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As a TM and now as a Mod, I have been very frustrated by the lack of prerequisites for becoming a TM and then a Mod. So I asked another poster to type some up for “becoming a TM” and when I posted it for opinions, several Mods/Gm responded positively. So I typed up two more to discuss.

I want opinions from everyone : do things seem to hard, too lax and can you think of other things to add? I do not want to be a dictator and having people vote “yes” or “no” for them, I just volunteered to be the “moderator” of developing the new rules: I will put all advice and opinions together for discussions.

Promoting from TM to Mods:

Hopefully, if the person who approved them to TM status followed the rules, they would have been a member at least 5 months before being a TM. As a TM, we want you to become familiar with the site, the TM forum and helping others.

Your GM can nominate you to be a Moderator but you have to meet the following criteria first:
~Must be a TM for at least 3 months before coming a Moderator. [That is kind of hard to figure out sometimes, but many new TMs post on the “Welcome to being a TM” topic.]~Must have a minimum of 500-preferably more constructive posts. What do you think: is this too hard, to lax, PLEASE post opinions {thumb2}

F.A.D.E. had a great post on what Moderators/GM are looking for in new Mods, here is a portion of her post:

- What does the user’s post tell us? (Is he/she helpful, friendly, honest, harsh, understanding… etc.)
- How often is the user online? (Some users have been inactive for 5 or 6 months which is too much)
- What kind of autograph collecting knowledge/experience does the user have? (This helps us find out which forum you’d be perfect for)

…we are simply looking for trustworthy and kind moderators. Some that try and keep up the order on the board, doesn’t stir too much trouble and keep it simple and can log on at least once a week or so.

But keep in mind that each situation and each user is unique so sometimes other things also pops up which we also have to take into consideration.

The Mailman also had a post about this: GM/Mods are looking for TMs who are…

…fair, polite and uses appropriate language throughout your posts. A little kindness goes a long way

If a member needs help with something, take the opportunity to help them. We were all new to the site at one time, and will take time for many members to learn the ropes and even seasoned veterans don't know how to do some things

Do not spam i.e: do not post something, and repeat it in several posts. For example: "Great Success". This has become somewhat of a common thread between many applicants. By all means feel free to congratulate a member's success, but don't over-do it.

Do not post solely in the games forum as this is not productive towards your application. By all means feel free to post in there but do not spend more time in there than the other forums. Posting there contributes little to other members, one of the key jobs of the moderators

In your posts, please use punctuation appropriately and watch your grammar. We understand that grammar structure differs among countries, so just try your best. We also understand that for some of you, English is not your main language. But, sometimes little things like that can affect the votes. We're not saying that mistakes are going to kill your chances, just a little more formality is expected of moderators. So try to avoid typing fast while you're half asleep to avoid those clumsy errors

But when it is time, your GM (It is found under your avatar in your posts) will start a topic for input and discussions. The main things we think about are:
-Is this TM helpful? Or do they cause more problems?
-Do they give more advice and answer more questions than ask for advice and ask questions? (Input from knackdrums)
-Do they need more time?
-Are they mature enough? [Notice, I didn’t say age, but if they act immature then they probably won’t be promoted]
-As a TM and also as a Mod, you will have people criticize you and perhaps be rude: how is your response? As a TM and then as a Mod, you are an “ambassador” (for lack of a better word) for the site and we want to maintain a good image.

To all current Mods:
What needs to be added? A lot of the promoting “criteria” is opinions (are they helpful? Mature? etc) so any ideas for solid rules: a post number? 500 sound ok? Being on the forum a year? That sounds too long: 8 months? (5 months before TM, 3 months as TM)

Do we need to have an age limit?

BossC

Hi BossC!

Great job!

I agree with everything you said. I don't think that being a TM 3 months before you can even apply for being a Mod is too hard, I remember that I was a TM for half a year or so and at the first time even declined the offer of being promoted because I didn't feel ready and experienced enough, so I'd say 3 months should be a minimum time. 500 posts sound OK to me, but it's important what character the TM's posts have and where they were posted, so as you said, they must be constructive (or at least about two thirds of them).

As for the age limit, well, everyone is supposed to be at least 13 to be able to join the forum, right? It really depends on the person's maturity, we have here Mods who are very young, but still do an excellent job, while other people at their age wouldn't be able to do it, so I think that age doesn't really matter, as long as the person proves s/he is able to take a responsibilty and behave mature {thumb2} .

Sammya