Backseat Moderating

[The Director]

It has come to the attention of the Moderating Team that there has been an increase in Backseat Moderating, particularly in the shoutbox.

 

What is backseat moderating?

Backseat Moderating is using authority you do not have to convince members to obey the rules you think they are breaking, or setting expectations for how Moderators will handle a situation.

 

Why is Backseat Moderating bad?

Members who tend to Backseat Moderate also have a tendency to think they are above their station. This causes a sense of arrogance and other members to dislike the members who Backseat Moderate. It also causes members to have a tendency to believe they are above the rules.

 

If you are confused about what is acceptable behavior, here is an example.

 

Member A is swearing at people in the shoutbox. He is being rude, abrasive, and flaming members left and right. You take a screenshot of the behavior (if possible) and file a detailed report on the activity. You then proceed to ignore Member A until he is taken care of.

 

You do NOT:

1. Tell Member A to stop or else you'll report him.

2. Tell Member A that he is going to be banned if he doesn't stop.

3. Ask if there is a moderator in the shoutbox.

4. Tell other members to ignore Member A.

5. Engage Member A in a flame war trying to defend the honor of your fellow members.

 

You are NOT a moderator and you WILL NOT backseat moderate under any circumstances. You do not have ANY authority when it comes to the disciplinary action of members in this forum, and you WILL NOT falsify having this authority. You WILL NOT set the expectations of others for how a moderator will handle a situation.

 

Staff Response
Any further Backseat Moderating will result in disciplinary action.