Formal application process to becoming a moderator?

Post Reply New Topic

Just a question, really: Should WP have a formal application process for new moderators? I remember back when Wrongplanet started, alex would approach potential candidates and ask if they wished to be moderators. I know this because back when I was Archmage, he asked me, but I was a little young to fully understand the responsibilites, not to mention I had limited computer access. Anyways, WP has grown a lot since then, and I think a formal process for people wishing to become moderators would be a great idea, given the following factors:

1) the site's population
2) the increase in trolling incidents and other situations requiring mod intervention
3) the negative sentiment towards our current mod team, which I believe can be rectified by a larger, more diverse team of mods
4) the lack of mod presence on the board, which I believe can also be rectified by a larger mod team

Of course, final decision would be given by the admins, whether it be alex or whoever he has running the site with him nowadays, if anybody. Applicants would have to show the following qualities (note this is a tentative list based on what I feel mods should do):

1) A willingness to protect freedom of opinion;
2) Avoidance of partisanship when making mod decisions;
3) Good judgement in decision making;
4) An ability to differentiate between respectful debate and flaming/trolling in hotly disputed issues;
5) Ability to access WP at least once a day (in other words, only those who have their own unrestricted PC's should apply);
6) A history of being levelheaded even in high-profile debates. In other words, if you are inflammatory on a regular basis then this isnt the job for you.

Anyways, I know that most everyone here enjoys this place, and wants to make it a decent place for everyone. I would like to see WP be a place where we can talk about issues related to autism, etc. in a logical and respectful manner, and I'm sure most of you would agree with me in that respect.

Anyways, feel free to add/edit this idea as you feel fit, mods too. Maybe we can get the attention of alex and see what he thinks. (@ the mods: By posting this I'm not trying to depose you, matter of fact I think you guys could benefit from a few extra hands. Your ideas are always welcome.)

-Roxas

Absolutely not. Those who actively seek power should, as a general rule, be kept as far away from it as possible because they are the ones most likely to abuse their power.

^ Third

Ok, fair enough. It was just something I thought I would suggest. Other boards have something similar, but if the WP community doesnt like the idea, then thats good enough.