Teresa's Mad About Hamsters Blog

Well, although I have already said it in a forum thread, I would like to officially welcome Mad About's latest moderator Internet Nobody who I am sure will do as brilliant a job moderating the forum as our existing moderators do.

I know those of you who personally know our moderators will understand why I am so very lucky in my moderation team, but for those who maybe dont know I thought I ought to explain what makes a good mod and why we feel we have the best!

Of course a moderator needs to give time freely and willingly to the forum. they need to take ownership of issues in the absence of admin and are responsible for quickly dealing with a thousand little things that can crop up, from giving people advice in an emergency, to ensuring that everyone is welcomed to the forum.

They need to put aside personal feelings at times when deciding whether forum rules have been broken, and at all times they should act as an exemplar, a shining light for members to see in times of darkness. A good moderator will always adhere to the rules that they expect others to adhere to. They will show all of the behaviours that the forum expects and will show a real commitment to the site and its members.

They will be expected to act as a team with other moderators, but know that there will be times when they have to make difficult decisions on their own. They need the strength of mind and resolution to follow through with actions without back up, when other team members aren't around. They will also be expected to deal with conflict with dignity and fairness.

I could go on.... but if anyone is a moderator or ever feels they would like to be one (either here or on any other forum/site) then the above will give you an idea of what it will take to be a good moderator.

On our forum we have a team of moderators who I thank my lucky stars for each day. As you can see, we have just added another, and who knows in the future??

But whoever joins our team in the future, I am sure they will have a tough act to follow with our current moderation team so thank you
Gill, Jane, Mollz, Mollz Mum, moptop, nooboo, souffle