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moderation [2024/10/20 00:46] – wrapify this. GlitchyZoruamoderation [2025/10/11 03:10] (current) – GlitchyZorua
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 <WRAP center round info 60%> <WRAP center round info 60%>
-Hello! + 
-This page is intended as an overview regarding the moderation of the Melonland Forum. It is intended both as a information for users regarding the targets and reasons of the moderation, and as a short introduction for new moderators.+Hello! This page is intended as an overview regarding the moderation of the Melonland Forum. It is intended both as a information for users regarding the targets and reasons of the moderation, and as a short introduction for new moderators. 
 + 
 +</WRAP> 
 + 
 +<WRAP center round help 60%> 
 + 
 +**Are you in the right place?** 
 + 
 +  * Are you looking to report a problematic user or to pin a good post? **[[forum_staff|Pester staff]]**. 
 +  * Are you currently banned from melonland forums and wish to be unbanned? You can resolve this matter by **[[webmaster@melonking.net|appealing your ban]]**. 
 +  * Are you trying to bypass the monday wall? You can try to follow these steps **[[bypass_monday|here]]**. 
 +  * Are you having an issue with Melonking/Melonland (such as the forum, and the wiki) and its projects? **[[webmaster@melonking.net|Pester Melon]]**. 
 +  * Are you trying to delete your account or trying to download your data, but you can't because you are banned? **[[webmaster@melonking.net|Pester Melon]]**. 
 +  * <wrap hi> Is someone on the forums making threats to themself or others? **[[self_help_resources|Follow these steps carefully]].**</wrap> 
 +  * Are you looking for things to do while the forum is closed? **[[:things2domonday|Here is a list of things you can do]]**. 
 </WRAP> </WRAP>
  
 ====== Basics ====== ====== Basics ======
 +
 ===== Purpose of moderation ===== ===== Purpose of moderation =====
 +
 The Moderation of the Melonland is mainly directed to help and preserve a positive and welcoming board culture; dealing with issues and implementing the [[guidelines|Rules and Guidelines]] is only a secondary task of moderating. If you find a topic or post that you find problematic, disturbing, negative, annoying, or misplaced (wrong sub-board, duplicate, etc) feel free to use the "Report" function to rise our awareness! The Moderation of the Melonland is mainly directed to help and preserve a positive and welcoming board culture; dealing with issues and implementing the [[guidelines|Rules and Guidelines]] is only a secondary task of moderating. If you find a topic or post that you find problematic, disturbing, negative, annoying, or misplaced (wrong sub-board, duplicate, etc) feel free to use the "Report" function to rise our awareness!
  
 ===== Community Building Tips ===== ===== Community Building Tips =====
 +
 These are some hints to help moderators to keep up a pleasant community. These aren't rules to be enforced, but rather guidelines. These are some hints to help moderators to keep up a pleasant community. These aren't rules to be enforced, but rather guidelines.
 +
   *     Creative expression is the primary goal.   *     Creative expression is the primary goal.
   *     The board should be balanced. If there are many joke topics, consider to create a serious one or vice verse.   *     The board should be balanced. If there are many joke topics, consider to create a serious one or vice verse.
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 ===== Routine tasks of moderation ===== ===== Routine tasks of moderation =====
 +
 One of the main activities within moderation is the approval of new members; other recurring activities are the discussion of the correct reaction to reported postings, the merging of duplicate topics and to filter out spam. One of the main activities within moderation is the approval of new members; other recurring activities are the discussion of the correct reaction to reported postings, the merging of duplicate topics and to filter out spam.
  
