Moderators and Moderation

[Michael Chui]

Steve,

I don't know whether or not vBulletin has this feature, but if there's a way to turn off a Moderator's line (the bit in the post header that says, "I'm a Moderator!"), I think you should give them the option.

Sometimes, it can be hard to tell when a moderator speaking as a moderator or as a "regular" contributor to the board. In other settings, I've known people to use pseudo-tags, like "[moderator]" to frame their posts, but then again, they aren't flagged as moderators normally.

Just a thought.

[Keith]

In other forums I've seen moderators use a green colour to indicate when they're using their 'moderator voice', like this:

Please don't swear ; this is an all-ages forum. I've edited your post appropriately.

It works well in my experience.

[Adrienne]

We haven't really talked about setting a standard like that yet. When i am trying to say something strongly, i do use bold or another color. Sometimes tho, it is good not to be too obvious. If i can get the conversation back on track with a couple nudges i would rather that then draw attention to this issue (tho i still usally point out to the person who posted it that the post was not in the spirit of this board).

I will keep that suggestion in mind as we work in setting up new stardards for the boards.

Adrienne

[Keith]

Originally Posted by Adrienne

We haven't really talked about setting a standard like that yet. When i am trying to say something strongly, i do use bold or another color. Sometimes tho, it is good not to be too obvious. If i can get the conversation back on track with a couple nudges i would rather that then draw attention to this issue (tho i still usally point out to the person who posted it that the post was not in the spirit of this board).

Oh absolutely. The point is to distinguish when you want to put your 'moderator hat' on and say something with your full authority. If you'd rather not invoke that authority in a particular case, you just use standard text like everyone else.

Also, there's no reason that something said in 'moderator voice' need be a booming pronouncement. It can be useful to empower appropriate nudges with a little authority too - that's really a matter of personal style.

Thanks for considering the idea. I've seen it work very well elsewhere.

[Adrienne]

Originally Posted by Keith

Oh absolutely. The point is to distinguish when you want to put your 'moderator hat' on and say something with your full authority. If you'd rather not invoke that authority in a particular case, you just use standard text like everyone else.

Also, there's no reason that something said in 'moderator voice' need be a booming pronouncement. It can be useful to empower appropriate nudges with a little authority too - that's really a matter of personal style.

Thanks for considering the idea. I've seen it work very well elsewhere.

Your welcome.

I like the idea of changing colors when speaking with the "moderator voice" to both draw attention to it and help seperate when a moderator is posting to add to the community vs posting to posting to keep the community on track.

I always like to think that people understand what i mean since i understand what i mean, but then again i am writing so i know exactly what i mean

Thanks for the idea.

Adrienne