Sun Dec 11, 2011, 12:05 AM

Skinner (57,381 posts)

Would you like to serve as a Host of a Group? And does your Group even need a Host?

Again, this is an announcement about Group Hosts, not Forum Hosts.

During the testing period this last week, we assigned a number of people to act as temporary hosts in various Groups around the site so we could test the software. To those of you who volunteered, thank you. But, as promised, now that the testing period is over we have wiped the database of Group hosts. If you were a Group Host during the testing period, you are no longer assigned as a Group Host. As I write this, none of the Groups have Hosts assigned. (Note that Forum Hosts from the testing period are still assigned.)

Does your Group need a Host at all?

The first thing that needs to happen in any Group before someone is assigned as a Host, is that the regulars in that group need come to some general agreement that they want a Host at all. The position of Host (especially the most senior Host) holds a significant amount of power in a group -- with the abilities to lock threads, hire and fire other Hosts, and block people out of the group. Are you sure you want to hand that power over to anyone?

Keep in mind that if you do not choose to have a Host, your group will still enjoy some amount of protection. No matter where they are posted, violations of our Community Standards are handled by the random member juries. So even if your group does not have a Host, there is still a system in place that will be able to handle disruptive posts in the group.

With that in mind, there may be some Groups where it might make sense to leave the position of Host vacant:

If your group is dedicated to a non-controversial topic, then there is probably no harm in assigning someone as a Host. You are unlikely to need someone to lock threads or block people out of the group, but it might be useful to have someone who can take ownership of the group.
If your group is a "Safe Haven" where only one viewpoint is welcome, then you should probably assign a Host to help run the group. It is likely that you will need a Host to lock off-topic threads and block out people who disagree with the purpose of the group.
If your group plays host to open debate on a particular topic, and welcomes a wide range of viewpoints, then the choice might not be so simple. If you select a Host, it needs to be someone who is trusted to be fair by people holding a wide range of viewpoints. You may decide that it is better not to assign anyone as the Host of your group, to avoid the risk that that person might use their power to benefit a particular viewpoint.

If you decide that you do wish to have someone assigned as the Host of your group, the next step is to pick someone. The first person selected as Host holds the most power in the Group. The first can add and remove other Hosts, but no other Hosts can remove the first Host. In short: Choose someone you trust.

What to do if you want to serve as a Host? (THESE INSTRUCTIONS HAVE CHANGED)

If the members of your group decide to select a Host, then you must decide who will serve as the first Host. The DU Administrators will assign ONLY ONE host to each Group, and then it is the responsibility of that Host to select other members of the Host Team (if anyone else wishes to serve).

Hopefully in most Groups, selecting a first Host will be a simple matter of awarding the job to the first person who posts in the Group to volunteer for the job. If more than one person is interested, then you need to discuss the choice of Host amongst yourselves until you come to some sort of consensus regarding who should have the job.

If you want to serve as a Host of a particular Group, the first thing you need to do is post in that group to let the members of that group know you are interested in serving as the Host. If a consensus is reached and you are chosen for the job, then -- and only then -- you can report back to this thread and let me know.
Post a reply in this thread telling me which group you have been selected to Host. Include a direct link to your post in the group where you want to serve. I need that link in order to give you host powers.
I will only assign ONE host to each group. After that first host has been assigned, then that first host has the power to grant host status to anyone else. So, if a host is already assigned to a group, then you need to contact that host to become a host.

Good luck selecting your Hosts.

