Why have so many people left staff?

[hungrytiger]

Sorry if this is inappropriate, but why does it seem so many people have left staff lately? It seems that so many of the people that I remember being on staff aren't any more. And it seems to have happened over a somewhat short period of time. Has anyone else noticed this too, or am I seeing things? Did something happen? :scratch:

[Orthodox Andrew]

It's a hard and thankless job. :sick:

[MariaRegina]

Simply put ... it's a numbers game.

Erwin has asked for a dramatic increase in Staff.

So at the beginning of May 2006, there were less than 90 staff and now there are about 175 Staffers including the trainees.

Many don't make it through the trial period because of the time demands.

Still, staff has doubled since May of 2006 and that is impressive, especially for a voluntary staff with no benefits.

[hungrytiger]

It's a hard and thankless job. :sick:

I suppose it must be. :(

All you staff and former staff who happen to read this, thank you! These forums have to be one of the nicest ones I've found on the net, and I know that's probably in a large part because of you guys. :hug: I'm sorry we, and I especially, aren't better at giving you the acknowledgement and thanks you deserve.

I do in no way begrudge those who feel they need to step down. I just wondered if something was wrong.

Simply put ... it's a numbers game.

Erwin has asked for a dramatic increase in Staff.

So at the beginning of May 2006, there were less than 90 staff and now there are about 175 Staffers including the trainees.

Many don't make it through the trial period because of the time demands.

Still, staff has doubled since May of 2006 and that is impressive, especially for a voluntary staff with no benefits.
That is quite an increase.

So, you're saying that many of them were just trainee mods? I thought trainee mods were labeled as such. And I thought many of the ones I'm remembering looked like full mods or something.

[MariaRegina]

The trial period is for 90 days after the training is completed.

[hungrytiger]

The trial period is for 90 days after the training is completed.

Oh, that makes more sense now. Thank you.

[MariaRegina]

Sometimes the best intentions are misunderstood.... could this be why some people are leaving staff?

http://www.christianitytoday.com/lyris/churchlaughs/images/cartoon_01-08-07_370x327.jpg

[Dust and Ashes]

Perhaps there is something going on behind the scenes that makes it too difficult for some people to, in good concience, be mods on CF anymore. There have been a number quit and not trainee mods who didn't make the cut, but full mods.

[Xpycoctomos]

It's the commies!

[NewToLife]

I think the nature of the site makes it likely that as a staff member you will have to strike a very delicate balance between the site's rules and your personal faith. I think some manage to walk that tightrope whilst minimising conflicts but many are going to be faced with a more serious conflict between what they believe and what the site rules state.

I know i'd find it impossible to mod here as some of the site's stated positions would heavily conflict with my faith and general beliefs.

[Dust and Ashes]

I think the nature of the site makes it likely that as a staff member you will have to strike a very delicate balance between the site's rules and your personal faith. I think some manage to walk that tightrope whilst minimising conflicts but many are going to be faced with a more serious conflict between what they believe and what the site rules state.

I know i'd find it impossible to mod here as some of the site's stated positions would heavily conflict with my faith and general beliefs.

Indeed. I tried it once and very quickly decided that it was something beyond my feeble capabilities.

[Xpycoctomos]

I suppose if i found it difficult to be a mod due to the sites stated positions, I should find it just as difficult to become a member of Christian Forums.

If I were chosen to mod here (and I had enough time to do so) I would definitely consider it and if I took it, I wouldn't feel any obligation to standby rules that go against my faith (because a mod isn't about standing by CF at all costs, but upholding rules and norms, period). If such an unlikely circumstance were to come up where I felt the integrity of my faith was threatened, I would drop out... But I don't know what that circumstance would be. I mean, realistically, CF is happy as long as you keep the peace which forums need that.

But, I might be ignorant to something... (shrug)

John

[kamikat]

Well, since it has come up, I might as well tell y'all. I have resigned, as well as Uncle Clem. The "m" next to my name will probably be gone within the next 24hrs.

kamikat

[NewToLife]

I suppose if i found it difficult to be a mod due to the sites stated positions, I should find it just as difficult to become a member of Christian Forums.


I have to take regular extended breaks from the site as i find it quite difficult even to be a poster here.

[MariaRegina]

I think the nature of the site makes it likely that as a staff member you will have to strike a very delicate balance between the site's rules and your personal faith. I think some manage to walk that tightrope whilst minimising conflicts but many are going to be faced with a more serious conflict between what they believe and what the site rules state.

I know i'd find it impossible to mod here as some of the site's stated positions would heavily conflict with my faith and general beliefs.
That is so true.

In some of the Ecumenical Congregations, it would be impossible for a TAW Supervisor to step in and help moderate due to others views on abortion and homosexuality which go against ancient Christian beliefs. TAW sups could be asked to rule against Orthodox Christian beliefs or even against Orthodox Christians who have made correct statements in their posts, and yes, this would violate their conscience.

Now with RobNJ out and ClementofRome resigning from staff, the decision of non-Orthodox senior mods, supervisors and admins will ultimately call the shots in TAW. Ugh.

[rusmeister]

So, the obvious answer is.. to have a place that is run by Orthodox Christians.

[DonVA]

Gee... I wonder if such a place exists?

<nudges Blake and Aria>

If only the answer could be found in the Orthopraxis thread...:angel:

[Breaking Babylon]

If only, if only. ;)

[MariaRegina]

Actually, if you were to visit Orthopraxis, you would see that we have a different philosophy, an Orthodox ethos.

So there is really no competition, but TAW and Orthopraxis actually complement one another.
This is especially true for those who are struggling to calm the passions.
Orthopraxis can actually provide a spiritual retreat for one who is temporarily suspended from posting at TAW.

People can freely post at both sites.

[Breaking Babylon]

We're by no means trying to 'steal' people. It's our hope that Orthopraxis can help us all grow in Theosis and in fellowship, and kindly tend to the inquirers.

1. Be kind. Treat others as you would like to be treated. Be respectful and courteous. Remember that the crux of Orthopraxis is fellowship and inquiry.

2. Avoid all unchaste discussions which include any specific references to sexual immorality. However, you may discuss ways of becoming dispassionate as Orthopraxis is aimed at the edification of its members.

3. Obey the Ten Commandments, the teachings of the Beatitudes, the Seven Holy Ecumenical Councils, and the Nicene Creed.

Notes:

When we mention the Nicene Creed, we mean pre-filioque.

Please refrain from posts aimed at heated debate, even in the designated forum. Questioning one's faith based on the calendar they use or whether or not their parish has stained glass windows will not be tolerated.

In all posts and at all times remember Christ, and may He remember you in His Kingdom.

[DonVA]

It's like visiting your family.

[Xpycoctomos]

So, the obvious answer is.. to have a place that is run by Orthodox Christians.
Which is great. There are advantages that such a place has that TAW can't have. But the opposite is true as well. You won't get as many accidental wanderers as you here. Non-Orthodox who end up in Orthopraxis found it on purpose. The same goes from TAW, but there are also the people who just stumble in here and say "Orthodoxy? what? where am I?" :)

John

[MariaRegina]

That is why it is good that there is more than one Orthodox forum.