New moderator Mr. Smith is on a power trip

Why on earth does my post keep getting nuked over there? I’m just pointing out that someone totally faked Vlatko’s profile—honestly, what’s the big deal? You guys dragged Vlatko into this whole thing as if he’s some kind of lead actress or something, when in reality, he’s got nothing to do with it. That’s why I keep trying to get the word out. My post has been deleted 3 times now. 🤷

Casey Bennett said:But just look at this, kid. My very first post.

Moderators oversee compliance with the user code of conduct on Reddit, and they are fully authorized to edit or remove any content that fails to meet the site's rules and editorial policy.

Nobody is obligated to explain themselves to anyone; you agreed to these terms the moment you registered on this site. As far as I recall, even that other platform follows the exact same rule.

So, what, are we supposed to study the editorial policy just to figure out what we can and can't post?

Paul Newman86 said:So, what, are we supposed to study the editorial policy just to figure out what we can and can't post?

Well, obviously, if something was posted and then subsequently deleted, it clearly didn't comply with the rules. Simple logic, right? 🤷

Casey Bennett said:Well, obviously, if something was posted and then subsequently deleted, it clearly didn't comply with the rules. Simple logic, right? 🤷

There's zero logic here. Just define what's allowed and which memes fly so we don't waste everyone's time.

If it gets deleted, it wasn't wanted. Can you honestly come up with a better definition than that?
We're all just here to kill time anyway, and I'm certain the mods are so preoccupied with COVID that they have nothing better to do than scrub away any memes they deem uninspired or foolish.
Note: I didn't actually see what was removed; I'm just assuming. 😬

Casey Bennett said:If it gets deleted, it wasn't wanted. Can you honestly come up with a better definition than that?
We're all just here to kill time anyway, and I'm certain the mods are so preoccupied with COVID that they have nothing better to do than scrub away any memes they deem uninspired or foolish.
Note: I didn't actually see what was removed; I'm just assuming. 😬

Not wanted by whom exactly...

Casey Bennett said:Come on, Amy Rogers, please tell me exactly how this new/old mod pushed the COVID narrative?
Did they hand out bans? Did they delete on-topic posts? What exactly did they do? I am genuinely curious.

Furthermore, I can't see deleted posts because I'm not a moderator there. And I know you won't believe me, because based on everything, you've already decided that all mods are lying and serving some secret agenda known only to you, but I can't even see an IP address. Even if I could, it wouldn't do me any good because IP addresses change every 24 hours anyway. Not to mention VPNs, Tor, and all that.
In short, I have no idea who you are, what you do, or where you are in real life, nor do I care one bit.

What bothers me is precisely the rhetoric you're using in this post, and not just you. You've all memorized these silly phrases, deeply convinced that anyone who isn't against vaccines or believes in a global conspiracy isn't a "loyal soldier" following the narrative. Oh, my dear, you certainly are. You are absolutely following it.

Contrary to those conspiracy theories you love so much, no one here moderates on orders; we moderate according to the Reddit rules that are available to everyone. We are all volunteers doing what our own consciences dictate. The fact that some of us hold opinions diametrically opposed to yours and your group's is simply our right.

Let me address the stuff I didn't bold first, since that part is basically irrelevant.

Look, I’m not saying all the mods are liars or straight out of hell—I actually talk to a few of them (a tiny handful, anyway). But honestly? For about 90% of them, I can tell you they hold views that are the polar opposite of mine. It’s not about that, though. It’s about their approach, how they carry themselves, and their consistency—all the stuff that actually makes someone a decent moderator. That’s why I respect them. Usually, when I get hit with a warning, I don't go making a scene in public; I just handle it via PM, even if the messages get heated. And if I realize I actually messed up? I’ll be the first to own it and tell them directly in a PM.

Let’s talk about the moderation here—you guys are following the script to a T. Whether you actually agree with the narrative or not doesn't seem to matter. If you don't toe the line during a crisis like this (and let’s be real, this is the most serious situation this site has ever seen), you either quit or get booted. The fact that hardly anyone has stepped down and almost nobody has been kicked out tells me everything I need to know. It means the mods who don't buy into the narrative are just keeping their mouths shut. There is zero chance that all of you—or even 95% of you—actually share the exact same opinion on this. It's impossible. It just means the official policy coming from the top is so dominant that it drowns everyone else out, including the silent ones. You aren't just "enforcers"; you're split between soldiers and people just bending over to stay in power.

Look, what's getting on your nerves right now is totally irrelevant—you're missing the point entirely. That's not where the real issue lies. The actual problem is the pressure, the tunnel vision, the secrecy, the clones, all those petty little tricks, and how they keep catering to the trolls trying to kill this thread (though they’re failing miserably so far, and honestly, they’re in for a rough winter). Now, let's get to the core of the matter that I bolded for you.

