Old Forums Moderation Process

This is a blast from the past— the organization and moderation processes for the AML Online Community circa 2007.

ORGANIZATION

Administration of American Mensa’s Forums is organized in a tiered structure as follows:

·      The Communications Officer and the staff Internet Services Manager are responsible for ensuring that the Forums fulfill the purposes stated above.

·      The Communications Committee is responsible for developing and reviewing the guidelines and policies for AML’s Internet Services.

·      The Communications subcommittee on community issues (Com³) acts as the evaluative body for issues arising on AML’s Forums. Appointed by the Communications Officer, Com³ is responsible for maintaining the sense of camaraderie, moderating or facilitating other appointed moderators, and advising the Communications Officer and the Internet Services Manager. Com³ will review complaints and may recommend corrective action for violations of the Forum Guidelines.

·      Moderators are appointed by the Communications Officer. They are responsible for the overall flow of discussion on the Forums, for resolving minor disputes, and for ensuring a congenial atmosphere. They may move, rename, edit or delete messages to keep message threads and subjects consistent and to keep topics within the scope of this service. They may declare off-topic discussion threads to be locked and warn subscribers regarding inappropriate rhetoric.

MODERATION

Mensans have many strongly held opinions, and there will be disagreements from time to time on the Forums, some of which may get quite heated. It is important that all participants remember that this is not a war zone and disagreements are not battles to be won.  If you are experiencing a difficult interaction with another member and are unable to resolve the issue yourself, please notify the moderator(s).

If a member violates the intent of this service, these guidelines, or the American Mensa’s Minimum Standards for Internet Services, he or she will be subject to any or all of the following actions:

Informal Intervention

A moderator may participate in the discussion thread, asking participants to tone down and self-edit their posts.

Take it to Private Messages

A moderator may request that participants move the conversation to private messages.

Ignore User

Members are under no obligation to read posts they consider negative or abusive. Additionally, members don't have to like everyone or agree with anyone. Members do have to get along at least within the extent of the Forum Guidelines. Sometimes this may entail ignoring and distancing oneself from other participants or discussions. A moderator may request that participants disengage from unpleasant and hostile situations by simply ignoring each other. Like shunning in medieval times, “ignoring” can be a powerful social tool.

Moderator Intervention

A moderator may warn one or more participants that certain posts are not acceptable. The moderator will note the offensive behavior, and after receiving such a warning, participants should conduct themselves more appropriately. A moderator may also edit or delete posts or “lock” topics.

Interim Suspension

If a poster’s online behavior is alarmingly out of line, the Communications Officer or Internet Services Manager will suspend that member from the Forums until Com³ has a chance to review the situation and determine the wisest long-term course of action.

Formal Warning

If a participant continues to violate the Forum Guidelines, despite moderator intervention, a formal warning will be given. Following a formal warning, participants will be monitored for compliance with Forum Guidelines.

30-day Suspension

If a participant continues to disrupt the social atmosphere of the Forums, Com³ will review the situation and may suspend Forum access for 30 days. A formal written letter explaining the specific rationale for the suspension will be sent.

90-day Suspension

If, after a 30-day suspension, a participant resumes inappropriate posting, Com³ will review the situation and may decide to suspend Forum access for 90 days. A formal written letter explaining the specific rationale for the suspension will be sent.

Longterm Suspension

If, after a 90-day suspension, a participant resumes previously identified inappropriate activity, Com³ will review the situation and may decide to suspend Forum access indefinitely. A formal written letter explaining the specific rationale for the suspension will be sent.

Other actions deemed appropriate

While these actions cover most instances of intervention, it may not cover all situations. Consequently, other actions may be taken to ensure these Forums are not disrupted or abused.

Any decision to suspend a member from the AML Forums will be reviewed by the Communications Officer, Internet Services Manager, and Com³ before implementation. If suspension for 30 or more days is recommended, the participant(s) will be requested to share their views and explanations.

APPEAL

Members may appeal to the AMC Communications Officer concerns regarding moderator interventions. The Communications Officer will consult with the moderator(s) involved, the Internet Services Manager, Com³, the Communications Committee, and/or the AMC Chairman in review of any appeal.