I was actively involved in a Windows oriented computer security forum, until I deleted my Windows partition, and I lost interest in most of the threads. I still check in occasionally and comment on Linux related security matters.

While there, I watched as the forums lost their "Off Topic" forum, due primarily to the moderators attempting to moderate threads they were actively involved in. Probably the number one mistake a moderator makes.

With that being said, it appears that moderation here would involve:

Addressing trolls and commercial posts ASAP.

Posting new topics to maintain interest in the various forums.

Participate in any thread where you can contribute, but as a rule, they can not moderate that discussion.

Welcome all new members, and check their IP address against a list of banned posters.

Check unanswered posts on a regular basis, and respond if able, or at least bump them, for others to see.

Be respectful of opinions you do not agree with.

Avoid being passive aggressive, expecting everyone to know exactly what they can do or not do. Strict disciplinarians make lousy moderators.

Act decisively, and without regret, when you are needed to step in to point a conversation in another direction, or close a thread.

And finally, make sure that people know you're there, but don't meddle in threads, that may be "spirited", but are within the posted guidelines for participation in the forums.