What does a moderator do?

[juan]

Dear Kaijuphile,

Sometime back, Raptor told me that I could become a moderator. I wanted to know, what exactly does a moderator do? Does he or she make sure that all the kids on the playground play nice or what? Its just that with great power comes great resposibility and I don't know if I'd be able to handle the responsibility, the sacred trust that would placed in me. If I were to accept this post what would I have to do?

That's all and have a nice day!

[Bruticus]

That's about the basics: keep everyone in check and take care of any disputes that may arise. It's considered an honour to be a moderator, since that signifies that somebody higher up trusts you to do a good job. I, too, have been told that I could become a moderator, but in my case they figured my hands would be too full with Roost Fighter. Then again, I really don't have much else to do besides that. I may have to talk to Sauron about it again...

Anyway, I'm rambling. I would hope that you take up the responsibility, Juan, but if you don't, I suppose that's fine too.

[Gorjirus]

I have recieved the honor of being the moderator of Crimosn Battlefield, though I hope that someday that might grow. But the moderators make sure that rules are respected, and, at least this is the way for certain mods IMO, you are responsible for actions of those in that section, and thus should take initiative and fix any problem when it is pointed out (example, cursing in Melee, after it was pointed out, I sent pm's to all offenders and edited all posts offending posts).

[Tomzilla]

Lies, all lies!

We all know that the moderators are dictators, obsessed with wielding their board powers and bringing its members down beneath their heels! Then when you've digested enough of the dirt after having your face planted in the ground, they'll proceed to scourge you with their vicious whips of chaos!

...And the administrators are even worst.

[Melkor]

The functions of the Moderator are many, but chief among those responsibilities is to help in keeping the peace within the Forums. This is done trough many ways; for example, if a member is acting "unfit" for the Forums, then it is the Mod's duty to give that member the appropriate warning. If the member does not change, then the Mod has power to exercise his "banning", uh... authority. As an aside, I'd like to state that warnings can only be given if there is a valid reason-- this means that no warnings may be given to a member for personal reasons, e.g, past vendettas, sheer annoyance, etc., etc. The same with banning the member. Oh, and aside from these the Mod is entrusted with maintaining order in the Forums-- this implies basic chores such as deleting old topics, merging similar threads, locking disgusting/non-sanctioned [ i.e, topics specifically forbidden by the rules, such as those dealing with religion, government,... ] threads, and basically being an example to other members.

And Tomzilla is absolutely right about that. . . . . . .



Peace,



Melkor

[Raptor]

The Fan Nest has many opportunities for folks to help out with their favorite areas by being Mods OF SPECIFIC FORUMS. These are usually the people who conceived the section or are very active in it. In Juan's case, the new KAIJU WRITING CLASS is a "natural" IMO!
Melkor mentioned some of the "work" involved regarding posts. The board has some great options for accommodating about anything from fan fiction to elimination type fighting tournaments: the post and thread tools. These are what Mods use to keep things organized. This is especially vital for truly focused areas, like fan fics and the "universes" that have been created, what with each interest having multiple forums.

[Bruticus]

Originally Posted by Melkor

As an aside, I'd like to state that warnings can only be given if there is a valid reason-- this means that no warnings may be given to a member for personal reasons, e.g, past vendettas, sheer annoyance, etc., etc. The same with banning the member.

I believe that's where some people, including myself, would falter as a moderator. It's very easy for one's emotions to cloud their judgement normally, and with a level of power like that which Melkor mentioned, I guess it would only complicate matters. Normally I don't allow anger to override reasoning, at least not here, but as a higher-up, I might be more wanting to dish out my rage on others. But, then, wouldn't many of us do the same if we were moderators? Wouldn't we desire to get rid of people who really annoy us, or who attack us outside of KP, in a split second?

If you do take up the moderator reins, Juan (or for that matter, any other hopefuls/candidates), consider that. I know you're not one to get angry, not normally, but I suppose it's worth noting.