Some forums like to spring inconsistent and random forum rules on members; some of which do not even exist in their policy list at all. Members can be left puzzled, confused, stifled, insulted, angry, etc.
Also, some forums have inconsistent and careless moderating practices. They type public responses to posters which can reflect their own personal opinions, religious beliefs, likes & dislikes, emotions, patronizing tendencies, and at times even their own hysteria.
It's particularily bad when there is a combination of both factors. People leave.
More ideas.
There is a need for a relatively thorough list of basic forum rules, without being too long or too 'tense'.
People don't read long detailed lists unless they are one of those types of people who read long lists, but they're rare. How many people do you know actually read the entire agreement form on downloaded software before they click the 'ACCEPT' button?
Color idea.
I'm visual. If a policy list was long but broken down into clear categories, it would help me if the sections were color coded. But that's just me.
So we need a balance between thorough and simple.
It's a good list if moderators consistently refer to it when needed, and seldom have to make up rules on the fly.
More moderating ideas.
Moderators need to be careful not to get big heads.
Moderators need to be careful not to use extra large loud keyboards.
Moderators are only around to serve the forum, not rule the forum.
Moderators can be vaccinated against the gossip flu if they start to develop that fever.
Moderators should generally be seen and not heard. They shouldn't be heard very often either.
Moderators should be consistent meaning they generally follow the same method for rule enforcement.
Here's an example of minimal moderating--Level 1.
Poster Quinn writes, "I dropped my BBQ sauce on the floor and the bottle shattered splattering the stuff all over the lichen heart wallpaper on the divorce forum. RedWolf can clean it up. Ha Ha!"
Moderator hits 'edit' button on post. Moderator only types this; "Please double-click on this link
http://www.network54.com/Forum/thread?forumid=375597&messageid=1105491388&lp=1105496116
refer to the red section. Thank you."
The rule is clear, easy to find, easy to understand, the moderating is minimal, and not at all personal.
