Due to numerous other site activities and preoccupations, it has been a really long time - about 1.5 years - since we inducted our last batch of Admins. Here is a refresher about the Admin role:
Admin is just another role to participate in this site. There are some advantages as well as drawbacks. You will have access to the Admin forum, will be able to update much of the site information, get invited to our Admin Convention and other railfan meets, get the IRI Cap, T-shirt, etc.
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However,...
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on the flip side, you cannot indulge in controversial statements, EVEN though what you say is right and fair. So, yes, some members consider it a curtailment of their "freedom of speech", and are frustrated as Admins. It is much LESS FUN being an Admin, in this respect. You will have to be extra-courteous and polite with other members. You will have to be MUCH, MUCH more TOLERANT of other people's views, and be silent and hold your peace. As Admin, you are like an ambassador of IRI, and accordingly, where site affairs are concerned, you have to watch what you say and write.
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Most importantly, just like members, Admins are absolutely NOT obligated to participate in site activities or even visit the site. They are NOT obligated to answer questions from members, or know more than members about Rail affairs. Our members/Admins lead busy professional/domestic lives, and IRI is NOT supposed to be a priority. IRI remains a minor recreational hobby/pastime for BOTH members and Admins, and is supposed to be the absolute LAST on your list of life priorities. Many of our Admins are away from the site for months, and are welcomed back when they come back. In that respect, Admins, like members, are perfectly free to do whatever they want to do. They may come and go when they like. Admins may also voluntary take a "break from Adminship", if they find the Admin forum too distracting.
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We are living in a virtual world here, and IRI is a very small site in the vast internet. In the scheme of things, "Admin" is just a minor designation, and is of little significance outside IRI. Some members are interested in joining the Admin group, while others are happier being long-time reputed members, who are equally valued by the site.
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The primary means of appointment is
1. recommendation by 2 or more current Admins
2. no objection from any Admin
3. member is interested in becoming Admin, and chooses to abide by our restrictive Admin guidelines.
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Due to the long time gap since our last induction, there is a huge backlog of recommendations. To keep things manageable, we shall be appointing about 10 Admins every month in random order, starting very soon. If you are interested, but not on the list, maybe you will be, next month or the month after. Pl. just be patient.
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Thanks.