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Date:         Tue, 26 Jan 1993 10:52:58 -0600
From:         "David S. Shores" <MSCC1F@JETSON.UH.EDU>
Subject:      Re: Becoming a relay Op

>
>I am interested in becoming a relay op.  What are the responsibilities and the
>duties of a Relay Op and how do I become one?   Thanks in advance
>                Scott Sawyer
>                Knight, Redd, Me, . etc.


   This is one of the most difficult questions about relay to answer because
there is no single way to become a RelayOp.  There are some general guidelines,
but a lot of it is being the right person, at the right place, at the right
time.  A couple of years ago a group of RelayOps discussed the best answer to
this question, and here is what they came up with:

Q: How do I become an Operator?
A: Master Operators are the only people who may grant privileges of Class
   4 or higher.  General Operators have neither the power nor the
   authority to make you an op.  If there is more than one Master Op at
   a host, they will confer before giving someone Operator status.  The
   criteria used in choosing is sometimes site-dependent, eg. who may be
   an op, or how many ops are allowed.  If you wish to be considered, you
   may send e-mail to the person(s) listed in the response to /CONTACT.
   Be patient and understanding if the answer is no.  You may elect to
   ask again periodically, so you are the first person in mind when it
   comes time to select a new operator.

   This answer does not discuss what a MasterOp may look for when they consider
choosing new ops.  Obviously, different MasterOps are going to have their own
ways of doing this.  Generally speaking, though, they will want someone who
has been around relay long enough to understand how all of the commands work,
and who is able to explain how they work to new users in a helpful way.  They
want someone who they feel has good enough judgement not to abuse operator
privileges.  They want someone who is patient and actually enjoys helping folks
out and is articulate enough to do this.  They want someone who is willing to
listen to other people, and to learn from listening.  MasterOps generally are
pretty busy people who, for whatever reason, volunteer their time to administer
relay at their site, so they need someone who is able to function independently
as much as possible.  They also need to know that their operators will not
function independently in such a way as to generate more problems than they
solve, though.  Anyway, put yourself in a MasterOp's position and ask yourself
what qualities you would need from your operators.  If you can do that, you will
see most of the things that MasterOps seek, probably.
   You also asked about the responsibilities and duties of relay operators.
There are three pretty broad categories that I think cover almost all of the
responsibilities: 1) educating other relayers, 2) preventing abuse of relayers
and relay itself, and 3) assisting relayers in whatever may come up.

   Now that I've said all of that, I would request, on behalf of all of the
MasterOps, that any of you desiring to become operators really think it over
for awhile _before_ you send a request to a MasterOp.  Ask yourself why you
want it.  Is it because it seems neat and it would be kind of exciting to find
out what it is like?  Do you think it is something you would want to do for a
few weeks and then get tired of?  Do you already find yourself answering lots
of questions about relay and trying to help new folks, or do the "newbies"
just annoy you with their lack of expertise?  Just remember, folks, it is not
a paying position, and it is not always a popular position.  Sometimes it forces
you to do things you would prefer not to have to do.  Sometimes it makes it
impossible--or at least difficult--to just kick back and have a good time with
your friends on relay without being interrupted and distracted.  MasterOps
already get lots and lots of requests for operator privileges, so please do
be considerate enough to be serious about it if you do request privs.

David Shores/Roadman
Aggieland RelayOp
Comments: Gated by NETNEWS@AUVM.AMERICAN.EDU
Subject: (no subject given)