FAQ on the list team

Announcing the photo page and discussion list team...

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In an effort to free up my time we have formed a "team" to assist me in managing the discussion list for face painters as well as the contests. I simply do not have the time to handle all of the questions. We also would like to take the photo pages and discussion list to the next level. To a great extent, the management of the photo pages and list will be turned over to this new team. I will be still involved as an administrator but my role will migrate more to issues relating to SNAZAROO product rather than face painting. There are a number of objectives in these changes that I'm sure all of you will like. It will be an evolutionary transition that will continue to improve as we progress. I think I am an excellent delegator. In passing on these responsibilities I have also given them a great deal of authority to carry out these duties.

Right now the team has nine members (if you include me) and we hope to add several more to further improve the list as well as spread the work around. All of those on the list will be the benefactors as many improvements will be seen over time. A lot of thought has been given to those we selected as members of the team. First of all, we wanted someone that has been on the list AND CONTRIBUTING for a minimum of six months. We also needed someone that had some extra time on their hands that are willing to contribute to improving what is already being offered. All positions are on a volunteer basis. I can not over emphasize that I am thankful that they have agree to help out. We are still working out the kinks but we would like these people to serve in their "positions" for a one year term. This way if they feel it a personal time burden, we can pass on the responsibilities on to another that is willing to help out. The bottom line objective here is to lighten my load while improving the value of the discussion list as well as improve the value of the photo pages and contests. Look forward to a greater involvement by the team members. They will be fine tuning the already posted guidelines for photos and the list as the weeks go by. The photo contests as well as the discussion list is an evolving entity. Each of these team members have experience and will slowly and subtly work to improve their particular area of responsibility.

Toni Scholes from the United Kingdom is in charge of the photos pages and contests. As the photo pages grow, we want to make sure that the organization and quality improves. This brings up several issues. One, we want them to be organized and streamlined and as you know in certain areas like cat faces we have MANY quality photos posted. Two, in some of the contests the quality of photos leave a bit to be desired. We are going to set a standard for photo submissions and somehow come up with a way to verbalize this. This standard will be posted at http://www.snazaroo.us/faqphotos.htm . Once posted, all photos will be sent to her first for screening. At this time she will determine if the photo meets the minimum expectations which may include everything from poor quality photography to duplication on the site. We want to make sure that when individuals (you) go to the photo pages they get the best value in their download time. The primary objective of the photo pages is to provide quality ideas to face painters around the world. We will move to improve the quality of the photos as well as get it better organized. Yes, we want you to have an opportunity to show your work but the objective is to provide ideas. We simply do not want to post a photo if it is a duplication or has no value in the posting of the photo. This certainly applies to poor quality photo submissions. When sending in a photo for posting THINK ORIGINAL! I'll admit I have been pretty lax in posting just about any photo. Questions concerning photos as well as all photo submissions should go to photos@snazaroo.com As an aid to the organization of the photo pages and contests we have Helen Eyre at Helen@catswhiskers.biz . She makes sure I close out the contests properly and is working as we get the thousands of photos more organized.

Anne Ardern from the United Kingdom has take over and helps streamline the discussion list to keep all of you organized. She is supported by the assistant moderator Diane Bunten dbunten@iinet.net.au This will improve the value of the discussion list. A lot of their work is to keep us focused and to use proper e-mail etiquette. This might include (but not limited to) everything from making sure you change the subject line when sending an e-mail to the list to not making personal attacks on others. This will certainly improve the value of the discussion list. See the guidelines for the list clearly posted at http://www.snazaroo.us/faqlist.htm . Keep in mind this is "a discussion list for face painters, beginner or professional, to discuss the art and craft of face painting". The PRIMARY PURPOSE of this list is to allow you, the face painter, to ask questions and share ideas with each other. Her contribution will not only make the list of more value but also keep us focused. Questions concerning moderation should go to moderator@snazaroo.com If you get out of line in following the rules, get ready to hear from Anne. She has the power to block your e-mails from going to the list or drop you completely from the list so you need to listen to what she says. Diane is her able assistant and when Anne is out on the road, she takes over. Most of the time you never know who is moderating since they work so close together.

