** CCC Moderator Nominee Information **

Discussion of anything and everything relating to chess playing software and machines.

Moderator: Ras

TCAdmin
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** CCC Moderator Nominee Information **

Post by TCAdmin »

The following members have been nominated to serve on the moderation team for the Computer Chess Club Forums:

Name and Status (A=accepted, D=declined):

D - Steve B
_ - Miguel Ballicora
A - Graham Banks
A - Maria Clara Benedicto
A - Jeremy Bernstein
A - Christopher Conkie
D - Dann Corbit
D - Don Dailey
_ - Gerold Daniels
_ - Jon Dart
_ - Dr. Wael Deeb
D - Damir Desevac
A - Matthias Gemuh
_ - Eelco de Groot
A - Sam Hamilton
_ - Robert Hyatt
D - Gerd Isenberg
D - Thomas Mayer
_ - Gian-Carlo Pascutto
_ - Vasik Rajlich
D - Alexander Schmidt
D - Sven Schule
D - Guenther Simon
A - Peter Skinner
D - Slobodan Stojanovic
A - Swaminathan
D - Harun Taner
_ - Rolf Tueschen
A - Harvey Williamson

Nominees please PM or e-mail your decision to accept or decline to the admin account (tcadmin@verizon.net) no later than Jan 16; if you do not respond by the deadline it will be assumed you have declined. Those who accept nomination are welcome to post a short self-description and moderation philosophy as a reply to this announcement (no other posts in this thread, please).

Thanks,
-Sam-
sockmonkey
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Re: ** CCC Moderator Nominee Information **

Post by sockmonkey »

A tiny bit about me: I'm a software developer with a background in sound and video arts, living in Berlin, Germany (born and raised in the USA, though). Although I've not been a member of CCC for that long (my interest in/passion for chess began about two years ago), I've been a regular reader and, occassionally, participant here since joining. I'm an active and enthusiastic chess player, still at the novice level, but improving. My interest in computer chess is mostly as a consumer (I use engines to assist in the analysis of games I play with people, and other software for training purposes), although I'm working on a small UCI host/GUI which would run as a plug-in within the software I write for a living.

My biggest concern with CCC is the uncivility of many of the discussions here. I, like many here, enjoy a good, prickly argument. What I don't enjoy is reading (about me or about my co-members) insults, insinuations and other products of poisoned pens, and I think there's no place, and certainly no need, for that kind of behavior on this forum. The CCC charter is quite clear on this subject, and, if elected, I will work with the rest of the moderation team to enforce civil discussion, within reason (along with the other guidelines of the CCC charter, naturally). Past moderators have resorted to banning members. Except in the most extreme cases, I tend to consider banning the very last resort. Most everyone I've met on CCC seems intelligent and reasonable, and I am firm in my belief that, via moderate moderation, most problems can be solved without sending members into exile. The purpose of this forum is discussion, and I see the moderator position as a support to that purpose. I'd hope that the moderation team can work largely invisibly, behind the scenes, to ensure smooth functioning of the forum.

Since the "clone wars" are a hot topic right now, and probably a litmus test for some in this election, I'll make my position as clear as possible. I don't care who the authors of Ippolit, RobboLito, Igorrit, IvanHoe, etc. are, and I don't care that they are anonymous. I have seen no evidence, other than various 'guilt by association' or circumstantial arguments, that these engines are clones or based on stolen code, nor have I observed anything in the output of these engines which would indicate that. Until there is evidence that a crime has been committed, or that code was stolen, I consider these engines legitimate and wish the authors success in their continued efforts to improve them, following the principal of presumed innocence until proven guilt.

Reasonable people can and of course do disagree on this subject, though, and I respect that difference of opinion. Nevertheless, I consider the principal of presumed innocence until proven guilt far more important than intervening voluntarily to protect the commercial interests of a third party. To take this case specifically: if Vasik Rajlich feels that his codebase has been violated, or that his commercial interests have been compromised, he is able, and in a far better position, to take legal action, or to provide evidence of this violation to third parties, and shut down those responsible. I don't feel obligated to do this preemptively on his behalf. This is not based on any ill-will toward Mr. Rajlich, but I don't believe that CCC should be in the business of minding someone else's business.

In short, as moderator, I would support open discussion, links, tournament results, etc. with regard to these engines, without restriction. If, in the future, proof is supplied which supports the clone claim, I would change my position and fight to restrict such discussion. CCC should not be a safe haven for illegal or cloned software.

