|
||
|
||||
FMA UK Latest posts
|
FMA UK Forums Moderators' Handbook: Version 1.0 Thank you for taking the time to read the FMA UK Forums Moderators' Handbook. In this installment, you will learn of the various changes FMA UK Forums has undergone, and will have at your disposal, a valuable reference material for moderating at these forums. While this handbook is a valuable reference material, it is no substitute to experience and human interaction. If you are a new moderator, it is reccomended that you seek the assistance of a "Moderator Mentor". There are also the general Forum Rules that users are to abide by and being current with them is an important part of being a moderator. With that said, thank you again for taking the time to read this handbook, and good luck moderating at FMA UK Forums. These rules and guidelines are an ongoing effort and will change over time. They have been written for where the forum is going and may require some adjustment over time. Suggestions and comments are welcome. Listed below is the contact information for the administrators. Des Quinn
Table of Contents
SPAM stands for Stupid Pointless Annoying Material/Message. Listed below are our definitions of "SPAM":
Off-topic posts are allowed on the following forums, under that forum's specific rules: A flame is an insult or slur directed to a member. Listed below are our definitions of "flames":
It is important to remember that it is the moderator's discretion as to what is classified as a "flame". If you would like a moderator to review something that you may feel is a flame, please feel free to contact them. If you are unable to contact a moderator, please contact a veteran moderator or member of the administration. The big difference between "trolling" and "flaming" is that a direct insult is not always the factor. It simply has to be a comment intended to antagonize another person. Trolling is where a member provokes another member into an argument or flame war by means of flaming the member, or making a post when the member knows full-well that it will cause an argument or flame war. Example: Posting "Something sucks!" in the when you know that a particular person or group will respond. Such a comment would only serve to provoke a fight. Advertising is when a member displays a link to a Web site not associated with FMA UK with the intent to draw visitors of FMA UK to their Web site. Advertising is usually done in threads or posts, but it's not uncommon to see advertising done in a member's viewable profile fields, such as their "Signature" or "Location". Outside linking is when a member links to a site outside of FMA UK without the intent of advertising the Web site he/she is linking to. Outside linking is usually done in threads or posts, or "Signatures". If a member is warned for having an outside link in their signature, they are required to remove it within 48 hours, or the signature will be completely removed by an administrator. It is important to check with each forum's specific rules before posting a link that leads to a Web site outside of FMA UK. Censor bypassing is when a member deliberately trys to fool the forum Word Censor. The Word Censor is in place to censor obscene words that may not be acceptable to certain visitors. Remember, FMA UK Forums is a family site, so, the Word Censor is in place to protect children and others that may be offended by obscene words. More latitude is given on the Adults Board. Members/moderators bypass the Word Censor by using BB (Bulletin Board) codes to act as a wedge in between censored words, i.e. "fu[b][/b]ck". It is also possible to bypass the censor by using ALT-#### codes. This is not allowed. Members/moderators are allowed to use the following characters to obscure at least one character in a censored word, so the word is not completely censored and the viewer can still understand what the word is: ~ ! @ # $ % ^ & * ( ) _ + ` { } [ ] : " ; ' < > , . ? / There are two different routes that a forum suggestion may take before it actually becomes a forum. A user could suggest the creation of a forum or the admin/mods could suggest one. If a user suggests a forum then part of the discussion may begin on the public boards with the decision and final discussion being carried out on the private boards. Alternatively and most likely a board may be suggested by the admin or the trustees. Discussion of this will more likely be carried out on the private boards prior to the board being created. There are several forums that are not visible to the general public here at FMA UK Forums, some of these are the private moderators' forums. Each of those forums serve a different purpose. Their purpose is outlined below:
Forum Staff - The category in which all private moderators' forums are housed.
