"How do I become a moderator?" Page 2

Started by Nick November 7th, 2010 6:29 AM
  • 1984 views
  • 49 replies

AshPikastar

It's Question Time!

Age 30
Female
Florida
Seen March 2nd, 2018
Posted August 26th, 2012
1,746 posts
12.6 Years
1. How do you feel about people who ask how to become a moderator?

I've gotten asked this question a lot of times on other forum sites that I've been staff on. This depends actually on how often they ask 'How do they become a moderator". This can get a bit annoying sometimes if members keep on asking I have to admit. Before asking a staff they should at least look at a FAQ but I can see if they have been on the forum for over a year to ask so that part is alright. I think mainly the new members asking how to become a staff is annoying since you don't know much about them since they just joined.

2. If you've had experience with being part of staff on a forum, do you share advice with them?


My advice would be what most people would say. Try your best to help out the site as much as you can. Try to be active on the forum and start knowing other members. Get a little bit popular on the forum so that way when it comes to elections you would get supporters.


3. Do you think asking to become a moderator (or how) should be a death token for the future?

I don't think so. I think I mainly explained everything on the first question on why.

mikey

Age 30
Male
Seen 8 Hours Ago
Posted 4 Days Ago
6,229 posts
14.1 Years
1. How do you feel about people who ask how to become a moderator?
If they have been an active member for awhile, I think that they have a right to ask if they really wish to become one. With a new member or a less active member on the other hand, they shouldn't ask for obvious reasons.
2. If you've had experience with being part of staff on a forum, do you share advice with them?
Just be active and helpful to other members.
3. Do you think asking to become a moderator (or how) should be a death token for the future?
No, why should it be?

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RivalGator

I hate them all.

Male
Europe
Seen January 24th, 2016
Posted January 24th, 2016
777 posts
13.6 Years
1. How do you feel about people who ask how to become a moderator?
I find it annoying. If you are moderator material then the admins will come to you and ask. Or should.

2. If you've had experience with being part of staff on a forum, do you share advice with them?
I have been staff on forums in many different places, seen a lot of things go right and wrong. I sure would if they wanted me to.

3. Do you think asking to become a moderator (or how) should be a death token for the future?
Sure, why not.
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SinisterEternity

→ Friends call me SE, or Neo ~

New Zealand
Seen January 18th, 2022
Posted August 26th, 2016
429 posts
13 Years
How do you feel about people who ask how to become a moderator?
Okay ?
I don't mind them so much, since I've been asking myself the same thing on many other forums.

If you've had experience with being part of staff on a forum, do you share advice with them?
I generally put a rule in the rules (well, yeah xD) saying that people shouldn't ask to be moderator, to those who ask "Can I be a moderator pwease ?" anyways, because we are the one deciding who is well qualified for that. But else, to the others, we do advise and answer them sometimes.

Do you think asking to become a moderator (or how) should be a death token for the future?
I don't see why it should .n.

And seeing how most of us have been understanding "Can I be a mod", I guess that might be how the question "How do I become a moderator" is transformed in our minds, nowadays Too many noobs asked this, while they meant "Can I be a mod" instead, yeah. xD
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Sammi

Age 33
she/her
The States
Seen 5 Days Ago
Posted November 8th, 2021
14,085 posts
18.3 Years
Not gonna lie Nick, until your second post I was reading this thread and all the answers as "Can I become a moderator?" @[email protected];;

1. How do you feel about people who ask how to become a moderator?
I see no harm in asking for details at all! Especially on a forum as big as PC, it's not always clear how mods are chosen. If you're new, how are you supposed to know unless you ask? I don't think most people realize it's a FAQ topic in the first place.

2. If you've had experience with being part of staff on a forum, do you share advice with them?
If someone asks me, I'll answer. Depending on the day, either I'll write out a longer answer or just link them to the bit in the FAQ.

3. Do you think asking to become a moderator (or how) should be a death token for the future?
Asking how to become a mod? No way.
Asking to be a mod? If a member asked to be a mod in a thread like waaaay back when they first joined, it shouldn't be held against them years later when they've matured and might actually be mod material. Otherwise, I'd say it's situational. It's kind of hard to explain... :(

I'll make a proper signature when Pokecommunity gets a proper slogan

Aquacorde

⟡ not everything is sink or swim ⟡

Age 29
she/her/he/him
Ankh-Morpork
Seen 22 Hours Ago
Posted 2 Days Ago
12,277 posts
18.9 Years
1. How do you feel about people who ask how to become a moderator?
If they are asking about how moderators are chosen or suchlike, then I have no problem. And I would be interested in reading how others respond to it.
However, if they are asking to be made a moderator, then it irritates me a bit.

