Forum Meet organizer selected: BBox

[TheCotMan]

Re: Forum Meet organizer selected: BBox

I think we may have derailed the topic of the thread.. Though it is about the "forums" and "forum meet" so maybe not.

Well, we are talking about the Forums Meet. If people make the meet, then they should know who to [blame|praise] for their experiences on the forums.

Yep, this is where I was going with it. People should know about all you mods and the work you do, and it helps encourage you all to attend the forum meet. It also lets BBox know who you are so they can recognize how value might be associated with your suggestions or comments on ideas about the forum meet. It may also provide interest by users in getting mods to attend the forum meet, too.

There is value in new people not knowing who is a mod an who is not, as the new people might treat people fairly if they don't know the status of the person to which they are replying. [Imagine a world where anyone not crazy or a criminal is able to get a concealed carry permit with no restriction on firearms they can carry, and how people might treat each other if they didn't know who had a firearm and who did not.] However, the value in letting people know this before the forum meet has greater value, and if any lurker happens to dig up this thread in the future, then they can be rewarded with this information after conducting some research. Also, it is possible that other mods may return next year, and some present mods may go on vacation or be called away to service and have to drop their privs, making the accuracy of this list decrease with time.

... TheCotMan does ... work that the users never see.

That is what I prefer to do. if it was possible for me to work and contribute without a visible presence, I would do that. :-)

At risk of embarrassing him...

You all do the hard work. I am just the modern-day "George Jetson" going to work, and pressing a few buttons in a right order. Also, much of the work is automated or programmed to happen as needed. You guys are here day after day to enforce rules and answer questions. Thanks you guys for all the work you do. :-)

Back to topic...

BBox, what kinds of things are you considering for the Forum meet? Have you discussed this with Nikita to find out what resources might be available for the forum meet from the Rio and Defcon? Do you have ideas for games or reasons for people to stick around at the forum meet and socialize? Ways to encourage people that are lurkers to introduce themselves and participate with others in conversations? Have you been to the DC1o1 event HighWiz has organized? He would be another good person to talk to about ideas expressed in DC101 and will probably have good ideas on how you might be able to encourage behavior described at DC101 for lurkers and people new to Defcon. It is probably a bad idea to duplicate the purpose of DC101, but *implementing* changes to address the issues described at DC101 could lead to desirable results for new members and lurkers.

Thanks and good luck!

[Chris]

Re: Forum Meet organizer selected: BBox

Well, THAT explains it. All this time I'd just assumed the checks were lost in the mail.

Well, we are talking about the Forums Meet. If people make the meet, then they should know who to [blame|praise] for their experiences on the forums.

Although, in the last few years the SNR is up, and the "tard wrangling" seems to be down. I don't think I've banned anyone in a year, and that's probably true for most of the mods/admins. We still get some work, but most of the users who have violated some rule or other seem to respond well to low-key reminders (mainly asking to please read the Rules, interspersed with the occasional threat to break a kneecap.)

Truthfully, most of the "moderation" in the last few years is about being a steering committee for the forums. We reach a consensus about what policies and procedures need to be in place and how they should be executed, and then TheCotMan does the hard work like putting those policies in place and keeping the databases and code functioning smoothly. Really, it's a model of how forums should work. Of course, other forums would probably need TheCotman, too. He really is a huge part of this, and does an enormous amount of work that the users never see.

At risk of embarrassing him, I'll jump on this bandwagon too. TheCotMan is hands down the best forum admin I've seen at any forum I've been a part of. I honestly believe that anyone that actually enjoys the forums should take the time to thank him at DEF CON and buy him his choice of beverage.

[Thorn]

Re: Forum Meet organizer selected: BBox

All mods are volunteers

Well, THAT explains it. All this time I'd just assumed the checks were lost in the mail.

I think we may have derailed the topic of the thread.. Though it is about the "forums" and "forum meet" so maybe not.

Well, we are talking about the Forums Meet. If people make the meet, then they should know who to [blame|praise] for their experiences on the forums.

Although, in the last few years the SNR is up, and the "tard wrangling" seems to be down. I don't think I've banned anyone in a year, and that's probably true for most of the mods/admins. We still get some work, but most of the users who have violated some rule or other seem to respond well to low-key reminders (mainly asking to please read the Rules, interspersed with the occasional threat to break a kneecap.)

