Frequently Answered Questions
What should I do if I see a member breaking the rules?
Enforcing the community’s rules may involve issuing a warning, removing the content, or in some cases banning the member. If you have time, it’s good to make a quick note of the issue that you had to take action on. This helps in case the person you took action against appeals the decision, and gives your CL information to work with.
Should I document every moderation action I take?
Not necessarily. 99% of the time it’s okay to do what you need to and move on. If you’re needing to take action against a regular community member who doesn’t typically cause problems, check with your CL to see how they prefer you handle it.
They may have you do a quick mute or timeout so they can see what is going on and address any concerns with that person privately if needed
If someone is harassing, stalking, posting illegal content, or outright doing something that is a violation of the law. PLEASE document it as thoroughly as you can before removing the content. Depending on the nature of the violation, your CL may need to follow up with reports to the appropriate platform or law enforcement agency.
How do I handle conflicts between members?
Approach conflicts neutrally and listen to all parties involved. Aim to mediate and resolve the issue amicably. When necessary, enforce community rules to maintain a respectful environment.
What if I’m unsure about how to handle a specific situation?
If you’re unsure, it’s always okay to consult with other moderators or ask your CL. It’s important to be consistent with past decisions and established rules.
Can I suggest changes to the rules?
If you think a rule should be changed, amended, or added; then bring it up with your CL so it can be discussed. Do not attempt to introduce rules of your own without permission, as this causes confusion amongst your fellow mods and community members alike.
How often should I be active as a moderator?
This varies greatly amongst CL’s, and at times depends on the community’s size. In general, since you’re a volunteer, we all understand that life’s responsibilities come first, that will always be respected.
The hope is you can check in at least when streams or other events are taking place, be active with the community and engage with it frequently. Generally it’s asked that you try to be as active as your time allows.
If a moderator is inactive for an extended period without explanation, they may be removed from the role until it is known what their status is. An extended period would be considered weeks and months. The simple reason for this is security. If this person is no longer active with the community, we do not want to risk having an account with moderator powers unattended, as there is always a risk of someone’s account getting hacked or otherwise compromised.
What should I do if I need to take a break from moderation duties?
Talk to your CL! Let them know what’s going on. We all get hit with life events that may pull us away from our work as a mod, which is always okay, it happens. Just let them know what’s up and they can discuss with you if you should step out of the mod role temporarily if you think it’s going to be an extended absence.
What is the best way to respond to criticism or negative feedback about moderation?
Respond to criticism professionally and constructively. Acknowledge valid points and explain any moderation decisions calmly and clearly. Use feedback as an opportunity to improve moderation practices.
Important note: This varies amongst communities, some have a don’t question moderation policy, so it’s best to ask your CL for what they prefer.
How do I deal with personal attacks or harassment?
Personal attacks or harassment should not be tolerated. Take immediate action by removing offensive content and addressing the perpetrator in accordance with the rules, which may include banning offenders.
Is it okay to share information about group members with others?
Respect member privacy always! Do not share personal information about members outside your respective moderator group without explicit consent.
Sharing information solely with other moderators is acceptable, but anything shared with fellow moderators should be considered privileged information and should never be shared with the public without permission.
If there’s any information that should be shared with other community leaders, let your CL know what you want to share so it can be discussed. We want to be careful that we don’t share information that could be seen as defaming someone.
How do we handle controversial topics or posts?
Topics need to be handled on a case-by-case basis. In general, we want people to feel free to discuss what they want, but if the topic is going to spark drama or potentially incite inappropriate behavior, then it needs to be stopped immediately.
Topics that are off-limits varies greatly amongst communities; generally to prevent drama, no talk of politics or religion are permitted as an example. Generally hot button topics are not allowed either, but current events involving major trauma like school shootings or other serious events might be allowed, but it depends on how civil the discussion can remain.
Important note: Depending on who you’re moderating for, you most likely already know what topics are considered off limits. But it’s always a good idea to verify with your fellow mods and your CL.
Can anyone be a moderator?
We’re the elite of the elite, not everybody can do this job, boi!
But seriously, no. Even though this is a volunteer position, and all community leaders are deeply appreciative of those who spend their time to better their respective communities with their work.. Not everyone is cut out for this.
Some Community Leaders allow certain behaviors that others do not, so moderators for each community are usually people who have demonstrated they have firm grasp of how their respective community functions and have shown qualities that the CL finds favorable.
This list may not fit every community, but these are qualities that good moderators have generally shown to embody:
- Has shown a commitment to the community through regular interaction/participation.,
- A generally positive attitude.
- Has shown an interest in helping others by answering questions or generally providing helpful information on a regular basis.
- Has displayed an even temperament, is approachable, and has handled criticism well when challenged on a topic.
- Is not quick to anger or easy to provoke.
- Has shown to be an open-minded individual who is understanding of other cultures and their differing ways.
- Adapts well to change, is able to react quickly and appropriately to a rapidly changing/evolving situation.
- Has demonstrated they have a good sense of humor.
- Is well spoken. Preferably types in complete sentences and has demonstrated a solid grasp of spelling and grammar. (for text based moderation)
- Has demonstrated good diplomacy skills. Bonus points if they have successfully helped in deescalating a situation.
Can I be a moderator for other communities at the same time?
YES! BUT! I do ask that you consider how many communities you’re moderating for at the same time. Most community leaders don’t mind who else you mod for, but I know from experience it’s easy to get overwhelmed with trying to help too many communities at once.
Who you mod for is your business and nobody else’s. We don’t want to police who you mod for, the main concern is to make sure you’re not feeling stretched too thin with your volunteer commitments.
If you ever have any concerns or questions on this or any topic, feel free to DM your CL!
Out of respect for your privacy, it’s generally considered acceptable to not disclose who else you’re modding for. Of course if you’re moderating for communities that overlap with each other, then it’s probably well known who you mod for. It’s mainly asked that you be mindful that if you’re going to mod for a community that is a direct rival of a community you’re already a mod for, be careful of potential conflicts of interest.
Are there people who shouldn’t be chosen as moderators?
Every community leader has their own criteria for choosing a moderator, so this is difficult to answer.
In general you do want to avoid bringing in someone who is new to the community, unless they’ve been vetted in other ways. However, it always depends on the CL and the individual being considered.
Some things to consider though:
- Asking to be a moderator, especially if they’re brand new to the community. A general no-no, but if it’s an established member of the community, then not necessarily a big deal. They may be looking for ways to help out.
- Begging to be a moderator, or even offering money or other donations to be one, a major red flag.
- Profile/channel contains inflammatory, discriminatory, or content that otherwise violates your community’s rules and or that platform’s terms of service. Not worth the risk.
- Although being young is not necessarily a disqualifier, mature individuals with life experience tend to be preferred for moderator positions.
- All religions and other systems of belief should be respected. However, anyone displaying extremist attitudes/beliefs should not be considered. (i.e. my religion is the only true one!, etc.)
I get paid?!
If you’re reading this website, probably safe to say you’re a volunteer moderator. But yes, there are many organizations and even companies that have paid moderation teams. Even some streamers and other small communities have paid moderators.
The vast majority of us don’t do this for money, it’s because we want to help our respective communities in a meaningful way. If you do get paid something, that’s pretty cool!
Mental Health
Last, but not least. Your mental health. Being a volunteer moderator can be a fun and personally enriching experience. It can also be mentally taxing, depending on your level of involvement and the type of community you’re modding for.