Skinner
DU Admin

221 replies, 35096 views

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Replies to this discussion thread

221 replies	Author	Time	Post
Would you like to serve as a Host of a Group? And does your Group even need a Host? (Original post)	Skinner	Dec 2011	OP
I would like to apply to be a host in the fiction group.	Little Star	Dec 2011	#1
Done. (nt)	Skinner	Dec 2011	#39
I'd like to continue on in the Gaming group	Ohio Joe	Dec 2011	#2
Done. (nt)	Skinner	Dec 2011	#40
I would like to the campaign group	boston bean	Dec 2011	#3
Done. (nt)	Skinner	Dec 2011	#41
I'd like to continue Netflix	jannyk	Dec 2011	#4
There's a Netflix group!	tavalon	Dec 2011	#11
Laugh while ya can. At the rate the stock is tanking..............	dixiegrrrrl	Dec 2011	#18
Done. (nt)	Skinner	Dec 2011	#42
Gardening for me....getting unanimous support - see link below	NRaleighLiberal	Dec 2011	#5
Done. (nt)	Skinner	Dec 2011	#43
Thanks, Skinner. n/t	NRaleighLiberal	Dec 2011	#58
I volunteer for the Native American Group	Tuesday Afternoon	Dec 2011	#6
I was a little confused by the thread.	Skinner	Dec 2011	#65
oh yes, that is fine. I did not know that he had already volunteered. Thanks, Skinner.	Tuesday Afternoon	Dec 2011	#110
This message was self-deleted by its author	Tuesday Afternoon	Dec 2011	#7
I received a notice that I was being contacted for the Utah group...	midnight	Dec 2011	#8
What notice is that?	Skinner	Dec 2011	#44
I have recieved "unanimous conset" for...	ellisonz	Dec 2011	#9
Done and done. (nt)	Skinner	Dec 2011	#45
I'd like to apply to host the world history group	RZM	Dec 2011	#10
Done. (nt)	Skinner	Dec 2011	#66
I would like to continue as host to these groups	Hutzpa	Dec 2011	#12
Done. (nt)	Skinner	Dec 2011	#67
Fiction: Books	fadedrose	Dec 2011	#13
Socialist Progressives	Starry Messenger	Dec 2011	#14
Done. (nt)	Skinner	Dec 2011	#68
This message was self-deleted by its author	krispos42	Dec 2011	#15
Computer help and support group	canetoad	Dec 2011	#16
I have been "nom'd" by 5...no, make that 7 now, people in the Economy group, if you please.	dixiegrrrrl	Dec 2011	#17
Done. (nt)	Skinner	Dec 2011	#69
Skinner, this is the consensus of the regular active members of The LGBT group.	William769	Dec 2011	#19
No consensus.	Pab Sungenis	Dec 2011	#30
Vote	Vanje	Dec 2011	#34
William should be disqualified for two reasons.	Pab Sungenis	Dec 2011	#35
Link to message in question	Pab Sungenis	Dec 2011	#37
Skinner, we're working on getting through complications and come up with a concensus on a host.	Fearless	Dec 2011	#54
Understood.	Skinner	Dec 2011	#71
Update:	Fearless	Dec 2011	#108
Pinned. (nt)	Skinner	Dec 2011	#109
i would like to stay on in mental health	mopinko	Dec 2011	#20
Done. (nt)	Skinner	Dec 2011	#72
Slow group in the beginning... is this a consensus?	PeaceNikki	Dec 2011	#21
Done. (nt)	Skinner	Dec 2011	#73
I would like to be host of the Baby Boomer group	OKNancy	Dec 2011	#22
Done. (nt)	Skinner	Dec 2011	#74
Oklahoma group	OKNancy	Dec 2011	#23
Done. (nt)	Skinner	Dec 2011	#75
Education please	proud2BlibKansan	Dec 2011	#24
Done. (nt)	Skinner	Dec 2011	#76
OK, I will continue as the West Virginia Group Host.	Lasher	Dec 2011	#25
