I'm sure there will be hurt feelings. It's a shame these people didn't ask to be put on a waiting list, because then those who were not chosen would think others were on the list longer.
I'm impressed with Padunk, although he hasn't been a member for a long time. He is quite intelligent and he's pleasant.
As for the UK-good idea, but I don't know if Zelensia, though experienced, could control herself. She has been nice lately, but I would worry about her a bit. I believe you warned her and Angel at the same time.
Madmissie is newer, but much more friendly. She's from the UK also, and would do well in the Lounge or Cat Chat.
I think Empath would be a good choice overall.
Annissa is very nice also, and would do well in the Lounge or Cat Chat.
I don't know Chocolate or Cattybird well enough to have an opinion.
I wish someone with some knowledge of health and nutrition (like Jessica,)would have volunteered. We need someone to keep an eye on Angel. Would Gracie's mom be interested? or Queen of the Nile? Gracie's mom knows quite a bit about strays and ferals and caring for kittens. Queen of the Nile is quite knowledgable. I think she has experience with breeding.
They are both quite knowledgable. Of course Angel often feels the need to correct Dr. Jean, and she has often been known to post complete nonsense, and would not hesitate to argue with anyone.
Although Angel has been doing well recently, (she's even spelling pretty well, and I think that means she's calmer and takes time to think) she can get completely out of control. I assume she is on her medication. I'm not being unsympathetic about her condition. I just know what can happen through past experience. (not with me, by the way.) For the sake of her little girl, I hope she continues to get help. She's so young and lovely. It's sad. I understand what she's going through. My oldest sister had bi-polar disease, and at times went through ****.
I have some suggestions from past experience. If you don't think ithey would be helpful, please ignore. They're not my rules, but the rules in a very successful forum:
Mods could moderate all forums if necessary, but certain mods would get notifications of all posts in their specific forums. If those mods were not online, and it was just a post needing to be moved to another forum, someone else could do it. Or if it was a severe infraction of the rules, anyone could put the thread under review or suggest edits in the mod's forum. If noone answered within an hour, that person would have to use his best judgment. (pornography or foul language could be edited or put under review immediately, and then reported, so that the members wouldn't have to see it.)
I would also suggest that all mods would get notification of a post in the mod's forum. That way we could trade opinions. I discovered that some mods resented any other mod editing a flaming post, but didn't show up for days -or even weeks at a time. Most mods would ask for help with their forums if they were ill or going to be away-even for a day or two. As Bean mentioned, the posts can get so numerous that it's almost impossible to catch up after a day or two! So, I would ask new people (and experienced mods) to announce vacations or other absences ahead or time, if possible.) I think every mod should check their notifications for this forum first every day. You might have something important to tell us, or a new mod might need guidance.
It's good to have at least two or three mods for a busy forum, and at least two for one that doesn't get as many posts. So, a Cat Chat mod could also moderate Arts and Literature. And another mod from Health and Nutrition could also have that responsibility. I used to post a lot in breeding, because I know a lot about pregnancy and delivery, the care of kittens, etc. because that mod only posted about once a month. Here, that's not a busy forum. My forums were (the equivalent of) Literature, Cats in Need, and the Rainbow Bridge. Those forums were not as busy, so, even with three (and another mod) I had time to do some posting for fun. I think that's important.
Bean is so right. I find myself at the computer for as many as 8 hours a day, especially if I'm researching some posts regarding health and nutrition. I don't want to post anything important without a good source, unless it's common knowledge or within my experience. By the time I get done, it's time to start all over again.
However, if there were two mods each forum, and, perhaps three in the busiest forums, each would have time to do some posting-just for fun, without feeling guilty. I really enjoy writing a chapter to the mystery story, although it easily takes an hour (if done well and edited properly.) But it's an hour I completely enjoy.
It would be great to have someone overseas on the busy forums. We have members in Autralia also, and they are 14 hours ahead of us. Of course Sol is overseas. I don't see a lot of posts from her, so perhaps she hasn't been well.
Just one other suggestion. There always seems to be a mod who feels the need to write cruel PMs to mods and members. That could really hurt a site. So, I think we should treat one another with kindness and respect. I saw more flaming in a particular mod's lounge than I ever saw online. We can disagree without being disagreeable. So, I think it's wise to have a list of rules, just as you do for members. I believe also that nothing said in the mod's lounge should be repeated.
I hope this is helpful. I also hope other mods will give their opinions.