Moderation (Rules)

Chain of Command for Moderation

1. Moderators
2. Lead Mod
3. Admin (Final Review.)

A working understanding of Discord and the Code of Conduct are necessary to understand expectations of Discord as well as out of character environment we are attempting too foster. Moderation encompasses a large part of what makes a server successful, consequently training will be instituted. Those who are already moderators will still need to review the training and get brushed up on what is required and what will be trained.

• Discord (Rules)
• Code of Conduct (Rules)

Requirements for becoming a Moderator

1. Participation in the Server for at least two months.
2. No incidents of server rule infringement by the perspective moderator.
3. Knowledge of server laws and rules, including combat laws.
4. No bans or lifted bans against the perspective moderator.

Training Requirements

1. One active moderation with another moderator reviewing.
2. One active combat moderation with another moderator reviewing.
3. Test for rule knowledge.
4. Two moderation reports sent in Sais Admins & Mods group.
5. Training with mod tools with another moderator or administrator. Freeze, eject, ban.

Training

Fair and unbiased moderation

The most important thing about being a moderator is the ability to moderate without bias. Your best friend is not your best friend when you are a moderator.

The most common complaint is “biased moderation”.

Our friends are going to be our friends whether we rule in their favor or not. If they were even better friends they wouldn't put you in a position to have to moderate at all.

Sometimes it’s not a friend and it is just popular opinion. Moderators aren't moderators to enforce popular opinion; we are here to enforce the rules.

We will often have to be the bad guy. That is all part of the job. If you can’t see yourself telling a close friend “You have been warned several times now and you will be banned for 24 hours. We will see you in a day.” Then this job is probably not one you should take on.

If server administration gets proof of biased moderation there will be a review and possible expulsion from the moderation group. There should be very little quarter given for “oops”. This issue is big and can lose players. Don’t do it.

Communication

Communication is a key factor in a functioning moderation team. If you are ever unsure then it is best to reach out and ask rather than make a call that is likely to be overturned. Ask for help. There is a group available so make sure to put it to use.

Tools we use

We do not EVER use admin or moderation tools in situations other than moderation. That includes ejecting, banning or freezing people. Infringement of this will be immediate expulsion if it was found to be a purposeful. It will also mean a ban from the sim.

Titles & Influence

We do not EVER use our moderator title as a threat to influence or handle situations that arise in role-play. When you are a role-player, you’re a role-player. When you’re a moderator, you’re a moderator. The two are mutually exclusive though you should always be mindful of your environment.

Involvement in situations

Do not EVER mod a situation you are involved in. If you are involved in a raid then don’t moderate it. If you are getting OOC’d to death in an IM from another role-player don’t handle it. Call another moderator. Do not ever let your integrity be questioned.

Support the team

• Do not EVER question a ruling in the open.
• Never express an opinion on another mod's ruling to anyone outside of the team, especially not to other players.

How can any player trust your team if you question them publicly? Question the mod in IM then give your reasoning for disagreement, politely. If they still don’t agree then move it up the ladder for review.

The moderation team is a TEAM. If we can’t count on each other for support then we aren't much of a team.

Non-Disclosure

What gets talked about between Admins and Mods or even just in IM with another mod should never be discussed outside of the group. Our judgement on a situation is only from us to the player in question, it should never come from outside of a formal document response.

Mod Shopping

This means that a player is IMing a mod they think will be friendly to their case. If you are a personal friend to the player that is calling then be a team player and ask for another set of eyes to make sure yours aren't clouded in judgment.

We do not mod RP

General misconception “We do not mod RP.” This is not true. More often than not we are moderating role-play which breaks our server rules.

We do not EVER mod “Gorean” role-play unless the ticket is specifically calling for an issue with "Conduct unbecoming of a Gorean".

We do not EVER tell players how to play unless it is grossly and obviously not Gorean. If a slave wants to be a mouthy abusive upstart then that is their right. They get to reap the rewards of their role-play and we do not ever step in the way of just deserts . . . unless . . . it is vastly and obviously not Gorean. You get the point.

If there is no server rule broken there is nothing to moderate but be polite enough to let the complainant know why you won’t be handling the situation.

Emotions

Emotion has no place in our work. If you are having a bad day and shouldn't be modding then it is up to you to make the team aware that you are not available for the night/day.

The players are not your whipping post just like you are not theirs.

Have a care

“I don’t care and I don’t want to hear it.” are no longer a part of your vocabulary as a moderator. When a player comes to you with a concern or question they need to know a titled person is listening to them and hearing their problem.

If you don’t want to hear it and you really don’t cares then be considerate enough to hand them to another moderator. Take a moment of your time to let them know their concerns are valid then move them along. Our player base is what keeps the server going and thriving. If somebody with a valid issue gets their balls busted for even expressing the concern ... they will leave.

