How do you choose moderators?

[Debashis]

When it comes to choosing moderators to oversee your forum, what specific qualities, skills, and experiences do you consider essential? How do you evaluate potential moderators to ensure they not only possess the technical know-how but also the interpersonal skills, empathy, and commitment needed to create a welcoming and harmonious online environment? Additionally, what training or onboarding processes (if any) do you implement to prepare your moderators for their roles and responsibilities within the forum community?

 

[Ravenfreak]

What I usually do is make a thread seeking staff and from there I'll go through each application and then figure out who's the most qualified. I never used a trial moderator system before but it could be a beneficial way to see if potential members have what it takes to be a moderator. I'll take a look and see if they have experience using the moderator tools on whatever software I'm using, then I'll check to see if they have any past experience being staff on other forums.

 

[Mati]

Members who have contributed to the forum, the most helpful, they will be given moderator privileges.

 

[Sir Chivas]

Members who usually are constantly helping others, know their way around the board itself, and maintain well active. Doesn't necessarily mean to have a lot of posts but contribute in suggestions for the forum, bring newcomers into the forum, etc...

 

[Henrywrites]

What I usually do is make a thread seeking staff and from there I'll go through each application and then figure out who's the most qualified. I never used a trial moderator system before but it could be a beneficial way to see if potential members have what it takes to be a moderator. I'll take a look and see if they have experience using the moderator tools on whatever software I'm using, then I'll check to see if they have any past experience being staff on other forums.

Their history working on other boards is very important. You want to have someone that is willing to stay on with you as long as your forum is there and active. One other thing that I like about how I hire moderators is that I can discover in a minute, by discussing with you, if you are really ready for the role that I want to give you.

 

[Cory]

I have trust issues with people, so unless I really get to know a person well, then it's hard for me to trust someone enough to be a staff member on my board. I've been flying solo on the board for years now. But if I were to select a member from my community to be a staff member, here are some of the things I would look for activity, courteous/civil, helpful, driven, and hopefully full of ideas.

 

[Alexander]

Involving your current team members on your community in the decision-making process can really gain a sense of ownership and trust. When we seek nominations or feedback from experienced forum staff, we gain valuable insights that help us select suitable moderator candidates. Discussing which candidates are suitable against the criteria promotes teamwork and makes individuals feel valued.

 

[McConnaughay]

Raffles.

It's a terrible strategy, honestly. One time, I made a Nigerian Prince an Admin and he spammed up the place (thankfully, we must've really hit it off - he has a huge wealth and asked me of all people to help bring it to the States, I'm still awaiting the check to clear any day now).

 

[Alexander]

Raffles.

It's a terrible strategy, honestly. One time, I made a Nigerian Prince an Admin and he spammed up the place (thankfully, we must've really hit it off - he has a huge wealth and asked me of all people to help bring it to the States, I'm still awaiting the check to clear any day now).

 

[Nebulous]

Moderators are usually promoted from within. Active regulars who appear to have a level head on their shoulders take first priority.

 

[Sinistra]

I am the type that watches my members, If they act respectfully towards other members and are an active part of my community I will contact them directly and ask them if they would like to be on staff. I will not promote anyone who asks to be a staff member.

 

[nomad]

If you maintain an active community, I think you should choose moderators form your own community. You can check his posting quality, rule following, etc. to determine whether he will be a good moderator or not. However, when I hired moderator, I chose someone I knew from a personal life. I do not have any moderators at the moment.

 

[Nebulous]

I will not promote anyone who asks to be a staff member.

I've seen some people sign up and ask to be a staff member within 5 minutes of joining. Lol

 

[~ True Legend ~]

I've seen some people sign up and ask to be a staff member within 5 minutes of joining. Lol

If they’re a close friend that’s not so bad i guess. But if it’s just a randomer that screams power hunger lol

 

[Nebulous]

If they’re a close friend that’s not so bad i guess. But if it’s just a randomer that screams power hunger lol

It's never been a close friend. Its always a random.

 

[Senkusha]

I look for members who are proactive in the forum. Meaning they actually create content, new posts, rather than just replying to topics I've already started. I also look for people who have the specific knowledge (whether it's for a particular role playing game or really knows their anime trivia). Somebody who knows how to tactfully communicate, and finally, somebody whom I feel I can trust.

 

[~ True Legend ~]

I look for members who are proactive in the forum. Meaning they actually create content, new posts, rather than just replying to topics I've already started. I also look for people who have the specific knowledge (whether it's for a particular role playing game or really knows their anime trivia). Somebody who knows how to tactfully communicate, and finally, somebody whom I feel I can trust.

Agreed, but I’d say replying to topics you’ve already started, but on the basis that they aren’t just simply answering the question but rather engaging in conversation and asking questions back. This makes a conversation, what I find incredibly off-putting is when I see a bunch of replies just answering the topic without any actual conversation going on.

I think deep thinkers work well on forums, and it’s important to attract those kinda ppl who enjoy intellectual and deep convos.

 

[InMyOpinion]

When it comes to choosing moderators to oversee your forum, what specific qualities, skills, and experiences do you consider essential? How do you evaluate potential moderators to ensure they not only possess the technical know-how but also the interpersonal skills, empathy, and commitment needed to create a welcoming and harmonious online environment? Additionally, what training or onboarding processes (if any) do you implement to prepare your moderators for their roles and responsibilities within the forum community?

When it came to choosing a moderator when I had a forum I would look for certain things such as: how they interact with other members, are they setting a good example of what an ideal member/staff member would be, are they active, have they familiarized themselves with the forum.

As for the training I would generally have a Welcome Aboard post with what was to be expected of them now that they are staff. Things that they can expect from us, the admins. And then basically ask them if they had any questions or concerns. It was pretty effective and never really had any issue with staff.