It should be a given. It's like saying a policeman should get approval from the citizens before arresting them.

Well, that's not entirely fair to say. I would say that we are, within reason, accountable to you guys for our actions, and in the past, responses to our decisions have changed and improved our strategies for dealing with situations.

In this particular instance, a minority of people have disagreed with our handling of the situation, and the remainder either approve or don't care. We've got to weigh that against our success rate on the matter so far, and the pros and cons of following through on the requested changes.

Realistically speaking, I do not believe there is more to be gained by giving solicitors the benefit of the doubt compared to the amount of inconvenience it would cause not only our staff, but our members as well.

I can see why the OP might have been offended if they were genuine but they need to bare in mind the number of people who come on here to do exactly the same thing just to post their links in the form of some inane query. The line needs to be drawn. However if there were a thread dedicated to noobs posting their links it could have it's place. Of course it would be ripe for abuse so might be more effort than it's worth to the mods to maintain any sort of order.

Moderators aren't cops. They probably need to perform some similar duties. but anyone who sees himself (or herself) as a typical cop should become an actual police officer, security guard, or something else and leave the moderator job to another.

I see moderators in theory as mostly facilitators. Main duty - promoting an environment most of the target audience likes and uses as desired. The reality is that unless moderators are careful, that usually does not occur and often a much higher percentage than moderators and some regulars realize is quietly dissatisfied. This I know from experience - I've been a member of many forums and even helped run a few communities. Moderators - some, at least - need to present themselves as friendly and helpful in order to get members to share their concerns and also to behave well. Being quick to talk privately with members can be a valuable tactic. The only type of cop a moderator should try to emulate is Officer Friendly.

Honestly, I think we're more like janitors.

This one, specifically.

http://i.imgur.com/94rKr.png

Yeah, that's about right.

It was a metaphoric example of how mods facilitate a decision to what they deem malicious and unnecessary. Ultimately it's up to them. It doesn't mean they can't be appealed to or better their responses.

Yeah, but just get them angry and you'll know all about it! :D
https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/i...ADWtAGuE1VxE9T

"Go on creep! Spam me! Make my day! You feelin' lucky punk? Well ARE ya?!"

Dude I'd get arrested by Dirty Harry anyday.

Now I think bartender is a good analogy. Collectively operate as a friendly bartender, and few customers will cause trouble.

As for spammy new members, why haven't links in posts and sigs been disabled until x posts have been made?

We already have a system that dictates post number needed for posting links. As far as sigs, we don't have a way to do that.