Done. BTW: I lived in Parkersburg for one year when I was a kid.	Skinner	Dec 2011	#77
Weight Loss and Maintenance Group	auntAgonist	Dec 2011	#26
Done. (nt)	Skinner	Dec 2011	#78
Travel Group	TBF	Dec 2011	#27
Done. (nt)	Skinner	Dec 2011	#79
I would like to continue being host in E/E.	XemaSab	Dec 2011	#28
Done. (nt)	Skinner	Dec 2011	#80
Can I ask if you followed the argument thread about the E&E hosts?	muriel_volestrangler	Dec 2011	#123
I didn't. I'm going on the honor system here.	Skinner	Dec 2011	#145
It seems evident that the honor system was abused	kristopher	Dec 2011	#169
As I said in my post above.	Skinner	Dec 2011	#170
Do we have your dispensation to open it back up for discussion within the group.	kristopher	Dec 2011	#172
Go for it. (nt)	Skinner	Dec 2011	#173
Tried but not allowed.	kristopher	Dec 2011	#174
A disingenuous whiny post on your part.	FBaggins	Dec 2011	#175
I'm happy with our hosts.	joshcryer	Dec 2011	#178
"others elsewhere on DU would not represent the primary posters in that forum	kristopher	Dec 2011	#179
I've seen no evidence of abuse.	joshcryer	Dec 2011	#180
When will you be granting host rights to the groups that have decided who they want?	dixiegrrrrl	Dec 2011	#29
I would like to be host of the Photgrpaphy Group.	CC	Dec 2011	#31
Done. (nt)	Skinner	Dec 2011	#81
I think there is maybe a need for	AsahinaKimi	Dec 2011	#32
The ability to create Groups is coming soon	Ohio Joe	Dec 2011	#33
I'm happy to set one up.	Skinner	Dec 2011	#83
Thank you Skinner sama	AsahinaKimi	Dec 2011	#104
I believe we have more then ten now!	AsahinaKimi	Dec 2011	#120
Repost, with consensus	canetoad	Dec 2011	#36
Done. (nt)	Skinner	Dec 2011	#84
I would love to host pro-choice	uppityperson	Dec 2011	#38
Talk to PeaceNikki.	Skinner	Dec 2011	#85
Done and thanks.	uppityperson	Dec 2011	#113
I'd like to host North Carolina	struggle4progress	Dec 2011	#46
Done. (nt)	Skinner	Dec 2011	#86
I'd work in the Missouri group, if needed.	xmas74	Dec 2011	#47
Done. (nt)	Skinner	Dec 2011	#87
I would like to be a host	Broken_Hero	Dec 2011	#48
I think I already set you up in the Native American group.	Skinner	Dec 2011	#88
nah ,its okay	Broken_Hero	Dec 2011	#114
This message was self-deleted by its author	Orangepeel	Dec 2011	#49
I would like the Jewish group again.	Behind the Aegis	Dec 2011	#50
Done. (nt)	Skinner	Dec 2011	#89
I officially apply to be a General Discussion host	Aerows	Dec 2011	#51
General Discussion is a Forum.	Skinner	Dec 2011	#90
I'd like to host Propaganda Debunking	OswegoAtheist	Dec 2011	#52
Done. (nt)	Skinner	Dec 2011	#91
There's a consensus in the Australia group, though there aren't many of us at the best of times...	Violet_Crumble	Dec 2011	#53
Done. (nt)	Skinner	Dec 2011	#92
I'd like to continue on 'Rural/Farm' - please. Here are the replies:	jannyk	Dec 2011	#55
Done. (nt)	Skinner	Dec 2011	#93
I have been asked to host the Ancient Wisdom and Pagan Spirituality group.	icymist	Dec 2011	#56
Link, please? (nt)	Skinner	Dec 2011	#94
Oh, Sorry about that. Here it is:	icymist	Dec 2011	#105
Done. (nt)	Skinner	Dec 2011	#106
I would like to host the Skepticism, Science and Psuedoscience group	TZ	Dec 2011	#57
Done. (nt)	Skinner	Dec 2011	#95