In conclusion, if elected to the moderation team, I intend to support open, civil and hopefully vibrant discourse on this forum. I don't have a lot of dogs in the fights that occur here, nor do I have any buddies on this board, so I'd hope to offer impartial, largely laissez-faire moderation for the various activities here. If there are complaints (and I'm sure there will be some!), my preference would be to solve them quietly and calmly, without resorting to bans or other draconian penalties. Thanks for reading and best of luck to all of the candidates!

Jeremy Bernstein
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Graham Banks
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Re: ** CCC Moderator Nominee Information **

Post by Graham Banks »

If you think that CCC is in need of a "clean up", then I hope to gain your vote.
If elected, my preference would be to work alongside Peter Skinner and Christopher Conkie because I get on well with both, and they share essentially the same philosophy as myself.

The following will be my intentions if I get elected, but they would obviously need the agreement of the other successful candidates:

- discussion on Ippo and its derivatives will be managed in a manner that it doesn't give the impression of spamming any of the subforums.
No links to these engines will be allowed and I will endeavour to delete existing ones that have already been posted.
My stance on the Ippo issue could change for the better or worse though, depending on future developments.

- links won't be allowed to forums where active piracy occurs.

- if a separate subforum for forum matches/human v computer posts is seen as a popular move, we will ask the administrator to create one.

- personal attacks will not be tolerated.

- regarding bans, I prefer timeouts or short bans. However, in cases of persistent infringements or where a member has joined with the obvious intent of causing trouble or spamming, longer bans are to be expected.

Good luck to all candidates in the elections. :)
gbanksnz at gmail.com
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Peter Skinner
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Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Full name: Peter Skinner

Re: ** CCC Moderator Nominee Information **

Post by Peter Skinner »

As always, someone thought enough of me for nomination, so I will respect their wishes and run.

People know who I am and what I am about. So really none of what I am about to say will be a surprise.

The charter comes first and foremost, and will dictate my moderation actions. It shouldn't be shocking that I find the current state of the CCC absolutely rediculous.

My last moderation term in this forum would have _never_ allowed the discussion, links, or results of a possible clone program. As such, I would be very active in limiting the discussion of Ippolit, Robolito, Iggorrit.. whatever you want to call it next week.

I believe the subject to be of questionable legal and moral status.

In working with Chris Conkie this past moderation term in the CTF, and working with Graham Banks in the past, I of course would prefer to moderate with both of them. Unity is an essential requirement in moderating these forums, and I want to avoid another term where trust is an issue.

So good luck to everyone in the elections, and may the membership agree to move this forum back into the proper direction.

Peter Skinner
I was kicked out of Chapters because I moved all the Bibles to the fiction section.
Christopher Conkie
Posts: 6074
Joined: Sat Apr 01, 2006 9:34 pm
Location: Scotland

Re: ** CCC Moderator Nominee Information **

Post by Christopher Conkie »

Feeling depressed? The Computer Chess Club is no more. It has been prevented from functioning because of the spamming of it by a few, which has been allowed to override the needs of the many.

It is time to get it back, not just for the majority but for the sponsors as well.

If those people are allowed to take over to such an extent that it drives the real members (note the distinction) away, then they need to be stopped.

With this in mind, and to show you how bad it is currently in here, we performed a little statistical experiment. At the same time each day, we counted the chess diagrams (regardless of the position) posted in the general forum in threaded view. We wanted to see how much chess there was in the Computer Chess Club General Forum. (You know what I mean. I mean a chess diagram like the following one for example)

[d]8/8/8/4k3/4n3/3pnp2/8/4K3 w - - 0 1

Code: Select all

Ippolit 0.080a x32:
  0/1       00:00                0   0              0.00
RobboLito085d8_x64:
  0/1       00:00                0   0              0.00
Tankist 1.2 32-bit:
  0/1       00:00                0   0              0.00       
Igorrit_0086v9_x64:
   0        00:00                0   0              0.00
IvanHoe_w32:
   0        00:00                0   0              0.00       
Rybka 3.0 Dynamic x64 SMP:
   1        00:00                0   0              0.00
;-)

On average on a page in threaded view there are 247 messages in any given day.
How many chessboards do you think there were on average, on the front page each day for the past 3 months?

Answer? One (1.43 to be precise). 2 years ago, the average was......wait for it.......42.Think about it.

If you are like me and like chess of the computer chess variety, this is not a good place to be right now.
Note the statistics are only a way to show you just how little interest there seems to be in the actual game currently in here.
I bet the interest is out there. The problem is that it is currently being smothered by what can only be described as spam.
I would seek to redress that and set the place back to what it was and should be with whoever I am elected with.

And now I want to say something else, which has not changed from my previous moderation profile.