 ===== Hints for moderating ===== ===== Hints for moderating =====
 +
   *   Pay attention for new members. They might need help to understand how the forum works, and the culture that is prevalent here.   *   Pay attention for new members. They might need help to understand how the forum works, and the culture that is prevalent here.
   *   Unexplained special words and acronyms are exclusionary. Remind people to explain those.   *   Unexplained special words and acronyms are exclusionary. Remind people to explain those.
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 ===== Tools for moderating ===== ===== Tools for moderating =====
 +
 There are various tools available, that can be either accessed via the "Moderate" control panel, the banner bar under the control panel, or directly in the postings and threads that you want to moderate. There are various tools available, that can be either accessed via the "Moderate" control panel, the banner bar under the control panel, or directly in the postings and threads that you want to moderate.
 +
 ==== Mod BB Code ==== ==== Mod BB Code ====
 +
 Moderators can use a BBCode to make parts of postings or messages more visible. This is done by using the Moderators can use a BBCode to make parts of postings or messages more visible. This is done by using the
  
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 code. Sometimes this is useful for making a very clear moderation statement; however often it's better to just try and guide the conversation via casual interactions. code. Sometimes this is useful for making a very clear moderation statement; however often it's better to just try and guide the conversation via casual interactions.
 +
 ==== Moving ==== ==== Moving ====
 +
 Threads can be moved by pressing the "move topic" button (either above or beyond the topics text corpus). You can then choose a target destination and post a redirection topic; this helps users who want to revisit a topic to find it and reduces frustration about seemingly deleted topics. After moving a topic, you have to manually fix the link to fit the topics new URL (this isn't done automatically!). Threads can be moved by pressing the "move topic" button (either above or beyond the topics text corpus). You can then choose a target destination and post a redirection topic; this helps users who want to revisit a topic to find it and reduces frustration about seemingly deleted topics. After moving a topic, you have to manually fix the link to fit the topics new URL (this isn't done automatically!).
 +
 ==== The "Holding" Board ==== ==== The "Holding" Board ====
-The moderation is not always sure if a topic goes against the Rules and Guidelines; for this reason, supposedly problematic topics are often moved to the "Holding" board until the issue is discussed within the moderation. This also allows to restore topics that were "deleted" by accident.+ 
 +The moderator may not always sure if a topic goes against the Rules and Guidelines; for this reason, supposedly problematic topics are often moved to the "Holding" board until the issue is discussed within the moderation. This also allows to restore topics that were "deleted" by accident.
  
 The Holding Board contains also a thread named "Moderation Chat". It is mainly used to post away-messages, and to answer and discuss questions regarding the moderation. (This article is essentially a write-up of this topic). The Holding Board contains also a thread named "Moderation Chat". It is mainly used to post away-messages, and to answer and discuss questions regarding the moderation. (This article is essentially a write-up of this topic).
  
-==== Splitting ===+ 
 +<WRAP center round important 60%> 
 +**When a thread is moved to holding; It's a good idea to send a PM to the OP (and potentially very active posters in the thread) to let them know that the thread is held back but not deleted.** People tend to become very unhappy if they think their thread has been wrongly deleted! 
 +</WRAP> 
 + 
 +==== Splitting ==== 
 See [[splitting|Splitting a thread]] See [[splitting|Splitting a thread]]
 +
 ==== Merging ==== ==== Merging ====
 +
 Topics can be merged with other topics; this is especially done when two topics have a nearly identical content. To do this, click the "Merge"-Button (either above or beyond a threads text corpus). You can then either select a board and a target topic, or enter the target topics ID. In the next step, the name for the merged topic can be selected. Topics can be merged with other topics; this is especially done when two topics have a nearly identical content. To do this, click the "Merge"-Button (either above or beyond a threads text corpus). You can then either select a board and a target topic, or enter the target topics ID. In the next step, the name for the merged topic can be selected.
 +
 +<WRAP center round tip 60%>
 +Its a good idea to add a [mod] note to the thread, either to the OP or as a new message to let people know threads have been merged and there may be a slight context shift.
 +</WRAP>
 +
  
 ==== Editing ==== ==== Editing ====
 +
 Members postings can be edited by using the "Edit" button in their posts. Only do this when needed and use the [mod]-Code to document the changes you've done and why. Members postings can be edited by using the "Edit" button in their posts. Only do this when needed and use the [mod]-Code to document the changes you've done and why.
  
