Report to Moderator Function.

Hi All,

Having just being able to post due to Jim's illness, I've noticed that some members are despite numerous posts not to do so, they are still using the link 'Report to Moderator', to attempt to post when the forums are closed.

This thread from Jim explains why this should not be used.

Members who use the ''Report to Moderator" whilst the forums are closed will receive no response from any moderator and their e-mail will just be deleted.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Pat

Hi All,

Following several ' Report to Moderator' messages when the forums are locked at Bank Holidays and Weekends, what follows is for clarification purposes only.

A moderators role when the forums are open is to pre-moderate all posts and to post them in the correct forum so long as they don't breach any of the forum rules which are all clearly explained in Frequently Asked Questions

However, another part of of a moderators role is to ensure that any information they post is valid, credible and up-to-date. As most members will know we have in the last couple of months often had in excess of 1,200 posts to deal with each week. This has often meant that moderator(s) often haven't had the time to do their research to keep up-to-date as there are so many benefits changes planned.

Therefore, when the forums are locked, some moderators may choose to carry out research when the forums are officially closed and if they find a new or updated topic, then they may choose to post it in the forums, even though officially they are technically supposed to be 'off line'.

However, it is to their credit that they do this in their own time, since as the forums are locked, it gives them the opportunity to carry out research knowing that they won't be interrupted by having to pre-moderate posts.

This ensures that what we post is correct to the best of our ability and knowledge, which is why we enjoy the reputation of being one, if not the best sites on the internet for benefits advice and information.

I now again come to the question of the 'Report to Moderator'(RTM) function. As has been explained on numerous occasions before, the RTM function is only to be used if members are concerned about particular posts which they feel are not acceptable or breach the few rules that we have.

It must not be used when the forums are locked, since RTM posts do not appear in the forum, all they do is generate an e-mail to all moderators, who are officially not on duty.

If a particular moderator chooses to post a new thread, or add to an existing one, even when the forums are officially closed, then that is their prerogative. If this happens, then the member(s) who wish to reply should do so in the normal way by posting in the appropriate forum when they re-open.

Finally, for further clarification, only the site owner Steve Donnison can close down and reopen the forums, moderators have no authority, nor will their moderators software allow them to do this. They can only lock or delete posts which in their judgement is the right one at that time.

I hope that members will accept this thread as a full explanation and not in any shape or form of an admonishment of any particular member(s) who have used the RTM facility when the forums are locked.

We value the input of all members, since without you, the forums couldn't exist.

A Happy New Year to all members, old or new, and to guests browsing or considering membership of Benefits and Work.

Best wishes.

Jim pp Moderating Team :

Crazydiamond, bro58, Jima1, Steve Donnison, pete17971, Survivor, pata1 , Derek4, Gordon , michaelg