Moderator Manual/Handbook

Moderators should be able to handle and solve situations involving troublesome users with speed. They should also be active on these forums, and know how to use good spelling and grammar. They must be mature, and not flame any user. They must follow all the rules for the forum. They should be on the internet most days of the week, with the acception of holidays, so they can solve problems users have as swiftly as possible.


- As specified in the application, we expect you to commit to posting 3-4 days a week.
- Starting new topics in your forum is strongly encouraged when possible.
- Please only pin topics with original ideas, unless the topic is popular.
- Use the rules as your guide. They clearly outline the rights you have as a moderator. If you have any questions, feel free to contact the admin(me).
- If a post or thread violates any rules, please feel free to delete or move it. You are given permission to do so. It is okay to take action using your best judgment without contacting a admin(me). This is why an appeals process is in place.
- Please contact the member when you delete or alter their post. Some members do get mad if an explanation is not given.
- Please contact the creator of a thread if you decide to move it.
- Please do not move threads started by a admin . If you think something should be moved, please contact any admin first. This is especially important if they are threads pertaining to forum business.
- You have the ability to issue account warnings. Please only do so in accordance with LF rules.
- If you issue any verbal warnings or account warnings, please post a thread in the Board Room so all staff members can follow the warning process appropriately.

MOST IMPORTANTLY...
If you expect that you cannot fulfill the objective of posting 3-4 days a week due to a short term absence, please post a thread in the Board Room. Unexcused absences could result in loss of moderating status.

As staff members, it is expected of you to show respect for fellow staff members. If you have an issue with a staff member, you may use the Board Room to address your concerns.

It is the responsibility of everyone on staff to recruit new members. If you don't know a lot of people, you can contribute in the brainstorming process. If you do know people, we are counting on YOU to spread the word about this forum . Please check the Board Room regularly for recruitment projects and strategies.

This is subject to change, but as moderators are expected to set an example on the forum, one account warning issued by an administrator could lead to the loss of moderating status.

Of course, make sure you get to know the rules well. The only way to enforce the rules is to know them.

And finally, check this thread regularly for any changes. It is your duty as a moderator to know what your responsibilities are.




Overall :

1)patience

2)good decision making skills

3)can never be partial, everyone must be treated equal

4)leadership and integrity

5)repect for others and respected by others

6)just overall knowledge

Duties

To keep your forums neat and tidy I would suggest going through once a week and checking for old threads that are no longer needed. Which leads to the question: what qualifies as ‘no longer needed’?

For threads that are highly popular:

- Text heavy threads - Close the thread at 250 replies and create a new thread. Give the second thread the same title and place a number 2 (or other appropriate number depending on the situation) at the end of the title. Leave the closed thread in the forum for 30 days to allow new users to read it.

- Image heavy threads - Close at 150 replies. Follow same steps as the text heavy threads.

- If a thread is posted in your forum and it is better suited for another forum. Move it to such. It is your prerogative in picking either to alert the thread creator or leaving a redirect in the original forum. Redirects time out after a certain amount of time.


Please keep in mind it is part of a mod’s job to keep their forum’s active and keep the conversation flowing. Members are going to follow your measure. If you aren’t posting, you can’t expect them to. This in turn does not mean you are required to participate in every thread in your forum. We get it, there are some topics no one is interested in.

I would like to see all mods active in the Introduction forum. Get in there and let folks know that you are glad to meet them and you look forward to getting to know them. There is no better way to make and keep a good member than by making them feel welcome.

Any time you feel a member possibly broke a forum rule, but you are having trouble making the decision as to if they did or what to do about it, post a bit about it in the mod forum. It will go to open discussion. A decision will be reached as a group as to the course of action to take.

Report all cases of member bashing in the mod forum. This way all mods and Admins can know to keep an eye on the member as bashing is the worst kind of forum bad.