You will recall that months ago I said that you are the only person I would consider succeeding me if I ever stopped moderating Antitheism. As a result of recent events, I am now considering inviting you to be a co-moderator. This assignment, should you choose to accept it, would mean that you would have as much physical power as I would, obviously, and I would propose a policy that the two of us would be required to ban someone (except for the most obvious trolldom). I would still be the "maintainer/creator/head honcho", at least until or unless I handed off to you entirely. How would you feel about all this? On the other hand, it's funny to see anyone protesting my solo "power". It's an LJ COMMUNITY, not a soverign nation with an army.

To be more clear, you could do anything you saw fit in my absence (my only specific request would be that you not oust me, though you could), and I would maintain a united front with you. We could consult in advance as much or as little as you liked. An advantage of this would be increased oversight if one of us was not online. Let's be honest: there really isn't much drama in the community, and I don't feel I "need" a co-moderator, but my wife says it would make my life easier, and I do feel it would lend legitimacy to bannings. On the other hand, should I make such a decision for political reasons? Help me out here. I feel I have done what is right up to now, but I see benefits to both approaches. Your thoughts?

I'm happy to help you, Robert - and am both grateful and honored that you think highly enough of me to offer.

Email me your thoughts, feelings, and suggestions for where we can go from here regarding policy, rules/guidelines, etc. I think everything as it is works very well, but if you want my feedback or scrutiny you're welcome to ask me for it and I will be fair. Then again, you already knew that.

Let's come to an agreement on things before announcing this to the other members, that way all ducks are in a row before we're both involved. Having created, moderated, and maintained several communities before, I have years of experience - as well as having worked for LJ on the lj_abuse team in the past.

I think that's wonderful (as well as a validation of my impressions of you). Right now I'm going to try a less drastic change, if for no other reason than I do not wish to look as if I'm "caving". I would like to keep you as an option. I am sorry for the tease. PLEASE do not take offense to my sticking it out solo just a little longer. I want to see if I can make a positive change that solves the problem on my own, and if I don't need to call for help.

The fact is, some members have said they think everything's great, and I may be over-reacting. Usually, after each of these brouhahas, I end up deciding the same. During the brouhahas, I question everything, and obviously the effect has been cumulative, because of my reaching out to you today. I think what I need to do is not make any quick decisions as a result of upset.

Since the angst always comes after a banning announcement, I see two choices:

1. disable comments, because the posts are meant to be "informative", not soliciting debate;

2. create an archive post, to which members may refer, and not announce more prominently than that.

or, I've just thought of another option,

3. grow a thicker skin and not read the comments to the announcement posts. That is probably the best choice.

I will try these other options. That said, I will be starting grad school in about two months, and there is a very good possibility I will come to again for the more calm reason of my availability. Please stay available, because I do want you as an option. I just need to see if I can resolve this problem on my own. I hope you don't begrudge me my indecision.

No worries, man - if and when you decide that you want me on board, I'm good for it. I do think you'd do well to distance yourself some from a lot of what gets posted, especially personal feelings and conflict - until such an escalation that requires intervention becomes necessary, just relax and know that it won't implode unless allowed.

In the mean time, steady as she goes!