 ==== Deletion ==== ==== Deletion ====
-Moderators can delete posts and topics, but this usually shouldn't be done. Move them to "Holding" instead (see above).+ 
 +Moderators can delete posts and topics, but this usually shouldn't be done. Move them to "Holding" instead (see above). The main case that this is ok is if a post is very sort or unneeded such as "Thanks" or "Ok" posts.
  
 ==== Private Messages ==== ==== Private Messages ====
 +
 Moderation over private messages are - in cause of their inherent non-transparency - a tricky field, so it is better to leave the more delicate tasks here to Melon, the boards administrator. In cases where a private message is needed or most practical, be sure to include a block using the [mod][/mod] in your message, and check for the members profile for a favored name and pronoun. Moderation over private messages are - in cause of their inherent non-transparency - a tricky field, so it is better to leave the more delicate tasks here to Melon, the boards administrator. In cases where a private message is needed or most practical, be sure to include a block using the [mod][/mod] in your message, and check for the members profile for a favored name and pronoun.
  
 ==== Sticky ==== ==== Sticky ====
 +
 Important threads might be "pinned" to the top by using the Sticky button. Be frugal with it. Important threads might be "pinned" to the top by using the Sticky button. Be frugal with it.
 +
 ==== Member approval ==== ==== Member approval ====
 +
 New members need to be approved before they can participate. If members wait for approval, this is shown at the banner section (under your private message notification). Click there to go the the approval UI. New members need to be approved before they can participate. If members wait for approval, this is shown at the banner section (under your private message notification). Click there to go the the approval UI.
  
-You can now see the members waiting for approval, along with a text they've written at registration. +You can now see the members waiting for approval, along with a text they've written at registration. 
 + 
 +Check if the users
  
-Check if the users  
   - name is appropriate   - name is appropriate
   - E-Mail looks real   - E-Mail looks real
-  - has set any visible effort in their application text.+  - has set any visible effort in their application text (applications that complain about the min-character limit are a no)
   - has social media or websites linked (also check the profile, sometimes new users only set the link there). Are these compatible with the Rules and Guidelines?   - has social media or websites linked (also check the profile, sometimes new users only set the link there). Are these compatible with the Rules and Guidelines?
-  - is old enough (minimal age is 14!) +  - have creative projects or express an interest in making things rather than just consuming media (this should be a hard yes) 
-  - are there any other "red flags" you spotted? +  - is old enough (minimal age is 15!) 
 +  - are there any other "<fc #ff0000>red flags</fc>" you spotted? (insincere tone, references to chan sites, military or violent content etc) 
 + 
 +If you think that everything is in order, select the account and use the "Approve and send E-Mail"-Action. If there is a problem or you are unsure, write a short note at the "Moderation Chat"-thread. If it is obvious spam do "Reject" if its a person that does not fit the requirements do "Reject and send E-Mail"; this will send them an e-mail informing them that their application did not meet all requirements.
  
-If you think that everything is in order, select the account and use the "Approve and send E-Mail"-Action. If there is a problem or you are unsure, write a short note at the "Moderation Chat"-thread. 
 For further information and help about member approval, see the "Advanced Questions" section. For further information and help about member approval, see the "Advanced Questions" section.
  
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 You can close a report when you feel the situation is resolved, and the discussion about it has ended. If it was opened by another moderator it's best to leave it for them to close so they can respond to the discussion if they need to. You can close a report when you feel the situation is resolved, and the discussion about it has ended. If it was opened by another moderator it's best to leave it for them to close so they can respond to the discussion if they need to.
 +
 ====== Advanced Questions ====== ====== Advanced Questions ======
 +
 The following sections try to give some more in-depth information about moderation and related topics, and tries to give hints for tricky questions and situations. The following sections try to give some more in-depth information about moderation and related topics, and tries to give hints for tricky questions and situations.
  
