Portkey forums - Kindred Spirits > News re + welcome to PK Mods/Admins

Full Version: News re + welcome to PK Mods/Admins

Portkey forums - Kindred Spirits > Welcome to Portkey.org (PK)! > Welcome BACK to PK! > Welcome back, PK Mods!

gal-texter

Apr 24 2008, 03:59 PM

I'd like to encourage everyone to add to this thread or forum each time you see a former mod visit PK. Their PK forum names currently appear in reddish brown when they log in.

EDIT Jan 2009: I've changed their name color to purple. - Pen / g-t

This isn't meant to belittle or ignore non-mods. I only wish to give an extra special welcome to the people who've worked to make PK our virtual home at one time or another.

I know some of them are too shy

to make a thread here, so I'm making it for them.

Welcome back to PK, Crys (InTheStars) & Kris (WonkyKris)!!! You guys already know how much we've missed you.

We were also extremely thrilled

to see former mods like Nielle (Anazecria), Val (Sinta), Victor (Muddgutts)*, Excalibur (Curt)**, Keith (thereader) drop by briefly; Cat (catark), Carla log in a few times; and Max LoneWolf post on the boards.

*Victor, check your PM box! I was hoping you'd see it while you were reading the Fanarts FAQ thread.

**Curt, I saw you log in again 1-2 days shortly after you posted here.

I'd like to welcome you all back to PK, on behalf of the former and incumbent mod teams!

I'm thinking of putting up another list of how the other mods/admins are doing, to assure PK-ers that yes, we still do care for PK and that we never completely stopped caring for it. We do acknowledge why many PK-ers saw it that way in the past few months.

PK has had staffing and teamwork issues; but we've been working on those now. I'll make more announcements soon about that as things have been progressing quickly, as we speak. I'm pleased to say that a number of our mods are returning (or have returned) to active / semi-active / adviser duty and that our newest teammate, Manda (snoopy_pie) is doing quite well.

We're also exploring how to make each mod's workload much lighter and more fun.

I'm also taking this chance to thank the mods who've stuck around during PK's "hard times" (mod-ing wise). I'll name them here in no particular order: Bec (Harry/Hermione 4eva), Adam, Malinda (Accio Harry!), Mady (Miss Mady), Diana (PhoenixWriter) and Lisa (poppy / Willow.). I mean no disrespect to our other mod teammates; but I'm sure all mods & admins acknowledge that these six mods' loyalty to PK has gone way above what could be expected of anyone volunteering on a fiction online fansite, with the added difficulty of being unable to see most teammates as they live in different countries.

- Pen / gal-texter

PK Mod Team Member 2003 (Sep?) - 2005 May
PK Mod Team Member 2008 Apr - present

PS
I'm moving Granger's thread to this section, as I believe she's one of PK's first forum mods.

Certainly one of the best fanfic writers!
I doubt that NAPPA or James kept a complete list of mods since PK started. In fairness, though, they never expected PK to grow this big and last this long.

PPS

Romy!!!! (Angel-Wing), I've just read your PM! Welcome back too! *dashes off to glomp Romy*

gal-texter

Apr 25 2008, 06:39 PM

I'm extremely pleased to add the following names to the list:

a. Kalie among the visiting ex-mods;
b. sbys (Christine) to active fic mod-ing duty.
c. Justine and Shantari for returning to active forum mod-ing duty.

Sorry I haven't updated this sooner; my dsl suddenly lost sync. I'll be back later to insert links and fancy font colors.

gal-texter

Apr 25 2008, 07:00 PM

Also wanted to add Sandra (Facade) to the list! Oldbies are returning faster than I could update this (and send PMs to them or greet them in the mods' forums), but hey, I'm not complaining!

*logs off again*

PhoenixWriter

Apr 26 2008, 10:54 AM

QUOTE

I'm also taking this chance to thank the mods who've stuck around during PK's "hard times" (mod-ing wise). I'll name them here in no particular order: Bec (Harry/Hermione 4eva), Adam, Malinda (Accio Harry!), Mady (Miss Mady), Diana (PhoenixWriter) and Lisa (poppy / Willow.).

Well, to be honest, I don't think I belong on that list....I'm much more someone who ought to do such a re-Hi-thread. That kind of acknowledgement belongs much more to ex-Mods like JBaker.

gal-texter

Apr 26 2008, 04:08 PM

Oh, I didn't mean to ignore other mods' contributions to PK - JBaker, jane99, Another, Justine, Shantari (who's also returned to active mod-ing duty, btw). *will edit my prev post to add Shantari's name*

I was just waiting for more devts before I share more news; and in the meantime, I've been implementing more of the forum revamps we (mod team) have been discussing. The non-mods can see that we've also been busy welcoming back our ex-co-mods.

