Draft: Moderation Guide
Dfg
Admin
I planned to add many guides on Totse as part of the Forum Check List. The aim of this guide is to help mods make the right decision.
I have read Zoklet & Totse guides but I can't remember few points. It would be better and very helpful if users can post them and then we as a community can fine tune it. Like everything we need to update Totse to modern standards. Some of the features weren't available back in UBB days and we need to cover them.
It's a draft and I will add more things as I find them. I can post this in mod section but I want users feedback in this.
I have read Zoklet & Totse guides but I can't remember few points. It would be better and very helpful if users can post them and then we as a community can fine tune it. Like everything we need to update Totse to modern standards. Some of the features weren't available back in UBB days and we need to cover them.
General Guidelines:
- As a Moderator your job is manage and take care of your section. This includes contributing and maintaining the flow of conversation.
- You should help everyone, users will look up to you and ask for advice. If you don't know how to help them refer them to someone who knows.
- Respect users, they are the life of this board. Whatever you do, do not lose them. You will have to swallow your pride sometimes but it's for the greater good.
- Be honest with everyone. If you can't handle things please don't kill yourself. Take a step back and let someone else do it. Burning yourself isn't the best way to serve the community.
- Deleting posts IS strictly frowned upon. Remember community runs this place. Mods are only there to help them when required. Do not remove someone elses content because of your personal beliefs.
- When you're in a fight, DO NOT fight in threads or go on public. A simple hate thread will affect the community. Always take your issues to PM and if that doesn't work ask a Super Mod and if that doesn't work ask the community for help.
- As a moderator you're part of the moderation team. You should always be sincere with one another. Some of you might hate each other but for the benefit of the community keep it together. Be leader of your section. If you contribute others will follow.
- Avoid posting garbage and acting like an idiot. New users look up to you. At some point they admire your work and want to follow you. For their sake please behave and be a good role model.
- Do not abuse your powers. If you abuse your powers and are found guilty the community will decide your fate. So, for your own sake, be honest.
- Don't go overboard. Some times you have wicked ideas about fixing things. It's best to talk with your fellow mods and then ask the community about it. If they like it, your idea will have a better chance of working.
- Protect others information. You're responsible for keeping users data private. Do not betray their trust by leaking information regarding them to anyone.
- Know your users, it helps when you know your regular users in any given section. In this way you can predict what they like or what they won't like. Also, having strong communication bridge between the users and yourself will benefit you in the long run. Trust me, it works.
Infraction Guidelines:
- As a rule, you should warn the user first before infracting them. But it's best if you don't infract them. Try to resolve the issue via Pm and see if it works.
- Justify your infraction, Each and every infraction you hand out is debatable in public. So, if you're going to infract someone for something, you better have your ass covered.
Forum Moderation [Posts/Threads]
- If you're going to edit a title or post, you should have a very good reason. Always use the reason field for explaining your actions. You should be careful when you're editing things. It's prefered you don't do it.
- Be on a lookout for Typo thread titles. A miss typed thread title will damage our chances of getting some traffic. Pm the user and ask him to edit it or just edit and it add a reason. If the user complains revert it back or do what he asks.
- When locking a thread or moving it, ALWAYS mention the reason. If you can't find a reason for doing it then don't bother doing it
Example:
Locking this thread.
Reason: User requested it. - In case of CP and questional content which can bring Totse down, delete it at once. PM me the super mods or the Admins if required and if the user spams using that content ban him ASAP. Then make a post in Mods section explaning your actions. This is a must, if you ban someone you better have a good reason and community support.
It's a draft and I will add more things as I find them. I can post this in mod section but I want users feedback in this.
Comments
Good idea.
I don't have the authority to select or make mods. Nor do I want it.
I don't have the authority to select or make mods. Nor do I want it.
It is solid advice anyway, so thanks. As a total noob to the moderation game it's pretty handy to have.
We were all noobs at some point
I edit thread titles from time to time. Usually to correct a type or fix the title if the user requests it. Just avoid pissing users off.
HTS I hope you don't mind
Feedback people, I need it.
Thanks Dfg.
I'd actually vouch for this guy. :mad:
ate is batshit. Deleted part of my post and infracted me for posting 'off topic' when I made a lengthy reply and added a couple lines of some bullshit about how he never makes any goddamn sense. :mad::mad::mad:
Dudes, not a MOD me thread. Use the thread in Help and Suggestions and if you want to get modded. CONTRIBUTE!!!!
we actually have the freedom to speak under those guidelines
WTG DFG
Just trying to fix the mistake we did on Zoklet and following the Totse way. Community is the life of any forum. Without it, nothing works.
Aside from that, these guidelines look good.