2. If you've had experience with being part of staff on a forum, do you share advice with them?
All the forums I have been staff on were "let's see if we can do something with this"-type forums. So yeah no advice here.

3. Do you think asking to become a moderator (or how) should be a death token for the future?
Asking how it works? No.
Outright asking to become one? Maybe.
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Melody

Banned

Female
Cuddling those close to me
Seen March 4th, 2018
Posted March 2nd, 2018
6,459 posts
18.6 Years
1. How do you feel about people who ask how to become a moderator?
If they're obviously new, inexperienced and have only had experience on a little forum...then they're REALLY ANNOYING! Seriously, just because your friend made you a mod on their tiny forum doesn't mean you are qualified.

Now if you've been at PC for at LEAST 3 years and you kinda sorta ask politely and not publicly, you're fine. If you've been a regular of any site for that long, you DEFINITELY deserve to be considered somewhat. You've earned the right to inquire about it so long as you don't inquire regularly, pester the admins or staff about it or try to make yourself too much of a nuisance. (Expressing your opinion is not being a nuisance, irregardless of what any member of staff would have you think especially when the discussion is being held in a public area of the site like CQ&F, #thepokecommunity or within your view, like with MSN/WLM group convos, ect...ect...

2. If you've had experience with being part of staff on a forum, do you share advice with them?
I don't have enough experience to qualify me to share advice. I merely have enough experience to provide an opinion.


So I wouldn't as of now, but if I gained experience, I'd share a tidbit or two to get them on the right track...especially if they're looking like they'll be a troublesome user unless they have a goal they want to achieve.

3. Do you think asking to become a moderator (or how) should be a death token for the future?
No, I do not.

Everyone is a n00b once, and it's not wrong to wish to help a site if you really and honestly love it. People who disagree with me on this question can go boil their heads...and I'm just sugarcoating that, I'd really like to tell them to do something even worse.

You simply CAN NOT treat hopeful newbies like criminals, unless they obviously cross a line and break the rules openly. THIS DOES NOT MEAN MAKE A RULE AGAINST ASKING/HOPING TO BE A MOD!

If you disobey the previous paragraph, you will eventually run out of good-hearted and talented candidates, thus forcing you to select absolute imbeciles, jerks or people with terrible temperaments for the job. This will result in a slow painful forum death where all the decent people leave the forum. It turns into a pit full of hatred and will self-destruct eventually. NO EXCEPTIONS. PERIOD. NOT EVEN CHUCK NORRIS HIMSELF CAN EVADE THIS LAW OF THE INTERNET!

Rawr. I'm a pretty stubborn girl. XD

Taemin

MOVE

he / they
USA
Seen January 6th, 2023
Posted December 9th, 2022
11,196 posts
17.8 Years
1. How do you feel about people who ask how to become a moderator?
If they've read the rules, or lurked around as much as some of them have claimed to.. they'd know that they shouldn't go around asking that question. So my first reaction when people ask that, is being somewhat annoyed. Then my nicer side takes over, and I guide them to FAQ, and sometimes explain things a bit to them. :/ Can't bite their heads off for wanting a status of power (because you know that's why most of them want it), even if it is only on a Pokemon forum.

2. If you've had experience with being part of staff on a forum, do you share advice with them?
Sometimes. I try to guide them into doing what's right, rather than telling them nothing at all, and take the chance of them becoming an annoyance to PC - especially when they seem to have the ability to actually be a decent staff member.

3. Do you think asking to become a moderator (or how) should be a death token for the future?
Not at all, like I said there's no harm at all in people wondering, or even asking really.. Outright asking us to make them a mod can be annoying, yes. Though, if they do that, I tend to tell them that it's the quickest way to never be one. >_>; That either shuts them up, or makes them take a different approach, and those who do correct their ways shouldn't be punished for asking / wondering.


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paired to Palamon

インフェルノの津波

Seriously?

Male
Seattle
Seen March 28th, 2020
Posted June 8th, 2014
3,899 posts
13.4 Years
I have no interest in being Moderator right now, even though I wish I was cause I would be more on PC than normally. It probably won't happen, since I wouldn't trust myself in a site as big as this even with other people to help.

Anyway if someone asked me I would say get in line, #246.

King Gumball

Haven't been here for ages...

Male
Sydney
Seen April 8th, 2013
Posted April 8th, 2013
2,178 posts
12.8 Years
1. How do you feel about people who ask how to become a moderator?
I normally never comment on that as I don't really know how myself:/ I assume you need to donate some money to PC, or in some special cases just really commit yourself here more than other members.

