Is unofficial (non-admin) policing of the forums fair and equitable?

Does it help or harm the Etsy community as a whole?

I'm currently a buyer only, I have friends and family with shops here on Etsy, and I hope to have my own shop one day too. I've been reading the forums for the past few months and had these thoughts:

I understand that with the site so busy that admin can't always respond to every last issue in the forums.

I've noticed some Etsyians have taken it upon themselves to be the unofficial keepers of rules etc. in the forums. But it seems sporadic. I can see why they feel the need to do this, to streamline things, keep it organized and sensible as intended etc. I've even been tempted to tell a poster, hey this should be posted elsewhere, etc. in a friendly manner. If it's done politely and professionally it shouldn't be a problem. I usually refrain from posting anything that could be the slightest bit controversial, that's why I don't post often. I'm actually scared to post my thoughts on this issue, but I hope I am doing it politely.

Unfortunately, it's not always done politely and professionally. Some negativity/drama sometimes comes out especially if the OP questions why anything is being said, and why admin aren't the one's responsible for the enforcing. I try not to post anything that in real life I would not say to a person. I would not confront a stranger to tell them, hey you are standing in the wrong line etc...

If rule enforcement not coming from admin, it could be seen as targeting a specific group or person, especially if the unofficial rule keepers don't apply the same rules to everybody. Even if it's a link to an official admin stance. If you choose to "enforce rules" can you do it full-time and at all levels to ensure that you are fair and not biased to a particular forum, group, etc.?

I see admin as having their hands full, and delegating tasks into priorities, and posting in the wrong forum section is probably not at the top of their list of priorities. If other people are enforcing these rules based on being irritated by the posts, then it's really not fair and unbiased. I've noticed Etsyians are very protective and vested in areas that may affect them, admin is and should be unbiased.

So, that is my idea...let admin do the regulating/enforcing, or if you do absolutely feel the need to do the enforcing yourself, think about what a slippery slope it is, b/c to be fair you'd have to police all the forums all the time, and not have any personal biases etc.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts!

Posted at 1:29pm Jun 3, 2007 EDT