Moderators are subject to the same rules as members, and other guidelines used to help set an example for the members. This section outlines those guidelines, the tools moderators uses to efficiently moderate their forums, an explanation as to how new moderators are chosen, and a list of reasons why you could be removed as a moderator. Private Moderators' Forum privacy - There are reasons why certain forums are viewable by members of the forum staff only. They contain sensitive forum information, and information that is not deemed "accessible" by the general population. As a moderator with access to the "Forum Staff" category, you are trusted with the responsibility to not disclose anything posted in the Private Moderators' Forums. Failure to obide by this guideline may result in your immediate access removal to the Private Moderators' Forums, or your immediate removal as a moderator. There are few exceptions to this rule. They are as follows:
Fair Judgement - As a moderator, it is your responsibility to execute fair judgement. It is important for you, as a moderator, to be able to make decisions regardless of personal interest, relationship, or benefit. If you are unable to do so, then, you are unable to do your job to it's fullest. A major part of moderating here at FMA UK Forums is interacting with other members or the forum staff, and members. You are expected to treat all members of the forums staff, and general population the same. It is very important that any action that is taken is based on proof and the balance of probabilities. Guessing or gut instinct is not enough even if suspected abuse continues beyond the initial report. Activity - As a moderator, you are required to be an active poster and visitor of the forum(s) you moderate, as well as a visible rule-enforcing figure. If it is discovered that you are lacking in any of the previously mentioned fields, you may be contacted a maximum of 3 times in regards to your performance. Following no response, or no shown improvement, you may be removed from the forum(s) that are are failing to meet requirements in, or you may be removed as a moderator. If you have not posted in 30 days, you are also subject to be removed as a moderator. Failing to inform the administration, and your co-moderators that you are going on a leave of absense may also result in your removal as a moderator of a specific forum, or completely. Rules - As a moderator, you are subject to the same rules as the general population. However, because of your rank, your infractions are logged, and your punishments are more severe. For example, where a member of the general population may recieve a caution, you may recieve a logged warning. It is your responsibility to not only be an authority figure in your forums, but to also be an example in all of the forums you visit. The members emulate the way moderators post and carry themselves, because they figure that everything you do is within the rules. If you violate the rules, you set a bad example for the members, and you will be punished. As a moderator here at FMA UK Forums, there are several terms and abbreviations used that you may not know. This section covers most of those terms and abbreviations.
Closed - Member of the forum staff closes a thread. "Candidates" are members of the general population that are going to be voted on to decide whether or not they are promoted to "Moderator" status, and become a member of the forum staff. To become a moderator, a candidate must meet the following requirements:
To recommend a candidate to moderate a forum, please complete the following steps:
2.) Have your co-moderators (if applicable) post their agreement. It is possible for a moderator to moderate more than one forum. This is often done through a process called "picking up" forums... New Forums - If a forum is new, and has no moderators, you may request to moderate it, and an administrator will add you to the moderating roster.Experimental Forums - If a forum is currently being tried as an "Experimental" forum, you may request to moderate it pending the success of the forum. Your name will automatically be added to the roster by an administrator pending the forum's success. Current Forums - If a moderator would like to moderate a forum that is already in existence, and already has a moderating roster, he/she must request the permission of the current moderating roster before he/she is added. All moderators of the forum must give their consent before the moderator is added to the forum. "Modless" Forums - If a moderator would like to moderate a forum that is already in existence, but does not have a moderating roster, he/she may request to be added to the forum. "Admin Options" Toolbar [Threads] 5 In the forum(s) you moderate you have the ability to use some of the "Admin Options" toolbar in every thread. Each option performs a different task, those tasks are explained in the following section:
Termination Moderating at FMA UK Forums is a job, and a responsibility. Like any other job, you can be terminated for violating the code of conduct, rules, or failing to fufill your responsibilities. This section outlines the most common issues that result in removal as a moderator.
