Co Admin Problem

[Jack~Rouse]

I've been given the heads up on something my co-admin has done, that may have ruined the reputation of my young forum, if it had one in the first place.

I was made aware that he was using the forums twitter account to send abusive tweets, not only to people he knew, but also to the forums followers, all 750 of them, I know that isn't many ion some peoples eyes, but for me it's a lot.

The tweets obviously contained some abusive words, calling people ( rhymes with runt), and telling football celebrities to "rhymes with duck" off.

I don't know twitter that well, but I am assuming that not only did these tweets go out to the those mentioned, but also their followers were able to read them.

Obviously I have now changed the e-mail and password so that he can no longer access twitter and do this, but where do I go know, I couldn't work out why members had deserted us, and why the traffic from twitter had slowed to a halt, now I know why.

Is it best to change to another domain, and import the posts from the old one, tell the good members I have, what I am doing, and hope they follow.

I'm at a loss because because I've poured a lot of time and effort, as well as a few $'s into this, only to see it all ruined ( maybe)

Oh as soon as I found out, I did issue an apology on Twitter for the abusive tweets.

 

[VirusZero]

Changing domains won't likely help in the long run. It'll just cause extra work for you while you deal with this situation, potentially adding extra stress if anything does wrong (adding to downtime) and just making things worse. Plus the fact that if you change names it may send a mixed message (like the former name site actually endorsed that message and new name site either doesn't or hasn't yet made a stance.)

Instead it'd be better to just keep the domain the same and focus on repairing the damage done.
I'd suggest:
Firstly, demoting that co-admin if you haven't already. (They've proven themselves unable to be trusted with any sort of power. They've damaged your site's reputation and aren't worthy of holding the title admin anymore.) You may want to even consider outright banning them. They abused your site's twitter account to cause problems for other people, necessitating that you go in and clean it up. (And, personally, any time I have to go clean up a large mess someone has made... they don't get warnings or suspensions anymore, they get banned. Especially staff who should know better.)

Secondly, going back and erasing those offensive tweets. They shouldn't be left around for others to see them. Even if you make it clear that you didn't make those tweets and you don't support them, you should remove them just so that no one else can see them and that so more issues don't result from them being left.

Thirdly, creating an announcement on site letting users know what went on. Let them know: the fact you did not know nor approve of the messages sent, that you're sorry this happened, that you've removed the offending messages and of course dealt with the former co-admin who used the account maliciously.

 

[Migi]

I honestly don't think moving will do you much good. It means a new start, yes, but on the other side it also feels like you ran away from the problem. I think you should at least apologize properly, delete the abusive tweets, give proper punishment to that troublesome co-admin, and contact your members again explaining the situation. Personally, if necessary. Don't expect them to forgive you right away since people have different feelings, but at least make it clear that it's not you who did it but you take responsibility for it. Talk to them and try to work something out.

Don't give up yet! I'm sorry to hear it has to happen to you.

 

[MrSackfist]

I agree changing domains is not going to do much good. As they say, the damage is done now, all you can really do is move on. Cancel the twitter account and move on