I have an idea that could help Hull with hiring new admins..
What if under the section on your profile that shows if your an admin had an apply button next to each job? Hull could configure it so that whenever he needs admins for a certain job, the apply button would appear, and when there are enough admins, the button would disappear. This application option could last for only 24 hours, which would ensure that all members who log on daily get a chance to apply, while keeping Hull from getting too many requests.
Whenever a person clicked apply, they would be directed to a screen that is almost like a message, but it would instead prompt them on why they would be best suited for the job. Hull could even specify what time hewould prefer the user to log on each day (or night), and you could state your location and your usual daily login time.
This could help ensure that all jobs are filled and managed throughout the day and night. It could also help make the procedure for choosing an admin easier, while lessening the amount of messages he gets for admin requests.
I think writing a paragraph is far less qualifying than exhibiting admin-like qualities in the field. You are right, though, in that we need a balanced number of admins to cover the site 24/7, but I don't feel "applying" is the best solution.
according to Halli's mod numbers recently, though, we have a surplus of admins in some fields while we lack admins in another..and you must remember that you would only be allowed to apply when a job was needed..
also:a paragraph stating why you would be a great admin would be very revealing..grammar, professionalism, understanding of what the job entails, and drive could all be revealed by a one or two paragraph application..
i was also thinking that instead of being able to apply for 24 hours, just change it to where it only lets you apply during the time period Hull would need you to log on..he could give zero warning so to ensure that daily (or nightly) members who truly have the drive to earn the job are applying, because if they didn't know the app would be available, then that is most likely their usual log-in time..
This is just an idea for when mods ARE needed..if the applications are only open for an hour or two without warning, he would only get a few applications, and would be able to decide from there..he could even do an alert that only displays when apps are being accepted..and being that he may not need admins for days, weeks, or even months, it would be a waste to sit and refresh..
If you read EVERYTHING that I wrote, you would see that most of your arguments would not hold water..Every possible problem you have stated can be shot down if you read ALL of my ideas and reasons why..It is obvious that most of you did not read the entire posts, because you have not absorbed the details that smoothe everything out..
That's a good point, Subtle..Although I did just hear that not many blogmins do their jobs, and I'm sure that's true with many of the other admin jobs..this could help find more zealous admins, and maybe boost productivity..
Maybe Hull should also create an admin who checks on other admin activity, to see who's doing their job, and possibly de-admin people if they have not done their job for a while..