- last post: 01.01.0001 12:00 AM PDT
I wrote this guide because I've seen some fairly rough and unfair moderating. Through nearly one year on Bungie.net (using a different account) here are the tricks I've learned which work. They are in no particular order.
Tip 1: Rule through respect, not through open forum threats.
* If a person flames in a response, send them a PM identifying the thread. Many people do not often intent to flame, but do/come across like they are. A PM is a good way to get the message across, but not create any future relationship problems.
* If a post was created that goes against your group's code of conduct, lock it immediately and send a PM. If the post contains racism, or lewd threats, delete it, temporarily blacklist and send a PM. Racism/threats are not to be allowed under any conditions: as a mod it is your responsibility to make this clear.
Tip 2: Enforcing the right things.
* Expanding on tip 1, cracking down on the slight infractions your members may have committed (e.g. no posts in CAPS) creates resentment. Encouraging moderators to observe every rule like the Bible creates resentment. Avoid being too strict, but make your stand on significant issues clear.
Tip 3: Excess delegation results in group failure
* This applies to admins more than mods, but either way the same principle applies. Excess delegation and too many ranks dilutes the power structure and lessens the experience for your group. Keep authority centralized, keep your mod staff updated, but do it all in a positive and encouraging way.
* Also, excess delegation and lack of activity on the admin's part makes your group unfamiliar with you and more familiar with the mods. This de-centralizes power, and, if the mods have too many privileges, can make the leader a figurehead and thus destabilize (and eventually destroy) a group.
Tip 4: Reward group members with content, not promotions.
* The best way to make people come back is with your content. While tip 3 stresses too much shifting of power will make things unstable, be sure to appoint worth and experienced mods to keep things going smoothly while you develop the next episode in your (e.g.) machinama. Don't try to get members to return by offering them power. If they wanted power, they would make their own group (very important point).
Tip 5: Encourage communication outside of forum.
* This is true in general, but it is especially true between mods/mods and mods/users. Recently, I resolved a problem in my own group via AIM. It couldn't have been worked out over PMs (though I tried). Whether your other form of communication is mIRC, or telephones, keep communication between all members of your group fluid.
That's all. I'll add to it and edit it when I have more time, and as I learn more things. If you have any suggestions, tell me, and I'll edit that way too.
Cheers,
Cr0sS Eli73
<<Edit>> 11/10/05: Shishka's perspective on the matter (abbreviated)
Posted by: Shishka
I should mention how I run Igni Ferroque. The group, for those that have never visited, sits at around 700 members. I'm the administrator and the only moderator, and the group, which is open to the public, is impressively civil. Consider it a social experiment on my part.
There are two rules in IF:
1. Don't plug other groups.
2. Don't be an idiot.
A breach in either rule means a blacklisting. IF's blacklist is about two and a half pages long, considerably short for a large public group (and, I would imagine, my reputation)...
* Inference: Igni Ferroque's immense success comes as a result of Shishka's respect on Bungie.net (being a longtime moderator) and stays successful due to how he runs his ship: tight.
* Opinion:I should imagine that a small group run "rigidly" (for lack of a better word) with a not-as-respected contributor to the community heading the forum would result in failure as unpopularity develops. However, that is only speculation, if anyone wants to cite an example of a successful forum in this manner, I'll be more than happy to add it.
[Edited on 11/10/2005]