[Dave Whiteley]

The question was raised elsewhere by NikonStan as to whether some people on another Nikon site should really be Moderators. http://www.planetnik...h...c=10454&hl=

I have posted this in our general rather than our Moderators Forums so the Planet's membership can express their own opinions as to what a Moderators functions and abilities should be?

As an ex Moderator on this site the question intrigued me as to what was the real purpose and duties of a Moderator and the qualities needed? Are you just supposed to be a site policeman or promote discussions etc? So I did a Google search and found these varying opinions:-

http://www.geekpoint...ponsiblity.html

http://www.community...ators-revealed/

http://www.theadminz...ead.php?t=10716

http://www.hmtk.com/...-moderator.html

http://ezinearticles...-...&id=2010867

http://www.bluehostf...x.php/t-19.html

I suppose you could use quizzes to determine suitable Moderators :-

http://www.quibblo.c...derator-are-you

What do you think should be the qualities a good Moderator should have?

Dave Whiteley

[Jay]

I think above all, a good moderator should be impartial. I've moderated forums before and too often people expect you to take sides in arguments because you are their friends. It isnt always a fun job. This place doesnt really seem to need any from what I've seen. Everyone seems pretty cool and respectful of others. The maturity level here is exceptional from what I've seen. Not so in some of the other photography forums Ive been on.

[Neil Rothschild]

I think the most important quality of a moderator is that he/she promote the vision of the owner of the site, whatever that vision is.

Policing is just a side show, and technical/artistic skills have nothing to do with the above. Just my own humble opinion.

[Old Dog New Tricks]

Thanks Dave,

As a "newbie mod" I appreciate the guidance. You set a good example on always looking for new material to share with members, and I hope to be able to be able to follow in your footsteps in the Travel catergory.

OD

[james23p]

I tend to take a go slow approach to moderating unless it is something that is truly ugly. Now on another site I mod I am always busy cleaning up stuff that is either out of the terms of use or just plain not fit for the site.

The nice thing is over the last year plus the planet seems to moderate itself.

Jim

[Dave Whiteley]

Can't say I ever had any problems with the real membership on this site when I was a Mod. I only once had to delete a porn site link posted by a spammer that crept past Darrell's vetting. It was also when we in Europe were awake but the American Moderators were not yet on. I suppose that is one advantage of having Moderators in different time zones since Internet Forums run 24/7. Still got Jazz and Virgil in Europe though keeping their eyes open.

Dave Whiteley

[Black Pearl]

I moderate on a BMX forum and only step in to remove potentially offensive posts - something I have thankfully needed to do rarely.

If a site has a good membership (as this one does) I think thats the only moderation needed.

[photojazz]

Jazz is here, so bad huys watch out. Since being on the mod team, I have not had much action. Mostly what I did was alert our gurus when someone has a question and needs an answer if the post was overlooked.

This is a great forum and our family here know the rules and respect each other accordingly. Occassionally I drift to three other forums and see so much chaos, back stabbing and wars. I am glad that I don't belong to them.

[Old Dog New Tricks]

I agree with PJ. We have quite a group of gentlemen (and ladies) here. C&C is polite and constructive, differences of opinions are cordially exchanged and I have never seen any personal attacks on any of the members. Bravo, a round of applause for all of us.

OD

[photojazz]

OD - thank you!

[NikonStan]

The question was raised elsewhere by NikonStan as to whether some people on another Nikon site should really be Moderators. http://www.planetnik...h...c=10454&hl=

I have posted this in our general rather than our Moderators Forums so the Planet's membership can express their own opinions as to what a Moderators functions and abilities should be?

As an ex Moderator on this site the question intrigued me as to what was the real purpose and duties of a Moderator and the qualities needed? Are you just supposed to be a site policeman or promote discussions etc? So I did a Google search and found these varying opinions:-

http://www.geekpoint...ponsiblity.html

http://www.community...ators-revealed/

http://www.theadminz...ead.php?t=10716

http://www.hmtk.com/...-moderator.html

http://ezinearticles...-...&id=2010867

http://www.bluehostf...x.php/t-19.html

I suppose you could use quizzes to determine suitable Moderators :-

http://www.quibblo.c...derator-are-you

What do you think should be the qualities a good Moderator should have?

Dave Whiteley

I think the ideal moderator is someone who is knowledgeable about the forum topic and encourages members to post their suggestions or ideas. A heavy-handed moderator is what I've found to be the reason for members leaving forums. Moderators should be fair in removing posts, and only intervene if there are problem posts from problem members. As one who has "hosted" many forums in AOL chatrooms, and bulletin boards, I know that it's easy to take things personally. A moderator who approaches the job with fairness and impartialness has always gained my respect.

[Virgil]

I´d say being supportive is what a mod should be. Firstly in terms of using the board correctly, secondly with the issues handled by the board. He/She should also know about the skill levels of other mods and connect a member with a more knowledgeable person. Being strict against people violating the board´s rules is a necessity but should remain the last resort after a number of attempts to make such a person follow the rules.

That´s how i see my role as a mod: to help