By jumping in immediately when Anderlon popped up under a clone account (which, for the record, I didn't even realize was him at first), I basically stopped the Pilate-style washing of hands from happening in silence. If I hadn't, some new "divine" mod would’ve been dropped out of nowhere with a measly 20 posts, acting like they have the authority to dispense justice—or more likely, just tighten the grip on the subforum. Why is he even here using a clone? Isn't that a direct violation of the very rules he set? The rules clearly state you can't post under both your original handle and a clone within the same thread or subforum. If he thinks he can just ignore his own regulations, then the rules don't actually exist; they're completely unenforceable. At the end of the day, the whole situation is just immoral, petty, and nothing more than cheap trickery.

These aren't actual issues, Casey Bennett, they're just fairy tales—the usual "you did this," "you think that," "we aren't like this, we're free" nonsense. It’s all just mindless babbling from Casey Bennett. Is all you can do is talk? The real question is: what is the boss doing by acting like a clone moderator on this thread? If you can't answer that, then don't bother answering at all. Anderlon can just ignore everything I post anyway. Since he already trampled over the rules regarding clones and main accounts on this thread, it clearly means the rules don't apply to him. No rules whatsoever. He could slap me with a warning right now for no reason, he could ban me, he could even permaban me—he can do whatever he wants. Fine. But at least we’ll finally define and cement exactly what kind of platform this really is....☕

Amy Rogers6 said:I had no idea the mods were already using those tools—cloning mods and everything. Now that I’m looking at it, my eyes are actually burning...

Regarding this idea that an anonymous moderator can actually be good because their anonymity supposedly eliminates bias—first off, let me stop you right there. An anonymous mod isn't a "good" mod. They don't bring stability, clear rules, or any sense of accountability to the table; instead, they just breed suspicion and distrust. If you think I’m wrong, go ahead and ask anyone outside your little moderator circle what they actually think. That'll give you the real picture. As for this whole "objective" thing? That cloak of anonymity disappears the second the first warnings and bans start flying.

Being a good moderator isn't about hiding behind anonymity; it’s about having the guts to step back from your own biases and try to steer the conversation without being heavy-handed. That takes actual work, which is why decent mods are hard to find—you can see that on Reddit, too. They might be rare, but they have distinct personalities and viewpoints, which lets the users actually build a rapport with them. Honestly, understanding those basic traits is crucial. What you're doing right now is a terrible move—trying to implement some "matrix" system that's never going to work. It just looks like you're chasing total control over the sub because you don't trust your own people.

Honestly, out of everyone here, you’re the one who should be most dialed in on the basic rules of moderation. You were basically one of the pioneers of this whole Reddit culture back in the day, so it’s pretty weird that you seem so clueless about it now—it’s like you’ve completely lost your compass. At this rate, it'll just be a case of "even a broken clock is right twice a day." But hey, whatever, have it your way.

Regarding my intuition—honestly, it all turned out to be pretty shallow. I was actually expecting you to surprise me. Instead, I post my critique about this whole moderator clone situation, only to have it deleted with some "off-topic" excuse. That just gave me the perfect opening to head over to the PZK Reddit and start this thread, which is perfectly on-topic for this sub—exactly what I was aiming for. In the end, you’re left with a chance to hear the criticism, but if you delete it, you're basically scoring an own goal while the moderator clone issue just keeps festering.

Honestly, if you actually wanted to surprise me, you'd have to react differently than how this whole mess is playing out...

And what about that last sentence—what are we even supposed to make of it? How should we take it? It reads like a veiled threat, though let’s be real, it’s barely even veiled; it’s just poorly disguised under this fake layer of objectivity. That’s an absolute self-inflicted wound right there. It shows that when you run out of actual things to say, you just resort to pulling rank. That’s definitely not the mark of smart behavior on a Reddit thread, nor is it how real politics works—you see that kind of nonsense all the time in our daily political scene here in the States....

But hey, if you think you look cool doing it, then I guess it was worth it—regardless of the damage caused...☕

... - what can I even say? How am I supposed to take this?
It’s like a veiled threat, though let's be honest—it isn't even veiled. It’s just poorly disguised under a thin cloak of fake objectivity. That's an own goal if I ever saw one. It shows that when you run out of actual arguments, you resort to brute force from a position of power. That isn't exactly the hallmark of smart behavior on a Reddit thread, nor is it particularly savvy in the world of American politics. You see it all the time in our daily political landscape.[/I]

Yeah, how am I supposed to interpret that sentence?

"While you sit there nursing your prejudices, I’ll just focus on what you actually write. Moving forward.."

If not like...Self-inflicted wound.', tj.
'Like a veiled threat.' That blackmailing scoundrel actually had the audacity to use the word...From now on.'), 'Which isn't even being hidden.'

🤦

Look, those words didn't exactly "get the point across." (and as he threatened) They’re going to be watching you. So watch your step.

He already told you this:

And you're already judging me before I even start. In advance. You claim I’m incapable of being a good moderator. Fine. I'll just label you as a regular user instead. Just what you're going to write. Moving forward.Fine. From here on out, I’ll treat you exactly how you write. Not based on your track record here on Reddit. - I don't care about that.Whatever it may be.

