Users Knowledge of Admin Powers

Truestar · Moderator

This is one thing I had to think about when creating a FAQ on my site. How much information should I give away about my powers as an Administrator? Now, immediately your first thought is probably, "What's the point? They can find out anyway?" But then you have to rememeber those few members who don't have the skill, to Google it. Razz

In the end, I eventually decided not to hide it. Even though you can view a Admin Panel at hacks and phpbb, I believe still, "Another's ignorance, can feed your power".

Basically, if they don't know how much you can do, are they more likely to be aware of Guidlines and Regulations?

Just a thought, figured I should hear some opinions. Smile

Triumvirate · Posted: 9/14/2005, 8:22 pm Post subject:

I can't imagine the outcome would be any different for the users whether they know or not...of course perhaps I am coming to much from an admins point of view and not that of a user, I can't really be sure. I can't really think of any powers I have that are not common knowledge to most members anyway though.
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harishankar · Posted: 9/14/2005, 8:27 pm Post subject:

I still don't know the full admin powers of vBulletin because I don't know the software. However, for open source bulletin boards, I'm pretty sure the more technically oriented users can find out quite easily.
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Patrick · Administrator

I don't really think there is much to hide. I think with our User Guidelines this much is clear: I have the ability to enforce our User Guidelines and make sure that people abide by them.
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dojo · Posted: 9/15/2005, 12:29 am Post subject:

I agree with Patrick. For any reasonable person it's CLEAR that I can delete, move, change, whatever comes to my mind. As long as I can access the FTP and phpmyadmin to mess with the DB it's clear I have the absolute power. Not to mention the admin panel HAS to give me power over my members since it would result in chaos otherwise.

I had no member question about this ... though
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Keith · Posted: 9/15/2005, 9:38 am Post subject:

Members don't need to know. They just need to know what rules you enforce on your forums and that they need to abide by them.
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marc · Posted: 9/15/2005, 10:14 am Post subject:

I would of thought it's fairly obvious, an admin has control of the site, they can do whatever they please whenever they please with the exception of seeing users passwords.

Everything else can be done.
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Dragonfire · Posted: 9/15/2005, 4:39 pm Post subject:

I agree; I think the members should already know as they are the admin, it's basically common sense. There really should be no need to explain the powers.

Thoul · Posted: 9/16/2005, 7:08 am Post subject:

When I join a community as a user, I assume the admin has full control of every part of the site. That includes the ability to view all information (including passwords), remove or change anything, etc. Working under any other assumption is dangerous, IMO.
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chrispian · Posted: 9/16/2005, 1:39 pm Post subject:

I don't think it's necessary to put it out in the open. People like to think that they can do things without being "seen", like sending private messages. They know deep down that the admin can see anything on the site if they choose to, no need rubbing it in Wink

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