The Shores of Valinor by Ted Nasmith Lord of the Rings Fanatics Plaza - Tol Eressëa The Shores of Valinor by Ted Nasmith
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Picture by Fuin Elda
And when they came into the West the Elves of Beleriand dwelt upon Tol Eressëa, the Lonely Isle, that looks both west and east; whence they might come even to Valinor.
[The Silmarillion - Of the Voyage of Eärendil and the War of Wrath]


What is a mod and why would anyone want one, anyway?

Put simply, a mod serves as the moderator for a given forum. He or she is someone that has demonstrated an entire package of skills and abilities. First would have to be a demonstration that the mod possesses solid knowledge of the kinds of things that are discussed in that forum. Whether it be the ability to quote the lineage of the Numenorean Kings, or knowing who the second best boy on the set of TTT was, the members chosen as mods have been active in the forum, contributing their knowledge for the benefit of everyone.

But it is not only knowing their stuff, it is being able to communicate that knowledge with tact, patience, and humor. People skills are just as important as information gathering! Mods are the frontline contact for many members. Their ability to welcome newbies, invigorate older members, and keep the general temperature of the forum to a comfortable degree is essential in anyone being considered as a mod.

Of course, knowing just what is and is not allowable is a key factor as well. Understanding the Plaza policies, following and enforcing the rules, and making decisions based on that familiarity with "the right stuff" is what makes a mod truly a moderator. It is not easy deciding if an eager newbie is spamming, or just enthusiastic. But making the call, and determining appropriate consequences is needed as well. Good judgment, tempered with compassion, and never losing sight of the fact that members here are all unique individuals with differing skill and knowledge levels are very important elements in modship.

Mods were first officially introduced in August of 2006, when Valinor saw and responded to a need for more oversight in various areas. In addition, the establishment of the mod program opened up a number of positions of responsibility on the Plaza, allowing more members a chance at being part of the governing body. The mods meet with the pet admin overseers of each forum in a private forum called Tol Eressëa, where planning threads, questions, answers and a bit of silliness abound.

To be asked to be a mod is a recognition of a member's knowledge, skills, unique abilities, talent and dedication. It is a good deal of hard work, but, as with every other volunteer on the Plaza, that hard work is often its own reward. We salute all those who have served, are serving, and will serve as mods. You, quite simply, rock!


Current Mods:
The Books - Nieliqui Vaneyar:   Little knowing what I was getting myself into, but enjoying Tolkien immensely, I began my plaza life on Valentine’s Day of Year 2 (which seems to have been about 2 minutes past Springtime of Plaza history). I became an elf immediately, joining Rivvy and then moving over to Lorien when it opened. I started and ran the Visitors thread and helped with the New Elfling thread. Still known to some as Nuviel (thnx ecaps!), my biggest adventures were setting up the first Newbie house which ran for several years, helping moderate the early days of the Kingdom race league, creating an Index for The Hobbit and a listing of The Women of Middle-earth. I have more Middle-earth books then I probably should, taking up way too much room, which no doubt helped lead to my appointment as Books moderator. Occasionally, I get back to having a life where I eat, sleep, work, enjoy dinners with friends, sailing and alpine skiing.
 
The Movies - Boromir88:   No Bio Submited
 
Newbies & Introductions - Region:   My name is Region or Mat as some people call me. I came across the Plaza while I was googling something Lotr-related. Before I knew, I was hooked. After having seen the first movie, I went out to read the books and ever since...I never looked back, kept reading and kept contributing to the Plaza. Mainly because I had an amazing time as a newbie, my interest is in making the new members of the Plaza feel at home. Other than that, I love playing tennis and learning children how to play tennis and parading in a purple skirt.
 
Legolas Love Letters - Uruva:   No Bio Submited
 


Click on pic to go to the former mods page!
Picture by Drifa

Special thanks for help in creating this page go to Beebs, Thom, Peeg, Mo, and of course the fabulous moderators!

This site is maintained and updated by fans of The Lord of the Rings, and is in no way affiliated with Tolkien Enterprises or the Tolkien Estate. Copyrights and trademarks for the books, films, articles, and other promotional materials are held by their respective owners and their use is allowed under the fair use clause of the Copyright Law. Design and original photography however are copyright © 2001--2008, Lord of the Rings Fanatics Network© 2001-2008. All Rights Reserved. Base Forum coding by: Web Wiz Guide Discussion Forums. This forum is compatible with all browsers. However, it works best with FireFox.


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