Breaking FMA UK Forums' Rules - Members of the general population are banned for repeatedly breaking FMA UK Forums' rules, moderators are subject to removal as a moderator if they are proven guilty of breaking forum rules. Resignation You are free to resign from your position as a moderator here at FMA UK Forums at any time, however, we request that you take care of the following before stepping down:
Members are the key to FMA UK Forums' success, however, not all members come here are truly here for the experience of being a part of one of the largest Fibromyalgia communities on the internet. Some members are troublesome, and are you are bound to encounter those types of members during your time as a moderator. This section is dedicated to explaining the various methods of disciplinary actions, and informing you of various other member-related functions. There are several different ways to handle situations with members. This sections covers all of the various disciplinary actions, in order of severity. Caution - An informal warning that is not logged. Usually given to first-time offenders, new members, or members that are not known to have any major infractions against the rules. Warning - A formal warning that may be logged by a moderator. Usually given to those that have refused to acknowledge a previous caution, or those that have committed an offense worth more than a caution. It is not common for members to have an account ban after 3-4 warnings. Member Watch - A thread is posted in the main Moderators' forum informing the forum staff that a member has not heeded any given warnings, and that the member is on the verge of recieving serious action taken against their account. Forum Access Removal (FAR) - A thread is posted in the main Moderators' forum requesting that a members' access to a specific forum is removed for a period of time, or permanently. The period of time is decided upon by the moderator posting the request. Temporary Ban - A thread is posted in the main Moderators' forum requesting that a members' account is temporarily banned. The moderator requesting the ban is required to post again informing an administrator that the ban term is up, and is in need of removal. Account (Permanent) Ban - A thread is posted in the main Moderators' forum reuqesting that a members' account be permanently banned. The member no longer has access to the said account, and is allowed to register a new account pending good behavior. If the member returns and continues to display disruptive behavior, then further action may be taken to prevent the member from registering other accounts. Ban On Sight (BOS) Status - After 2-3 new accounts are created by a previously banned member with the intent to cause trouble, a member can be placed on "Ban On Sight" status. This means that if the member is identified under a new account, he/she can automatically be banned by notifying an administrator. IP Ban - Members that are on a static IP address can be completely banned from registering by having their IP address logged and stored on a list of IP addresses that are not permitted to register accounts. Members on dynamic or proxy IP addresses cannot be IP banned, they are placed on Ban On Sight status as an alternative. ISP Notification - Members that are a constant problem can be reported to their Internet Service Provider for violating the Terms of Service for their Provider, and this Web site. This can result in the Internet Service Provider canceling the members' Internet Service. There are basically three levels to the administration here at FMA UK Forums, they are the Moderators, Public (and Global) Moderator Group, and Administrators. Each group has their own responsibilities, powers, and limitations. This section outlines those responsibilities, powers, and limitations so that you can work together more efficiently. This section describes the general purpose of each of the three levels of the administration. Moderators - Moderators are basically the police of the forums. Their job is to oversee the forums and keep order. They require the assistance of the Administrators to handle any major disciplinary issues, but are independent as far as rule-enforcement goes. Public (Global) Moderator Group - The Global Moderator Group act as normal moderators, but, they have the ability to handle disciplinary issues regarding moderators, as well as those with members. They still require the assistance of the Administrators to handle any major disciplinary issues for both members and moderators, but, they also act as an advisory panel that helps the Administrators decide on various issues regarding the members, moderators, and forums. This is outlined in the next section. Thsi distinction between a Public and a Global moderator is that a Global moderator has a view of the private charity boards as well. This will normally be Charity personnel and not forum staff. However the role is the same and it is a moderator that has the role of overseeing multiple forums. Administrators - The Administrators are responsible for governing the members, moderators, and Global Moderator Group, as well as handling all of the other administrative tasks, such as forum management. Administrators can choose to work together with the Global Moderator Group to handle various forum issues, or at their discretion, an issue may be important enough to be handled independently without Global Moderator Group involvement. Administrative Groups' Powers 5 Each level of the Administration has various powers. This section outlines what each group can and cannot execute in the forums they moderate. Moderators
