How To Choose Moderators?

**Farrhad A** · 11 April, 2009, 05:48 AM

Hey!

Many out there must be having forums, and as Swas and I need to choose good mods, I decided to make this thread.

How To Choose Moderators?

A good moderator should:

-Be patient to handle all sorts of requests

-Have the computer skills necessary to handle forum-related tasks (Web skills, basic programming)

-Be level-headed to keep discussions and some petty squabbles in check.

Any pointers I missed out?

Feel free to post below.

Cheers!

**Swastik** · 11 April, 2009, 05:50 AM

I'd add that some people go overboard with their powers. I've had experiences on previous forums with this; and for someone to be made a moderator, he must realize it's just a normal member who has to lead by example, not bullying others.

Other than that, solid list.

**Farrhad A** · 11 April, 2009, 06:03 AM

Originally Posted by Swastik

I'd add that some people go overboard with their powers. I've had experiences on previous forums with this; and for someone to be made a moderator, he must realize it's just a normal member who has to lead by example, not bullying others.

Other than that, solid list.

Agree with that. Well said

And I may just know who you are talking of

**sizzler_chetan** · 12 April, 2009, 05:14 AM

Don't forget the main point -

The moderator should have some basic knowledge about the forum software, as there are some options in VBulletin which phpbb doesn't have and many are not familiar with one or the other.
While playing with the member's posts, sometimes they unknowingly delete the whole thread etc. so basic knowledge is required.

**Farrhad A** · 12 April, 2009, 05:16 AM

Agreed. Even I was not used to vB with the first forum, STZ. But Swas taught me everything.

**Steven** · 12 April, 2009, 10:59 AM

Aaaah! So i need to know vB.

**Farrhad A** · 12 April, 2009, 11:05 AM

Yes, that knowledge is essential.

**sizzler_chetan** · 12 April, 2009, 11:43 AM

Originally Posted by Steven

Aaaah! So i need to know vB.

Ha ha so you already keen on becoming a moderator?

Anyways you should always have some knowledge of vB as its essential to run your own forum very easily too.

**Farrhad A** · 12 April, 2009, 19:59 PM

Haha
vB is an awesome thing to run your forum on, and knowledge is helpful.

**lethalboom** · 19 April, 2009, 18:20 PM

I think the main thing about being a moderator is trying to let the conversation flow, and only moderate if it gets too out of hand.

Another forum I use used to have an incredibly funny 'Bar Zone' section, where everyone took the mickey out of everyone and had a joke (all in good fun), but recently the moderators have started closing any thread with the tiniest bit of insult in it, and the forum isn't as much fun