Just read how lol. I dont find them annoying, they have every right to ask, just as long as they do not create a thread about it. But even then it is all a matter of getting used to a new forum.

2. If you've had experience with being part of staff on a forum, do you share advice with them?
Never have been staff.... Would love t though, I know I am up for it.

3. Do you think asking to become a moderator (or how) should be a death token for the future?
Definitely not. It is more like a starting token, as you know what to strve for. If you never ask then how will you know?
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PlatinumDude

Nyeh?

Age 29
Male
Canada
Seen July 31st, 2020
Posted May 30th, 2020
12,958 posts
12.7 Years
1. How do you feel about people who ask how to become a moderator?: I feel that even though those people want to moderators, that's just pushing it.
2. If you've had experience with being part of staff on a forum, do you share advice with them?: I'm a mod at another forum, but I don't share that advice with others.
3. Do you think asking to become a moderator (or how) should be a death token for the future?: I think so, because like I said before, that's just pushing it. Being a mod is a lot of responsibility and the right to become one must be earned.

Age 36
Seen 1 Hour Ago
Posted 1 Hour Ago
10,149 posts
17.1 Years
1. How do you feel about people who ask how to become a moderator?
Honestly, it depends on how long they've been here. If they're new, then it's not like they should be expected to automatically know every in-and-out of PC and life here.

But then, the question really isn't "Can I be a mod?" It's asking more of how to be one of the staff, and if the member is told to follow the rules and be a good member, then that's all the better. Because it means that they have some sort of moral compass to be a member here.

2. If you've had experience with being part of staff on a forum, do you share advice with them?
I would, because I'm a fountain of knowledge. And if they receive the advice of helping a moderator, than at least the already-busy staff gets some help from some members.

Besides, it's a nice thing to do.

3. Do you think asking to become a moderator (or how) should be a death token for the future?
Not at all. I mean, everyone starts out without the knowledge of how a forum works when they first join. But people can mature and change their thoughts and actions, and just because they made some decisions that a moderator shouldn't way back in the past doesn't mean that it should be held against them.

Besides, if a moderator is expected to never make a mistake when they first joined any forum, then we would probably have absolutely no staff.

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Alice

(>^.(>0.0)>

Age 31
Female
Oregon
Seen April 30th, 2015
Posted April 29th, 2015
3,077 posts
14.2 Years
1. How do you feel about people who ask how to become a moderator?

I don't really think anyone should ask, at least not until they're in a position to benefit the community, and is widely known/has been here a long time.


2. If you've had experience with being part of staff on a forum, do you share advice with them?


Do you mean advice to share with people who are trying to become mods on here? If so, my advice is: Don't bother. That's not the reason you should be posting on this forum. If your only reason for being here, is to become a mod, then all you're telling us is that you want power, and will abuse it. You'll never become one. (Regardless of how hypocritical my next answer sounds, I wasn't really interested in actually joining the clan until the last year or so, because before that they were way too into playing competitively, which wasn't really something I wanted to bother with.)


3. Do you think asking to become a moderator (or how) should be a death token for the future?

Definitely not. I just recently was invited into a large, invite only, CSS clan that I've been trying to get into for over 3 years now, and it turns out, the only reason it took so long, (even though I was already one of their best moderators/server admins, had one of the highest post counts, and always did everything I could to help the community) was because they knew that I was trying to get into the clan. (Although, I never actually asked to get in.) Just because I actually cared, and wanted it, they took it from me, even though I put everything I had into that clan, to make it a better place.

I've never even considered being a mod here on pokecommunity, so I don't really know how things work here, but I really hope you guys wouldn't stoop that low.



You know... I've never even checked the FAQ on how to be a mod... I just figured I'd never be one, and didn't bother with it. lol

Esper

California
Seen June 30th, 2018
Posted June 30th, 2018
1. How do you feel about people who ask how to become a moderator?
There's no harm in asking questions if you don't know the answers. Even if this question was a veiled "How do I become a moderator?" that's still not so bad. It might be a really common question, but this is a big forum.

2. If you've had experience with being part of staff on a forum, do you share advice with them?
Advice on how to become a moderator? Even if I thought I knew the magic words that would get someone modded I don't think I'd share because that wouldn't necessarily make someone a good mod. Any other advice I could give I would, though my favorite kind of advice is the kind that asks people to ask themselves "What would you do?"