Truthfully, most of the "moderation" in the last few years is about being a steering committee for the forums. We reach a consensus about what policies and procedures need to be in place and how they should be executed, and then TheCotMan does the hard work like putting those policies in place and keeping the databases and code functioning smoothly. Really, it's a model of how forums should work. Of course, other forums would probably need TheCotman, too. He really is a huge part of this, and does an enormous amount of work that the users never see.

[HighWiz]

Re: Forum Meet organizer selected: BBox

Ah, sorry man. There was a time that DT was not a mod or an admin on the forums, just a regular user, then added to the Goon usergroup for many years (6?) I was not sure if you were around when these changes were applied and announced.

Not a problem.

(You left the forums for a while, and it may have been during that period that converge upgraded DT's forum status to include mod status and then admin.)

Well, HighWizard left... HighWiz returned.


I think we may have derailed the topic of the thread.. Though it is about the "forums" and "forum meet" so maybe not.

[TheCotMan]

Re: Forum Meet organizer selected: BBox

I was including Admins in that. And by "a forum user", I meant a user of the forums.

Ah, sorry man. There was a time that DT was not a mod or an admin on the forums, just a regular user, then added to the Goon usergroup for many years (6?) I was not sure if you were around when these changes were applied and announced. (You left the forums for a while, and it may have been during that period that converge upgraded DT's forum status to include mod status and then admin.)

Even if you know about this and these changes, maybe others do not. So that others can learn about this, here is more information:

We don't normally advertise the list of mods/admin, so people that take the time to investigate the forums can figure out who is a mod and who is not, but it seems explicit statement of this might be a good idea [for the forum meet.]

People that have mod status (can ban users, and enforce the rules, which includes seasonal mods):
* Neil
* ASTCell
* Thorn
* Blackbeetle
* Russ
* Pyr0
* AlxRogan
* Noid
* Converge
* Chris
* Dark Tangent
* Me

All mods are volunteers, and we still have too many for the level of volume we have on the forums. Additionally, so long as I am an Admin, any mods/admin that leaves the forums with good status can return as a mod when they are willing and able to perform their duties as a mod. Other than Neil (added by direct request from DT) I think I was the last mod added back in 2005. We also dropped mod privs on around 10 accounts due to lack of activity by mods on the forums. (No vanity mods.) Every year since then, I ask the existing mods if we need any more, and since then, the answer has been no.

Nulltone might be able to comment on what happened before 2005 with mods on the forums. Nulltone?

[HighWiz]

Re: Forum Meet organizer selected: BBox

Actually, DT is an Admin on the forums now. Also, when converge came back to work as the DCG Coordinator, I reinstated his Admin controls so he can make forums for each DCG as they appear. (We have 4 Forum Admins now: Chris, Dark Tangent, Converge and me, but only 2 of these have shell access for software builds, installs and configs.)

I do plan to stop by for a short bit at the forum meet. If there is a published time for a meet and greet, I will probably show up for that for a bit, assuming something else does not come up and push the time to visit the forum meet back a little later.

Moderators, Goons and the like

I was including Admins in that. And by "a forum user", I meant a user of the forums.

[TheCotMan]

Re: Forum Meet organizer selected: BBox

... as for Converge, he will be there if he knows what's good for him. Even though DT is a forum user, he probably won't show up. And if he says he's going to be there, then he definitely won't show up.

Actually, DT is an Admin on the forums now. Also, when converge came back to work as the DCG Coordinator, I reinstated his Admin controls so he can make forums for each DCG as they appear. (We have 4 Forum Admins now: Chris, Dark Tangent, Converge and me, but only 2 of these have shell access for software builds, installs and configs.)

I do plan to stop by for a short bit at the forum meet. If there is a published time for a meet and greet, I will probably show up for that for a bit, assuming something else does not come up and push the time to visit the forum meet back a little later.

[HighWiz]

Re: Forum Meet organizer selected: BBox

Wait a minute... You flamed me more, AFTER we met!

I said "usually", as in, that rule really doesn't apply with me. As you are well aware, I'm much more sarcastic towards the people I like. If I don't make fun of you or "have a go", then I'm probably ambivalent about you... If I don't acknowledge your existence, then I just don't like you.

Moderators? Those sumbitches actually show up?