Bereavement Group	auntAgonist	Dec 2011	#59
Done. (nt)	Skinner	Dec 2011	#96
I believe that we have consensus in the Sports group.	Renew Deal	Dec 2011	#60
Done. (nt)	Skinner	Dec 2011	#97
I'd like to host the Health Forum	maddezmom	Dec 2011	#61
Done. (nt)	Skinner	Dec 2011	#98
How do you know a "concesus has been reached"?	HopeHoops	Dec 2011	#62
Done and done. (nt)	Skinner	Dec 2011	#99
Positive response for Parenting.	HopeHoops	Dec 2011	#63
Done. (nt)	Skinner	Dec 2011	#100
TV Chat...	one_voice	Dec 2011	#64
Done. (nt)	Skinner	Dec 2011	#101
Got approval from the Open Source and Free Software group to be a host.	HopeHoops	Dec 2011	#70
Done. (nt)	Skinner	Dec 2011	#102
Approval as host for Cooking and Baking.	HopeHoops	Dec 2011	#82
Done. (nt)	Skinner	Dec 2011	#103
Astrology, Spirituality & Alternative Healing	Lucinda	Dec 2011	#107
Done. (nt)	Skinner	Dec 2011	#146
I would like to Host the Maryland Group	madinmaryland	Dec 2011	#111
Done. (nt)	Skinner	Dec 2011	#147
I'll do Virginia	PunkinPi	Dec 2011	#112
Done. (nt)	Skinner	Dec 2011	#148
Thanks, Skinner! :) nt	PunkinPi	Dec 2011	#167
Cooking & Baking	Lucinda	Dec 2011	#115
Done. (nt)	Skinner	Dec 2011	#149
Could you make me the Host of the Atheists and Agnostics group?	EvolveOrConvolve	Dec 2011	#116
Done. (nt)	Skinner	Dec 2011	#150
How do OPPOSE	mzteris	Dec 2011	#117
I would argue that the group doesn't need a host.	Skinner	Dec 2011	#151
I'd like to host the Gungeon	krispos42	Dec 2011	#118
Done. (nt)	Skinner	Dec 2011	#152
I would like to be the host of the new Buddhist group I proposed, if possible.	oxymoron	Dec 2011	#119
What a good idea for a new group...	Lithos	Dec 2011	#121
Thanks, Lithos	oxymoron	Dec 2011	#126
I hope you get your group (or groups, as I think were requested)	housewolf	Dec 2011	#130
I'll try to set this up soon. (nt)	Skinner	Dec 2011	#153
I would like to host the Science group.	eppur_se_muova	Dec 2011	#122
Done. (nt)	Skinner	Dec 2011	#154
I requested to be a host in the Pennsylvania group and got positive replies.	HopeHoops	Dec 2011	#124
General consensus in Cooking & Baking is it would be okay for me to host it.	HopeHoops	Dec 2011	#125
Actually HH That is not the case	The empressof all	Dec 2011	#128
I think it's a stretch to call that a "consensus"	housewolf	Dec 2011	#129
I've tried in other posts, but again, I didn't realize there was a preferred member already...	HopeHoops	Dec 2011	#138
Thanks for your reply	housewolf	Dec 2011	#141
I believe that the general consensus is actually for Lucinda to do it.	kdmorris	Dec 2011	#131
Upon closer reads, I agree - the concensus is for Lucinda (and I threw my weight behind her too).	HopeHoops	Dec 2011	#137
Here is the thread from the HIV/AIDS Support (Group)	William769	Dec 2011	#127
Done. (nt)	Skinner	Dec 2011	#155
I would like to host the Veterans Group	denbot	Dec 2011	#132
Done. (nt)	Skinner	Dec 2011	#156
Ancestry and Genealogy - I would like to serve as host	kdmorris	Dec 2011	#133
Done. (nt)	Skinner	Dec 2011	#157
Regarding the request for the Asian Group	AsahinaKimi	Dec 2011	#134
I'll try to set this up soon. (nt)	Skinner	Dec 2011	#158
YATTA!! ARIGATOU!!	AsahinaKimi	Dec 2011	#171
Posted a request to host the eBay, etc. group and got a positive reply.	HopeHoops	Dec 2011	#135