3. Do you think asking to become a moderator (or how) should be a death token for the future?
There are probably dozens of other things to take into consideration that an innocent moment of asking shouldn't really be taken into it. Of course if it's someone who might be expected to know how moderators are chosen and they still ask that's more situational and might indicate other reasons why they shouldn't be modded, but not necessarily.
Age 5
Male
battlefield
Seen September 28th, 2022
Posted January 9th, 2022
2,982 posts
14.2 Years
1. How do you feel about people who ask how to become a moderator?

I have nothing against people asking how to become a moderator, but I'll be against them if they brag and how much they qualify in being one and complain. In my point of view, it's just a question and there's no harm in asking if someone is just wondering how our moderators today became a moderator.

2. If you've had experience with being part of staff on a forum, do you share advice with them?

It depends what you mean by advice. If I had experience of being a moderator on a specific forum and lets say I resigned or got demoted from the team, I'll share advice like how I felt being on staff, what it was like, what tasks you have to do involving on how to be an exceptional(?) moderator.

3. Do you think asking to become a moderator (or how) should be a death token for the future?

If they asked how then in this case, curiosity does not kill the cat. As long as they're not stating that they should be a moderator. If they ask to become a moderator and get declined (which I think what will most likely happen for newcomers) then I think they shouldn't complain and learn how to become one and what they have to do and expect from being a moderator.

project ember
Male
Seen August 15th, 2011
Posted November 30th, 2010
8 posts
12.5 Years
1. How do you feel about people who to ask how to become a moderator?
How to become one? I'm sure any forum answers such questions in a place, a FAQ for example, so I see no point in asking if such info is available.

2. If you've had experience with being part of staff on a forum, do you share advice with them?
Don't become a moderator.

3. Do you think asking to become a moderator (or how) should be a death token for the future?
Constantly asking to be a moderator, even if you helped a community a lot and you've been a member for years, is just irritating and annoying. So, yes, I think it should be. If you ask how to become one, a staff's job is to direct you to a place you can read how to become one.

Sydian

fake your death.

Age 30
they/them
Georgia
Seen May 22nd, 2022
Posted November 29th, 2021
33,354 posts
15.2 Years
1. How do you feel about people who to ask how to become a moderator?
I've had some people ask me how to become one. I never really know what to say. But I don't mind that question, it's just the question "can I become a moderator?" that is the main issue.

2. If you've had experience with being part of staff on a forum, do you share advice with them?
I just say that they should be good quality posters, be helpful, don't mini-mod, report stuff they see wrong, etc.

3. Do you think asking to become a moderator (or how) should be a death token for the future?
Asking how and asking to be are completely different. With the interest in asking how to become one, that's generally a good sign that they seem to have a nice aspiration. But with asking if they can be one, it kind of gives them a lol mark on their name for a while. It eventually wears off, of course. Most of us were total nubcakes at one point or another.
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Seen July 16th, 2011
Posted July 15th, 2011
126 posts
12.7 Years
1. How do you feel about people who ask how to become a moderator?
To me, the answer to this question is simple. Since the answer is simple to me, I really have nothing against people asking how they can become a moderator. At least, simply asking the question. If it goes beyond that, such as speaking out and saying that they have done so, and they should be a mod, then I think they might just need more maturing to do, or at least back down, and rather than complain that they aren't a mod, relax and continue enjoying the forums.

2. If you've had experience with being part of staff on a forum, do you share advice with them?
The advice I share to others is simple, and thus led to what I said below. Relax, enjoy the forums, make quality posts, don't break the rules, and help out when there is help needed.

3. Do you think asking to become a moderator (or how) should be a death token for the future?
Not at all. Now, if they constantly ask to become a moderator, then I would assume that the chances get lower as it goes along, since begging/asking (even subtly) can show that you're not yet mature enough to become one just yet. How much this negates one chances can probably be how old the member is. Newbies, well... they're new, so they're possibly just innocent. However, older members should know better than to do so, and just relax rather than complain.

seeker

Ireland
Seen November 1st, 2019
Posted May 20th, 2018
10,593 posts
14.1 Years
1. How do you feel about people who ask how to become a moderator? Personally, I see it as a positive thing, so long as they've got the right intentions and don't just want to be a moderator for the sake of it, as people sometimes do. If a member comes to me and asks how I got my position or how they might some day gain the same position on the board, I tell them. I often say that it would require them to become a member who brings positivity to the section of their desire ahead of any other member, that they steer away from drama, be patient and hold a level head about everything. It's best that a member does not get obsessed with seeking a promotion, or making it public that they wish to be a moderator as this will not increase their chances. So when it boils down to it, I will always see it in a positive light, if a member feels that they have the potential and the maturity to handle a position, I would most certainly like to see them aspire to it.

