I find the feature a little daunting. I appreciate that the site and community as a whole operates on a system of self-governance and it's intended for the community to police and guide itself with minimal administrative interference, and in a lot of cases, posts are pretty easy to approve. But there's always that fear: what if I approve a comment that starts a flame war that completely derails an otherwise successful and productive conversation?

I usually go through comments and approve of the ones that interest me and approve of. They get checked on merit, but it's an easy choice. I haven't seen many that are negative or distastful.

I like a post because I want to, not because I'm ask to.

no gimme the power lol

Not weird; it's a totally awesome feature that allows "proven" members (i.e. higher level) to help moderate content--to (hopefully) keep the site free of racism, homophobia, misogyny, etc. I think I have only clicked "no" once, because there was something hateful in the response (don't remember what it was...some totally off the wall aggro misogyny, I think). Otherwise, I read to make sure there's nothing hateful; profanity is A-okay in my book, fuck yeah! I'm not checking to see whether I think the response is "correct", or "on-topic", "intelligent", or agrees with my personal sensibilities. I have "approved" plenty of stuff with which I didn't personally agree or I thought was somehow boneheaded or off-base or something.

I don't consider myself a censor. I think of myself like a parent on the playground who's keeping an eye out: the kids can yell at each other and be stupid and mean and use naughty words...but the second I see hitting, that's when I step in and shut it down. I'm not the morality/manners/content police. I'm just doing my part to keep the playground "safe."

And the "rules" aren't even mine. Basically, I'll approve anything if I feel like it adheres to the principles and guidelines for the site. Like I said, so far that's been everything, minus one.

It's not hard, and it's not icky. I rather it.

No, it's just a way to keep out trolls which is important. If someone wants to join just to cause problems for us heathens they have to make enough appropriate commentary to level up before they can. It would be very expensive to pay people to do this task, so I really don't mind. I enjoy having a free discussion place without trolls. It is rare.

What do you mean "lower levels" once upon a time you were "lower levels" too. You did not get there all by yourself.

With great power comes great responsibility! Just kidding. I have never not approved a message. I don't pass judgment on content or stupidity or whether a comment is off-topic. The only kind of comments I can see my self not approving are those that are attacking an individual or a group. If people want to put their "stupid" on display, that's fine with me.

I'm fine with it although I was confused when one I disapproved showed up anyway.

Of course I click yes, it does not cost me anything. Unless the comment is off or uncalled for, then I just defer to someone else to decide