Moderation and Forum Management:

admin · Apr 29, 2007

OK Guys and Gals: I thought I'd take a few moments and type up some suggestions - guidelines on moderation of your respective forums. This is a living document and if need be, we can surely adjust and modify any or all of these. The Planning Room: Feel free to question, debate, defend or challenge anything in here - It's in here, as moderators, you learn from each other and make sure we're all on the same page. Thread Reports: There is a function in this forum that will allow users to report threads they feel are in need of moderation. When a thread is reported, a 'Report Thread' will automatically be created in here and an email will be sent to the admin account. Do you want an email sent to you also? It's either "all or none" for the moderators as it isn't forum specific - majority vote wins. When a thread report is posted, the forum moderator can choose to handle it, or ask for input. Feel free to disagree or discuss - don't take it personal - As admin, I have decided to back the decision of the moderator 100%. I trust you guys to make the right call and when in doubt, ask advise from one another. When to Intervene: The general guideline is to moderate in Moderation. Meaning - move slowly and don't over react. There are some exceptions and I'll state those first: Pornography: Blatent pornography (based on 'generally accepted standards - nudity or sexual images) needs to be deleted right away. If it's in initial post - delete the thread and notify the admin right away - the user's account will be put into 'moderation' mode - and I will discuss with the violator. "Moderation Mode" - means the user can post, but no post goes live until a moderator validates it. Vulgarity in the Thread Titles: Those 'seven words' you can't say on tv? If they're in the thread title - edit it and then notify the poster that isn't acceptable behavior. If it occurs again, they will be put into 'moderation mode'. sample text: "although this board isn't censored, use profanity or vulgarity in a thread title is not acceptable behavior. Please refrain from these types of posts. If it occurs again, your ability to post may be effected" Hot Debates that go 'astray': If a heated discussion gets personal and people begin attacking each other and not the topic at hand; for example: "Jane you ignorant slut" verses, "Jane, your statement is ignorant". Then here is the suggested resolution: 1. Edit the slur: Simply go into the thread and XXX out the comment. Then add: "Please keep comments directed at the topic and not the user" 2. 2nd Time: Even if it's not by the same person - edit and then put the comment: "Please stay on topic - if personal attacks continue, the thread will be locked" 3. 3rd Time: Edit and lock thread - don't comment. Moderating a specific user: I prefer all issues with specific users to be handled via PM and NOT in the thread. State the 'violation' and what you'd like that user to do - give them the option to edit or apologize or whatever. Always try to do it in as 'non-threatening' way as possible. IMPORTANT: Don't debate your position - state it and expect the result. If they choose to challenge you - then initiate the 'edit' yourself and notify the user you've done so. If you get any push back from the user - reply and tell them, "If you have an issue with how I handled this, please notify the admin of your concerns". Then, just give me a heads up. The Point: I want you guys to be able to post as users and not get into a pissing contest with others - you've stated the position of the board and that's the end of it. If it continues, I will intervene on your behalf. Notify Users First: With the exception of pornographic posts, always notify the user prior to editing a post - If possible, persuade the user to edit his own post - if he/she won't then do it for them. Infractions: An infraction is a way to notify a user of unacceptable behavior. I prefer to NOT use this function. I prefer you discuss the issue with the user and push for behavioral changes. For now, please don't use this function. Deleting a Post: Unless there is blatent pornography, do not delete a post - simply get the user to edit, or you edit/lock it. Banning: We simply don't ban. We have enough controls in place where that isn't necessary. We have the ability to force a user to have each post 'moderated' - THAT is enough to either change behavior or have the user leave on their own volition. The admin is the only one who can put a user into moderated mode - so if you have a user you feel needs to go there, please let me know. PM me the issues and reasons and we'll discuss. Call Out Threads: I'm kinda waffling on this - there have been a few call outs that have gone unedited. I prefer to NOT have call outs - If there is a callout - I'd suggest a reminder to the user to post the topic and then PM the user to get their attention. Do it via PM and NOT in the thread. Use your judgment on this ok? If you don't think it's a big deal - let it go, but still remind the user that we'd prefer no callouts. If; however, it's a 'classic clubhouse callout' - then intervene right away. Parody Threads: No biggie - let them go.. if that's all they got to say - then so be it. Polls: Same thing - let them go.. they'll go through spurts where they are going nuts with them and it'll pass. 
Thats about all I can think of for now. As I think of other things, or questions arise, we'll edit this post to keep it up to date. The basic premise is to moderate only when it's absolutely necessary. 
Last thing: IF you get ANY COMPLAINTS at all from any users - I would like them forwarded to me right away. I won't address their complaint directly to them, but would still like to know what the complaints are. If I can remediate it, I will and you can communicate with them. 
Thanks 
Rich

merigayle · Apr 29, 2007

sounds good. nice and self explanatory <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif">

sierra · Apr 29, 2007

Very clear! Thanks <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif">

liath · Apr 29, 2007

roots · Apr 29, 2007

Well thought out. Thanks. 
I say the same for entire group of moderators. Seems like we have good communicators here.

Grizzly · Apr 29, 2007

Yup. Now if I could figger out this dad blamed place...

torque · Apr 29, 2007

Can you send this to me in an e-mail? <img alt="biggrin.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/biggrin.gif"> 
I keed...good enough.

diablita · Apr 29, 2007

I'd like to use the multi-quote feature here to agree with all of the reply posts, but I don't want to be redundant. And repetitive. <img alt="biggrin.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/biggrin.gif">

duckgeek · Jul 4, 2007

I have read the rules and they seem to be consistent with my experience as a general user. Thanks!