But I guess now's a good time as any to share news about some of our co-mods. I'll start with these emails I sent to /got from James (JBaker) and jane99. I'm posting these emails because:

1. they've done plenty of work for PK;
2. many of our currently active PK-ers miss them;
3. some of our ex-mods no longer maintain the email accounts through which I tried to contact them. They might lurk here sometime, so I hope they read this message.

From: Pen / gal-texter
Cc: NAPPA
Sent: Thursday, 24 April, 2008 2:23:42 AM
Subject: Portkey mod-ing

Hi,

I'm writing to you about Portkey. I haven't had the privilege of meeting you guys, except for Jonathan (Another). Jonathan, I remember you were always helping out [even before you became a mod] esp in the Polishing the Quill section, right?

My RL nickname's Pen while my PK u/n's gal-texter. I was a PK forum & fic mod from 2003-05 and have re-joined the mod team as an admin this month. I pulled up your email addresses from PK's Admin CP.

Now please don't take this email negatively or anything. I know firsthand that PK mod-ing work is often done behind the scenes, and that none of us expected to go AWOL/inactive. I also know that some mods have actually told admins that they're resigning, but admins chose to keep their names on the forum's "moderating team" list. I can see the reasoning for that; but at the same time, that has disadvantages.

What I'd like to ask is would you guys be interested in mod-ing specific forums of PK now, or would you prefer continuing your RL break? Either way, you have my respect.

If you would like to pick forum assignments, please head over to this thread in the Mods Only forums: <snipped>

... If your RL won't let you do mod work at this time, then please be assured that the current mods and I are currently thinking of ways that we could give recognition to all mods on RL leave. So far, we've come up with:
<snipped>

------------------------------------

From: jane99
Date: Thu, Apr 24, 2008 at 9:09 AM
Subject: RE: Portkey mod-ing
To: Pen / gal-texter

Hi Pen,

I'm so sorry - I feel quite ashamed, but I can't keep up with it anymore. It's something I keep meaning to find time for, but real life is swamped and getting swampier. It's probably best if you remove me.

Am so sorry!

------------------------------------

From: Pen / gal-texter
Date: Thu, Apr 24, 2008 at 10:27 AM
Subject: Re: Portkey mod-ing

Hi Jane,

No need to feel ashamed! PK's only a fiction fansite, so it's understandable if mods don't give a formal "resignation" notice. Besides, a mod deserves some recognition, whether they've "worked" for only one day or one year.

I'll let you think it over for a week. If I don't hear from you by then, I'll put you in the "mods on retirement/rl leave" group, OK? You'll still have access to the mods only forums and other hidden sections of PK. Feel free to visit anytime!

- Pen

------------------------------------

From: James / JBaker
Date: Thu, Apr 24, 2008 at 2:45 PM
Subject: Re: Portkey mod-ing
To: Pen / gal-texter

Thanks, but real life is such for me now that I can't commit the time anymore. As it is, I haven't even had the time to actually visit the forums for a long time.

------------------------------------

From: Pen / gal-texter
Date: Fri, Apr 25, 2008 at 11:36 AM
Subject: Re: Portkey mod-ing
To: James / JBaker

Thanks for the prompt reply, James!

I'll give you a week to think about it. If I don't hear from you by then, I'll put you in the "retired mods group", which will retain your access to the mods only forums. Don't be a stranger! You've been missed by mods & non-mods alike -- I've seen posts by them wondering where you've been.

Drop by PK and the mods forum anytime, even if only to say hello or to give advice. Let the admins know (whoever will occupy that seat by that time) should you find time again for active mod-ing. We're doing everything possible to lighten each mod's workload.

...

Thanks again for keeping PK afloat,
- Pen

gal-texter

May 16 2008, 03:22 AM

Hi PK-mates,

Please read this for more info (albeit incomplete) about visits by ex-mods.

This might be hard for many of you to believe; but there was a time when at least FOUR people were ahead of Bec (Harry/Hermione4eva) in PK forum's All-Time Posters List!

Those four are: Kalie, Sandra (Facade), Kristina (Sakura1287) and myself. We're all mentioned in that linked thread.

On a related note, had this been our RL job, then we PK staffers would've done smooth turnovers of mod-ing duties. Unfortunately, we couldn't do that as we live in different countries and have different RL circumstances. Neither do we require any mod to keep in touch if they leave the fandom. *speaking from experience, hehe*

I'm now going to share tidbits of what those "RL circumstances" are. I'll also list some of my teammates' contributions to Portkey. I hope that by giving you guys these info, then you'd understand why some of the people I'll name here can't quickly reply to your PMs or emails.

CAVEATS:

-- Any inaccuracies on this post should be blamed on me.
-- This is not meant to be a contest of which mod or admin does more PK stuff.

Much PK work is done behind the scenes. No list can ever fully describe a mod or admin's worth to Portkey.

