[MeFi Site Update] April 17th April 17, 2024 11:34 AM Subscribe
Hi there, MetaFilter!
Welcome to this month’s Site Update! You can find the last one here.
Reminder: I will be the only mod actively monitoring this thread so please be patient. I’ll reply to your feedback and questions at least twice a week. I’m looking forward to your feedback and questions!
Profit & Loss
– You can find this month's P&L report here. The previous P&L reports are here.
– Payroll expenses for 2024 have been re-categorized as “Contractors/Consulting” for accuracy and compliance as all of the staff are contractors.
Admin/Moderation
– Jessamyn and I have been talking about the need of having something similar to the BIPOC Board for Trans members to advise on moderation issues and policies affecting Trans members. We don't have a plan for it in place yet, but we have decided to mention it in this update to get feedback from the community.
Tech
– Kirk has been looking at ways to improve the site’s User Experience and accessibility. More details about our findings later.
– Names of mods contributing to the Best of MetaFilter page have been updated
– Fixes to email sending to try to make sure that site messages are received and not spam filtered.
– Further changes and fixes to how static content is delivered (images, css, javascript, rss)
– Bug Fixes for the Classic theme in iOS Safari
BIPOC Advisory Board
– Meeting Minutes: Meeting #22 from January 2024 have been approved and published on MetaTalk and to the landing page as well. There are a few pending items requiring clarification before publishing Meeting #23, waiting for those insights. Meeting #24 editing is underway and will be reviewed/approved at our next board meeting.
– We will hold a working session to approve the last changes to the 3 policy docs (Guidelines, Content Policy, Microaggressions)
If you have any questions or feedback not related to this particular update, please Contact Us instead. If you want to discuss a particular subject not covered here with the community, you’re welcome to open a separate MetaTalk thread for it.
Welcome to this month’s Site Update! You can find the last one here.
Reminder: I will be the only mod actively monitoring this thread so please be patient. I’ll reply to your feedback and questions at least twice a week. I’m looking forward to your feedback and questions!
Profit & Loss
– You can find this month's P&L report here. The previous P&L reports are here.
– Payroll expenses for 2024 have been re-categorized as “Contractors/Consulting” for accuracy and compliance as all of the staff are contractors.
Admin/Moderation
– Jessamyn and I have been talking about the need of having something similar to the BIPOC Board for Trans members to advise on moderation issues and policies affecting Trans members. We don't have a plan for it in place yet, but we have decided to mention it in this update to get feedback from the community.
Tech
– Kirk has been looking at ways to improve the site’s User Experience and accessibility. More details about our findings later.
– Names of mods contributing to the Best of MetaFilter page have been updated
– Fixes to email sending to try to make sure that site messages are received and not spam filtered.
– Further changes and fixes to how static content is delivered (images, css, javascript, rss)
– Bug Fixes for the Classic theme in iOS Safari
BIPOC Advisory Board
– Meeting Minutes: Meeting #22 from January 2024 have been approved and published on MetaTalk and to the landing page as well. There are a few pending items requiring clarification before publishing Meeting #23, waiting for those insights. Meeting #24 editing is underway and will be reviewed/approved at our next board meeting.
– We will hold a working session to approve the last changes to the 3 policy docs (Guidelines, Content Policy, Microaggressions)
If you have any questions or feedback not related to this particular update, please Contact Us instead. If you want to discuss a particular subject not covered here with the community, you’re welcome to open a separate MetaTalk thread for it.
I wonder whether it's best to have different boards for certain selected populations, but having no specific resources dedicated to other marginalized populations, such as people with disabilities, for example. Is it best to have some number of boards? What number would be the right number? One, for various dimensions of diversity?
posted by NotLost at 5:09 PM on April 17 [2 favorites]
posted by NotLost at 5:09 PM on April 17 [2 favorites]
Well, that P&L looks a lot better than last year's. Well done!
Revenue certain seems to be stronger this year, which is great. Is the direct pay line item actually zero, or is this just a timing issue with when payroll was processed?
posted by bkpiano at 7:28 PM on April 17
Revenue certain seems to be stronger this year, which is great. Is the direct pay line item actually zero, or is this just a timing issue with when payroll was processed?
posted by bkpiano at 7:28 PM on April 17
(I think that's this part: "Payroll expenses for 2024 have been re-categorized as “Contractors/Consulting” for accuracy and compliance.")
posted by nobody at 8:30 PM on April 17 [2 favorites]
posted by nobody at 8:30 PM on April 17 [2 favorites]
I think we’ve seen some issues sustaining advisory board activity, and I also wonder whether a sufficient critical mass of trans/nb users is left on the site after a period of intense alienation. I wonder instead if the staff/incoming NPO board could think in terms of a listening session, perhaps moderated, to orient the staff to the overall landscape, core considerations, and policy recommendations, as a one-time starting point.
