When running a forum, it’s essential to keep things running smoothly.
This means keeping track of what’s being posted and ensuring that the rules are followed.
It takes work to do this independently, which is why forum moderation is essential.
However, there are dos and don’ts to follow when doing forum moderation, which can make the process easier.
So if you’re new to forum moderation or want a refresher on the best way to do it, read on!
Don’t be disrespectful to others, and enforce the forum rules
This is the most important thing to remember when moderating a forum.
The people who use the forum are there to discuss and debate, not to be insulted or have their views shut down.
As a moderator, it’s your job to make sure that everyone feels respected and that the forum rules are followed.
This doesn’t mean that you can’t disagree with people, but you must be respectful about handling them.
Stay calm in the discussions.
It’s easy to get caught up in the debates and arguments on a forum, but as a moderator, it’s essential to stay impartial.
This can be difficult, especially if you have strong opinions on the topics being discussed, but it’s important to remember that your job is to keep the peace, not take sides.
If you get too emotionally involved in a discussion, it’s best to step away and take a break.
Do take advantage of the tools available to you.
Most forums have some moderation tool, whether a simple reporting system or something more complex.
These tools are there to help you do your job, so make sure you know how to use them.
This will make it easier to keep track of what’s going on and take action when necessary.
Feel free to ask for help.
Forum moderation can be a lot of work, and it’s okay to need some help from time to time.
If you need more time or need to do a better job, reach out to the other moderators.
They can offer advice and support and may even take on some of the work themselves.
Do take breaks when you need them.
Just like anything else, moderating a forum can be stressful. If you’re feeling burnt out, taking a step back and taking some time for yourself is essential.
This doesn’t mean you have to leave the job.
Don’t delete posts or threads arbitrarily.
People use forums to discuss and debate, which means there will be times when things get heated.
However, it’s important to remember that people have a right to their opinions, even if you disagree.
Unless a post or thread breaks the rules of the forum or is otherwise causing problems, it’s best to leave it alone.
Deleting posts and threads arbitrarily will make people feel censored and unfairly treated.
Do try to resolve disputes peacefully.
As mentioned above, there will be times when people don’t see eye to eye.
As a moderator, it’s your job to resolve these disputes peacefully.
This means listening to both sides of the argument and concluding that everyone can agree.
Sometimes, this isn’t possible, but it’s always worth trying.
The bottom line is that forum moderation takes patience, respect, and a level head.
If you keep these things in mind, you’ll be well on becoming a great moderator.
Source: Canva
Do keep an open mind and listen to others’ opinions
This is like the point above about not getting too emotionally involved in discussions.
It’s important to remember that people have different opinions, and just because someone doesn’t agree with you doesn’t mean they’re wrong.
As a moderator, it’s your job to keep an open mind and listen to all sides of an argument before deciding.
This way, everyone’s voices are heard, and the best decision is made for the community.
Do be consistent in your actions.
When moderating a forum, it’s essential to be consistent in your actions.
This means that if you take action against one person for breaking the rules, take action against anyone else who does the same thing.
Otherwise, people will feel like they’re being maltreated, leading to resentment and anger.
Do be patient
Forum moderation can be a lot of work, and it’s important to remember that only some people will be as knowledgeable about the rules as you are.
It’s also important to remember that people make mistakes, so don’t be too quick to jump to conclusions or take action against someone who may have just made an honest mistake.
If you can be patient and understanding, you’ll go a long way toward keeping the peace on your forum.
Do try to have fun
Moderating a forum should be enjoyable.
It’s a chance to interact with people from all over the world and help create a community that can share their interests.
So please don’t take it too seriously and try to have fun. After all, that’s what the internet is all about.
Don’t allow personal biases to interfere with your decisions
It’s important to remember that, as a moderator, you’re responsible for upholding the forum’s rules.
This means you can’t allow personal biases to interfere with your decisions.
If you do, people will question your fairness and objectivity, which will only lead to problems.
Do take breaks when needed.
Moderating a forum can be a lot of work, and taking breaks when needed is essential.
This doesn’t mean you have to leave the job entirely, but it means taking some time for yourself.
This doesn’t mean you have to leave the job entirely, but it means taking time for yourself.
If you feel burnt out, take a few days off or find someone to take over for you temporarily.
This way, you can come back refreshed and ready to tackle the job again.
Do delegate tasks when possible.
As a moderator, you will only be able to do some things yourself.
There will be times when you need to delegate tasks to other members of the community.
This doesn’t mean you have to give up all control, but it means giving people the opportunity to help.
Not only will this take some of the load off your shoulders, but it will also help build a stronger sense of community.
Do stay up to date on the latest news.
One of the most important things you can do as a moderator is staying up to date on the latest news.
This way, you’ll inform the community and help them make the best decisions possible.
There are several ways to do this, but some of the best include reading the forums regularly, subscribing to RSS feeds, and following relevant blogs.
Don’t be afraid to use your power.
As a moderator, you have a lot of power. This doesn’t mean you should abuse it, but you shouldn’t be afraid to use it when necessary.
If someone is breaking the rules or causing problems for the community, take action.
The sooner you do, the better off everyone will be.
Do remember that you could be better.
Moderating a forum can be challenging, and it’s important to remember that you could be better.
You will make mistakes, and that’s okay.
It is essential to learn from your mistakes and do your best to avoid making them in the future.
Do ask for help when needed.
Moderating a forum can be a lot of work, and there will be times when you need to ask for help.
This doesn’t mean you’re weak or incapable. It just means that you’re human.
If you’re overwhelmed or over, reach out to the community or another moderator for help.
Feel free to make changes.
If you feel something needs to be fixed or improved, feel free to make changes.
This is your forum, and you have the power to shape it however you see fit.
If you need clarification on a change, you can always test it out on a smaller scale or ask for the community’s opinion.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help from other moderators
There’s no shame in admitting that you need assistance, and this is especially true for moderators.
If you’re overwhelmed, reach out to other moderators for help.
They’ll be more than happy to offer their advice and help. Remember, we’re all in this together!
Conclusion
As a community moderator, it’s important to remember that your goal is to cultivate a healthy and constructive forum environment.
By following the dos and don’ts we outlined in this post, you can keep your community on track and ensure everyone has a positive experience.
Have you ever moderated a forum? If so, what tips do you have to share? Let us know on our contact us page!
