# Moderating

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Posted by Forum Director [ForumDirector1] on November 09, 1999 at 07:57:05 {4Hfg918T5grRIg7iiOekVpjcwnfdqw}:

There is need to repost the following reminder to all participants and moderators:

To Moderators and All Participants

Recently concerns have arisen about derogatory and insulting speech on this forum. Lurkers and participants other than moderators have primarily voiced those concerns. Moderators have also expressed those same concerns and have posted some strong warnings to that effect. Correctly our viewers expect a sense of decency from participants here. Correctly H2O moderators have provided enforcement of this forums participation policy stating “Posting content shows consideration for others, and is non-confrontational and non-bashing in content.”

Human nature inclines people to test limits, so it is not surprising when participants test the limits of H2O’s Forum Participation Policy (FPP). It has been suggested that moderators provide stricter enforcement regarding inconsiderate and bashing language. I wholeheartedly agree! Furthermore, as Forum Director I offer the following green light to moderators:

- Delete posts that you consider sufficiently inconsiderate or bashing. You need not clear borderline cases with Rick or myself. Just do it. If you were not considered trustworthy and possessing good judgement we would not have entrusted you with moderator tools.

- In case of time constraints (e.g., high traffic periods or personal time limitations) limiting your ability to act as a moderator by deleting violations and posting a moderator citation then make the deletions without a citation. If you have time you can post citations later. If you do not have time then you can forget the citation all together unless there is a challenge. In the event of a challenge you need not feel compelled to offer a lengthy response. Just post a citation at that time.

  Posting citations to FPP violators was conceived as a means of educating participants on aspects of H2O’s FPP and to attain better moderator accountability. My directions above do not dispose of H2O’s request that moderators post citations but rather it relieves them of that burden when high traffic or personal time constraints demand prioritization. Deleting offensive posts have priority over issuing citations. Accountability remains important and is required if a deletion is challenged. In cases where deletions are challenged I encourage that moderators keep their reply simple and to the point by just posting a citation at that time. If the moderator wants to expend more time in explaining their actions they can, but lengthy explanations are not required.

  At this time I wish to express my high regard for those working as moderators for the success of H2O. You are doing one fine job! Without your generous assistance H2O could not survive as the premiere forum for debate on issues important to Jehovah’s Witnesses and those interested in Jehovah’s Witnesses. The most I can do is thank you and hopefully share my own courage with you.

  H2O Forum Director 1

  Follow Ups:

  - *Moderating WitnetObserver 17:38:28 11/09/99 (0)
  - *Moderating Deletion 09:07:12 11/09/99 (2)
    - **Moderating Kent 15:35:03 11/09/99 (0)
    - **Moderating Kent 12:46:43 11/09/99 (0)
  - *Moderating Kent 08:41:02 11/09/99 (0)

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