Article: Choosing A Good Forum Moderator

[Ravish40]

Choosing A Good Forum Moderator

These days, many of us own or moderate on various online networking groups or forum boards. I think its important that as a Forum Board Owner that you really sit down and evaluate what kind of Forum Moderators you would like to have helping you with your forum board.

I have compiled a list of tips on what it takes to be a good forum moderator and these are the qualities you should be looking for when selecting your next forum moderator.

#1. Longevity. Your moderator should be a member of your forum for a minimum of 90 days. This shows that the member is dedicated to being a part of your community.

#2. Well-Liked. Your moderator should be well-liked by the majority of those who are chatting on your forum. You should not select someone who is controversial as that is a sure fire way to drive members away from your forum.

#3. Commitment. You should visit various forums in your niche to see if this person is moderating on any other forums. Do you feel this person is moderating too many forums to devote his/her time to your forum?

#4. Research. You should do your research on this person that you are considering for the forum moderation job. You can learn a lot about someone just by visiting other communities online that they are involved with.

Example: Are they sitting on a slew of forums 24/7 and just spamming ads? Are they starting new topics? Are they visiting the forum on a daily basis?

Frankly, if you have time to sit on a high traffic forum and spam ads 24/7 then they should have time to start new topics daily on the forums they are moderating.

#5. Referrences. Don't be afraid to contact other forum board owners and ask them for a referrence on the person you are considering for a moderation forum job. Ask them to be honest with you.

Selecting the perfect individual to moderate on your forum can be one of the most important decisions you will make regarding your online forum. Take the time to do your research before asking someone to moderate.

Shelly Hill ~ Tupperware Manager
Copyright 2009
Ravish30@my.tupperware.com
Web: http://my.tupperware.com/Ravish30
Blog: http://wahmshelly.blogspot.com

[WorkAtHomeSpace]

I really like this article Shelly because you brought up a lot of good points. I've never even thought of interviewing my moderators, but then again they are friends. When I was looking for a new moderator, I choosed the person I felt who had an excellent web presence and was well-liked.

As you know I have two wonderful moderators.

:)

[Ravish40]

yes you do!

I just feel its very important to interview them and check them out first. It never hurts to do your home work!

Way too often I see forum owners make really bad choices when it comes to selecting moderators for their forum.

[WorkAtHomeSpace]

I hear ya on that one! Witnessed it myself. I've seen owners who say they are looking for moderators and right off the bat, whoever the first person replied would become the mod. From what I know now, I think it's a foolish way to go that route.