Team Protocols - (Just So You Know)

[Detomah]

If you are not a mod, don't try to act like one. These protocols are posted publicly so you know what to expect in the ways of punishment and moderator attitude.

Here we go:

You Represent TotalFormat
As a moderator, you represent TotalFormat. Carry yourself in a manner worthy of respect. Your adherence to the rules must be absolute and to the spirit of them, not just the letter. Misconduct by a mod will be treated more harshly than misconduct by users.

General Moderation
If a nude picture is posted, or some guy steps over the line with an insult, but wasn't worthy of a ban, then edit their post like so: (removed nipples picture -Zubaz). This is how all minor infractions should be handled. Make note of frequent abusers and if their name pops up in the mod forum, enlighten the other mods so we can make an informed decision.

Closing Threads
If a thread has degenerated into pointless spam or a flame war, then close it, and post in the thread stating why you did so. Don't ever just close a thread. In either above case, make sure to also moderate the users responsible. Don't just close a thread and expect the problem to go away. If you can salvage a thread by modding a couple users, then do so. Only close if the thread has little chance of generating discussion.

To Ban Or Not To Ban
If a user is breaking rules, the general way to decide what level of punishment is necessary is to weigh the severity of what they did against the likelihood that they will become (or continue) being a good member of the forums. If you're not sure, ask in the mod forum.

Duplicate Topics
Make a judgement call on how redundant the topic is. If a very similiar topic was created today or yesterday, close and link. If the topic was brought up weeks ago, and people are talking in there, let it stay. If you're not sure, leave it alone or defer to an admin in the mod forum.

Bad Thread Titles
If a thread title is ALL CAPS or something vulgar, then edit the thread (from the thread tools menu, not edit post) and fix the title. Post in the thread or edit the first post saying what you did.

Images
If a user posts a bunch of screenshots or something that are too big and breaking the design, edit them to links and make note of it (in red like before). Although with the automated resizing tool, this should seldom be a problem.

New Users
Be gentle with new users, don't hit them too hard for mistakes. If their post count is under 50, it's not a bad idea to include a link to the rules with any moderation you do. If you try, it's easy to tell the difference between ignorance and malice. Be sure you're keeping that in mind.

Problems with Other Mods or Admins
ALWAYS, and I do mean always, come directly to me with this stuff. Do not fight it out in the forums. I will sort the issues out. If your problem is with me, talk directly to Sash (who is assigned as my personal conscience) who will assess the situation and discuss it with me and put me striaght if necessary.

Private Guild Forums
Guild forums are under the sole ownership of that guilds leader. You do not need to mod anything in these forums unless the guild leader requests you to. You are however still responsible for your conduct inside a guild forum should you be a member of that guild.

Mod Expectations / Online Time
The one and only requirement you have for continued modship, is my trust in you. If you can only be on the forum 1 day a week, that is unfortunate, but you'll retain your mod status. It's when I can't count on you to do what is right that you'll be demodded.