According to The 7 Essential Meta Questions of Every Beta we should be having a discussion about who our provisional moderators should be.
The primary job of a moderator is to look at every flagged post, and take action if necessary. For more information on what purpose moderators serve, see Moderator Pro Tempore and Stack Exchange Moderator Elections Begin.
For an example of a previous provisional moderator discussion (and what format the nominations should take), see this post on English Language Meta.
Here are some basic guidelines:
- Each nomination should be a separate answer. Link the name to the user’s profile (parent and meta) so we can see their activity.
- The nominee should indicate their acceptance by editing the answer, adding that they accept the nomination. Optionally they can write something about themselves.
- Self nominations are okay, and even encouraged. Most sites have not had sufficient time for many users to stand out. Self nomination is simply a way to say, “I’m interested. Let my record speak for itself.” Links to other activities may be helpful: Area 51 participation, participation in other sites, blog posts reviewing or announcing the site, etc. Here is what we are looking for in a Moderator:
We are seeking out members who are deeply engaged in the community’s development; members who:
- Have a reasonably high reputation score to indicate active, consistent participation.
- Show an interest in their meta’s community-building activities.
- Lead by example, showing patience and respect for their fellow community members in everything they write.
- Exhibit those intangible traits discussed in A Theory of Moderation.
Bonus points for:
- Members with participation in both meta and the parent site (i.e. interest in both community building and expertise in the field).
- Area 51 participation, social network referrals, or blogging about the site. Members who have already shown an interest or ability to promote their community.
