Just like any other user, administrators and moderators are not above the rules. Therefore, make sure we consistently hold ourselves to these standards!
Administrator and Moderator Rules
- Be Respectful and Kind to Others - Even though you are an admin/mod, this does not put you above showing respect to your fellow users.
- Be Civil and Fair in Your Interactions - Often you will be called to step into discussion board dissent or issues. At these times it is important to remember to be civil when explaining why the user is being reprimanded, what they did wrong, and how they can do better. Always give second chances! However, remember to be fair. This includes making the hard choice sometimes. If a user is a repeat offender, don't let them get away with it. To do so would be irresponsible. Do what is necessary, even if it means banning them.
- Be Active - Be an upstanding member of the community! Go out there and actively make edits. Make discussions. Comment on people's posts.
- Hold Each Other and Yourselves Accountable - If you or another admin/mod makes a decision that was not the best option, or makes a mistake, don't degrade them. Instead talk through it with them and make sure they don't do it again. Always be positive!
- Follow Community Guidelines- As stated before, we are not above the rules. Make sure you and your fellow admin/mods are adhering to the guidelines.
Electing a Moderator
There may come a time when the wiki is in need of a new moderator. If so, first we (the admin, which for now is just me, but may expand in the future. For now when I say we, I mean other moderators and upstanding community members) must consider these key questions:
Why do we need a new mod? Specifically, what reason? It may vary from the d board getting uncontrollable, or maybe the other mod(s) need backup on transactions.
Do we need another mod? Similarly, we must identify whether we are in need of a new mod. There should never have to be more than roughly 5 appointed mods, and even that number is gratuitous. If we have a lot of mods and think we need another one, we must consider whether we actually need a new mod, or if current admin/mods just need to start pulling their weight.
The Election Process
The new moderator will be decided on in a specific process. Until we get a substantial amount of community members for a community vote, moderator election will be mainly left up to current admin/mods. HOWEVER this is subject to change based on the situation. We will also consider community member's opinions on who should be the mod.
Requirements for Consideration:
- Must be an active member of the community, editing, discussing on the d board or otherwise.
- Must have been on the wiki and a part of it for at least a month (this time range will change as we grow)
- The user MUST be put up for consideration by other users. Users who think they should be mod most likely don't need to be made moderator (there are some exceptions to this. Very few, but they exist).
- If elected, they must stay active and commit to the duties and responsibilities of being a moderator.
After reviewing considerations, we will discuss on who we think it should be. Once a decision is made, we will contact the user via message wall, asking them if they are willing to commit to becoming a moderator. If they say no, we will thank them for their time and move to another candidate. If they say yes, we appoint them and that's that. We introduce them to the community as the newest mod. If no candidates says yes, then we will have to rule the election inconclusive and anull the whole deal, and pick up the slack that was the cause for an election in the first place.
Alternatively, a mod may be appointed randomly per request of an admin (after conferring with other admin and mods).
Appointing an Administrator
This will be mainly closed to admins only. We may from time to time confer with some mods about appointing and admin, but most of the time it will be kept between admin. In 99% of the cases, moderators will be the only ones further promoted to an administrator. Admin will possibly appoint new admin under special circumstances.
- The moderator has shown great integrity and performance in their roles.
- The admin believes that the moderator can be better beneficial as an administrator.
Once again, the mod in question will be contacted to see if they want to be appointed as an administrator. If they agree, a new moderator may possibly be appointed if the need arises. In these cases, always have a candidate ready.