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HOST.GW
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1994-06-01
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[Garry Walker gives a great explanation of what a Host is, and why PlanoNet
doesn't have Moderators]
A moderator (title) strongly infers (shouldn't, but it does) that
a conference is expected to be out of control and needs someone to
control it. Moderators are (by definition) spectrum limited, and
perceive they have the mission to shape, control and dominate the
course of discussion in the conference, and that they must keep it
under their control. All too often this translates into a continuing
struggle to advance their own personal goals, standards, and limits
of scope and understanding. They often get the idea that their
opinion is the only "right" opinion.
The natural expectation of a moderator is that the job carries
the mark of some distinctively high and necessary authority and
mandate. As a result, it is too often misused and abused, resulting
in unwarranted frustrations and narrowness of focus and topicality.
The brighter and more thoughtful participants, who would be most
likely to offer the most insight, but who usually express the most
unique views and opinions, are naturally put off by such
'moderation', as (by definition) it excludes the ends of the
spectrum of expression. Moderators too often tend to serve
themselves, are often overbearing, and artificially stifle the
conference.
A host (title) infers that the conference is expected to be
running smoothly and serving the needs of the guests. A host is
expected to treat guests politely, and in turn expects guests to act
like respectful (but real) human beings. They make an effort to
stimulate diverse discussions and opinions, and offer assistance and
guidance for the guests.
The natural expectation of a host is that guests will not need or
appreciate lessons of civility or any "laying down of the law",
domination of the conference, endless argument over semantical
interpretations of the rules, nor the attitude and mission of a
"sergeant-at-arms" -- rather that the guests will respond positively
to respectful stimulation, a helpful attitude and guidance where
needed. Hosts tend to serve their guests, make them feel welcome
and comfortable, and build a positive conference.
As further differentiation, a successful host giving a party
which experiences a misbehaving guest, would very likely discreetly
call them aside and handle the situation as privately as possible,
without disturbing the other guests unnecessarily, or publicly
chastising and/or embarrassing the offender.
Some would say the differences are semantical maybe -- but
precise words can make an amazing difference. That's why we have
lots of them, but it does seem ironic that a lot of the 'moderation'
I see is the direct result of somebody's ignorance of some semantic.
Of course, the word 'moderator' hasn't always meant (nor should
it now) what it has come to mean in the electronic village. And if
you look closely at the style of the successful 'moderators', I
believe you'll find they are in fact, 'hosts'. :>
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