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.

[Raptor]

The thing about Warnings and bannings is that the one getting them no doubt deserves it. There is also the good of the entire forum to consider. The rules are in place and if violations are ignored, next thing you know, the place is a mess and we get a whole bunch of complaints.
Mods and Admins do have power but it's been vested to them to maintain the place the way we ALL expect it to be, just like with our civic officials. It's a community effort here, after all, so if someone doesn't want to "fit in" properly, there are alternatives out there.

[Cole Deschain]

And this, kids, is why Uncle Cole dodges all signs of being a productive member of the forums.

[juan]

I've been thinking about this.

I believe I can do this and its about time that I give something back to Kaijuphile.

If the position of moderator is still open, then I will accept... so help me God.

[Burkion]

I'd still love to know why I'm not a mod of Roostville...I AM the Co Creator, and one of the few(Read, TWO) people who gets his own story in RVTS...I know it can't be for my warning, since it has nothing to do with Roostville, and God of PH has more then I do...meh. In anycase, I know what it means to be a mod, since I am one on some other sites. Alot of power, and alot of responsibilities. Or atleast Super Mods and Global Mods have that. *Scratches his head* But, of course I don't exactly have a good record around here. How long was I stuck with those four warnings Raptor?

[RyougaSaotome]

I'm not a mod here, but I have a little bit of experience in the field, and I guess I'll put in my input as well.

Warnings and bannings, at least where I come from, tend to be a group decision that is discussed and looked over before a ban is deemed "Righteous" for lack of a better term. warnings tend to come along if a person has been spamming continuously or if they've been harrassing other members. Then if they persist in doing so, it's another warning or a ban. Being a Mod, and especially an admin, is no easy task, especially if you're looking to have a happy board filled with happy people.

[Burkion]

Yes, it is indeed a hard job sometimes. But, also you can get a warning if a Mod or Admin deems that you deserve one. I know this becouse I had never spammed, nor really harrased anyone to get this one. I think I scolded someone abit to harshly or something...but still.

[Jet Jaguar]

Well I can tell you from experience that being a Mod and an Admin is both a privelege and a great responsibility

(Altho i have been somewhat absent lately due to a new job taking a LOT of my time and moving to a new home and not hooking up my computer as of yet)

It totally rocks!

[Angiru-San]

I see it as both a gracious gift, and a priviledge to be a moderator here. I was unbelievable happy when I was promoted.

But my usual day of moderating consists of watching for language, searching the hot-spots (debate topics, general forum, KK, etc), but its not like moderating is all we do. We still search for interesting topics, reply, and have a good time, like the rest of you. Its just that we must keep that extra cautious eye open.

I have enjoyed it immensly, and look forward to each visit to KP.

[CII]

What does a mod do? Well, if you go to MZ, you'll see what we do. Anything that goes against the rules set by the board owner, we go in and either correct, delete, move, or close.

Political threads.....I've closed a few of those in my day.

Godzilla topics in the Gamera forum.........I've moved them.

Religious threads....watch me smite that!

Mods are the long arm of the admin in control. Our job is to make sure that peace and order is retained. Also, our job is to inform the board owner of potential members who wish to cause a few ripples among the boards. And I'm all about order!

Anyways, I feel honored to be a mod here now....but of course being a mod, I'm coming from experience from being a mod at like four of those boards, two of those four I'm an administrator, and one of them is well MZ. Yes, people I'm Emperor Kedzuel if you haven't figured it out by now.

Being a mod means the admin trusts you....a complete stranger whom he or she may never meet in real life to take care of his board. It's an honor of course.

[Saruman]

Originally Posted by CII

Mods are the long arm of the admin in control. Our job is to make sure that peace and order is retained. Also, our job is to inform the board owner of potential members who wish to cause a few ripples among the boards. And I'm all about order!

Anyways, I feel honored to be a mod here now....but of course being a mod, I'm coming from experience from being a mod at like four of those boards, two of those four I'm an administrator, and one of them is well MZ. Yes, people I'm Emperor Kedzuel if you haven't figured it out by now.

NO NO NO, forget all that stuff, your only job is to draw for me, darn it.

[CII]

LOL! Yes, sir boss!

[RyougaSaotome]

Originally Posted by CII

Yes, people I'm Emperor Kedzuel if you haven't figured it out by now.

Hoh! I would have never guessed. Fancy meeting you here neh?

Being a mod means the admin trusts you....a complete stranger whom he or she may never meet in real life to take care of his board. It's an honor of course.

Indeed. Having the admin of sites, especially admin with sites as insanely popular as these, choose you to act as a mod, is a huge honor, and a great deal of fun sometims. Though with the humor, comes the bad some times. But in all, it's a great learning experience, and you meet lots of new people along the way. I know I'm certainly glad I became a mod at GS long ago, and TM more recently. it's a blast.

[CII]

Well, Juan, it isn't by the grace of god that you'll do well. Basically think of yourself as god. Then, you'll figure it out....no...wait, that's only if you're the admin of the board. So YES I AM ONE OF THE GODS ON MZ. Heehee...Ryo knows, I've laid down the law a few times.

[RyougaSaotome]

Originally Posted by CII

Heehee...Ryo knows, I've laid down the law a few times.

It's like the wild west!

....

Only not!

[juan]

Originally Posted by CII

Well, Juan, it isn't by the grace of god that you'll do well. Basically think of yourself as god. Then, you'll figure it out....no...wait, that's only if you're the admin of the board. So YES I AM ONE OF THE GODS ON MZ. Heehee...Ryo knows, I've laid down the law a few times.

I am what my faith has made me and part of that is knowing that I'm not a god, I'm only a man. If there's anything I've chosen to learn, its that pride cometh before the fall and that a leader, a true leader, is there to serve and not to be served because--play it again Stan--with great power comes great responsibility. Despite all the ups and downs, Kaijuphile has given me something and that is knowing I'm not alone. Its a place where I can be with other Godzilla fans, if only in spirit, and it makes me feel... special.

If I am made a moderator, then it will be an office I will execute thoroughly and with true humility. After all, weren't we all newbies once?

[Burkion]

Well, not ALL of us. I do not belive Clint, Jeff, or Brandon have ever been Newbies here.