10 forum moderator qualities that make any online community thrive!
Posted on | June 7, 2010 | 19 Comments
Can you judge an online forum by…
The forum moderator?
Yes, definitely!
Top 10 traits that make a remarkable forum moderator
A top-notch forum moderator:
- Understands the members – They totally get the members’ needs, fears, frustrations and dreams by reading posts, profiles and observing participation. In an educational forum, they remember what it was like to be a beginner in the topic area. This allows them to lead with empathy and insight.
- Expresses thoughts clearly in writing – Communication in online forums is pretty much through writing. The skilled forum moderator explains concepts simply, chooses words carefully and problem solves with very little information.
- Knows the forum inside out – Good educational forums will have a stack of resources. The effective forum moderator knows where all these are and can point members in the right direction.
- Is chosen on merit -They’re hand picked by the forum owner or host for their specific qualities. The selection criteria and how they were recruited should be made publicly available.
- Has excellent knowledge of the topic area – They know what they’re talking about! Check out their posts and other work. Find out what gives them “I can show you the ropes” rights.
- Teaches, mentors and shares – This is what gives an online forum the spirit of information sharing. The forum moderator takes leadership as a teacher and encourages members to do the same. They are generous and want to see members succeed.
- Is accessible – Want answers quickly? Want to know that a call for help will be responded to? Want to be able to rely on good support? This is about service and their “care factor” in making sure you get it.
- Is well-liked by members – All you have to do is see what other members are saying to quickly determine this. If members can vote for moderator reputation, that’s a sign of a fantastic online forum.
- Has personality! -Your interaction and learning have to be fun, of course! After all, you want to know you’re dealing with a human behind the avatar.
- Moderates a thriving forum – At the end of the day, just look around at what’s going on. Do you see lots of activity, a mix of regulars and guests, and loads of recent discussion? If yes, you have positive signs of a great community and therefore great moderating.
If you’d like to see living, breathing examples of the forum moderator who has all these qualities, check out this forum moderator team at YOTA. (That’s my affiliate link, by the way.)
They’re called the Zodiacs and they’re my favourite forum moderator extraordinaires in the world!!! They helped me get this blog to where it is today.
The YOTA online forum is where people go to learn about internet marketing, affililate marketing, blogging, SEO and other cool things to make money online. The members rely heavily on the forum moderator team for their learning.
Do you know the YOTA forum moderators? Aren’t they the best ever??? Tell us what you think by leaving comment.
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8 comments
June 7th, 2010 @ 6:16 PM
Hi Lina,
You can’t have a good forum without a good forum moderator. They set the tone and expectation, while attracting like minded people. You’ve covered some good points here, perhaps some extra sub-points would include being patient and modest.
David Moloney´s last blog ..What is the Difference Between a JPG, GIF, TIFF, PNG and EPS?
June 7th, 2010 @ 6:33 PM
10 very good points, Lina. I would be happy in that sort of company
Sean Rasmussen´s last blog ..Learn And Earn. $20,000 In Cash And Prizes
June 7th, 2010 @ 10:15 PM
Hi David – I should have made it 12 points…
Hi Sean – Happy in that sort of company? Me too!
June 9th, 2010 @ 9:43 PM
Hey Lina,
This is all new to me and thanks for putting it so simply (which you have a great talent for).
Rob
June 10th, 2010 @ 3:24 PM
No worries, Rob. Pleasure
June 10th, 2010 @ 6:08 PM
Great points Lina.
I have been apart of a few forums in my time and must say that the Zodiacs do carry all 10 forum moderator qualities in bucket-loads.
It makes hanging around the forum so much more pleasurable.
Cemil´s last blog ..Masterchef Australia Winner
June 10th, 2010 @ 6:15 PM
They’re so cool, hey Cemil. I just love them.
June 10th, 2010 @ 6:41 PM
Hey Lina,
The YOTA forum moderators are the best. No other forum I’ve ever been in can hold a candle to these guys.
I think it all comes from the top down. Sean Rasmussen definitely sets the standard for his team.
