I've moderated a few on-line groups, including a yahoo group and some low-traffic LJ communities. I'm writing an article about how to be a good moderator for an on-line group, and I have ideas, but I'd like feedback from my friends list. I know I have at least half a dozen people on my FL who have experience in this realm.
Some ideas I'm already working with:
-Have clear membership and posting rules.
-It's OK to have loose rules of moderation or strict ones, but just be clear about spelling out what they are.
-Enforce the rules evenly, no favoritism.
-Have a thick skin. It's likely you'll be criticized.
-It can be nice for moderators to introduce themselves, and tell a little about themselves.
-Have a clear policy about flame wars and how to report if you're being attacked or abused by another group member.
-Decide if you want to take a interventionist approach or a more hands-on approach and be ready to explain yourself and why you've chosen that approach.
-Consider finding a co-moderator or back-up moderator in case you want to take a vacation or get sick.
-Make clear, obvious announcements when there are changes, including changes in rules or changes in who is moderating/how to contact moderators.
Do you think I'm wrong on any particular point? What would you add?
Some ideas I'm already working with:
-Have clear membership and posting rules.
-It's OK to have loose rules of moderation or strict ones, but just be clear about spelling out what they are.
-Enforce the rules evenly, no favoritism.
-Have a thick skin. It's likely you'll be criticized.
-It can be nice for moderators to introduce themselves, and tell a little about themselves.
-Have a clear policy about flame wars and how to report if you're being attacked or abused by another group member.
-Decide if you want to take a interventionist approach or a more hands-on approach and be ready to explain yourself and why you've chosen that approach.
-Consider finding a co-moderator or back-up moderator in case you want to take a vacation or get sick.
-Make clear, obvious announcements when there are changes, including changes in rules or changes in who is moderating/how to contact moderators.
Do you think I'm wrong on any particular point? What would you add?