[mmccarthy]

Originally Posted by MRiGnS · merge threads with the same topic · separate different topics in one thread · observe polls and encourage the creator (of the poll, not god) to add options to vote if available options seem to biased and would lead the poll in only one possible direction. · may caution users if they annoy with continuous flaming and/or tend to start flame wars · delete posts, threads and polls inconsistent with the board rules

I would qualify this to "delete or edit"

Originally Posted by MRiGnS · may warn, caution users not obeying the board rules and may be able to ban them after continuous transgressions and consultation with the other moderators

We are reserving banning to admins only on a temporary basis until everyone gets used to the new rules. It's the easiest way to avoid members being banned and reinstated which would undermine the mods.

Originally Posted by MRiGnS · may summon lolcatz and ponies

Sorry can you explain the last one

Originally Posted by MRiGnS · delete spam and inapropriate content (warez, hackz, pr0n) as soon as possible · Welcome new members · Be polite and gentle especially with the Mod hat on. · Avoid sarcasm and irony while moderating threads or users · Think carefully about your actions. · Show up on suspicious threads and make clear you're watching. · Ask users to stay on topic. (use PMs) · Move off topic discussion to another thread, if not already available create it. · stay in contact with other moderators. · gather user feedback and suggestion and forward them to the administrators · try to avoid moderating threads you participate in on your own, call other moderators for help and ask them about their opinion.

All very good suggestions

[mmccarthy]

Originally Posted by MRiGnS folks, feel free to add, remove or change points on the list I posted. We can make a guide out of it afterwards and I think it's easier to keep track that way.

If we can use MRiGnS list as the current status of the How To and add to it or edit it as we go I think it will make things easier.

[MRiGnS]

Originally Posted by mmccarthy Sorry can you explain the last one

a joke as I like lolcatz and ponies ;P

http://www.knitemare.org/cats/serious_cat.jpg
http://www.dropline.net/cats/images/dune-cat.jpg

http://www.hadess.net/blog/images/cant-have-a-pony.png

[Rasczak]

Originally Posted by mmccarthy I think the issue here is that mods should only post in threads if its appropriate to do so. Otherwise the issue should be dealt with by PM. I would not like to see threads hijacked by mods trying to mediate a problem between members or with a particular member. While I agree transparency is important I don't want to see the equivalent of public floggings. Apart from anything else, publicly calling someone to task puts them on the defensive and makes mediation more not less difficult. Using Pm's to point out the problems with someones behaviour in a thead can often resolve the issue as the member does not feel they need to defend their position in a public way. Moderators are part of a team and should never feel that they are alone in dealing with any situation. Another mod or admin can be asked for assistance or advice at any time.

Yeah, there's no doubt a moderator shouldn't open up discussion about her actions. The issue I'm tossing around is whether a user should be allowed to discuss moderator actions. For example, suppose a user has her post deleted because it breaks the rules, and receives a PM with a warning or whatever.

Should that user be allowed to start a thread and talk about how the moderator deleted her post, sent her a PM, etc? I guess for this forum maybe its ok, but it should never hijack a thread. If the user starts the thread, THEN the moderator can come in, paste the section of the forum rules that was violated, and explain the action. If they choose to.

Or maybe the rule should be simply no discussing moderator actions. I'm on the fence on this one.

[mmccarthy]

Originally Posted by Rasczak Yeah, there's no doubt a moderator shouldn't open up discussion about her actions. The issue I'm tossing around is whether a user should be allowed to discuss moderator actions. For example, suppose a user has her post deleted because it breaks the rules, and receives a PM with a warning or whatever. Should that user be allowed to start a thread and talk about how the moderator deleted her post, sent her a PM, etc? I guess for this forum maybe its ok, but it should never hijack a thread. If the user starts the thread, THEN the moderator can come in, paste the section of the forum rules that was violated, and explain the action. If they choose to. Or maybe the rule should be simply no discussing moderator actions. I'm on the fence on this one.

No I agree with your first point. Although I think the member should appeal privately to the other mods and/or admins on the issue, I think they have the right to create a separate thread. As long as the thread is kept separate and posted in the appropriate community forum.

[mmccarthy]

Originally Posted by MRiGnS a joke as I like lolcatz and ponies ;P http://www.knitemare.org/cats/serious_cat.jpg http://www.dropline.net/cats/images/dune-cat.jpg http://www.hadess.net/blog/images/cant-have-a-pony.png

Thanks for that

Thought I was missing some important new web terms I should know for a minute

[Rasczak]

Originally Posted by mmccarthy No I agree with your first point. Although I think the member should appeal privately to the other mods and/or admins on the issue, I think they have the right to create a separate thread. As long as the thread is kept separate and posted in the appropriate community forum.

Being this is a rule for mods and users, should some thing be added to the forum rules? Maybe not, it falls under hijacking threads.

[mmccarthy]

Originally Posted by Rasczak Being this is a rule for mods and users, should some thing be added to the forum rules? Maybe not, it falls under hijacking threads.

Yes I think it does fall under the hijacking of threads rule.

[Openmouthinsertfoot]

Being I was a mod as well, I can see many points, however, it truly depends on how the forum is going. Certain circumstances require change and sometimes certain rules are better put in place after the fact. Basically, there can be a lot of guessing at what should be done but hard to tell until it gets there sometimes. Basic rules should still be in place though, no doubt about that.

Also, moderators are not admins, however, they do need some power to uphold the forum laws and some leeway to make their own judgment calls but communicating as a group can help keep some bad calls from happening or at least correct them. Mods are only human after all, well, some, lol. I've met a few which drew question...

So I agree with the basics and in my "opinion only" think that certain rules as this should apply off the bat...

Ability to delete bad posts

Ability to warn others if getting out of hand

Can post < many people appreciate a mod or admin who contributes to their discussion>

Can reply <see above>

Cannot discuss users in the open

Cannot discuss mods or admins in the open

Cannot have favoritism

Cannot be rude

Try to be as friendly as possible at all times <this is a must I think>

Warn to keep on topic

Be able to move threads

Able to lock a topic

Not able to ban a user for good, but able to put temp ban on someone for admin to look at. Or, it must be unanimous voting between all mods to ban a user for very good reason. Or both. OR even simply report to admin to let adim be the judge.

Can moderate a thread they are taking part in. I think decent behavior could be upheld if a mod participates or not as long as not moderated for the wrong reason like disagreeing with a poster's opinion to your reply, etc..and putting a warning or something like that, simple abuse of mighty mod power...




Cheers,

OMIF

[mmccarthy]

Hi OMIF

I've been meaning to reactivate this thread for a while. Thanks for the post. I agree with the majority of what you say.

I would like to hear some further comments on these points from members as I think it's time we had a "how to" thread for public viewing.

Mary