posted by Miko at 6:11 AM on April 18 [15 favorites]
posted by Miko at 6:11 AM on April 18 [15 favorites]
Can someone provide a brief summary of what the BIPOC board has done? I’ve read the minutes, I’m looking for more of a big picture answer.
posted by Vatnesine at 7:17 AM on April 18 [9 favorites]
posted by Vatnesine at 7:17 AM on April 18 [9 favorites]
I think that's this part: "Payroll expenses for 2024 have been re-categorized as “Contractors/Consulting” for accuracy and compliance."
Yes, correct.
Is it best to have some number of boards? What number would be the right number? One, for various dimensions of diversity?
I wonder instead if the staff/incoming NPO board could think in terms of a listening session, perhaps moderated, to orient the staff to the overall landscape, core considerations, and policy recommendations, as a one-time starting point.
Right, I had the same concerns and, I was thinking about building a sort of “Diversity Board” that would be more intersectional and count with different levels of representation, I even mentioned this to the BIPOC Board on a couple occasions. Then, over time, I have seen the BIPOC Board getting a lot of momentum and working on specific side projects that hold a lot of value and, for the time being, I’d like to keep the work of the BIPOC Board as is.
I believe there is an existing need to establish a safe and inclusive space where trans members can engage directly with staff and provide input on site policies. Now, the task at hand is determining the most effective approach. I concur with you, Miko, that starting with a one-time initiative could be a viable option, and we can build upon it from there.
Which leads me to:
Can someone provide a brief summary of what the BIPOC board has done?
This is the best summary https://metatalk.metafilter.com/26210/What-The-MeFi-BIPOC-Board-Does
In addition to their ongoing work, the Board is actively engaged in several key initiatives:
Data Gathering: They are collecting and analyzing site activity and demographics data to inform decision-making and improve inclusivity.
– Advisory Role: The board interfaces with the Interim Board and provides official advice to MetaFilter staff. Their insights help shape moderation decisions and site priorities.
– Content Updates: They are enhancing the BIPOC Board landing page by providing concise information and valuable resources.
– Methodology Development: The board is refining their approach through affinity mapping, aiming for better outcomes.
– Policy Enhancements: They contribute to changes and improvements in the Community Guidelines, Content Policy, and Microaggressions page.
posted by loup (staff) at 12:34 PM on April 18 [4 favorites]
Yes, correct.
Is it best to have some number of boards? What number would be the right number? One, for various dimensions of diversity?
I wonder instead if the staff/incoming NPO board could think in terms of a listening session, perhaps moderated, to orient the staff to the overall landscape, core considerations, and policy recommendations, as a one-time starting point.
Right, I had the same concerns and, I was thinking about building a sort of “Diversity Board” that would be more intersectional and count with different levels of representation, I even mentioned this to the BIPOC Board on a couple occasions. Then, over time, I have seen the BIPOC Board getting a lot of momentum and working on specific side projects that hold a lot of value and, for the time being, I’d like to keep the work of the BIPOC Board as is.
I believe there is an existing need to establish a safe and inclusive space where trans members can engage directly with staff and provide input on site policies. Now, the task at hand is determining the most effective approach. I concur with you, Miko, that starting with a one-time initiative could be a viable option, and we can build upon it from there.
Which leads me to:
Can someone provide a brief summary of what the BIPOC board has done?
This is the best summary https://metatalk.metafilter.com/26210/What-The-MeFi-BIPOC-Board-Does
In addition to their ongoing work, the Board is actively engaged in several key initiatives:
Data Gathering: They are collecting and analyzing site activity and demographics data to inform decision-making and improve inclusivity.
– Advisory Role: The board interfaces with the Interim Board and provides official advice to MetaFilter staff. Their insights help shape moderation decisions and site priorities.
– Content Updates: They are enhancing the BIPOC Board landing page by providing concise information and valuable resources.
– Methodology Development: The board is refining their approach through affinity mapping, aiming for better outcomes.