Done. (nt)	Skinner	Dec 2011	#159
Posted a request to host the crafts group and got 3 positive replies.	HopeHoops	Dec 2011	#136
Done. (nt)	Skinner	Dec 2011	#160
I have been chosen to host the LGBT	dsc	Dec 2011	#139
Done. (nt)	Skinner	Dec 2011	#161
Posted a notice to the Science Group and got 8 positive replies ...	eppur_se_muova	Dec 2011	#140
Done. (nt)	Skinner	Dec 2011	#162
Cancer Support Group	dmr	Dec 2011	#142
Done. (nt)	Skinner	Dec 2011	#163
Host for the 'Democrats' group	Tx4obama	Dec 2011	#143
Done. (nt)	Skinner	Dec 2011	#164
I would like to serve as host for the Arizona group	Kali	Dec 2011	#144
Done. (nt)	Skinner	Dec 2011	#165
American History Group....	Rowdyboy	Dec 2011	#166
Done. (nt)	Skinner	Dec 2011	#176
Religion	Renew Deal	Dec 2011	#168
Done. (nt)	Skinner	Dec 2011	#177
Self delete. No longer interested	Number23	Dec 2011	#181
The Wyoming group please.	Change has come	Dec 2011	#182
Done. (nt)	Skinner	Jan 2012	#191
I would like to host New Hampshire.	Chemisse	Dec 2011	#183
Done. (nt)	Skinner	Jan 2012	#192
I would like to host California	petronius	Dec 2011	#184
Done. (nt)	Skinner	Jan 2012	#193
This message was self-deleted by its author	kdmorris	Dec 2011	#185
I'd like to host North Dakota	CatholicEdHead	Dec 2011	#186
Done. (nt)	Skinner	Jan 2012	#194
I'd like to host Georgia.	racaulk	Dec 2011	#187
Done. (nt)	Skinner	Jan 2012	#195
I've had a couple of posters request that I host in the Liberal Christians group.	xmas74	Dec 2011	#188
Give me a link to one of your posts in the group and I'll set you up. (nt)	Skinner	Jan 2012	#196
Here's the thread.	xmas74	Jan 2012	#199
Done. (nt)	Skinner	Jan 2012	#200
I would like to serve as host of the Pets group	Stinky The Clown	Dec 2011	#189
Done. (nt)	Skinner	Jan 2012	#197
I can't think of anything, Skinner, except that maybe I am one of the four!!	Evergreen Emerald	Dec 2011	#190
I can see you.	Skinner	Jan 2012	#198
Any thoughts on a Political Cartoons group?	Ruby the Liberal	Jan 2012	#201
I'd like to serve as the host of the Feminists group.	redqueen	Jan 2012	#202
Done. (nt)	Skinner	Jan 2012	#203
African-American if there isn't a host yet...	Blue_Tires	Jan 2012	#204
Give me a link to one of your posts in the group. (nt)	Skinner	Jan 2012	#205
link	Blue_Tires	Jan 2012	#206
Done. (nt)	Skinner	Jan 2012	#207
Outdoor Life	ManiacJoe	Feb 2012	#208
Done. (nt)	Skinner	Feb 2012	#209
Screw it. I'm resubmitting myself as Host of the AA Group	Number23	Feb 2012	#210
Blue_Tires is already a host of the AA group.	Skinner	Feb 2012	#211
I'd like to be the Women's Rights and Issues host.	Gormy Cuss	Feb 2012	#212
Done. (nt)	Skinner	Feb 2012	#213
I DONT NO	ELKODCH	Feb 2012	#214
Can I be on Mirt again???? firgive the primitive typing----mobile until new laptop	msanthrope	Feb 2012	#215
This message was self-deleted by its author	Pavlo	Feb 2012	#216
I'd like to be host of the non-fiction group.	Neoma	Jul 2012	#217
Uhm, I'd still like to be host of the non-fiction group.	Neoma	Aug 2012	#218
Done. (nt)	Skinner	Aug 2012	#220
I'd help with the PC Gaming group	Aerows	Aug 2012	#219
You need to ask one of the Hosts of that group to set you up.	Skinner	Aug 2012	#221