Ivonne Teran from Mexico will head up our FAQ postings. Those that have been on the list for a while know that many of the questions pop up over and over. Many of these are addressed in FAQs already posted. She is going to become our FAQ "expert" and take over my role of saying you can find the answer to this question at http://www.snazaroo.us/XYXFAQ.htm She will also either submit new FAQs for posting or request that FAQs be written by those on the list or myself. This will keep those on the list from having to repeat the same answers over and over. This will be very helpful to the newbies as well as prevent burnout from those that have been on the list for sometime. Questions concerning frequently asked questions should go to faq@snazaroo.com

Phyllis Schiavone schiavone@systemetrix.com has taken on the role of Technical support Queen. Any questions in regards to technical issues should go to her. This includes everything from how to switch to the digest version of the list to virus related questions.

I'm not one for passing out or delegating the responsibilities without also passing out the authority to get the job done. Therefore the team members have a lot of latitude as they start making subtle changes. I think you will find most of the changes as a slow gradual evolutionary process. I think ALL OF YOU will find that 99.9% of the changes to be well received. I am basically turning over the reigns to this team.

I'll continue to be involved with the list but I'll be more in the back ground. Generally if you see comments from me they will be in regard to SNAZAROO product related issues. I'll continue to work with the team as the guide and administrator but they will be the ones in the forefront. You may address your concerns on changes directly to the respective team person or post your concerns directly to the entire list. Questions to me as the list owner should go to garycole@mindspring.com

All team members will have authority in their respective areas. You certainly are welcome and perhaps encouraged to give them your suggestions on what hold the greatest value for you. I think you will find them very open minded. None on the team have an agenda other than improving the value of the list and the photo pages. They will be the front line rather than me in dealing with photo or list issues. I'll forewarn you that your suggestions are welcome but work with this new team as it progresses. They will make mistakes and you will need to have some patience as they make minor improvements. They have the authority to add names to the "moderation file". In other words, if you start getting abusive they can suggest that your e-mail address be added to those being moderated or even dropped from the list. There is no real reason that this should happen but some people do get carried away. Generally you will receive several warnings. We don't like moderating e-mails because it is extra work. Generally one would be switched for moderation for a period of 30 to 90 days if they are not following the list guidelines. Usually this is because they are causing lots of problems or just being abusive or overly confrontational. In the years on this list only one person has been dropped from the list. Perhaps 15 to 20 over the several years have been switched to being moderated. This means that rather than having your e-mails go directly to the list they are sent to the moderator for review before being sent to the list.

With all of that said... Cecelia Aguallo aka "the old crow" is our "arbitrator". When push comes to shove and there are disagreements you go to her. We know this will happen from time to time. This may apply when one does not like the idea that their photo was rejected, their e-mail address was added to the to-be-moderated list, or any other issue. Cecelia will review your complaint versus the posted standards or guidelines and make a determination if the action taken was fair. She has the ability to overrule a decision made as well as jump in should the heat get too hot. Take your complaints first to the respective team member but if you do not get the desired action you may go to her. Here role is more to make sure that when actions are made, that they are done in compliance with the posted guidelines. If your photo is out of focus do not expect her to overrule a decision made by Valerie. Her primary objective is to make sure that other team members are fair. Don't expect her to get involved unless you go to her first. We really expect you to take your concerns first to the team member you are having a problem with. She may suggest to me that a name be added to or removed from the to-be-moderated list. If people are getting abusive to you off list then forward the e-mail along with your complaint to her. She will give them a stern warning. If the heat in general on the list gets turned up too high, look for her to get involved to calm people down. Questions concerning arbitration should go to arbitrator@snazaroo.com If you feel the moderators (or I) are being heavy handed you should go to either Cecelia or myself. Her job is to make sure we are very uniform with each member of the list. Cecelia is no push over so if she thinks we are not being fair she will go to battle for you. My only suggestion is if you have any concerns go to her early. Do not wait months to vent.

As time goes on changes are made to the rules. This generally happens when several people start to abuse the list. When this happens to can expect to hear fro the respective list member. First you will get reminders, next moderation goes into effect, and then new rules are instituted. This list is the world's greats resource for face painters. It is a free service. Do not abuse it and you will find it a wealth of knowledge. Join in and tell us your opinion on face painting related issues. The list grows literally week by week. In October there were close to eight hundred members on the discussion list and we grow about five to ten new members each week. Don't be shy, join in the conversation.

Don't expect any major changes and certainly not in the short term. All team members are available for your input. Look forward for a further defining of guidelines which will be clearly posted. We are all open to your comments. We have no desire for any of this to become political or bureaucratic. We are just looking for some help to lighten my load as well as improve the value of the discussion list and the photo pages.

Let me know if you have any questions or comments.

Gary Cole

list founder and administrator http://www.snazaroo.us