Elections

[darkstar3]

For those who do not know, there is no such thing as a term limit on hosts of a group.

I personally think that "new blood" is a good thing, and periodic elections in a group as contentious as this will be healthy for the group in general.

I propose that all group participants check in here to say whether or not they would like to see another round of elections.

[eqfan592]

1. I wasn't really active in this forum until recently.

So I'm still forming an opinion of folks around here, but I can't say I would mind elections.

But I want there to be lots of campaigning, with big time corporate contributors, mud slinging, and massive scandals!! Otherwise, it just won't feel like a "real" election.

[EvolveOrConvolve]

2. Yes

[pinto]

3. There are 15 open spots for hosts -

Hosts

Group Hosts are assigned either by the DU Administrators, or by other Hosts of that group.

Group Hosts have the following abilities:

1) They can lock threads which they believe violate the group's stated purpose;
2) they can pin threads to the top of the group;
3) they may completely block out members whom they believe are not adhering to the group's purpose;
4) they may add other members as group Hosts;
5) they may remove any Host that became a Host after they did (and who is listed below their name on the list below).

The current Hosts of this group are:

1 Renew Deal
2 muriel_volestrangler
3 cbayer
4 ZombieHorde
5 struggle4progress

[darkstar3]

4. It was originally decided

that we would have five hosts.

One neutral and basically inactive host as lead, to ensure equality among the other four.
Two from "one camp"
Two from "the other".

Do you believe that we should elect new people to those four (five?) slots?

[pinto]

6. Ah, unclear on the history. I'm in and out in this group. It's really an item for hosts and regulars

See the concept for balance. I'd suggest adding any hosts under the agreed upon set-up, if needed.

[laconicsax]

5. Meh.

The current hosts are working out fine.

[pinto]

7. As a new contributor, agree.

[darkstar3]

8. Obviously I disagree, but I did ask for opinions. Thank you.

[laconicsax]

9. Really, the only hosting issue I see pertains to one of five hosts and it's insignificant.

Some here don't like cbayer too much for a variety of reasons, but none of the reasons that have been given are relevant to whether she should stay on as a co-host.

There's no rule that hosts have to even pretend to be impartial and the current hosting arrangement even acknowledges that hosts take sides--it's 2 religionists, 2 atheists, and an neutral lead host with the real power, right? What no one should expect is that a host who is expected to take sides would be voted out for taking sides.

[darkstar3]

10. You have a point on the intended dynamic, but as I said, new blood is a good thing.

Also, with regard to the dynamic, I feel that (much like the graphs I've seen lately on the Rachel Maddow show) the center has shifted to one side.

Looks like those who have participated so far have split the vote. I'm curious how the thread will proceed.

[ZombieHorde]

11. I'm cool either way.

I hope no one alerts on this for being off topic, because then I may have to lock it, and I really don't want to.

I would like meta threads in Religion to be allowed, but I am in a the minority on that one.

[mr blur]

13. Not alone in the minority. nt

[LeftishBrit]

12. I think regular elections are a good thing, but after only 3 or 4 months, it's a bit soon

Too many elections in a group like this might result in as much contention as never having them at all.

Perhaps once a year would be ideal.

[Goblinmonger]

14. Ultimately, I don't think elections would matter

The only way to get rid of a host in a group like this is for admin to step in, them to resign, or a host above them to kick them out. I don't see any of those three things happening.

But, yes, new blood would be good.

[ZombieHorde]

15. I can't speak for everyone, but I would like to think we would resign our posts right after

we added the new blood.

Though, if the new hosts are called "new blood," then us five original hosts should be called "Rambo: First Blood."