How to Moderate... an introduction

[Peter Gariepy]

Moderating is about keeping the forums on topic and civil. Colorful language and images, and off topic conversations are going to happen.  The trick is to not let it get out of hand.

 

Supreme Court justice Potter Stewart said it well related to pornography: "I know it when I see it"?  I see deciding what needs to be moderated the same way... "you'll know it when you see it."  Vague, I know. But its true.  Trust your gut.  Remove what you feel breaks the spirit of the rules. Ask if you are unsure.

 

• Obvious spam:  Just delete. Don't waste time by complaining about it. It is what it is. Move on.
• Politics:  NO (unless car related and don't let it get partisan)
• Religion: NO
• Personal Attacks:  NO
• Off Topic:  NO (although have some latitude here if its just friendly bantor)

 

Moderating Analogy:  If I goto a car club meeting (in person) and someone goes off about politics or religion I hate that.  I'd also be offended if they starting flashing nudes to a wide audience. I'd be unaffected by colorful language unless they were attacking another.  The forum is no different.  So ask the question: Would this be acceptable conversation or content at a car club meeting?

 

Peter H (who complains the most) sets the bar way too high. I don't believe in his argument about "kids" seeing it. Could they? SURE.  Will they? NO. Also, when is the last time you saw a young child at a car club meeting? And if you did, I bet they were well supervised.

 

Language:  I personally am not offended by colorful language unless its used to attack another.

• OK:  What a beautiful fuck'n car.
• BAD: What a fuck'n asshole.

But I get why the "F" word offends.  So instead of deleting the OK post... I'd simply edit it to say "what a beautiful xxx car" The bad post warrants removal.  If its habitual from the user then banning may be in order.

 

Images:  NOTE:  all these images have cars in them. So they are on topic(ish).  A photo of a woman (or man) alone is off topic and should be removed.

 

I consider this perfectly acceptable.  (Peter H would not)

 

I personally would let this through, but probably best not too:

 

This is to much:

 

[KRK Sr.]

Peter, I agree with the logic used and between all of us maybe we can keep the "kids" on track! the other two: Peter and John....not so much, Karl

[Peter Gariepy]

A little more...

 

I've run into requests in the past that the rules need more "details" covering ever microscopic scenario. I've also gotten requests for more detailed moderator guidelines. It's been tried in the past.

• No matter how detailed the rules become, someone will find a way around them.
• No matter how detailed the moderator guidelines become, it will never cover ever scenario. 

A concise detailed set of rules or guidelines will never replace common sense. Forum rules are short and blunt for a reason. There is never a time where a debate with forum rules is fruitful.  As the rules state:

 

"The AACA provides space on the forum to other automotive related clubs, organizations, and web sites free of charge. They are provided "moderator" status to their forums and may, at their discretion, moderate their forums. Regardless, the AACA retains the right to add, move, remove, and moderate a forum and its moderators at any time."  This gives us ultimate power over the forums. Sir John Dalberg-Acton  is known for the remark, "Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely."  We as moderators need to keep each other in check (including me) to make sure we don't corrupt our moderating powers.

 

Although with the best intent, Peter H is a perfect example of someone who abused their moderator duties.  Thats why he is no longer a moderator.