[McB.]

If the problem (in-house-wars) has gotten to the point of mention from Sean Hannity, then it's obviously an administration problem. Hannity would not waste time commenting on individual posters to a conservative site. I've always believed the clique controlling FR, while doing a good job, is indeed just another clique.

I use to moderate a Christian living site and tried my best to be fair, yet I have to admit that I eventually had my favorites and identified those who I thought were trouble makers. I tried not to interfere, but when problems were brought to my attention I found myself always siding with those who eventually became part of a quasi-clique.

Almost unavoidable but most always true, cliques bring with them their own brand of trouble.

[freesia2]

I know what you mean. I'm one of several moderators on a small forum that was given up by its founder. We moderators, who handle it as a group now, tried hard not to let people know who we were because we didn't want there to be an "approved" point of view (people tended to be quiet when they didn't agree with the founder). We wanted to have an environment conducive to the free-flow of ideas and information. Even so, we find ourselves to have some of the same problems you mentioned.

[Auntie Mame]

The clique problem could be handled simply by revolving moderators. Say, each moderator has a six month tenure and then they retire. Others take their place. With a six month retirement a mod could return for six months. This would give more people the opportunity to experience the moderator experience and a greater understanding and forgiveness when mistakes are made. Also, more members would have a personal investment in the forum.

[Joe Hadenuf]

Excellent post! And right in the ten ring....As I have always stated, the moderators are biased, and do have their favorites, as one moderator tried to deny on one thread.

It's only human nature to take sides. This goes on from the oval office to the corporate office, all the way down to the play ground. Human nature. Everyone takes sides, so the moderators...

It's a fine line..I say thin skinned people should grow a thicker hide. Roll with the punches or just ignore something you don't like. This is a free country, and a Free Republic web site.

It's my opinion that we don't need a bunch of homeowner association types running around dictating what is correct..

Just Joe's opinion.....