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I apologize ahead of time for this post being so long. I can’t make it any shorter, I’ve tried. Just humor me, that long winded Airi, and hang in there.
It is no secret that the position of HRM has been somewhat shrouded in mystery. No one is really sure what they do or who they are, or how you become one. Today we are going to dispel that mystery, and also make a few changes. However, like all HW things, we are going to start with a story. :D
Once upon a time, when I first came to this forum, there was an unhealthy belief that the HRM were a lesser rank. This thought disturbed me greatly as I saw the HRM as being the key to the community we struggle so hard to create here on HW. So the council began discussing this matter.
Due primarily to the efforts of the white people that thought process, I am happy to say, no longer exists on HW. However, there has continued to be this confusing aura that surrounds the HRM. Who are they, really? What do they do? After all, aren’t half your members no longer active?
The forum needs to know. The HRM are incredible individuals. They have been chosen to carry out this title for a specific purpose. So, let’s start by dissecting down the functions of the ranks.
*note, these are brief overviews *
ML: Administrative organization, those who make decisions for their individual forum at large and its members, as well as leading projects and members. They also share the burden of peace maker with the mods on the forum, intervening when heavy discussion begins to get out of hand.
Mods: These are the ML’s right hand men. They get the jobs done that need to be done. They keep the gears well oiled, insuring everything runs smoothly and the forum is kept in shape. Their job is vital, and takes a great burden off of the ML and Council member’s shoulders. They are the doers and we thank God for them! Perhaps especially me.
Editors: They are exactly what their name says. These are the people who lessen everyone’s load by taking care of the editing needs of the forum, freeing us up to take care of other needs. They are the right hand helpers of the mods, especially now that we link editors with mods directly. Which was a brilliant idea.
HRM: …………
Okay, I’m really not trying to be funny. The reality is there isn’t a definition for the HRM that is solid and consistent. Why? I think the reason is because we have 2 user groups combined into one.
How can this be? Let’s look at it.
We have the HRM of the past, those who were influential and foundational in setting up this forum and seeing it get off its feet. Then, coupled right alongside of those HRM, are the HRM of the present. Those who are working with the people directly.
It is now believed that the reason the HRM role is so confusing is the fact that we have two groups within this rank. They are very different, yet similar enough that we lump them together. Half were foundational members, half are the movers and shakers leading the forum through example now.
So, what am I proposing we do? Well, to put it simply, it has been decided that there will be a new user group created. Shocking, I know. Didn’t see that coming, did you? But hear me out. Let me explain. Let me clarify.
Over the course of time that I have been the HRM head, which has been close to a year, I have worked to build the HRM up. They have been told to see their role with a vision mindset. I have expected a lot out of these guys. Once they have the HRM title, I see them as someone who should be leading through example. They are public relations, essentially. They have been appointed and recognized as HRM because of their quality posts, their dedication to the forum, their composure during heavy discourse, and their ability to spark discussions among the forum that benefits the members at large. They are here for the members, more so than the forum.
But here is the problem with this. By those standards, if an HRM is not around to set an example, then they can’t be fulfilling the duties of their office. So now we have a predicament, because where does that put the other members who were promoted to HRM because of their past service or influence? These members have put a lot into this forum, or into the key members of this forum. So what do we do?
Honestly, we have cheapened the roles that both the old and the new HRM serve in. You see, some of the HRM were not given the title because of their post count, or because they were an active member, but because of the impact they had on the forum. Because of their examples as foundational members. Others were chosen because they embodied the passion of an HRM. They set an example, ministering to the HW members, and posting quality posts that challenge, uplift, and affirm HWers.
You see they are all different facets of the same jewel. Which brings me to the nuts and bolts of the ideas that I have been stewing on.
Hence forth there will be 2 purple user groups, each with a different name and a different shade of purple. The HRM (They will keep their current color) and the Foundational members (a different shade of purple, as you can see if you look around).
Why the same color, just a different shade? We don’t actually want to totally separate these two ranks. Like I said, both are part of the same jewel; just a different facet. They both have a common denominator. The honor is actually the same. It is the ministry and outpouring of that honor that is different. Hence forth The Foundational Members will be the brothers (and sisters) if you will, of the HRM. We want both sets of HRM to be given the proper honor and respect they deserve.
In essence, the Foundational Members are “retired”. They are still honored for all that they have done, and they still hold a title, they just don’t have to work, like the other HRM. ;)
This change will show that the Foundational Members are special because of the influential roll they have played on the Forum, and the HRM are special because of how they minister to the forum day in, day out. Also, it should be noted, that being changed to a Foundational Member is an honor, not a demotion. Retiring MLs and Mods will also go into this user group when the time comes for another to pass the baton.
In this refocus we are now going to make a distinction between the HRM and the rest of the forum. I want to take this moment to once and for all dispel any misunderstanding or false assumptions as to who the HRM are, and what they do.
As I have told others in the past, they are the Public Relations people. Their job is to promote a profitable, safe, and friendly community. They deal with the users themselves, more than anyone else.
The three basic points to being a HRM is this:
Role Model
Mediator
Public Relation
These three things encompass a lot, and embody their basic role. They have the responsibility to conduct themselves with maturity and poise. They set the example of what excellent posts look like as far as grammar, tone, content, format, and style goes. This does not mean they cannot have fun and enjoy themselves and the community. It just means they know when to be the best friend, and when to be the leader.
The HRM welcome newbies. They make sure forum discussions of all kinds remain godly and under control. They help with user handling, the guide mediate. They keep tabs on you all, in essence. ;)
Also, as Katie pointed out so well, HRM are promoted because we have observed them already doing these things. When I seem a member take extra steps to help another member, to cool a hot topic, or to maturely handle themselves in all situations, I go “that is someone I should watch”.
The title HRM means that when these people walk into a thread, they carry a certain amount of respect with them. It means we, the forum team, have put faith and trust in the fact that they will carry out the ideals of this forum. This is someone who is mature, and who will be backed up by other forum members, if need be.
So, HRM are a critical part to the forum, and they are very important. Consequently, the Foundational members should be treated with equal honor. Anyone who is a Foundational Member was, at one time, Council Member, ML, Mod, HRM, or all of the above. So pay attention, when they talk. ;)
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