Regardless of what this post has become, I think the question does deserve a sincere answer.
Quote:
Is the criteria based upon your sneaker knowledge?
No. Sneaker knowledge can make someone an excellent resource to the community, but it has little do with the regulation of NikeTalk.
One caveat here, though: we look for people who are passionate about sneakers and sneaker collecting. If someone doesn't have a love for the game, I have no reason to believe that person will give NikeTalk the sustained commitment necessary to keep things running smoothly. It's common sense, really. If someone doesn't have any devotion to what's being discussed here day in and day out, their devotion will be tenuous at best.
Quote:
Is it your previous behaivor here on Niketalk?
Yes, that is a major component of it. How else are we to evaluate how someone will react to the types of situations that frequently arise on NikeTalk? If someone is quick to eschew the rules in order to strike back at someone who has insulted them, for example, that person seems like a prime candidate to abuse what little "power" is entrusted to a moderator.
We look for people who have demonstrated a certain degree of maturity. We need people who are even handed. We need people who are mediators, not agitators.
We need people who have the respect of the community - because if you don't have respect going in to a mod position, it will be difficult for you to attain it once there, as there are many users who would prefer to examine moderators' behavior under a magnifying lens to find fault than to adhere to the rules themselves. Any mistakes made by a mod won't be quickly forgotten by their fellow members, as your bitter comments attest.
Quote:
Is it based upon race or creed?
Absolutely not. Contrary to the garbage you might read on Hatertalk, the NikeTalk staff is quite diverse, and more often than not we appoint staff members without having seen them, nor heard the sound of their voices. Honestly, those attributes are irrelevant. How a person handles himself or herself on HERE is the only information germane to our search.
Quote:
Exactly what would someone have to do to become a moderator here on Niketalk?
Tip #1 - don't campaign. Let your character speak for itself. Again, contrary to what you may read on HaterTalk, we're not idiots. Our favor can't easily be curried through affectations, pandering, or empty bravado. If you're interested in helping the NikeTalk community in whatever capacity you can, that won't go unnoticed. If you're essentially saying, "Yeah, well I WILL help IF you guys make me a mod" that tells us right up front that you're seeking aggrandizement rather than a better NikeTalk.
Some people THINK that if they wear a little moderator nametag that they'll automatically have the respect of the users, that their status will improve, this, that, and the third. That's not true. Nearly ALL of the tools and resources available to a moderator are available to regular users. The ONLY additional capabilities moderators have are the ability to move, lock, and delete posts. That's it. If you think those tools will suddenly enable you to single-handedly turn everything around - think again.
I've been working to keep NikeTalk safe and enjoyable for over 4 years now. Every staff member currently on board has well over a year's worth of experience. With all of the work that has been poured in to keep this community running, you might say that it's important to us. We don't want to do anything to jeopardize NikeTalk. Handing over mod privileges to somebody who hasn't PROVEN their ability to handle it is a risk that we're not willing to take.
Mod selections don't come out of left field. We may not pick the person who's jumping up and down waving his or her hands in the air - but we will pick the person or persons we have the most confidence in. If we can't trust that person with the accumulation of 4+ years worth of work, that person will NOT become a staff member. We don't select staff members capriciously.
As Bastitch can attest, we don't hold long-term grudges. That's not productive. We understand that people make mistakes and are capable of growth and change. However, everyone must still pay their dues and PROVE their worth to the community before they're considered for such a position. We don't look for deputies or hall monitors. We look for teammates. We look for people we can work with, and people we can trust with the welfare of an entire community.
If youre interested in helping the community, you dont need a label next to your name. Walk the talk. The more positive your influence on the board, the easier it is to make that transition. If everything you do from this point forward earns you the respect of your fellow members and ensures the well-being and security of this community, NikeTalk will be a better place for your presence and eventually, that type of commitment is difficult to overlook.
