I've been very lenient with my moderating of the things here on bandhead.org due to past complaints. I've added moderators over the years to assist me in making things better. The way I see things is, It could be worse. The dance forum has been our strongest asset, but it's also one of the reasons the band community isn't here.
I moderate on basic forum etiquette, conduct, and appropriation but since 2012, I made a decision to let you all have your freedom. The Moderators have come and gone, the ones I have now are okay. I'm unsure how they do their duties because we have no rules to moderating. Generally, I've asked our moderators to be the judge. It's Them who decide what's appropriate for bandhead.org.
We haven't had any major issues beyond personal attacks. Arguments get that heated, but of course, there are limitations, we can't allow those to remain, Whether we do or don't members complain about what the moderators are doing. Personally, I am a fan of the images, smack talk, clap-backs, etc. but there's a point where it gets distracting. That's when we have to shut it down.
These days, Nobody follows the standards of netiquette/forum etiquette/ we treat everything as a blog post with a comment section, rather than a mass discussion. What we fail to realize there is, as members, we are contributors. We contribute to this site's image and perception.In my opinion, going back to the using old standards of etiquette on forums would be a great thing from a member and moderating stance. Do I have that kind of time? No, but I can make It work.
We've had recent highlights in two publications. One of them was the Smithsonian magazine. The other highlight was an NPR article which highlighted member commentary from a post regarding Talladega's decision to march the inauguration. Although this is great, It's a clear reminder that we have an influence in our online presence. We also an audience, and we shouldn't ignore them. We represent The HBCU marching band community both internally and externally.
Ultimately, I ask of you all be mindful of the things you share. Also, please be sure to cite your sources. It's important for reference purposes.
It is fair to say that we need to reevaluate how we post, This is a forum full of opinion, but we as members do have a responsibility, It's to make this site a community worthy of visiting, and joining. We don't want to scare people away by trolling them etc. Our goal has never been to be the most credible source, but, to be a reliable source of information and for entertainment for our band community.
The many groups on other social media platforms don't equate to bandhead.org. We view this site as a service to the community. We greatly value your membership. It's up to you to make this site great again.
Book,
Bandhead.org Administrator.
Replies
I appreciate it! I know I was all over the place. a lot is on my mind regarding this site,For the past 2 years I had thought about creating something elsewhere, but I really don't want something "Extra" because this site already is what it needs to be..
This site in its origin (as Blackcollegebands.com) and the 5th Quarter Both started in 1998
The Internet has changed alot, the sites have changed a few times, but "The Internet" ultimately won lol
Everything on here forum-wise is so inconsistent, though. That kills me.
As for this forum section. I honestly want to permanently leave it on Threaded mode, because I get tired of quoted post being the repeat of every thread. Folks like it the way it is though.
Also. The High School band community is non-existent. I want that back. seriously!
All kinds of stuff. I even thought about writing out the rules online, but nah.. it doesn't make a difference.
So much! ..lol
crimsonseeker said:
The band related discussion only increased a bit. I moved the dance forum back because moderator abilities are limited in the group section,
Bandhead.org wasn't supposed to have a forum. We added it after Blackcollegebands.com crashed. The original plan for bandhead.org was for private groups and to host videos.
We tried to bring back "Group only" discussion so that we won't have visible drama on the front page of the site. The dance forum was the first to go. After that, we removed every other section, renaming the college forum for All band discussion.
Facebook group popularity killed all of the band sites.
They came here and went to 5Q begging members to join the HBCU Uncut groups.They did it for many reasons. 1. convenience of the apps. 2. They didn't like how heavily moderated the band sites were. 3. they didn't want to be among high schoolers on bandhead.org.
It's hard to convince folks to hold discussions without personal attacks. They took that to facebook with them. It's like a double-edged sword.
Its ok Book at least you know they are watching. lol
"Debates" on band sites are limited to "your band/dancers are good or they suck." There's nothing to more to debate when dealing with something as subjective as band and dance. It's a waste of time moderating people's feelings. That said, the ad hominem attacks should be expected. Not to mention ad hominem attacks are what black folks consider "debating" in the real world, no surprise it's popular online.
exactly! I thought about making something else happen. but I don't think the people will move with the bringing of something new, yet old. on top of that. I don't want people to leave bandhead.
Chris said:
Well stated BOOK!!!