Moderators, Goons and the like

Yes.. Well... At least you and AlxRogan will both be there.. I'm sure TheCotMan will show up, as will Roamer. Noid may or may not poke his head in and as for Converge, he will be there if he knows what's good for him. Even though DT is a forum user, he probably won't show up. And if he says he's going to be there, then he definitely won't show up... Nikita of course will be there, if enough users PM her, and ask her to come. Neil may come, unless he is watching his spawn. GM1 may show up with Roamer, before they get their drink on... Medic will be too cool for school, but Jenn will probably come with AlxRogan. Lockheed will be too busy, pounding his latest boytoy of the moment. Grifter won't come, because he has to get his hair "just right". Flea has been known to stop in, though. I haven't seen Londo or X-stasy show up there in a few years, nor has Siviak or Russ or Hackajar graced us with their presence. Lost will just forget that it's going on...

I do hope to see some of the newbies from last year that I met, like Aurora.

And some others who said they'd introduce themselves, like Xr@y.

I will be there, and I will probably drag Runnerup along with me.

[Thorn]

Re: Forum Meet organizer selected: BBox

At the very least, your chances of being flamed on the forum (usually) go down significantly if people have met you in person at con.

Wait a minute... You flamed me more, AFTER we met!

You also may find, if you actually talk to the more frequent posters/admins/moderators, you yourself will be more inclined to post more often.

Moderators? Those sumbitches actually show up?

[HighWiz]

Re: Forum Meet organizer selected: BBox

I think she requested contact by email, and NOT forum PM.

That's a filthy lie, she only wants to be contact via PM.

A few things in my opinion made the meet great. Firstly I’d like to say that I lurk and as a lurker I was a little worried that I wouldn’t fit in, but the introduce yourself segment in the beginning really helped break the ice.

Another thing was the atmosphere everything was very chill, no loud music lots of places to sit and talk.

Those were two of the best things last year. The generally calm atmosphere and the fact that I can finally put faces to names/handles.

Part of my responsibility is to make sure Defcon Rules are followed and no one is doing anything that could put Defcon in jeopardy. No underage drinking and no one being abusive to others. I cannot stop someone from being a Douche but I can surely stop them from bothering others.

There should be more than enough goons in the room throughout the event, that, if someone is really bothering someone else you can ask them to do something, lest you end up putting yourself in a difficult position.

Not going to lie. As a lurker, that is exactly the impression I had about attending last year (my first defcon). The impression still lingers for me this year, but I am going to show up anyway.

Good, much like I encourage all newbie hackers at DefCon (new and old) to come to dc101. All forum lurkers should come to the forum meet, you'll enjoy it...

At the very least, your chances of being flamed on the forum (usually) go down significantly if people have met you in person at con.

You also may find, if you actually talk to the more frequent posters/admins/moderators, you yourself will be more inclined to post more often. Unless you talk to Chris and you decide you don't want to return to DefCon, at all.

[DiscipleOfJude]

Re: Forum Meet organizer selected: BBox

A few things in my opinion made the meet great. Firstly I’d like to say that I lurk and as a lurker I was a little worried that I wouldn’t fit in, but the introduce yourself segment in the beginning really helped break the ice.

Not going to lie. As a lurker, that is exactly the impression I had about attending last year (my first defcon). The impression still lingers for me this year, but I am going to show up anyway.

So I think an ice breaker and something like the mini games sounds like a great thing.

Let me know if you need any help with anything, and I will lend a hand.

-doj

[RCon]

Re: Forum Meet organizer selected: BBox

I have no doubt that alcohol will be present. However it should not be the primary reason for attending this event.

I am a huge believer in live and let live. If someone wants to drink, have at it. If someone does not, Don't! My concept is this should be an enjoyable Meet & Greet. It is a great opportunity to find likeminded individuals and maybe even lifelong friends. I hope people will leave in groups to explore common interests further.

Part of my responsibility is to make sure Defcon Rules are followed and no one is doing anything that could put Defcon in jeopardy. No underage drinking and no one being abusive to others. I cannot stop someone from being a Douche but I can surely stop them from bothering others.

Don’t get me wrong here, I wasn’t trying to suggest this be a everyone show up to party and not interact in the way the meet is intended sort of thing.