I believe the CCC is a very important place. The CCC is the largest forum devoted to computer chess and AI in the world. There is a wealth of information and help to be had here by those who seek it. Many educational establishments use this place as a reference point and from that, we all benefit when a new author (and I really do mean new) comes along with what they made. I believe we are very lucky to have such a place, when it is functioning as it should.

If elected as moderator I would.....

1. Stop people spamming the forum, so that everyone could to participate, on multiple subjects
2. Prevent all false accounts/spammers from being allowed to mess up the forum
3. Seek to create a separate forum for human v engine matches.
4. Try to help those who contribute, to feel comfortably in posting.
5. Not allow any links to any clone or pirate websites.
6. Allow freedom of expression within the scope of my interpretation of the Charter.
7. Make sure that things are done proactively, rather than reactively.

The people (that I know) I could work with (who are also nominated) are, Peter Skinner (who has been a moderator with me already) and Graham Banks.
We

If you are a programmer of an engine, even if you are just starting out. If you are a tournament director or if you are just interested in computer chess, my advice is to reclaim your CCC for you.

A vote for me, (along with those I mention above) is a vote for the continuity, development, advancement and protection of the Computer Chess Club.

Don’t be depressed anymore. Help is on the way.

:-)

Christopher

============================================
On an unrelated but very important subject......

I would like to make you aware of the following links whereby you can help those suffering in Haiti.
There is a tragedy unfolding there which puts any gripe one may have about one thing or another into its correct context.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/
https://www.oxfam.org.uk/donate/haiti-e ... /index.php
https://www.savethechildren.org.uk/secure/51_10171.htm
============================================
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Harvey Williamson
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Location: Whitchurch. Shropshire, UK.
Full name: Harvey Williamson

Re: ** CCC Moderator Nominee Information **

Post by Harvey Williamson »

It is nice to be nominated as a moderator on CCC. A forum I have been a member of for many years. I have been nominated before but declined. This year as CCC seems to be in the middle of a major debate about alleged Clones I thought I would accept.

First a few details about me. I have been interested in Computer Chess since the early 1980's when I bought my first Dedicated Chess Computer. Around the same time I started playing Correspondence Chess. In those days and until relatively recently Computers were not a great deal of help.

A few years ago I won the British Correspondence Championship and have also qualified for the Semi Final of the World Championship. I have also just earned the Correspondence International Master title.

I enjoy good food and Red Wine. In the last 12 months I have managed to eat in 2 Michelin 3 star Restaurants - the highest rating possible. One was in Spain during the last world Computer Chess Championship. The other last September at what is widely regarded as the best Restaurant in the World, The Fat Duck. Please do not ask me how much the bill was, I am still paying for it.

I have one job that pays me a salary. I work for BBC Radio News and have had some interesting assignments in places like Iraq, Afghanistan and Israel/Gaza. This gives me some unique practice at being calm under fire.

Most of you probably know that I have worked with Mark Uniacke on Hiarcs since 2005 and I am a Sys Op on Playchess. I also run the Hiarcs forum which although is there to promote a commercial engine is also open to general debate and has given me some good practice. I have attended and operated in many Computer Chess tournaments including ICGA World Championships. I am not a programmer but I have a broad knowledge of computer chess spanning more than 25 years - (sigh....but still only 45 :) )

Moderation wise most things are allowable as long as no personal attacks. The Clone issue is a hot topic at the moment. Personally I think debate about Clones and alleged Clones is fine, promotion of them is not. At the moment the situation is a little out of control with new 3000+ engines popping up every day. If they are genuine that is great but I doubt anyone is capable of churning out 3000+ elo engines overnight.

Moderation of course has to be done in conjunction with the other two moderators and the Charter. The Charter has been in place for many years now and I would be open to a debate about how/if it could be improved/modernised.

This forum should be a place where programmers and supporters of genuine Chess engines and dedicated Computers of whatever strength should feel comfortable to have sensible debate.

Best Wishes,
Harvey
swami
Posts: 6659
Joined: Thu Mar 09, 2006 4:21 am

Re: ** CCC Moderator Nominee Information **

Post by swami »

I will keep my candidate statement short. I continuously work on designing the test suite called STS and, together along with Dann, have released 8 test suites last year. I spend about 1 hour of manual work every day looking for positions and adding them to collection.

I accept the nomination mainly because I've gotten couple of mails reminding me that they have nominated me specifically because they think I'm neutral on this issue and that they like my attitude around the forums - being concerned only about STS and not involving myself in flame-wars over the past few weeks. Humble me, humble you! :)

My policy is as same as Dann Corbit/ Bob Hyatt/ Jeremy Berenstein/Mathias Gemuh.

