I know a few forums which have a no-backseat moderation rule.

This means that members cannot "act" as moderators, that is "scold" other members for breaking rules, pointing out the rules and so on or generally nudge moderation actions in public (like "this thread should be closed, in my opinion").

Should this be implemented here? I know a few members (including myself) who have been guilty of this in the past. But I realize that when "members" act as moderators, things aren't much better at times. Through hindsight and experience, I realize that it is counterproductive as well as unnecessary in many cases...

I know that in the past we have had moderators ask members to point out the rules to members who break them and move on...

What is your take? I saw a post recently where there was unnecessary trouble because another member pointed out the rules for a post that didn't go with the rules.

Should we just report a thread and move on if this is the case? What is the official stand on this issue? What about a policy that asks members not to "back-seat" moderate but instead report the issue in private and move along...

In other words, my question is simply: is this encouraged here or not?

Regards.

To me, I like it when members will remind other members if they are breaking the rules. I'd say use your own discretion, if a member is definitely and clearly breaking a rule, like double posting is a definite given, by all means, point out the rule to a member if you feel up to it and also report it. I think when members actually do these things, the member in question doesn't or won't feel like a team of moderators are teaming up against them.

Now if it's a judgement call type case, report the post and tell us your reasons you want a thread closed or action taken. It really helps when you report posts to provide a reason if your asking for a closure, simply stating "please close" doesn't always work, as we might not agree cause no reasons were provided, unless it's just obvious the thread needs to be closed.

But yeah, if you as a member try to point out the rules you feel were broken, quote the rule in a polite manner, report it and move along. If the member comes back with an attitude, let the moderator deal with it and it'll make them feel dumb when we back the member reporting or pointing it out.

The one thing I don't like is when members tell others that perhaps their thread or question is better suited in another forum, but don't tell them to report the thread to be moved. At times, I've seen this occur and it prompted the member to cross post, so it's not really their fault cause another member basically told them to.

Probably to be safe and avoid any confrontations:

Blatantly breaking the rules: State the rule and report.
Controversial or needs a judgement call: Just report, state reasons or what is going on in the thread and move along, no need to make things worse by replying to make the member more angry.

Harishankar, is this just you asking if the moderators hate you?!

member moderation does help enormously to the community aspect of a forum. Just like in real life you'd want to look after your own interests, including the environment those interests are in. It can go too far occasionally, and can also be a bit messy when conflicting information is given by moderators and members. It's hardly vigilante stuff though, and two moderators will occasionally take different stances on a single issue.

As long as the advice, whatever it may be, is inkeeping with the site rules and also in the same vein of LQ.org as a whole, i.e. no flaming and such then it's normally great. Just need to make sure we're all singing from the same hymn book!

Basically,

If you see a thread you know is breaking the rules and it can be summed up by quoting or pointing out that rule, by all means, tell them and report it.

If you see a thread and you have to actually think about it, just report it with your reasons and move on.

Er... not at all... I saw a rule like this on another forum I visit and I just wanted to ask what you people felt about it...

I also asked this because sometimes when we do it in public it does come across as a goody-two-shoes or that little girl in white who is always carrying tales to mommy.

I think when a moderator pulls up a member it looks ok. But when an ordinary member does it sometimes, it's like I said above!

Be sure that I'll always try and avoid that image!

The way I see it is that this is a community effort type site, it is technically Jeremy's site and his rules but the members is what keeps it going, so it is essentially any members as well. The members that point these things out are only looking over the forum they support and help out with, if a member wants to think your an "arse kisser" as some might call it, so be it, that's their problem, they shouldn't have broken a rule that was clearly outlined to them when pressing that "ok" button to register.

Ah, ok! That's a different perspective and a nicer way of looking at it... That's the guidance I wanted on the issue...

In any case, I try desperately to avoid controversy, but it seems that controversy loves to follow me around!

the way I see it (I just can't get away from school argh) is that it is like a school. (k-12 or 7-12, it doesn't matter) You have members (students) all of which have been around for different lengths of time and have different levels of experience. (though in school this is somewhat age based, it is not online) And, you have the moderators (teachers) and jeremy (the principal). So, the mods are the rule enforcers, jeremy is the ultimate authourity, and older members can gently remind the newbies that they are out of line. Better to be gently told by a peer then to catch heat from the mods...

titanium_geek

Which is why I'm always truant...

what I'm saying is that I'm all for member participation in moderating- give the mods some slack.

Instead of looking at a post and saying: "I hope someone deals with this soon" deal with it! so- let the member know that the rule was violated (only do this if you can help with thier problem though. they hate it if you can't/don't) and report the posts- always.

titanium_geek