Tamster · Sep 18, 2007

Good Rules. Thanks Rich.

roots · Sep 18, 2007

Hi Tam. I see you discovered that you are able to "see" users that are online, but have chosen to be "invisible." 
You can tell who is invisible (and online) by the red dot next to their name. 
You can also tell if invisible users are browsing a thread by the *asterisk* next to their name at the bottom of the thread. 
Its never been public information, but now its out there in that thread. 
None of the mods make a big deal of it, but yes, we can view when "invisible" users are online. 
I imagine that some users now will complain, now that they know that we are able to see them when invisible. 
Rich/sierra- I was the one who spilled it. Srlopez and tamster were going back and forth in that thread trying figure out what the "red" dot meant. Sorry if this causes a storm from the population. 
Lloyd

satfix · Sep 18, 2007

No worries at all. I don't mind that the users know. They SHOULD know the moderators have that access.. 
Welcome on board Tamster!

Tamster · Sep 18, 2007

once I made the connection in my brain that Rich gave me mod powers today and today was the first time I've seen the red dots, I took it offline (well, PM) with SrLopez, but by the time I returned to the thread, it was 'out there' . Sorry if this is like a 'cat out of the bag' thing . . . 
not off to a good start with these mod powers, am I?

satfix · Sep 18, 2007

no intentional secrets around here tamster.. it's ok.. really.. Eventually, they'll find out about the PLANNING ROOM.. so don't worry - it's ok. REALLY!

millbot · Sep 18, 2007

This reminds me of Isaac Asimov's Foundation series. <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif"> 
I read through several of the threads in the Planning Room. You guys have done a lot of work to create this nice place for everyone. Many thanks.

diablita · Sep 18, 2007

I just wanted to say 'welcome' to the new mods! And no worries about that thread yesterday. Not only do Rich & Sierra like to keep things open and honest around here, but the majority of the members are reasonable and fair as well.

Liam3494 · Sep 18, 2007

Wait till they hear about the Corporate Jet and the Tassles <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif"> 
L

hally · Sep 21, 2007

Oh, uh, Hi y'all. Forgot I said I'd look in....although I actually DID read this thread I neglected to post to it. Must be old age setting in. I did digest it all though, and promise to abide by the general concepts and ideas set forth by our esteemed site admin <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif"> 
Anyway, I have been playing with the controls and they are really neat. I made a sticky and also merged threads although I am not sure that went over too big with one of the original thread starters. 
Thanks for the welcomes 
Barb

solitude · Nov 11, 2007

Ahem, I'm flying to Philly next weekend, is the Jet available? <img alt="biggrin.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/biggrin.gif"> 
Thanks for the clearly written text. I liked it. I like the rules and I think that it is why this place is just so awesome. <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif"> I'm so non-confrontational, I hope I don't ever have to get nasty on anyone. <img alt="wink.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/wink.gif"> I'm sure Duckgeek did a great job with the 30s and my job will be an easy one. I'm just happy to be here. 
Tracy

satfix · Nov 22, 2007

Guys: some of you are aware of the current situation we've been dealing with regarding a user. That user is currently in "User Moderation". What this means is the user can see and view all areas of the forum and even post; however, no posts are shown until either Sierra or I approve them. First, a couple things about this feature and our use of it. 
1. We will not edit a post that is in moderation. It will either be approved or denied based solely on the content. 
2. The user can still use PM to discuss anyone they'd like - it's intended to be left open so they can communicate with the admin/moderators to resolve whatever issue put them into moderation in the first place. IF the issue doesn't get resolved in a timely manner, then the PM privilege will be suspended and then the only method of communication will be via email. 
Moderation is away to resolve issues where users blatantly abuse our policies with no intention of changing their actions. It's intended to be used instead of banning - Banning is permanent; moderation is a 'cool off' period. The user, once taken out of moderatoin is completely restored to their last standing. I will oppose outright banning until there simply is no recourse. And as the eternal optimist, I always hold out hope for 'recourse'. 
Ok, now that you've been brought up to speed on this feature. We currently have one user in moderation. The moderator of the forum where this user frequents as well as grizzly (everything winds up in his playpen so I wanted him aware) and sierra are 100% in the loop on this issue and we're in agreement with the current handling of the situation. I'm still holding out for a resolution on the current situation. It is completely in the hands of the user in moderation as to whether the moderation status is removed. 
Discussion time: 
I've been trying to figure out whether an open discussion on 'user moderation' is needed. Even if we should post information on this feature in our guidelines area. My fear being that some may see it as a 'badge of honor' to be put into moderation and then start pushing the envelope. 
Your thoughts on this? 
Once this issue is resolved with the current user - how do you wish we proceed in the future? Currently, I and Sierra are the only ones who can assign a person to this group (and that will stay that way because of the area where it must be applied). I'd like you guys to discuss which steps should be taken prior to finally requesting a user be put into moderation. I do NOT like using this feature and struggled with it for awhile before finally making this move. So.. give us your thoughts on the procedures, steps you'd like to see followed before we move to this. 
Finally: 
Any other thoughts or input on how we handle things here. New Mods - its important for you to know that you are absolutely free (and encouraged) to speak your mind here. It is absolutely ok to disagree with anyone in here (even me!! <img alt="biggrin.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/biggrin.gif">) ) This planning room works because the mods have the freedom to form and advise how the place works and what we do. I have a tendency to take some things too personal and thats why I depend on you guys to keep me 'chilled'..... 
So.. I'd like all the moderators to contribute to this discussion - even the new ones. You may be a new moderator, but you've been around here awhile and you're a valuable asset to the board - your thoughts and input is not only welcomed, it's expected. 
thanks 
rich

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