General Operating Procedures (General Guidelines)
Think of this as a cheat sheet for moderators. A quick reference.
If you’re a moderator then you most likely already know how your CL likes to operate. But it’s always good to have things written down anyway! This serves as basic quick reference for common guidelines that many Community Leaders use.
Moderators are generally afforded a great deal of discretion, so your CL is going to trust your judgement on how to handle any given situation. Don’t consider these hard and fast rules that have to be followed, but general guidelines to work with if you’re ever unsure what to do.
Responsibilities
You’re here to hangout and have fun like everyone else. That’s the big thing, first and foremost. Your CL is deeply appreciative of everyone who is willing to moderate for them. It means a lot! If you’re moderating for a CL, then you basically already know what to do. If you’re available to help support your community, then it’s appreciated. A moderator is part community ambassador and part security guard.
You’re here to hangout and have fun like everyone else. That’s the big thing, first and foremost. Your CL is deeply appreciative of everyone who is willing to moderate for them. It means a lot! If you’re moderating for a CL, then you basically already know what to do. If you’re available to help support your community, then it’s appreciated. A moderator is part community ambassador and part security guard.
To mod or not to mod, that’s the question
I know some are concerned about over moderating, so in general if we can get someone to calm down through talking then that’s optimal. It may take a timeout or two to get a point across, but if you feel like they’re not intentionally trying to be a troublemaker, then most community leaders are fine with how you want to handle it. Of course, if you feel like they’re a lost cause or intentionally trying to cause trouble, feel free to use the available moderation tools.
I know some are concerned about over moderating, so in general if we can get someone to calm down through talking then that’s optimal. It may take a timeout or two to get a point across, but if you feel like they’re not intentionally trying to be a troublemaker, then most community leaders are fine with how you want to handle it. Of course, if you feel like they’re a lost cause or intentionally trying to cause trouble, feel free to use the available moderation tools.
When to warn
If it’s a relatively minor infraction, someone being a mild nuisance, it’s okay to just give a verbal warning. Let them know they’re on thin ice.
If it’s a relatively minor infraction, someone being a mild nuisance, it’s okay to just give a verbal warning. Let them know they’re on thin ice.
When to timeout
If someone is being a moderate nuisance, then feel free to time them out for a brief period to help them understand they need to calm down. How long you can timeout is up to you and however long the platform allows. If you think they need a 24 hour nap, go for it. If you think a short 1-5 minute timeout will get the point across, also totally acceptable.
If someone is being a moderate nuisance, then feel free to time them out for a brief period to help them understand they need to calm down. How long you can timeout is up to you and however long the platform allows. If you think they need a 24 hour nap, go for it. If you think a short 1-5 minute timeout will get the point across, also totally acceptable.
When to ban
Never hesitate to ban someone if you think they’re clearly in the wrong, drop the hammer on them. Your CL can always review the ban later if needed. In general, if someone is breaking any of your CL’s core rules and it’s clear they’re doing so intentionally, it’s grounds to slap them into the void. However, if you’re still unsure a ban is justified, hit the person with an extended timeout and then discuss the situation with your fellow mods or your CL to decide if the timeout should be upgraded to a full ban. Either way, your CL will support you and provide guidance on how they prefer to handle various situations.
Never hesitate to ban someone if you think they’re clearly in the wrong, drop the hammer on them. Your CL can always review the ban later if needed. In general, if someone is breaking any of your CL’s core rules and it’s clear they’re doing so intentionally, it’s grounds to slap them into the void. However, if you’re still unsure a ban is justified, hit the person with an extended timeout and then discuss the situation with your fellow mods or your CL to decide if the timeout should be upgraded to a full ban. Either way, your CL will support you and provide guidance on how they prefer to handle various situations.