Emotional hostage taking

“I will leave if . . .”

Rage quitting.

Are all emotional hostage taking at its finest. In fact our Code of Conduct (Rules) addresses this.

Do not let this type of player take you hostage. We do not beg players to stay. If your toddler lies in the middle of the cereal aisle and throws a tantrum you don’t reward them with their favorite box of cereal. You calmly let this player know you will be sad to see them go and let them know they were valued as a player, then you let them make their choices.

If the person is indeed a long time player and is really having an issue then pass the communication to an administrator.

Reporting

All moderation incidents MUST be handled via a Discord ticket. No exceptions. Do not have private discussions with the player in IM.

Discord Chat

Discord moderation is really not our rules. We have to moderate Discord or risk loosing our server. They have seriously cracked down in it. So once again, for discord you need to know the discord rules, in addition, the code of conduct and the Immersive OOC may apply.

• Discord (Rules)
• Code of Conduct (Rules)
• Immersive OOC, Gorean

What is most likely to need moderation in Discord

1. Remove chat in channels where chatter is prohibited. Give them a hot moment, and then go back and clean it up, don't thunk people for miss posting in channels, just clean it up 30 mins later.
2. Not safe for work must be behind NSFW channels.
3. No calling anyone outs.
4. Any Gorean lore discussion that goes on for more then 15 mins, anywhere but the Gorean University channel should be directed to private discussion.

Global Game Chat

You don’t have to constantly be aware of group chat. There are usually many mods on at the same time to observe chat but do be aware and poke your head in from time to time. Global Chat should general adhere to the Immersive OOC, Gorean rules.

If you need to adjust someone

1. Say in global: <player> I am sending you a message.
2. Messaged the player explaining the seriousness of the issue and asking them to refrain from it in the future.
3. <player apologizes to the community in Global>
4. End of issue.

Handling A Situation (Non-Raid)

1. Put on your moderator tag and mark your meter to OOC.

1. Find the parties involved and ask them to mark themselves OOC and follow you to a quiet location outside of sim traffic.

1. Ask for all the note-cards. Do not accept partial or edited note-cards.

1. Ask that the parties involved not to talk until you have a moment to review then you will talk to them individually.

1. Moderate in local so we do not violate ToS by passing IM conversations. IM can be used for clarification instances.

1. We are, unfortunately, going to get IM logs from people. Do not post these to report. Utilize them then throw them away. Make a brief summary of the items witnessed.

1. If the call is not accepted then utilize “Admins and Mods” to have somebody review. Sometimes a fresh set of eyes can help.

1. Do not argue points with the players. For now it is under review.

1. Always get people back to role-play as quickly as possible. If the other party is fine then return them to role-play. Let the objecting party wait out the mod call. More often than not they will just want to return to role-play.

1. File a report and send to Admins and Mods.

Handing A Situation (Raid)

1. Put on your moderator tag and mark your meter to OOC.

1. Do not be involved in the raid. This will leave your integrity questionable if the call turns in the favor of your home team.

1. Get into Vent (if you are able).

1. Check the raid counters to make sure ratio is correct.

1. Address yourself as the moderator to the group so they will know who to send complaints to.

1. Put yourself in a location to see but not be in the way. Don’t need you to be a shield and get called on.

1. Most of these calls will be cuts from local to your IM, keep them all.

1. Try to address people individually but find a party leader that may be willing to intercede for the group.

1. Do not stop raids unless gross situation has evolved and a redo can be worked with the party leaders. When we stop raids, we stop role-play. Let it play out, if possible, then address the moderation.

1. File a report and send to Admins and Mods.

Tools and their use

Eject / Freeze / Ban

There are many ways to actually use these tools nowadays. I will be downloading versions of all the viewers to provide the tricks for each one. All viewers have a right click option then a menu you can select from when the actual avatar is right clicked on.

Radar menus have this option as well and you don't have to chase people around the sim on the viewer. Right click the name on the radar menu and the option will come up in a menu. Some viewers also have the option right at the bottom of the radar too.

These options should be used in case of griefers and offenses listed in the Uniform Violation Policy note-card.

Don't ever abuse the use of these tools.

Gag in group

In most viewers you would have to go into the group information and then into abilities to remove text chat options. In the updated version of most all viewers there is an arrow at the top of the group that shows all the people in chat. You right click on the name and go to "Moderator options" Then take the check mark off the text chat options.

This can be used in spam situations and if you've warned a player about their behavior in the group and they persist in negative communication. You may let them know about the gag in IM. Make sure to send a report if you gate anybody.