I love being part of such a wonderful forum.:)
June 10th, 2010 @ 7:41 PM
Hi Lina
The YOTA forum moderators certainly are the best around.
Having Sean Rasmussen to follow how could they not be.
Rita
Rita Pepper´s last blog ..SEO Training
June 10th, 2010 @ 7:54 PM
YOTA moderators are the greatest moderators throughout the entire land of forums.
Seriously, whenever I had a question or a problem they either directed me to the exact right place I needed to see that info easily and quickly or gave me an answer that fit for me. And sometimes when I read other people’s answer to a question I hadn’t even asked that answer applied to me. The other great thing is that I would often (as well as other YOTA members) get answers from many of the moderators on the ONE question.
That was awesome – every moderator had their own opinion (fantastic), everyone of them displayed their unique Zodiac personality, sense of humour and never made you feel stupid.
In conclusion… there are no better forum moderators than the moderators… or as we know them – Zodiacs in YOTA.
Samantha Banfield – Witty Sam´s last blog ..Apple iPad Launch
June 10th, 2010 @ 8:22 PM
This has been a great read Lina, and has made me appreciate the YOTA forum more than ever (if that’s possible!). Thanks for making me realise how lucky I am
June 10th, 2010 @ 10:54 PM
What a great blog Lina. Really tells how the Yota Forum is the Best!!
Sandra Sentance´s last blog ..Time Management
June 11th, 2010 @ 12:13 AM
G’day Lina,
All I can say at this late hour [ just turned into a pumpkinm ] is that you are so correct. The Zodiacs on the YOTA forum are outstanding to the MAX !! On Wednesday I had a precise helpful answer in 6 minutes !!!!! It was Dragon on the Prowl.
This is a fabulous read and well written. Good on you ! I did a blog about Sean’a competition and posted it to the BMT so if you want to head in that direction and have a tweak,it will be Wonderful ! Called it
SEAN RASMUSSEN’S ” LEARN AND EARN ” COMPETITION.
Cheers
Harry
Harry Lynn´s last blog ..Your Mobile Phone and Emergencies
June 11th, 2010 @ 8:46 AM
The Zodiacs are like my best friends but if I bumped into them in the street I wouldn’t recognize them.
Wal Heinrich´s last blog ..The Secret Of Healing The Shadow Self And Tapping Into The Riches Of The Dark Side
June 11th, 2010 @ 12:13 PM
Hi Nanny – I’m grateful for the inspiration our fab YOTA forum moderator team gave me for this post!
Hi Wal – That’s what’s great about their anonymity. As a member, you’re guaranteed of getting the best, unbiased help because there’s no risk of any forum moderator promoting their own self-interests. It’s a very cool concept… Even if you’d love to have a coffee with them to say thank you!
Hi Harry – You’re a funny man, TO THE MAX!!! LOL…
June 12th, 2010 @ 2:47 PM
Hi Lina,
What can I say, but that I agree with you wholeheartedly, utterly and absolutely, on all fronts and in all regards. Have I covered everything? Maybe just a start.
The YOTA forum is truly amazing, and certainly sets standards that are fast heading to impeccable. It’s great to be a part of a cutting edge organisation.
Jo Carey-Bradshaw´s last blog ..Empowering Mindset – Obstacles or Pffffffft
June 12th, 2010 @ 3:10 PM
Hello Lina,
I agree with every comment. Can’t get over how quick they are off the mark after a request or query is posted. The other thing I appreciate is that there are NO dumb questions.
Doctor Bill
June 12th, 2010 @ 4:36 PM
I definenty agree with your post Lina (and the comments others have left). The YOTA forum moderators know their stuff and are great at breaking things down to a simple level and giving practical advice.
Tom´s last blog ..The Top 10 Article Directories – Part 1
July 2nd, 2010 @ 3:27 PM
I reckon the administrator on the YOTA forum is an alright kind of guy too
Great article Lina!
The moderators job would not be so easy if it was not for such an amazing group of committed, friendly and inspirational members that are involved.
Kudos to you all!