– Policy Enhancements: They contribute to changes and improvements in the Community Guidelines, Content Policy, and Microaggressions page.
posted by loup (staff) at 12:34 PM on April 18 [4 favorites]
Would somebody explain the decision to reclassify the mods and others on the Metafilter payroll as contractors rather than employees?
posted by knucklebones at 6:35 PM on April 18 [3 favorites]
posted by knucklebones at 6:35 PM on April 18 [3 favorites]
You know what i would really like more transparency about? The metatalk queue. How many posts get submitted? How many get approved? What's the average delay?
posted by adrienneleigh at 2:56 AM on April 19 [7 favorites]
posted by adrienneleigh at 2:56 AM on April 19 [7 favorites]
As a follow-up, it's not clear the justification for the queue still holds. It was brought in when the mods struggled to deal with 1,500 comments a week. Nowadays Metatalk gets 90 comments a week. Maybe something for the board/steering committee/whoever to consider in due course.
posted by Klipspringer at 4:19 AM on April 19 [5 favorites]
posted by Klipspringer at 4:19 AM on April 19 [5 favorites]
Would somebody explain the decision to reclassify the mods and others on the Metafilter payroll as contractors rather than employees?
To my understanding, they have always been paid as contractors (I could be wrong but this is from the partial info we got on the transition team); it’s more about how they are represented in Quickbooks. I don’t think MF ever did the paperwork & tax stuff to have employees in different states/counties. Again, I could be wrong.
posted by warriorqueen at 6:23 AM on April 19 [5 favorites]
To my understanding, they have always been paid as contractors (I could be wrong but this is from the partial info we got on the transition team); it’s more about how they are represented in Quickbooks. I don’t think MF ever did the paperwork & tax stuff to have employees in different states/counties. Again, I could be wrong.
posted by warriorqueen at 6:23 AM on April 19 [5 favorites]
As a follow-up, it's not clear the justification for the queue still holds. It was brought in when the mods struggled to deal with 1,500 comments a week. Nowadays Metatalk gets 90 comments a week. Maybe something for the board/steering committee/whoever to consider in due course.
That was 10 years ago; the world has changed since then. I had a FB group a few weeks ago where the overwhelmed mod turned off approvals for a few days (even with a private group), and it was bad.
posted by Melismata at 6:50 AM on April 19 [1 favorite]
That was 10 years ago; the world has changed since then. I had a FB group a few weeks ago where the overwhelmed mod turned off approvals for a few days (even with a private group), and it was bad.
posted by Melismata at 6:50 AM on April 19 [1 favorite]
Miko: wonder instead if the staff/incoming NPO board could think in terms of a listening session, perhaps moderated, to orient the staff to the overall landscape, core considerations, and policy recommendations, as a one-time starting point.
Count me in as saying I would participate in something like this but not an ongoing advisory board.
posted by capricorn at 7:39 AM on April 19 [4 favorites]
Count me in as saying I would participate in something like this but not an ongoing advisory board.
posted by capricorn at 7:39 AM on April 19 [4 favorites]
The board is refining their approach through affinity mapping, aiming for better outcomes.
An informative article for people like me who had no idea what affinity mapping means.
posted by JanetLand at 7:50 AM on April 19 [4 favorites]
An informative article for people like me who had no idea what affinity mapping means.
posted by JanetLand at 7:50 AM on April 19 [4 favorites]
Both the mods and the developers of the site have been contractors for years, even from before I joined. We just decided to label those expenses in Quickbooks accurately.
Here’s some rough data about the MetaTalk queue:
- So far we have rejected 2 posts in 2024
- For each post that gets rejected, we reach out to the OP and explain the reasoning behind it.
- All other posts this year have been put through
- They are generally approved within 24hrs (excepting on weekends).
I'm happy to provide more details, or more exact data if needed.
@capricorn, thank you, the way I see it any trans member interested in being part of this initiative would have a say on how much they want to contribute and how we should proceed from the initial meeting.
posted by loup (staff) at 8:57 AM on April 19 [5 favorites]
Here’s some rough data about the MetaTalk queue:
- So far we have rejected 2 posts in 2024
- For each post that gets rejected, we reach out to the OP and explain the reasoning behind it.
- All other posts this year have been put through
- They are generally approved within 24hrs (excepting on weekends).
I'm happy to provide more details, or more exact data if needed.
@capricorn, thank you, the way I see it any trans member interested in being part of this initiative would have a say on how much they want to contribute and how we should proceed from the initial meeting.
posted by loup (staff) at 8:57 AM on April 19 [5 favorites]
Cool! Thanks, loup!
posted by capricorn at 11:20 AM on April 19 [1 favorite]
posted by capricorn at 11:20 AM on April 19 [1 favorite]
There are still a number of trans users, even if some folks left, or were banned. I do talk less on here now, while I'm back to posting and commenting occasionally, I'm definitely less engaged. I still read the site regularly though.
I kinda worry about a one time thing, because one of the disappointments that lead me to take a step back was MeFi staff reading a thread of trans folks voicing their problems, running with their own interpretation of the problems contrary to what people actually meant, and deciding privately without further consultation on their own internal policy to avoid the issue in a way that silenced trans users posting about trans issues.