@Amy Rogers6
You’re still drawing the wrong conclusions because you clearly don't understand the subject matter you're discussing. This is about how moderation works on this Reddit, the level of autonomy moderators have in their roles, and why some people choose not to comment on those COVID PDF files.
Yet, you're so incredibly set in your ways that nothing written here will ever sway your perspective—something you've proven repeatedly—so attempting any further explanation would be a complete waste of time. I have no patience for futile tasks or for people who make conversation impossible simply because they refuse to listen. They just don't want to hear the truth.

hiddenmoose16 said:Not wanted by whom exactly...

Get your head in the game. 😁

Wishing the new moderator nothing but the best. 👋

Casey Bennett said:@Amy Rogers6
You’re still drawing the wrong conclusions because you clearly don't understand the subject matter you're discussing. This is about how moderation works on this Reddit, the level of autonomy moderators have in their roles, and why some people choose not to comment on those COVID PDF files.
Yet, you're so incredibly set in your ways that nothing written here will ever sway your perspective—something you've proven repeatedly—so attempting any further explanation would be a complete waste of time. I have no patience for futile tasks or for people who make conversation impossible simply because they refuse to listen. They just don't want to hear the truth.

Look, you're just shouting into the void—I don't even know why—everyone can see you're just talking to yourself. The issue is this clone moderator who's going to handle the COVID PDF from now on. That clone is also your boss, and he's using his original handle, Anderlon, which he's already used in this thread. Now they're spinning the whole thing as "increasing objectivity." I don't get what part isn't clicking for you—do I need to draw you a map or something?div>

Jeremy Johnson18 said:Wishing the new moderator nothing but the best. 👋

🤣🤣🤣 ...legend.... 🤣🤣🤣

Jeremy Johnson18 said:Wishing the new moderator nothing but the best. 👋

Calm down and get out (watch your step)...
@bluelynx52 isn't the forum owner, Zeljko ☕

(just kidding)

Amy Rogers6 said:Look, you're just shouting into the void—I don't even know why—everyone can see you're just talking to yourself. The issue is this clone moderator who's going to handle the COVID PDF from now on. That clone is also your boss, and he's using his original handle, Anderlon, which he's already used in this thread. Now they're spinning the whole thing as "increasing objectivity." I don't get what part isn't clicking for you—do I need to draw you a map or something?div>

Do I seriously have to draw you a map to explain that you shouldn't care who the mod is? It doesn't affect you, and it certainly isn't your job. As a user, you just need to follow the rules of the Reddit community; anything else is none of your damn business.
Is that clear enough for you?

Casey Bennett said:Do I seriously have to draw you a map to explain that you shouldn't care who the mod is? It doesn't affect you, and it certainly isn't your job. As a user, you just need to follow the rules of the Reddit community; anything else is none of your damn business.
Is that clear enough for you?

Now we're talking 🍿

By the way, let me answer you;
No, he does care, and yes, this affects all of us.
Why?
Just as believers create a church, forum users create the forum. The forum exists to serve us, not the other way around. I assume you understand that concept.

It’s not as if this hasn't been stated multiple times already in the thread. Honestly, it should probably be written in all caps just to make sure it actually penetrates people's brains.

Casey Bennett said:It’s not as if this hasn't been stated multiple times already in the thread. Honestly, it should probably be written in all caps just to make sure it actually penetrates people's brains.

You'll just end up getting a warning for using caps lock. 🙂

bluelynx52 said:Of course bluelynx52 is a clone. I can't tell you who's pulling the strings, and honestly, it doesn't matter. More than one person has been using him so far, and that’s how it’ll stay.

Why couldn't some random stranger be a moderator—and a good one at that? You probably realize there's a massive conflict of interest when a regular user jumps into a mod role. Everyone already knows his biases and how skewed his views are. He’s just as predictable in discussions as he is in moderating. A mod like that shouldn't be allowed to both participate and moderate. That's why it's actually great if the new mod is truly a newcomer. Someone without baggage. Or at least, someone you don't know yet. 🙂 And if you eventually figure them out, bluelynx52 will probably have moved on to being someone else by then.

Judging by how fast you jumped to conclusions based on just one neutral post, you're either incredibly perceptive or you just walk into every Reddit thread expecting the worst. I wouldn't call you perceptive, though. You should've known your off-topic post was going to get nuked. That isn't tyranny. It's just the rules.

You've got no reason to assume I won't be an awesome moderator who might actually surprise you. While you're busy holding onto your prejudices, I'll just be focusing on what you actually write moving forward. 🙂

It’s such a shame that the same rules don't apply to the world of PDFs...

Casey Bennett said:If it gets deleted, it wasn't wanted. Can you honestly come up with a better definition than that?
We're all just here to kill time anyway, and I'm certain the mods are so preoccupied with COVID that they have nothing better to do than scrub away any memes they deem uninspired or foolish.
Note: I didn't actually see what was removed; I'm just assuming. 😬

I saw a comment similar to yours regarding those complaints, specifically about that whole PDF world... Honestly, I have no clue what they're even talking about. But I'm still reaching out anyway, because I am... @Mod, if I could... yeah, something like that...

Jeremy Johnson18 said:Wishing the new moderator nothing but the best. 👋

Me too! Me too!! 🎉

Also, congrats on the moderation gig! 😍
I don't know, I've never really understood... but people seem to say congrats for it. 🙂