Atlanta
ON'T get taken advantage of just because you're new
Well thanks but...I'm not exactly new. 
I think I've been a moderator at TER longer than any current moderator except Girl Next Door. I appreciate your concern. Rest assured, nobody takes advantage of me. I'm just giving everyone the benefit of the doubt because I don't know this board's history.
thirsty
A few points...
1. Violating message board posting rules gets you moderated, not terminated.
2. TER moderators don't have the ability to terminate, only to moderate a poster.
3. I get the sense that many of the posting rules have not be consistently enforced on this board. The "heavy hand" that you accuse me of using is just my effort to get this board community in line with the rest of TER's regional boards.
4. If you're unhappy with the job that I'm doing, I won't lose any sleep over that fact. Those posting on both sides of this issue seem to be upset with my actions. Anyone who has moderated a board such as the boards at TER quickly learns that it is not your job to make everyone happy.
5. For those of you who disagree with the way I handle this or any other situation on this board, remember TER is still looking for a local moderator. Please PM or email
[email protected]
if you think you're up to it.
thirsty
Okay, Thirsty, a few quick points of my own:
1. In general, I am not unhappy with the job you are doing moderating. I much prefer enforcement of the rules versus the chaos that has infected some of the other local boards. Good job. Perhaps I should have mentioned this in the original post. 
2. Whether or not you like the "heavy hand" description, the fact remains that your presence here lately has been significantly more obvious than that of previous moderators. Strict interpretation of the posting rules, with no room for exception. Just an observation, not criticism. Again, I'm all for order on the board, and you're doing a good job of keeping the peace.
3. My only complaint is that you failed to enforce the rules in what I (and others) consider the biggest infraction you encountered so far since your arrival. If "violating message board posting rules gets you moderated", then by all means you should moderate the offender. Anything less could be taken as "passive acceptance" of the offense, and encourage others to do the same. NOT cool.
4. I've moderated boards in the past, and I don't want your job. Takes a LOT of time, low pay, and you're always getting grief from somebody about something (like me about this, for instance!). No thanks.
Anyway, thanks for filling in, and keep up the good work. And remember, sometimes criticism can be constructive with positive results.
atl_mgr
I agree. I don't mind the criticism. I just felt that your reply was a little sanctimonious. What gives you cause to assume that I strictly enforce the rules with no room for exception? Stop by the Boston board and take a look. It's pretty much everything goes as long as posters respect others (especially their privacy). Most people are unmoderated in Boston. Who I do and do not moderate is ultimately none of your business.
Apparently the provider posting rules were only loosely enforced here. I assumed that the rules regarding posting private information may not have been enforced at all. I chose to use the opportunity of Heidi's post as an example. I give people the benefit of the doubt but only once. I have rejected a lot of posts on this board but I have not moderated anyone. Right or wrong, that's the way I do it.
Anyway...no problem between us. I agree with most of what you wrote, except I wish moderating was a low paying job.
thirsty