I understand that that policy has been changed, and we have trans staff members, but I do feel like understanding the challenges trans users face, and also improvements and policies to address us and our issues, are both better with continued community engagement. And I also think our needs can change rapidly, especially as there are increased legal attacks against the dignity, autonomy, rights and lives of trans people worldwide as well as efforts to resist and evade restrictions, which I think is likely.
posted by Chrysopoeia at 2:30 PM on April 19 [17 favorites]
I kinda worry about a one time thing, because one of the disappointments that lead me to take a step back was MeFi staff reading a thread of trans folks voicing their problems, running with their own interpretation of the problems contrary to what people actually meant, and deciding privately without further consultation on their own internal policy to avoid the issue in a way that silenced trans users posting about trans issues.
I understand that that policy has been changed, and we have trans staff members, but I do feel like understanding the challenges trans users face, and also improvements and policies to address us and our issues, are both better with continued community engagement. And I also think our needs can change rapidly, especially as there are increased legal attacks against the dignity, autonomy, rights and lives of trans people worldwide as well as efforts to resist and evade restrictions, which I think is likely.
posted by Chrysopoeia at 2:30 PM on April 19 [17 favorites]
Here’s some rough data about the MetaTalk queue:
- So far we have rejected 2 posts in 2024
- For each post that gets rejected, we reach out to the OP and explain the reasoning behind it.
- All other posts this year have been put through
- They are generally approved within 24hrs (excepting on weekends).
I'm surprised to hear this. I swear I've submitted at least a few MetaTalks in the past year with zero response. Now, they probably were shit! Maybe dismissed out of hand! Maybe they're the two you mention! But never knew what happened at all. A rejection MeMail would have been nice.
posted by tiny frying pan at 6:15 AM on April 21 [5 favorites]
- So far we have rejected 2 posts in 2024
- For each post that gets rejected, we reach out to the OP and explain the reasoning behind it.
- All other posts this year have been put through
- They are generally approved within 24hrs (excepting on weekends).
I'm surprised to hear this. I swear I've submitted at least a few MetaTalks in the past year with zero response. Now, they probably were shit! Maybe dismissed out of hand! Maybe they're the two you mention! But never knew what happened at all. A rejection MeMail would have been nice.
posted by tiny frying pan at 6:15 AM on April 21 [5 favorites]
(I say this with no malice or snark at all, I apologize if that comes off haughty)
posted by tiny frying pan at 6:38 AM on April 21 [1 favorite]
posted by tiny frying pan at 6:38 AM on April 21 [1 favorite]
I swear I've submitted at least a few MetaTalks in the past year with zero response.
Strange, I've checked on your account and only found one Queued/Unposted MetaTalk Posts from back in August 2023. Feel free to email me loup@metafilter.com or MeFi Mail me and I'll be happy to take a look at this together to find out what happened.
posted by loup (staff) at 7:02 AM on April 22 [3 favorites]
Strange, I've checked on your account and only found one Queued/Unposted MetaTalk Posts from back in August 2023. Feel free to email me loup@metafilter.com or MeFi Mail me and I'll be happy to take a look at this together to find out what happened.
posted by loup (staff) at 7:02 AM on April 22 [3 favorites]
Thank you everyone for the hard work. I am glad this old site is managing to keep chugging along.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 8:34 AM on April 22 [6 favorites]
posted by DirtyOldTown at 8:34 AM on April 22 [6 favorites]
idly curious to know what revenue comes from new signups vs contributions from existing users.
grateful that metafilter lives on!
posted by wowenthusiast at 5:56 AM on April 30 [1 favorite]
grateful that metafilter lives on!
posted by wowenthusiast at 5:56 AM on April 30 [1 favorite]
Let me find the best way to get more granularity for one time contributions. I'll see what I can do.
posted by loup (staff) at 1:52 PM on May 2
posted by loup (staff) at 1:52 PM on May 2
Count me as someone else who is concerned that the first impulse is to form another committee. If nothing else, it implies that other marginalized or minority communities aren't worthy enough to warrant their own. And, based on the BIPOC board's minutes, it seems like they have a hard enough time getting even basic decisions made because of, and input from, external actors, that forming another board would simply stretch those external actors even farther.
I think a much better approach would be having a single board that focuses on marginalized and minority communities, to include folks with disabilities, the LGBTQ community more broadly, and so on.
posted by tubedogg at 2:22 PM on May 9 [4 favorites]
I think a much better approach would be having a single board that focuses on marginalized and minority communities, to include folks with disabilities, the LGBTQ community more broadly, and so on.
posted by tubedogg at 2:22 PM on May 9 [4 favorites]
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posted by wenestvedt at 1:30 PM on April 17 [5 favorites]