More active VJ moderation?

[TracyTN 237]

Starting this thread for a discussion to find a way to implement more active site moderation.

In light of our new K1 subforum - where we have moved posts pertaining to 'milestones' throughout the K1 process - the subject of greater overall moderation came up. Mainly to try to define the role of member moderators.

Discuss.

[payxibka 10,045]

Madame Secretary,

First and foremost we need structure to the conversation (we probably need some sort of psuedo moderation here on this thread to keep from going off tangent). Then I think our initial discusion should revolve around what are the goals or outcomes we hope to accomplish and the procedure in which this will be decided. Once we have reached some sort of consensus then we can develop the action plan and criteria. Without vision to the end game we will just flounder.

[TracyTN 237]

Madame Secretary.

I think part of what was discussed in the other thread was to try and determine in what sorts of instances moderators should intervene. Most obvious one to me there is a violation of TOS, including personal attacks, etc.

Where it will become a bit more tricky will be moderating of immigration answers. We'd want to feel comfortable that the moderators doing that 'work' would be accurate and judicious.

[Jenn! 918]

I think one of the roles of the moderator should be to change topic titles if necessary to something that makes it clear what information will be found within the topic. It will help tremendously with searches and just overall clarity.

Also, I would like to see a lot more locking of threads with redirection to already existing threads. I suppose people will have varying opinions on this, but all other boards that I've been a part of have a pretty strict rule about opening up a new thread to address the same topic. I think this will also contribute to searchability.

[TracyTN 237]

I agree about locking similar threads. There are some questions that get asked SO often ("Can I visit my fiance/spouse while our petition is pending?" springs to mind!), it'd be nice to be able to direct them to one thread instead of discussing it again ad nauseum.

Which thread to direct them to, I guess, would vary - depending on the subject. Although sometimes the answer is in a guide or pinned topic.

[LaL 418]

or merging. something like posting the same threads in various places on the forum. moving the threads to their proper location & then simply merging them. i completely agree with Jenn's suggestion about the thread titles. I see a slight problem with that on the monthly filer's thredas. Cheerleading is appropriate, but asking real questions in those threads should probably be discouraged.

[Mags 112]

Madame Secretary.

I think part of what was discussed in the other thread was to try and determine in what sorts of instances moderators should intervene. Most obvious one to me there is a violation of TOS, including personal attacks, etc.

And if that becomes a job of the mods, this is why they HAVE to be universally liked and respected. If you put someone in place whose reputation is not just that, you will run into problems. You have alot of older members here, put someone in who is "controversial" and they are going to get peed off and most likely leave.

I think calming down threads and gently reminding people to stay on topic has to be a job of the mods. Even if they just stick their head in occasionally and remind people to calm it down and be a little more cordial. They themselves have to remain calm and not take offence or feel slighted when someone makes a remark.

If the thread gets too OTT they should then have the ability to lock it.

[Otto 83]

In my experience in forums/discussion groups etc,

The role of a moderator is:

• Answer questions related to the site
  
• Move threads posted in an incorrect section
  
• Rename Threads if needed or asked to
  
• Splitting or Merging Threads
  
• Close or Lock/Pin/Stick threads when asked or required
  
• Deal with TOS issues (e.g., flaming, spam, etc)
  

The role of a moderator is not

• Answering topic related questions as an authority on the subject matter - unless they in fact are
  
• A Conversation Guide - aka Steering Conversations, Changing or Modifying directions (too subjective)
  
• Moderate threads they themselves are involved in
  
• Should not be permitted to create alter-ego accounts
  

Just some basic thoughts...in case it helps.

Edited March 29, 2007 by Karin und Otto

[Captain Ewok 1,891]

I know you may not want to hear this but I wanted to say it before things got further. At this point I am not considering member moderators. The moderation will continue to be run but non participating parties that act solely based on the Terms of Service. I am closing this thread however please re-open a thread so we can discuss any tools, methods, or in general any ideas to improve the site regarding moderation. I have some really cool tools I will be rolling out in the next month that will help .

In my experience in forums/discussion groups etc,

The role of a moderator is:

• Answer questions related to the site
  
• Move threads posted in an incorrect section
  
• Rename Threads if needed or asked to
  
• Splitting or Merging Threads
  
• Close or Lock/Pin/Stick threads when asked or required
  
• Deal with TOS issues (e.g., flaming, spam, etc)
  

The role of a moderator is not

• Answering topic related questions as an authority on the subject matter - unless they in fact are
  
• A Conversation Guide - aka Steering Conversations, Changing or Modifying directions (too subjective)
  
• Moderate threads they themselves are involved in
  
• Should not be permitted to create alter-ego accounts
  

Just some basic thoughts...in case it helps.

Which is why we can not have member moderators right now... sorry everyone.