Caution Moderators - YES Warn Members - YES Warn Moderators - NO Issue Member Watches - YES Request Forum Access Removals - YES Request Temporary Bans - YES Request Account (Permanent) Bans - YES Request Ban On Sight Status - YES Request IP Bans - YES Request ISP Notification - NO Request Global Moderator Group Investigations - YES Public / Global Moderator Group
Caution Moderators - YES Warn Members - YES Warn Moderators - YES Issue Member Watches - YES Request Forum Access Removals - YES Request Temporary Bans - YES Request Account (Permanent) Bans - YES Request Ban On Sight Status - YES Request IP Bans - YES Request ISP Notification - NO Create Global Moderator Group Investigations - YES Administrators
Caution Moderators - YES Warn Members - YES Warn Moderators - YES Issue Member Watches - YES Execute Forum Access Removals - YES Execute Temporary Bans - YES Execute Account (Permanent) Bans - YES Execute Ban On Sight Status - YES Execute IP Bans - YES Request ISP Notification - YES Create Global Moderator Group Investigations - YES How do I split a thread? 5 On the post that requires to be split click on the button "split". You now have a screen with the choice of the level of splitting that you want to do. Choose to split the individual post, this post and all following topic, or you can select the posts to split. If we choose the last option, you now have a screen with all the posts listed on the left and arrow buttons beside each post. Click on the arrow and that will put those posts in a new thread (with a new URL). Those not clicked on will cause the posts to stay in the thread (same URL). Use your judgement on how it would be better to split out the unwanted posts. (For example, if you are updating a topic that people post in frequently, it is often better to say 'No' to the posts you want to keep so people do not have to change their bookmarks or thread subscriptions.) Make your choices and click 'Split Topic'. You have just split a thread. You will now be taken to a screen where you can choose to go to the 'new' thread, the message index, or the orginal topic. Make sure to close the one you no longer want people to post if this is what you were aiming for. Go back and amend the posts, or subjects as required. How do I merge a thread?5 Choose which thread you want to be the 'main' thread. Enter that thread and click on merge thread at the bottom of the thread. Select the board and from the list of topics displayed choose the topic to be merged in. Use the 'select subject' box to change the thread title if you wish by either entering a new subject or choosing one of the merged topics subject titles. All posts from this thread will be merged into the main thread in order by post time/date. Click "Merge Topics". You can also change the subject of all merged topics as well but this is normally not required. How do I request a ban?5 If a member is causing problems in your or any other forum, you can request action be taken. Post a thread in the mod forum with the subject containing the member's name and that you want a ban (for example: Ban Request on desquinn). Be sure to provide links or the admins may not ban this person! Keep in mind that we also have 'spam bans' and post count resets that may be a more fitting punishment for the offender. What if I need to take a break from here?5 If you need to take a vacation from the forums or have anything that will cause you not to be able to post for a while, please let us know. If you'd like to make a thread in the mod forum to let us know you'll be gone and for how long if possible. What if I see a moderator breaking the rules? 5 If you see a mod breaking the rules you should report it immediately to a PM/GM or Admin. You may 'informally' warn or caution the mod to stop if you wish. If it is a PM/GM member breaking the rules, report it immediately to an Admin. A member is trying to tell me that they have Private Moderators' Forum information...5 Talk to the member. Try and find out how they came to have the info. Especially try to find out what mod gave it to them or if they are logging in to a mod's account. You can then contact an Admin or PM/GM with what you have learned (screenshots, conversations, and any other proof are very helpful). You can also post it in the mod forum if you wish, but it may be better that the 'leaking mod' doesn't know about it right away. An Admin deleted my only forum, what do I do? 5 You are now a mod-in-waiting. You have 30 days to pick up a new forum or you will be demodded. Check the 'Modless Forums' topic or ask around for a forum that needs help. When you find a forum, simply post to be added to that forum. I have a question that isn't covered here...5 You can contact one of our other Moderator , or an Admin. Any of these people will be glad to help you.
This version of the FMA UK Forums Moderators' Handbook was made possible by the following people: |
||||||||||||
|
Home
 Forums Moderators' Handbook
|
|||||||||||||
