Seems fair to me, and probably something talked about in the mod matrix that I haven't joined yet lol. I'd prefer nonmod folks to take priority in weighing in, but I like these guidelines
this post was submitted on 22 Jan 2025
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We had a very busy first day as a group in the Matrix chat. A lot of discussion etc.
FYI, you might want to use a local account to mod: https://lemmy.sdf.org/post/28316151
Yeah. I haven't gotten around to it. I don't have the info for my blahaj account here. I need to store it in this app and then do everything from there. I regret counting on this account to mod another community on blahaj own that I've seen first hand that you don't see reports without a local account. I also attempted to edit the sidebar, and it never showed up for anyone but me.
I'm definitely a fan of sending a dm explaining why action was taken to the relevant user. In that sort of spirit would it be a good idea to include the username of the mod in the message for the modlog? With how hard it can be to try and figure out which mod did what action it can lead to misunderstandings, and trying to make that more transparent could be good. Would also help show if a particular mod is abusing their position or something (I don't think it's super likely you all would do that on purpose, but still).
Another thing we discussed in the matrix was adding a minimum consideration time for actions taken against users, provided it's not something that needs to be dealt with at once, like obvious transphobia or threats etc.
A consideration time like that would force us to process something more before actually taking action, and would give other mods more time to weigh in before an action is taken. For context we share most of the actions we take and screenshots of the DMs we send.
Basically codifying a "let cooler heads prevail" kinda thing.
A side effect is that not everything would be acted on instantly, but how much of an issue that is depends on the consideration time chosen. It's a policy to consider and discuss at least.
A policy to instead just take our time with mod actions might do basically the same thing, even if less specific.
some users are stupid and focus on pedantry and technicalities
The wording of this is a bit ableist. Alternative:
some users focus disproportionately on pedantry and technicalities, causing possibly difficult communication.
Yes, true
seconded
love it!
one i would suggest also establishing at least a rough process for internal review/checks and balances.
two and maybe given the past it would be good to include “poll the community before making decisions of significant scale.” the move to .world wasn’t the first decision that was enacted without any prior approval from 196, for example moldy mondays was a weird thing that was sprung on us.
three if there is any (legitimate) doubt, “being tired” should not be a reason to make a decision, at least not a permanent one. temp bans pending further review are perfectly fine in my book.
When in doubt about whether or not a user is problematic, send them a DM ~~if you have the time and energy.~~
four these are the ones i especially like and why =3
Don’t waste time debating/arguing with problematic users. based we don’t need flying squids in this community and it’s especially bad when mods feed the trolls
Explain to a user why their behavior is problematic and how it is distressing others rather than engage with whatever they are saying. Ask them to avoid this in the future and send them packing if they do not comply. this is good because it quells the the goofs who get hung up on “but i should be allowed to transphobic against trolls” like no you shouldn’t, you are making this place miserable
Use neutral statements like “this statement can be considered transphobic” rather than “you are being transphobic”. this is good especially for users who are new to trans spaces and don’t know how transphobia looks always. it deescelates the situation.
What was mouldy Mondays?
It was a thing last year where "low quality" posts would be removed every day but Monday. Here's the announcement post: https://lemmy.blahaj.zone/post/7828640
It was agreed upon by a poll that only went for 5 hours and was bundled in with a "no AI" rule which was popular.
To my knowledge it was never acted on-no posts were ever removed-but it was exceedingly weird for 196 of all places.
That line about doubt and energy is perhaps not clear. The point is not to sometimes not send a DM, but to wait until later or let someone else handle that if you don't have the energy yourself. The rule should be clarified further, or merged with some other rules that touch on that.
Some of those lines might be better merged, and then a line about taking a break if things get a bit much, as no one does a good job when overwhelmed or tired.
I rather like the other suggestions, I respond to a similar one about community input in another comment.
As for a procedure or way to have checks and balances I don't personally know what this would look like beyond having rules for how the mods should behave. Having to DM users we take actions against is also there as a way to give some more transparency. If anyone has any suggestions, this is the post to write them in.
Internally we have a matrix room we talk in, and I expect problems to be handled rather informally there unless proper procedures are written for us to follow.
👍
As for a procedure or way to have checks and balances I don’t personally know what this would look like beyond having rules for how the mods should behave.
Could you clarify the structure? Is there a head moderator, or is it a flat structure? Do moderators have specializations that allow them to take on accountability roles within those areas?
Additionally, consider outlining decision-making protocols, such as whether decisions are made by majority vote or through consensus. How many votes do you need to overrule a bad decision, versus expel a mod that’s gone rogue, etc.
It's flat. Remember that we formed a few days ago and just made these posts. No rules or structures are really formalized yet.
Rules on voting internally and how to organize a community vote etc would be a good start certainly.
I don't expect us to structure this very professionally with roles and such, I don't think that will be necessary, nor is it something I've seen anywhere else. I am personally in favor of a flat structure where we have rules on how to deal with rogue mods and how to deal with internal disputes etc, and the voting processes mentioned earlier. Anything more complicated seems a bit much.
All totally fair! These things are just better stated early than left implied until a disagreement forms.
Without something more than what was, the same mistakes will be repeated.
How is one mod held accountable by the other mods?
How does the community hold the mods accountable?
Why aren't these questions answered in the first published draft of the rules?
That's what this post is.
It's a draft regarding how us moderators should behave and a way for the community see our draft and make suggestions. When a moderator breaks the spirit of these guidelines you know you have a case so to speak against the offender, so it is also a way to hold us accountable, otherwise we would not write or share these guidelines.
The person you reply too seems a bit aggressive, but maybe a rule like "Any move of this community will be submitted to a vote of the community members" could help
A generalized version of that rule might be fitting to add. Such as a "no big changes or decisions, such as moving the community, without community input" rule
When in doubt about whether or not a user is problematic, send them a DM if you have the time and energy.
Don't waste time debating/arguing with problematic users.
I didn't have the time or energy to communicate with the user I'd hastily judged as "problematic". The problem was that they were costing me time and energy.
It's a joke, right?
these are guidelines for mods, not for you and me. ur lost about what ur criticizing.🙃