if I'm paying $1-2 grand a year on this place - it shouldn't be seen as buying my way to behave as I wish).

Comments and suggestions are welcome.

[OrionPax]

Sounds very fair

even if I'm paying $1-2 grand a year on this place

WOW Griffin I've got to say thank you!

[reillyd]

(even if I'm paying $1-2 grand a year on this place - it shouldn't be seen as buying my way to behave as I wish).

Comments and suggestions are welcome.

Ummm, wow. That's too much, far too much, for one person to pay to run a forum for Australian users. That amount could send you to Botcon, or buy big expensive toys

Have you thought of putting hosted banner ads on the forum to pay for some of your bandwidth costs Griffin? I don't think that its a fair burden to put on you, and you should look at some way to defray your costs.

[kup]

Would it be better if we set up a donation system to help with the finances of running the board? I would be happy to contribute.

[griffin]

The blowout cost last year was the Toyfair report. We ended up having bandwidth demand in the four weeks after Toyfair, than we do for an entire year running this board. I didn't expect it to get that much attention last year, and the excess usage fees were about $800 (which I only found out about when they billed me - I've never needed to monitor bandwidth usage, because we don't use much here).
That underestimation on my part isn't something I want to pass onto others, and I'm looking at better hosting options before this year's toyfair. The move will also try to incorporate some discrete advertising, as revenue to pay for this constantly growing board and community that's using it. But when you think about the standard running costs here, you have monthly hosting fees, domain name registration, business registration, plus various other expenses like competition items and postage to winners. For me, I don't think much about the cost, as I feel it is part of the bigger expense I pay for this hobby. I do it for my own fun - if other people benefit from it, then it is a bonus.

[Lint]

Would it be better if we set up a donation system to help with the finances of running the board? I would be happy to contribute.

That would be a good idea, but it should be wholly anonymous so donating members don't go marching around like they own a piece of the place

[Deceptic_Optic]

how about fund raisings or something?

[Dkaris]

set up a paypal or something. im sure a lot of users would be happy to make a contribution.

[5FDP]

set up a paypal or something. im sure a lot of users would be happy to make a contribution.

+1

[dsaint]

I'd say its only fair to ask for donations...I'm all for a paypal donations button/link.