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.<br><br><b>The Planning Room:</b> 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.<br><br><b>Thread Reports:</b> 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 <span style="color:#0000FF;"><b>"all or none"</b></span> 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.<br><br><b>When to Intervene:</b> The general guideline is to moderate in <span style="color:#FF0000;"><b><i>Moderation.<br></i></b><span style="color:#000000;">Meaning - move slowly and don't over react. There are some exceptions and I'll state those first:<br><br><b>Pornography:</b> 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.<br><br><b>Vulgarity in the Thread Titles:</b> 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: <b><span>"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"<br><br></span></b><span><span style="color:#000000;"><b>Hot Debates that go 'astray':</b> 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:<br><b>1. Edit the slur:</b> Simply go into the thread and XXX out the comment. Then add: <span><b>"Please keep comments directed at the topic and not the user"<br></b><span style="color:#000000;"><b>2. 2nd Time:</b> Even if it's not by the same person - edit and then put the comment: <b><span>"Please stay on topic - if personal attacks continue, the thread will be locked"<br><span style="color:#000000;">3. 3rd Time:</span></span></b> Edit and lock thread - don't comment.<br><br><b>Moderating a specific user:</b> 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. <b>IMPORTANT:</b> 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, "<span><b>If you have an issue with how I handled this, please notify the admin of your concerns".</b> <span style="color:#000000;">Then, just give me a heads up.<br><br><b>The Point:</b> 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.<br><br><b>Notify Users First:</b> 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.<br><br><b>Infractions:</b> 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.<br><br><b>Deleting a Post:</b> Unless there is blatent pornography, do not delete a post - simply get the user to edit, or you edit/lock it.<br><br><br><b>Banning:</b> 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.<br><br><b>Call Out Threads:</b> 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 '<span style="color:#FF0000;"><b>classic clubhouse callout'</b></span> - then intervene right away.<br><br><b>Parody Threads:</b> No biggie - let them go.. if that's all they got to say - then so be it.<br><br><b>Polls:</b> Same thing - let them go.. they'll go through spurts where they are going nuts with them and it'll pass.<br><br><br>
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.<br><br>
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.<br><br><br>
Thanks<br><br><br>
Rich<br></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>
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.<br><br>
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.<br><br><br>
Thanks<br><br><br>
Rich<br></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>