How to moderate a forum
From StcWiki
This primer was derived from considerable discussion among the STC office staff and the volunteers who maintain the Forum and was written by Lou Quillio.
- No rules enforcement action is likely to be needed. This is a public forum. Google and our individual public reputations (and employment needs) will moderate behavior just fine, except in very extreme cases.
- Lead. Post. Welcome. Continue threads. Answer questions. Provide links.
- Guide discussion. Don't be afraid to point out off-topic posts: they're not crimes, just misplaced. Point out cross-posts and overly lengthy posts if need be. There's no iron-clad length rule; use your best judgment.
- "Close" threads when there's a need to. Most threads never need to be closed. Here's an example of appropriate closure: http://stcforum.org/viewtopic.php?pid=622#p622
- "Move" topics that have been mistakenly posted in a suboptimal forum area. Good subjects are orphaned when interested folks can't find them. Move topics sparingly; it takes practice to get it right. Suggest that interesting tangents be continued in a separate thread or start a new thread yourself.
- Enforce the restriction against commercial and political activity. The Society's tax standing drives this requirement. It's not negotiable.
That's it, really. Precious little police work, much facilitating. Ring-up an admin if you're unsure.
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