Who watches the watchers?

[BAMF]

I believe some internet forums can be "over-moderated" and wonder, do the people who choose/are selected to oversee this forum have any accountability?

I ask that question, as my username has recently been changed (against my wishes) by one of the site 'Police'.

I personally work in a professional Government body and have registered on a site that deals with issues relating to my work. On that site, my username was the same as it was on here and I have never had any recourse in the 3 years I've been a member on there. I chose my username, as I was involved in a particularly humurous incident (for me and my colleagues anyway) with a violent and refractory individual. He actually selected my chosen 'Moniker' for me, as it were.

The way I see it, if my username caused offence, why was I not challenged appropriately about it? It seems I have been arbitrarily 'adjudicated' against by someone who didn't like it.

I understand also that there are people using these forums who are under 16. That said, you can hear much worse said in many a PG rated film. As my username was a contraction of seemingly the foulest words ever typed upon a computer screen, now abbreviated to simply spell "BAMF".

Changed, I fear, by someone whose name has connotations to violence and destruction (which, in my professional opinion, is far worse than a "swear"). This may have an adverse effect on the very same people they seek to protect.

Rant over. I'll get my coat.

[Sci Fi Steve]

Re: Who watches the watchers?

I believe you where asked to change it, I assume you did not submit a replacement hence it was abbreviated If you are not happy with the abbreviated one then ask for a different User name.

[BAMF]

Re: Who watches the watchers?

I was asked to select another username. However, I wasn't given a clear explanation as to why I should do this at the time. However, I have now had it explained to me that the language I used on this particular thread wasn't suitable for this forum and that I should apply common sense when selecting a username?

I have the greatest respect for any person that is either chosen or requests to become a site moderator. I know that at times you have to deal with unreasonable people. That said, it is my 'bread and butter' in the real world and I can assure those in control of theses boards that the application of common sense is one of my greatest strengths.

Another of my strengths is a sense of humour. More people should try that instead, as it makes the world a much better place.

[Gaffa]

Re: Who watches the watchers?

What was your original username?

It's funny... I made a thread in the feedback section stating that swearing on this board should be censored, and the outcome of it was "most of us are old and mature enough for it".

[Rampage]

Re: Who watches the watchers?

Taken to PMs with BAMF