My preference would be to work alongside Mathias Gemuh/Jeremy Bernstein/Bob Hyatt (that's assuming he accepts)

Best Wishes,
Swami
Last edited by swami on Sat Jan 16, 2010 6:58 pm, edited 5 times in total.
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Matthias Gemuh
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Re: ** CCC Moderator Nominee Information **

Post by Matthias Gemuh »

I have been an active member of the CCC for a very long time.
I am the author of ChessGUI and the chess engine BigLion.

My moderation philosophy is simple: free speech is better than censorship.

My stance on clones:
claims without evidence are worth nothing.
Rumours and claims that are not accompanied by evidence cannot make anything
to be "of questionable legal status".
Links to Ippolit/RobboLito/Igorrit/Firebird shall be allowed, unless these
engines are proven to be clones.

As a mod, I shall :
1) respect and enforce the charter.
2) tolerate much, except personal attacks.

I hope that those who vote for me shall also vote for Jeremy, Damir, Swami, Clare.

Cheers,
Matthias Gemuh
My engine was quite strong till I added knowledge to it.
http://www.chess.hylogic.de
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mariaclara
Posts: 4186
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Re: ** CCC Moderator Nominee Information **

Post by mariaclara »

:D Hello Everybody,

I guess most of you know what I stand for.

01. Freedom of speech/expression . - no censorship.
( of course within the limits of our charter, civility, respect and
courtesy to our co-members. no insults, name-calling/etc.)

02. Fresh perspective.No historical baggage. - meaning, I don't go for old
prehistoric personal vendettas.
Always look at the situation based on the present, on its merits.
No personalities.

03. NO piracy.

04. I feel in step with Graham & Chris. They have expressed
preference for open discussion; no links to warez and the like;
no forcible bans. (no team. you may vote according to your wish.)

05. Consultation with Mods and the membership. For action in accordance
with our Charter, of course the majority of 3 will prevail.

However, in more serious situations like ban/removal of a
color=darkred]mod elected by the membership[/color],
I prefer involving the electorate in decision making.

Reality check: it was you, the electorate who voted the mods in,
( not the mods)
so only you can remove a mod.

06. Moderate as a moderator should. Although I am not an expert chess
programmer, I feel what we need is a moderator. NOt a Dictator.
Just a mod like the moderator in debates. a moderator.

07. Transparency. I want the membership to know what is happening
within/among the Mods. No secrets. No secret Mod agreements within
among themselves.

08. Fair/balance treatment of all. No more special treatment for "special"
people. Why should they be given special treatment,

afterall, they are just like you and me with 1 vote.

09. I want a forum under the "dictatorship" of the membership.
not a dictatorship by a few elite.

to the people who nominated me and to the membership,
a sincere Thank you.

Good Luck to us all


:!:
.
.

................. Mu Shin ..........................
BubbaTough
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Re: ** CCC Moderator Nominee Information **

Post by BubbaTough »

Howdy,

I have accepted my nomination, but truth be told I would prefer either the person I nominated, or the person who nominated me to win (or both). Mostly I am running because I would prefer there to be at least one chess programmer without strong opinions participating on whatever team is elected for the other moderators to consult as needed. It looked to me like not that many people that have accepted to date met that criteria, so I somewhat reluctantly agreed to offer people myself as an option for fulfilling that role.

If left to my own devices I would probably want to implement a little clerical cleaning up by:
1. Trying to encourage the reduction of separate threads on the same topics.
2. Trying to discourage long divergences from the main (computer chess) topic of threads.
3. Helping the team establish some clear and public guidelines on what constitutes a breach of charter, and encourage consistent enforcement.

Basically, the overall goal is to try to make the site more user-friendly for people that are actually trying to discuss computer chess issues. How to do these three things, well, I honestly have no idea...it would have to be a discussion topic with the other moderators elected.

In terms of who I would like to serve with, well, my preference is for at least one fellow moderator that has been here a long time and has been a moderator before (I would hate for there to be three novice moderators). I would also want both other moderators to have been active long term participants in computer chess, preferably as a programmer, tester, or tournament organizer.

In terms of my own computer chess involvement for those that do not know me: my professional background is in research. I wrote my first chess program in 1989. I have written maybe 4 at this point, all private, and most of which acted as a testbed for different algorithmic ideas I had that might be applicable to other domains. I am currently working on a fifth chess program as a team effort with a couple other members of this board which we plan to make publicly available. My board participation generally waxes and wanes depending on how active I am pursuing my chess programming hobby, but if elected I will make an effort to be more consistent in my attention to the board for the period of the term.

-Sam