Response to Skinner (Original post)

Sun Dec 11, 2011, 12:22 AM

Little Star (11,652 posts)

1. I would like to apply to be a host in the fiction group.

Last edited Sun Dec 11, 2011, 02:33 AM USA/ET - Edit history (1)

http://www.democraticunderground.com/119388

Thank You, LS

edited to add the following

Here is where I asked the group:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/1193107

Would you like to serve as a Host of a Group? And does your Group even need a Host?

1. I would like to apply to be a host in the fiction group.

39. Done. (nt)

2. I'd like to continue on in the Gaming group

40. Done. (nt)

3. I would like to the campaign group

41. Done. (nt)

4. I'd like to continue Netflix

11. There's a Netflix group!

18. Laugh while ya can. At the rate the stock is tanking..............

42. Done. (nt)

5. Gardening for me....getting unanimous support - see link below

43. Done. (nt)

58. Thanks, Skinner. n/t

6. I volunteer for the Native American Group

65. I was a little confused by the thread.

110. oh yes, that is fine. I did not know that he had already volunteered. Thanks, Skinner.

8. I received a notice that I was being contacted for the Utah group...

44. What notice is that?

9. I have recieved "unanimous conset" for...

45. Done and done. (nt)

10. I'd like to apply to host the world history group

66. Done. (nt)

12. I would like to continue as host to these groups

67. Done. (nt)

13. Fiction: Books

14. Socialist Progressives

68. Done. (nt)

16. Computer help and support group

17. I have been "nom'd" by 5...no, make that 7 now, people in the Economy group, if you please.

69. Done. (nt)

19. Skinner, this is the consensus of the regular active members of The LGBT group.

30. No consensus.

34. Vote

35. William should be disqualified for two reasons.

37. Link to message in question

54. Skinner, we're working on getting through complications and come up with a concensus on a host.

71. Understood.

108. Update:

109. Pinned. (nt)

20. i would like to stay on in mental health

72. Done. (nt)

21. Slow group in the beginning... is this a consensus?

73. Done. (nt)

22. I would like to be host of the Baby Boomer group

74. Done. (nt)

23. Oklahoma group

75. Done. (nt)

24. Education please

76. Done. (nt)

25. OK, I will continue as the West Virginia Group Host.

77. Done. BTW: I lived in Parkersburg for one year when I was a kid.

26. Weight Loss and Maintenance Group

78. Done. (nt)

27. Travel Group

79. Done. (nt)

28. I would like to continue being host in E/E.

80. Done. (nt)

123. Can I ask if you followed the argument thread about the E&E hosts?

145. I didn't. I'm going on the honor system here.

169. It seems evident that the honor system was abused

170. As I said in my post above.

172. Do we have your dispensation to open it back up for discussion within the group.

173. Go for it. (nt)

174. Tried but not allowed.

175. A disingenuous whiny post on your part.

178. I'm happy with our hosts.

179. "others elsewhere on DU would not represent the primary posters in that forum

180. I've seen no evidence of abuse.

29. When will you be granting host rights to the groups that have decided who they want?

31. I would like to be host of the Photgrpaphy Group.

81. Done. (nt)

32. I think there is maybe a need for

33. The ability to create Groups is coming soon

83. I'm happy to set one up.

104. Thank you Skinner sama

120. I believe we have more then ten now!

36. Repost, with consensus

84. Done. (nt)

38. I would love to host pro-choice