I was asking because like TheCotMan said, last year a no shared booze policy was in place. “Though that line did get a little fuzzy later on.” And I wanted to think a few of the people I met last year, and I figured bringing booze would be the best way to do it, but only if the policy wasn’t still in place.

RCon, I look forward to meeting you and hopefully you will help make this year as much fun as the last. Can you tell me what you thought made last year great?

A few things in my opinion made the meet great. Firstly I’d like to say that I lurk and as a lurker I was a little worried that I wouldn’t fit in, but the introduce yourself segment in the beginning really helped break the ice.

Another thing was the atmosphere everything was very chill, no loud music lots of places to sit and talk.

Lastly the mini games were fun, the DefCon trivia for example even if it was your first con there was a lot to be learned.

Hope this helps,

-rCON

[TheCotMan]

Re: Forum Meet organizer selected: BBox

I have no doubt that alcohol will be present. However it should not be the primary reason for attending this event.
...
All input is greatly appreciated.

You should probably field a question to Nikita on this. At the Riviera, I think there were issues with having bar service for a room meeting, which required people be carded and may have raised a requirement for people to be carded at the door for 21 or older. My memory is fuzzy on this, but I think Nikita brought this up as something that influenced the decision on having the hotel provide booze, a bar, or bar service.

This is the Rio, so the micro-feature diffs and rule-set will likely be different. Nikita is your best partner to let you know what resources from Defcon and the Rio are available, and what opportunity costs exist when choosing to use any resource that is available. I think she requested contact by email, and NOT forum PM. It is a good idea to accede to these requests when you desire quick results and wish to resolve issues without causing more confusion or stress.

[Bbox]

Re: Forum Meet organizer selected: BBox

Thanks for doing this Bbox. I can hardly wait for the meet this year, I had a blast at the last one met a lot of cool people. I’m still lulzing over the whole BeautifulHacker sighting.

Quick question, It’s probably too early but do you have any idea what your stance on booze at the meet will be?

I have no doubt that alcohol will be present. However it should not be the primary reason for attending this event.

I am a huge believer in live and let live. If someone wants to drink, have at it. If someone does not, Don't! My concept is this should be an enjoyable Meet & Greet. It is a great opportunity to find likeminded individuals and maybe even lifelong friends. I hope people will leave in groups to explore common interests further.

Part of my responsibility is to make sure Defcon Rules are followed and no one is doing anything that could put Defcon in jeopardy. No underage drinking and no one being abusive to others. I cannot stop someone from being a Douche but I can surely stop them from bothering others.

RCon, I look forward to meeting you and hopefully you will help make this year as much fun as the last. Can you tell me what you thought made last year great?

All input is greatly appreciated.

[Bbox]

Re: Forum Meet organizer selected: BBox

So are you going to set a hard time for when you want people to be there for "introductions" or is it more of a "as everyone comes in, everyone intro's themselves again"?

At this point (very preliminary) I don't envision a "hard time" to make introductions. I actually think a fairly short 2 to 3 hour max event is best. I truly want the experienced forum members to be comfortable to show and enjoy their time with the friends they have made over the years and not feel obligated to make small talk or be bothered by someone they may never see again. I would love it if they at least made an effort to include some people they may have seen around the Con in past years but may not have attended forum meets or someone who has a Avatar badge that they recognize. Even better if they include more people, but no pressure or obligation to do so.

On the other hand I hope between myself, some others I know from previous years, some "old timers" willing to expand their group and other newbies to the forum meet we can be welcoming and become friends with the newer people. Basically we will create the next generation of Forum dwellers that will become a small (or large) group of friends. Hopefully as the years go on between "IRL" community events and online forum interaction there will become more interaction between the forum generations and we will become more of a blend. There will always be an evolution of people and ideas, If we don't evolve we become extinct.

I hope I was somewhat clear. often It's harder to put words to the thoughts.

When I was young a new store opened called Barneys. They gave out buttons that said just looking. Their intent was to get people in their stores without the fear of being bothered by sales people. It worked and they became very successful. Maybe I will have buttons that say Hello on one side and say something like Catch ya Later on the other. When you're willing to talk to anyone, you flip it to Hello. When you just want to speak with people you know, you flip it to catch ya later.

Maybe that could be close to the best of both worlds.

You got your work cut out for you.. So I wish you the best of luck.

I appreciate it, I am sure I will need it. All I can promise is I will be giving my best effort!