2. If you've had experience with being part of staff on a forum, do you share advice with them?

Other than PC, I've been a staff member on a few forums, and I became staff on the forums I was active in. However I recently quit another forum, largely because I hold more dedication to my position here. But like I said, I would always offer a member advice, it's no secret as to how you become a staff member, but it can most certainly be some hard work to actually reach the position however. I've taken members under my wing before, and showed them the way to becoming a better member, and becoming staff for that matter. I won't mention names, but it is certainly beneficial to point members in the right direction, and I would always encourage people to aspire to new heights on a forum, it does wonders for the forum as well as one's involvement on the given site.

3. Do you think asking to become a moderator (or how) should be a death token for the future?

I do not feel that if a member asks to be a moderator, that they should never be considered for the position. Every member deserves a second chance, no matter what. We all change and we all grow up some day, hell, when I started out I was extremely immature, I still hold my playfulness but I've learned so much from just looking at things from a more rational perspective. If I deserved a second chance, then everyone does. Asking how is a different matter of course, I would much rather a member PM'd me and asked than went out in public and asked how, or outwardly asked if they could be one. But regardless of one's history, they deserve the chance to become a moderator, by large. No one is perfect, and every person has the ability to spark tremendous positivity.
Male
Edmonton (UTC -6)
Seen August 6th, 2011
Posted August 6th, 2011
342 posts
12.7 Years
I like how the Smogon forums have those "badges" and labels for those that have contributed. Also, some forums have members that are "staff" but do not have "moderation" power of any sort. They just have a sort of authority.

Main thing in terms of Moderators is that some forums may not always have one online, active, or seemingly around when behavior (spam, flaming, image posting, advertising) is getting out of hand. But it does take time for such moderation to occur. As does the time for the current staff to read the "Reports and/or Private Messaging" about such negatives.

I'd rather see a member get a sticker/gold-star for positive posting/knowledge/contribution than get bumped up to a Moderator.

Especially if such a "bump" is easily visible without clicking/visiting their profile.
Seen November 20th, 2010
Posted November 14th, 2010
123 posts
12.5 Years
1. How do you feel about people who ask how to become a moderator?
I feel that they shouldn't become a moderator, but if they're a newbie then maybe let it pass...

2. If you've had experience with being part of staff on a forum, do you share advice with them?
Don't ask, just do what you do, and you might become one.

3. Do you think asking to become a moderator (or how) should be a death token for the future?
No, newbies sometimes ask but they turn out to be good after a while.

GrifSpark

Your personal livin' Pokedex

Male
Bulbapedia, learning everything...
Seen August 14th, 2012
Posted January 27th, 2011
629 posts
13 Years
How do you feel about people who ask how to become a moderator?
It truely depends on how much effort they've put into the forum as both an individual and as a unit. If they are new, with barely any input to the community then I can barely stand it, as usually they are the kind of people who feel that if they cannot be the 'best' then they shall not stay. While I agree that that person could change if they worked for it, it just plain annoys me when this happens. On the other hand, if said person has worked hard to keep this place in tip-top shape, then I'd think that they deserved the position (although by that time the person would have probably realised what it takes to become a Moderator, and known that many people are annoyed by the question 'can I be a mod?')

If you've had experience with being part of staff on a forum, do you share advice with them?
Well, sadly, I have no experience as being part of the staff in a forum (probably since something would end up on fire, just as usual...), and usually on this subject, I tend to find that others actually know more on this subject than I do. I'd try and help if I think they deserved it, although I don't think I would be of much help.

Do you think asking to become a moderator (or how) should be a death token for the future?
Well, not that harsh a punishment, although probably none at all now that I think about it. It should be mentioned somewhere that a lot of people are annoyed if anyone even thinks that sentence, but not punished by any means.

I believe someone mentioned the thing about when someone says the thing everyone if thinking, but then he ends up looking ridiculous, which I think suits the whole situation of the 'can I be a Mod' question perfectly.
Grifspark, out-

Arcanine

There is no "-tina"

Age 34
In your fridge eating your food o.o
Seen November 9th, 2012
Posted October 31st, 2012
24,271 posts
19.7 Years
I just have a little advice to give people... From my experience as Staff (clearly on other forums), I've found that when a Staff member says "Closed" or "Locked" at the end of the thread they tend to say something like...

This thread has passed the 30 day revival mark (found in the main rules).

And then they say something like...

*Closed*

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