Strict VS Size

[Asch]

As an administrator at a fairly large forum, I often get a lot of negative feedback in regards to rules being too strict compared to how it was so and so years ago. Now, I'm wondering, who associates the member population of a forum with how strict a forum should be? I mean, as the population of a country grows, obviously newer laws would theoretically be put in place to keep the country under control, and that's how I look at how forum rules should be set up. So basically, I'm looking for everyone's thoughts on the subject.

For references sake, the forum I'm an admin at can be found here (I'm not really in to Pokemon as much anymore. I'm just kinda there because... well, I don't know. XD). If you seriously want to analyze the situation, glancing at the forum stats and rules would probably help. And, if you're bored and want to look me up, you can find me under the username Archsage. XD

And I apologize if there's no forum linking permitted here. If that is so, I'll gladly delete the link.

[Kohaku]

I generally like forums that I join to be well run, with a certain number of clear, consise, well-enforced rules in place to keep the forum a fun, enjoyable atmosphere to discuss the forum subject. I also appreciate it when the administrators/moderators are helpful and active. Occasional changes to the rules to cope with changing circumstances are usually fine by me, as long as they are properly explained and justified by the administration to the community.

However, when a forum becomes quite large, and acquires a long list of veteran moderators (occasionally picked out simply by virtue of seniority on the forum), it can cause problems. I've often seen long-standing veteran mods abuse their power and privilege to simply smash down a member they simply don't agree with on some petty issue that turns into an eventual fued, leading to the member and any of his/her supporters being either driven away or banned. I've also seen lazy moderators that carry the badge, but barely bother to enforce or direct the forum, simply wanting modhood for the prestige and recognition that comes with it. I've seen over-zealous moderators, patrolling threads Gestapo-style, issuing penalties, punishments and warnings for little-known offences, or simple misunderstandings, none of which can be appealed against or explained. I've also seen many a moderator skirt their own rules, and get away with it, time and time and time again. Regular members don't get a say, and the moderator's word is law.

If you're having problems with people complaining about the rules being too strict, maybe you should discuss with the regular members their opinions on the subject?