RailFans don't miss their train. Why? Because they go to the station HOURS before the actual departure of their Train - to watch OTHER trains depart. - Prince Maan

1. Member suggestions for FM appointment are not being taken, as FMship is not some "Popularity Contest" within IRI. When a member is appointed FM, he/she assumes the formality, responsibility and authority of an FM, and makes decisions impartially, irrespective of his/her past blogging, etc. FMs are not expected to be very popular. They are doing a service to this Forum by maintaining order and decorum, and this objective is being met very well. Their service is much appreciated.
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2. The previous objection system was not working well because "Qualitative judgements" need...
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to be made against issues, not just "how many" members filed an Objection. Even if there is one "valid" complaint, it needs to be acted upon promptly.
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3. As for Complaints, yes, every member has the right to file a Complaint. There seems to be an assumption that every Complaint is "acted upon". Every single Complaint is "looked at" by an FM. Many, many complaints are VOIDED. A Complaint simply means that the FM will take a look at it, and make an informed judgement about what to do. Just because a member calls for a deletion/archival DOES NOT mean that the blog will be deleted/archived. Not only that, we have a full-fledged communication/discussion within the FM Forum as well as with the Complainant against every Complaint whenever there is any ambiguity or doubt. So, yes, it will not be pleasurable for a member to have his/her blog archived or deleted, but the decision is being made deliberately, and the member will have to accept the decision in this Forum, whether he "approves" of it or not.
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4. As for power/freedom, members continue to have all blogging/flagging privileges. However, any activity that is against our guidelines will be acted upon. So please feel free to file Red Flags, but with proper and valid reason. And yes, members do NOT have the "power" or "freedom" to misuse site features. And yes, sometimes, there WILL be disagreement. Members will claim that their activity is "not misuse", their blog should "not be archived", etc, and will instead allege "misuse of power by FM". This is EXPECTED. But in ALL cases of disagreement, members will HAVE to abide by FM directives in the interest of preserving Forum harmony. Members are NOT allowed to argue with FMs and waste their time.
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Thanks to all for continuing to be vigilant and ensuring the friendliness/decorum of the Forum.