HERE GOES:

NAPPA aka Imran
- taking post grad studies,
- often does network troubleshooting (for PK or his RL job) while he's talking to us on IM
- he and wifey are migrating next month

PK Stuff:
- he and James co-founded PK
- PK's first and biggest financier
James
- AFAIK, he's studying or has finished a very difficult 4-year course

PK Stuff:
- code monkey for fanfic side, PK chat and also occasionally adds modifications to IPB boards
- he and NAPPA co-founded PK
- does other techie stuff like troubleshooting PK server issues
Heaven
- super-busy with her business

PK Stuff:
- one of PK's earliest financiers and its second biggest
- James had mentioned to me back in '05 that Heaven proved to be invaluable to him and NAPPA in PK's early days. I distinctly remember James saying he and NAPPA had really needed her guidance esp. as NAPPA was fresh out of high school and James was still in it
- Forum mod circa 2002-03; then concentrated more on fanfic admin-ing around 2003 - 07
Thieving Magpie
- Doesn't log in PK as much as he used to; but he's only a PM away, trust me. PM sent through his other site, that is.)
- I think he's got some kind of a techie job. (I try not to pry too much into my online friends' lives.)

PK Stuff:
- pioneer mod of fanfic hunt and fic recs forums in 2002/2003 (pre- recs-engine)
- copying my notes here:
Pen's note: In 2003-2004, Magpie had coded the rec-engine for fanfic recs (recommendations). Then in 2004-2005, he adapted it for fanarts recs, with inputs from Curt and NAPPA
- has always helped in other coding / techie / admin work in PK
Miscard aka Misti
- in the middle of a high-risk pregnancy. She has other kids, too.

PK Stuff:
- Fanfic Mod
- Forum Manager
- Harmony Podcast (though I understand she used her own resources for that)

While I'm at it, allow me to share more news about a few ex-mods:
tonti and val - busy with their jobs
Scrivenshaft/Rach - had an important RL event this year.
thereader/Keith - now sporting the name Asriel in PK

The following are either in college already, or will be soon:
Nousia/Nitya
Hermione's Twin/Jennifer
vanillapuf/Daniela
Sakura1287/Kristina
MyOb/Anto aka Figo
Szaranea/Ri
Kalie

For a little privacy, I left out some some details that have been shared since last month in the mods' only forums. I wish I had news about more PK mods, but that's very hard to do considering our online fansite setup. Nevertheless, those who've gone on RL leave have the respect and understanding of those of us who are currently on active duty.

- Pen, writing up more announcements but will have to put off posting them as it's late at night

MyOb

Aug 30 2009, 12:23 PM

Pen,

my hear skipped a beat when I read MyOb aka Anto or Figo (did I actually let people call me that way? hahah it seems like ages ago). I used to simply love it here, I felt like I belonged to a family, felt like someone had my same view on... eberything! I believe that in every family there are some moments when you are peacefully going along together and some times when you don't hear thta much from each other. My RL has taken some unexpected turns while I took my PK break but what can I say now? I am definitely not leaving again. I have re-read the Series this summer, for the hundreth time, even though I'm nineteen now, and came looking for some good fanfic thath kept alive the dream we all shared: good old H/Hr. I wanted to see what had been of the place I once called my virtual home so I searched the forum for my nickname and these few posts came up - yours and Bec's, (from whom I hear on MSN from time to time.)

Saying I have missed this is an understatement. So many memories... I think this has been such an important part of my life - I was quite young, really, and learned a lot from you guys - that it would be a shame not to keep it close after such a long itme has gone by. It's like those times when you go somewhere you used to love and find the same people there and it all feels so comfortable : that's how I'm feeling now. No more guarding the Muggle Minister for me (but I have to admit I had to LOVE the banner.)

Many people I used to know will probably not be around anymore but hey, even if those two or three are still here, there's still so much to talk about.

Lots of love

Anto (MyOb)

gal-texter

Aug 30 2009, 04:48 PM

QUOTE(MyOb @ Aug 31 2009, 04:23 AM)

Pen,

my hear skipped a beat when I read MyOb aka Anto or Figo (did I actually let people call me that way? hahah it seems like ages ago).

ANTO!!!! How've you been???? *glomps* Bec calls you Figo to this day.

She's busy with RL atm but I'm sure she'd be glomping you too when she hears that you're back. Nice to hear that you keep in touch via MSN from time to time.

QUOTE(MyOb @ Aug 31 2009, 04:23 AM)

Many people I used to know will probably not be around anymore but hey, even if those two or three are still here, there's still so much to talk about.

QUOTE(MyOb @ Aug 31 2009, 04:23 AM)

No more guarding the Muggle Minister for me

Oh, people (including myself) take unexpected RL breaks, which is perfectly understandable.

GMM mods are welcome to drop by the mods forum anytime.

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