[Suggestion] Revised user groups

Lately, we've got a large set of staff and along with that we have alot of user groups. They are:

1. Webmasters
2. Administrators
3. Global Mods
4. Super Mods
5. Section Mods
6. Forum Mods
7. ZUBC Staff
8. Site Staff
9. BA Council

9 groups. We don't need that many, and it'd be better to merge some and redo the system. The groups I think we should have are:

1. Administrators

I don't see the point in a 'webmasters' group, they're practically (on the forums) the same as administrators. So, I think there should just be an administrators group where the people currently in the webmasters group could fit in.

2. Super Moderators

I think the only difference between global mods and super mods is that S. mods can change usernames. However, we can change our own usernames, so what's the point? Just one super moderator group would do, where global moderators would move to.

3. Moderators

Just normal moderators. Currently we have section and forum mods, but it'd be better just to call them moderators.

4. Site/Forum Staff

And lastly, site and forum staff. I think the current site staff and community co-ordinators/ZUBC team should go into this group. They help the community and the site, and maybe we won't have the hassle about site staff having more priviledges than the ZUBC team. (edit: also BA council.)

See how much simpler and smaller it is? I'm sick of my eyes burning with all the different colours or text formatting on user names because of the different groups. It'd be better just to stick to those 4 and it'll be fine. Please give my suggestion some consideration ;D!

- Shaunedy

I notice that in this list you've neglected the BA Council.

Shame on you. Now I'll have to hunt you down...

I forgot that :/ Oh well, that makes 9 groups we currently have. That's worse.

-edits post-

Incorrect. You see, people need pictures of things to explain who does what on a website. When you have specialized groups, as in a fair number, there can be different groups of people doing different things for the Site. Just jumbling them together won't work, because then nobody knows what anyone's supposed to be doing.

Oh, and Super Mods do more than just change usernames... We move peoples between the usergroups and we have the power to create fire.

Originally Posted by Shaun

2. Super Moderators

I think the only difference between global mods and super mods is that S. mods can change usernames. However, we can change our own usernames, so what's the point? Just one super moderator group would do, where global moderators would move to.

I think a super mod can modify usergroups and access a few administrator options. At least in default, not sure how much the permissions have been changed.

Don't forget Graphics Teachers, and a new group that was just formed today.

The usergroups are a way to keep track of permissions and allow controlled access into forums.

There's no reason and no way to simplify them.

Originally Posted by Shaun

1. Administrators

I don't see the point in a 'webmasters' group, they're practically (on the forums) the same as administrators. So, I think there should just be an administrators group where the people currently in the webmasters group could fit in.

They're are pretty much the same usergroup, yes. I wouldn't have a problem with a merge here.

2. Super Moderators

I think the only difference between global mods and super mods is that S. mods can change usernames. However, we can change our own usernames, so what's the point? Just one super moderator group would do, where global moderators would move to.

No. Super Moderators do a bunch of other things that Global Moderators can't, such as move people into clans/usergroups, hard-delete posts, change passwords, access the admin panel etc. Super Mods are closer to Admins than Global Mods.

3. Moderators

Just normal moderators. Currently we have section and forum mods, but it'd be better just to call them moderators.

We could just call ALL the mods "Moderators", but I don't really see the point.

And lastly, site and forum staff. I think the current site staff and community co-ordinators/ZUBC team should go into this group. They help the community and the site, and maybe we won't have the hassle about site staff having more priviledges than the ZUBC team. (edit: also BA council.)

Emphasis mine. The Site Staff does stuff for the main site, while the ZUBC does stuff for the forums (and the BA does stuff for the Battle Arena and the Graphics Teachers do stuff for their Graphics Schools). They're completely different jobs. Merging them would make as much sense as merging the jobs of postman and fireman simply because both help the community.

Each individual usergroup has different unique abilities and permissions.





Except for the Patrons.

edit: also, your list is somewhat lacking.

Webmaster
Administrator
Super Moderator
Global Moderator
Section Moderator
Forum Moderator
Site Staff
ZUBC Staff
BA Council
Graphics Teachers
Patrons
Din Clan
Farore Clan
Nayru Clan

I think that covers it.

Originally Posted by Et cetera.

Each individual usergroup has different unique abilities and permissions.





Except for the Patrons.

Well we used to... but then someone decided to take away our fun.

I agree with Shaun. I've been trying to negotiate this for quite a while now.

I'll spare you the details though.

There are actually a lot more user groups than the ones listed above, but some of them don't actually display. Since we're concerned with aesthetics, though, your complaints have been noted and subsequently tossed out the window.

That's the old mod system, Shaun. A mod system that Scott and I worked for months to DEMOLISH ay back when when things weren't organized enough and we needed a hierarchical mod system to keep mods in check with one another >_>

I like the current system. Also, what sea said.

I don't see a single disadvantage to having a lot of usergroups.

Please give me one.

The above post accurately displays my feelings on the subject.

Also, the current system is detailed enough for you to know who actually is what. I don't want to have to ask people who get a new Staff banner what they are every single time.

I personally think we're lacking an essential usergroup in the current setup: "Founders".

Originally Posted by Sabbo

Well we used to... but then someone decided to take away our fun.

Gah. First I miss out on the fun, and then I notice I am not in the graphics teacher usergroup even though I am one. D:

Originally Posted by Lars

I personally think we're lacking an essential usergroup in the current setup: "Founders".

I actually second this motion, however I think just a simple bolding or italic would be enough.

Originally Posted by Lars

I personally think we're lacking an essential usergroup in the current setup: "Founders".

... and what sort of cake could we gives such person(s)?







To the original suggestion:
I don't think ZU staff has to be "simple;" as long as Jason can keep track of what everybody is supposed to be doing, doesn't seem like there's a need to simplify.

Plus isn't there a list of the mods and what they can do (their specific powers?)

Also, I honestly don't think they should be merged, because that means the power will be shifted and I think there is a reason why not all the mods get all the powers or don't get to do certain things.

Haha, I think it's great how one of the tags for this thread is "I love Julie"!

Anyway, yeah, I'm not sure what the disadvantage is to having a lot of groups and distinctions. Many jobs entail many distinct kinds of responsibility; I'm glad that's showcased through the various user groups.

The plus side to this is that if you ever need something done real quick, ANY moderator can do it for you. That's how its done at Nintendo Hub. There is just Admins and Mods. They both do the same thing but the admins have access to the functionality of the entire forum. Mods can lock, mod, and do anything to the forums and the community. Admins do all the programming and site stuff etc., plus everything else.

The reason I mention this, is sometimes we need help in a particular thread, and all the super mods and the mods in that section are offline. We'd have to go bug some other mod to see if they can solve the problem quickly. Also, reports will be answered a TON faster, especially if that mod of that section is inactive a lot of the time. A lot of stuff goes unnoticed a lot....

So, I can see that as being a very good reason for the change... but I doubt it will happen here.