[xb5869]

thanx to b2j for this...

As I cruise some of the boards, on a daily base, I always see the various names, ranks, colors that the boards put on, in order to help identify members.
I am going to describe each and every rank on the board, and help you understand what they each mean and do, not everyone has been on the boards for years, so it makes sense that they at least know what each means.



ADMIN
SUPERMOD
MODERATOR
VIP
VET
Sources

ADMIN GROUP

The ADMIN group will sometimes have a different color. If you notice though, the ADMIN group will have a costume title that describes who they are.
The ADMIN group is the one in charged of running the board. They make sure the forums are in place, they pay the bills and are in the look out for all of us. Technically speaking, they run the show.
If you see an ADMIN, they are the good guys, but don't send them PMs, as they are always working on something. (I will explain who you can PM) PM an ADMIN, if it's your last resort.

SUPERMOD

The SUPERMODs are a very small group of guys/gals. These are guys that have been around for a long time, and they also have a great reputation. Their knowledge is vast in many areas. SUPERMODs can be seeing as part of the MOD team, they can do more than a MOD speaking from the ADMIN/board point of view. A SUPERMOD can:

-up ranks
-demote
-ban
-can generally network ON any other board to acquire information
-act as a mediator

Those are some of the things that come to mind at the moment, of course the job of the SUPERMOD is much more diverse than that. If you happen to see a SUPERMOD online, feel free to PM him/her, as they are there to assist you.

MODERATOR

There are a lot more MODS than anything else running the show. These guys are a close group of knowledgeable and respected guys/gals that are here to help you in any way they can. Always know that a MOD is there to help you. If you see a color member at the bottom of the list (various boards vary with coloring their team) and you need assistance, PM him/her, this MOD is there to help you.
A MOD can network from board to board, generally a MOD on this board, can be also found on other boards with a high rank.


VIP

This group is like no other, they have earned their respect in the community and are well liked. In here you will find ADMIN/MODs from other boards, that we see suitable to carry this rank. NOT all board owners or other boards MODs will have this title given. For some boards, a person must undergo a voting process, in order to be allowed the VIP rank. Why? Because a VIP will be given lots of privileges, some of which include how the board is run, they are also given access to some areas. A VIP can also help answer some of your questions. So if at any time, there is no MOD onboard, feel free to PM a VIP and ask or comment on anything.

VET

A VET is a long time standing member of the board. Many times a person with a high ranking position from other board, joins as a newbie, out of respect he/she will be made a VET. (note this may not always be the case, it is the boards own right to make this decision)
This rank is pretty much standard on most boards. A VET possesses knowledge on many areas, and is there always ready to help you.
Feel completely free to PM a VET at any time. From the VETs that I know, they are always willing to be of assistance.

Source

Open source boards, have this title given to those members that have a product to offer. Most of the time, you will see a thread in a forum dedicated solely for the purpose of selling. There are sources for various compounds such as:

-Supplements
-Anabolic
-Non-gear related (such as books, computer stuff, gym equipment.....)

A source is a person who has undergone a background check, BUT it does not make the system bullet proof!!!. Always know that when purchasing from a source, that it is YOUR responsibility to do the proper check ups.
There are some sources that only work privately, so you will never see them open up a thread, and if you do see a thread by this person, it may only be up for hours.

Members

Members are the majority of the population. You will always see more members than anything on the board.
A person with a "newbie" title is not always going to be a newbie to the game. This refers to how the ranking system names a person with a certain amount of post.


On a side note and to address a few personal thoughts:

How to get into a MODERATOR position?

A MOD is chosen to be, and it is not a position you can ask to get into. Most of the time, this position is given to those who have earned their place in our community. This person has to be proven to be trustworthy, respected and most of all a person who the members will listen too. GOOD general knowledge of anabolics, training, dieting is a must.
Please do not send PMs to existing MODs asking to be selected, this is not well looked upon.
Here are some tips that can add personality to the person behind the handle (you):

-Starting up productive threads
-Be informative--the online boards are just like the community in your area
-Helping people out with GOOD advice
-Hanging out at the board(s)
-Making friends, having fun
-Bringing people to the board
-Earning good stars as the post count goes up, your status goes up
-Getting to know a few mods, but be careful not to come across as "kissass"

Those are some basic do's that will make you stand up from other members.

Posting on the board.

To be on the board is a privilege, and as one, it can also be taken away at any time. Ever see a person that joins a board, and a few minutes later they are banned? Well, remember I was saying that all MODS usually network on other places, and they are in "know of things" ? Well this is a proven fact, that when a member is banned from a board, he/she is banned for a reason, and this member is now looking for another board to go onto, perhaps to behave in the same manner, and any board does not want that.

Who is BANNED from the board?

Any member that breaks the rules
Any member that crosses the line and is given fair warning
Scammers, this goes without saying

References and how they work

Ever go into a bank and ask for loan? What is the first thing the bank does? The bank will do a background check on you, they will call your mortgage lender, your car leasing company, your credit card company--well not in that order, there are agencies that will give a full report on you.
Using a persons name as a ref without first asking for permission will generally get you into some serious trouble. You must always ask to use a persons name as a ref, this is a must not a choice.
A ref can help you in many ways, sources will sometimes ask for refs. A board will sometimes ask for refs at any time.
So if you get a PM from a MOD asking for a little background check on you, don't be alarmed, this is normal. We just want to get to know who is on our board.

PMs

The PM system is a great way of communicating, do not abuse this by sourcing with it, spamming.
If you send a PM to a MOD, and you do not get a reply right away, know that he/she got it, but this person also has other things going. If you don't get a reply in a day or two, perhaps send a friendly reminder. Do not send 15 thousand PMs in one day to this person in regards the same thing.


If you ever see anything that does not comply with the rules, know that a MOD will eventually get to it, but also feel free to let us know.
If you want the community to know you, help around, learn and make friends.

I hope I have helped you in trying to understand a little more about the board and how it works.