Since the forum was created in 2005, there has been a total of 8 mods, not including the site owners, Mindbuster and 711.
As a timeline graphic it looks something like this:
Code:
[FONT=Courier New]
[COLOR="#FFFFFF"]. . . . . [/COLOR]2005[COLOR="#FFFFFF"] . . [/COLOR]2006[COLOR="#FFFFFF"] . . [/COLOR]2007[COLOR="#FFFFFF"] . . [/COLOR]2008[COLOR="#FFFFFF"] . . [/COLOR]2009[COLOR="#FFFFFF"] . . [/COLOR]2010 [COLOR="#FFFFFF"]. . [/COLOR]2011[COLOR="#FFFFFF"] . . [/COLOR]2012[COLOR="#FFFFFF"] . . [/COLOR]2013[COLOR="#FFFFFF"] . . [/COLOR]2014[COLOR="#FFFFFF"] . . [/COLOR]2015
[COLOR="#FFFFFF"]. . . . . [/COLOR]--|--------|--------|--------|--------|--------|--------|--------|--------|--------|--------|
MS9[COLOR="#FFFFFF"] . . . . . . . . . [/COLOR]xxxxxxxxx
Skam[COLOR="#FFFFFF"] . . . . . .[/COLOR]xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Kjetil[COLOR="#FFFFFF"] . . . . .[/COLOR]xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
JimmyB[COLOR="#FFFFFF"] . . . . . . [/COLOR]xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx======================================>
JohnCapital[COLOR="#FFFFFF"] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[/COLOR]xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
RayneJade[COLOR="#FFFFFF"] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[/COLOR]xxxx========
safara[COLOR="#FFFFFF"] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [/COLOR]xx=======================>
Serica[COLOR="#FFFFFF"] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[/COLOR]xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>[/FONT]
x - actively modding
= - reduced availability for modding
Ideally there is a team of mods for a forum. Having at least 3, covering the Euro/American/Pacific timezones, instead of only 1, would considerably reduced the individual workload, and also allow more timely responses to requests. However, mods don't 'grow on trees'.
When I was contacted by JC about becoming a mod in 2012, I was aware JC had been the sole 'active' mod on this forum for some time (and also on EF as well). I was not the only person contacted about it, and indeed, I initially declined as I considered the role more suited to others. However, JC persuaded me on the basis that my assistance with the more routine, administrative mod duties (spam, post approval for new members, thread relocation/renaming etc etc) would allow him to better utilize his available time to focus on the 'interpersonal' type issues that arise. Ultimately I was the only one of those who were contacted to accept the responsibility, and that was largely due to my appreciation of JC's dedication, and willingness to give my time to help him out.
Once JC let me know of his intention to retire from modding, we encouraged 711 to appoint one or more new mods. The intent was that they would be able to benefit from JC's mentoring, while he was still available for the role. However, the only person who was invited to become a mod to this time, after initially expressing interest, declined the invitation.
While I have suggested names to 711 from time to time, ultimately it's his decision as to who he chooses to appoint. I've brought this thread to his attention, and I expect he'll post here when he has time.
As to a couple of issues raised in the first post:
1. The 'Super Moderator' that shows in my profile. For those who make sarcastic comments about it, please be aware that this is not a 'title' I chose, or that I can change. My understanding is that it relates only to my level of access to various administrative functions, and is a generic descriptive term for that access level.
The '/mod note/' and '<removed>' tags (or variants thereof) are used to distinguish personal comments and responses in a thread from those made as moderator, and to indicate where posts that violate forum rules have been edited.
2. Akbar's thread, referenced in the OP, was removed from the forum as a violation of
rule 3.8, without any consideration of his personal abuse toward me or his 'photoshopping' of my RL pic.
I have also made 711 aware of Akbar's removal of posts in the Beastiary section. While I have the capacity to individually restore each of those posts, I'd prefer to wait for 711 to respond first, so that he can make his preferences known.
3. As to my mod decisions: JC can confirm that until he retired, I shared all mod decisions with him. Some, including most 'controversial' ones, were made jointly after discussion, and I willingly deferred to his experience.
Since his retirement, I've continued to post extensive notes, including copies of PM exchanges with members, in the private 'staff' section, so that 711 and the other mods (when available) are apprised of the current status of decision-making, and 711 can review my decisions and rationale for them at any time.