 ===== Tips for Member approval ===== ===== Tips for Member approval =====
 +
 xxx xxx
 +
 ===== Policy towards links ===== ===== Policy towards links =====
 +
 The Melonland-Rules and Guidelines are also applied to links posted in the forum and member sites in the Profile, but are usually less strictly enforced, especially if numerous links lie between a posting and the problematic content. Sites that promote or enable hate, crime, or other highly problematic content should not be linked, promoted, or in any other way discussed here. The Melonland-Rules and Guidelines are also applied to links posted in the forum and member sites in the Profile, but are usually less strictly enforced, especially if numerous links lie between a posting and the problematic content. Sites that promote or enable hate, crime, or other highly problematic content should not be linked, promoted, or in any other way discussed here.
 +
 ===== Board Vibe ===== ===== Board Vibe =====
 +
 xxx xxx
-===== User safety =====+ 
 +===== User safety / Banned Topics ===== 
 Posts and links posted in the Melonland shouldn't cause harm to an assumed, relatively innocent user. Postings that put the poster or others at risk (including the revealing of data that allows identification) should be moderated. Posts and links posted in the Melonland shouldn't cause harm to an assumed, relatively innocent user. Postings that put the poster or others at risk (including the revealing of data that allows identification) should be moderated.
 +
 +Topics that are potentially harmful to users should be moved to "Holding". This especially includes medical or juristic specialty subjects and advice, as we lack the expertise to give sound information in these areas.
 +
 ===== External conflicts ===== ===== External conflicts =====
 +
 External conflicts or behavior by users generally do not matter for the membership at the Melonland-Forum, if said users respect and uphold the rules and guidelines. Extreme cases might be discussed and handled on case-to-case basis by the moderation team. External conflicts or behavior by users generally do not matter for the membership at the Melonland-Forum, if said users respect and uphold the rules and guidelines. Extreme cases might be discussed and handled on case-to-case basis by the moderation team.
 +
 ===== "Toxic" Communities ===== ===== "Toxic" Communities =====
 +
 There is a small number of Online-Communities that had tensions with the Melonland-Forum in the past, or that cultivate a board culture that is incompatible with the board culture of Melonland. Some of the names of these communities are auto-redacted, and mentions, discussions, and links to these communities might be subject to moderation. Being active in one of these communities is, however, not a substantive reasons for exclusion from the Melonland-Forum. There is a small number of Online-Communities that had tensions with the Melonland-Forum in the past, or that cultivate a board culture that is incompatible with the board culture of Melonland. Some of the names of these communities are auto-redacted, and mentions, discussions, and links to these communities might be subject to moderation. Being active in one of these communities is, however, not a substantive reasons for exclusion from the Melonland-Forum.
  
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 ===== Netiquette ===== ===== Netiquette =====
-The [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Etiquette_in_technology|Netiquette]] is a list of informal rules for online communities that developed over the last decades. Upholding the Netiquette isn't required at the Melonland-Forum. Users are, however, expected to interact in good faith with each other, and forgo behavior that might be disturbing or annoying to others.+ 
 +The [[wp>Netiquette]] is a list of informal rules for online communities that developed over the last decades. Upholding the Netiquette isn't required at the Melonland-Forum. Users are, however, expected to interact in good faith with each other, and forgo behavior that might be disturbing or annoying to others.
  
 ===== Politics and Activism ===== ===== Politics and Activism =====
 +
 Politics and political activism on the Melonland are encouraged, as long as it is compatible with the general Rules and Guidelines. As such, the promotion of hate, violence, or discrimination is strictly forbidden. Politics and political activism on the Melonland are encouraged, as long as it is compatible with the general Rules and Guidelines. As such, the promotion of hate, violence, or discrimination is strictly forbidden.
 +
 +