Thank You, I Work Very Hard

[Sneakyheathen]

There are days you're going to have members you want to strangle or ban simply because they are them. It's important NOT to do this. Other than the obvious implications, having a policy of common courtesy will let your members see you as official, welcoming, and supportive. That is not to say that should any member step out of line you should move the line for them, simply to explain that on a daily basis, you should try to strive for the following ideals:

You have a very nice forum.
My band director, despite his cheesyness, had a saying that he told us all to follow and that I try to use when I remember to in real life. If we could think of no other criticism or constructive ideas or support for someone else's band, we should simply say "You have a very nice band." and continue on our way. Why shouldn't this apply to regular forums? I find that when people post their projects, while criticism is useful, there are times when it feels as if you're being attacked. You need to remember that everyone generally puts a good deal of effort into their projects, and therefore if you have nothing POSITIVE to say in your post regarding their attempt, you should simply go with "You have a very nice website/forum/alienmotiondector" and move on.

Thank you, I work very hard.
You can thank my band director for this one too. No matter what a member says to you, remember, you are the administrator. Your conduct sets an example for others to follow. Therefore, if someone praises you, keep your head level and say "Thank You, I work very hard". If someone thinks your board is bleeping bleeping bleep, say, "Thank you, I work very hard." and let the community have at them. This will make you seem grateful, official, and courteous.

Everyone has an opinion, so let them share it.
I find on a lot of boards that members will war with one another over an opinion. While controversy can be helpful, and you want to encourage viewpoints, it's important to remember that as administrator, going into a blind rage at someone's opinion is obviously not a good thing. Recently on a forum, a member felt that their slogan of "discuss anything" was contradicted by their rules. He then went on a rant in the feedback section using vulgar language and insults. The administrator threw this back at him, and they continued to argue until the member was banned. Reading these posts, I couldn't help but feel as if I was watching two children. Given the situation, the administrator should have calmly explained the rules and the ideas of the forum to the member. Going off on your members isn't going to make you seem like a hero, so why bother?

Problems should be dealt with in an authoritative and efficient manner.
Many moderators and administrators like to take advantage of a misbehaving member and go self-righteous on them. I know of a comic board where one of the administrators is revered for his senseless mockery of the rule-breaking members. While this could be entertaining, the point is it sets the example that your "support system" will gladly mock you ceaselessly if you step out of line. I've found that dancing around problems generates more than simply dealing with them. As with anything authoritative, you should use a strong tone of voice, lay down the circumstances exactly, and then deliver the punishment immediately. This will let your members know you are being fair and that they won't be embarrassed in front of others but simply taken care of.

Members can be friends, why not have administrators join in?
You are not only there to moderate and decide, but also to take part. If you're passionate about your project, why not spread it around? Join in conversations with your members, try to learn more about them as people, and form friendships. Being friendly and interested gains you respect and status, and allows you to see eye to eye with your visitors. Just remember to be able to go back to the position of power if the time comes to deal with members and not to let friendships get in the way of what is best for the community as a whole.

[HoTmetal]

Interesting, good post. 

[sokki]

Yes great tips thanks for that Sneakyheathen

[humbleworld]

Thank you for the post. Very insightful. I learned a great deal out of your article.

[Niteblade]

"Thank you. You have a nice article."

Tee hee.

J/K

You've got some nice information there; if I were some random internet person who stumbled across this post one day, my first impression would be that your community would be a nice one to join.

[Sneakyheathen]

"Thank you. You have a nice article."

Tee hee.

J/K

You've got some nice information there; if I were some random internet person who stumbled across this post one day, my first impression would be that your community would be a nice one to join.

Thanks for the compliment.