General Directory
Thank you for taking the time to read the nzboards.com Forums Moderators' Handbook. In this third installment, you will learn of the various changes nzboards.com Forums has undergone, and will have at your disposal, a valuable reference material for moderating at these forums.
While this handbook is a valuable reference material, it is no substitute to experience and human interaction. If you are a new moderator, it is reccomended that you seek the assistance of a "Moderator Mentor".
With that said, thank you again for taking the time to read this handbook, and good luck moderating at nzboards.com Forums.
- nzboards.com Forums Staff
Listed below is the contact information for the administrators.
Administrator(s) Name :
This version of the nzboards.com Forums Moderators' Handbook was made possible by the following people:
Mark Dunnigan (Wicked) of GameWinners.com Forums | E-Mail
Rules Directory
SPAM stands for Stupid Pointless Annoying Material/Message. Listed below are our definitions of "SPAM":
Off-topic posts are allowed on the following forums, under that forum's specific
rules:
A flame is an insult or slur directed to a member. Listed below are our definitions of "flames":
It is important to remember that it is the moderator's discretion as to what is classified as a "flame". If you would like a moderator to review something that you may feel is a flame, please feel free to contact them. If you are unable to contact a moderator, please contact a veteran moderator or member of the administration.
Flaming is allowed on the following forums, under that forum's specific rules:
The Nasty Board
Trolling is another common problem here at nzboards.com Forums. The big difference between "trolling" and "flaming" is that a direct insult is not always the factor. It simply has to be a comment intended to antagonize another person.
Trolling is where a member provokes another member into an argument or flame war by means of flaming the member, or making a post when the member knows full-well that it will cause an argument or flame war.
A common example of "trolling" is when a member posts something that insults/provokes another group of members/moderators, i.e., posting a thread/post on aPlayStation 2 forum saying that X-Box is better.
Trolling is allowed on the following forum, under that forum's specific rules:
The Nasty Board
Advertising is when a member displays a link to a Web site not associated with nzboards.com or GameFAQs with the intent to draw visitors of nzboards.com and GameFAQs to their Web site. Advertising is usually done in threads or posts, but it's not uncommon to see advertising done in a member's viewable profile fields, such as their "Signature" or "Location".
Advertising is allowed on the following forum, under that forum's specific rules:
Classifieds
Outside linking is when a member links to a site outside of nzboards.com or our partner sites without the intent of advertising the Web site he/she is linking to. Outside linking is usually done in threads or posts, or "Signatures". If a member is warned for having an outside link in their signature, they are required to remove it within 48 hours, or the signature will be completely removed by an administrator.
It is important to check with each forum's specific rules before posting a link that leads to a Web site outside of nzboards.com or our partner sites.
Outside linking is allowed on the following forum, under that forum's specific rules:
Any forum
ROMs and Emulators for some games and consoles are legal, however, some of them are not. Cracks, serials, or key generators, however, are illegal. All of them are allowed to be discussed here at nzboards.com Forums in the proper forum, but, members/moderators are not allowed to provide links to Web sites that distribute ROMs, Emulators, cracks, serials, key generators, or any other application deemed inappropriate by a moderator, veteran moderator, or administrator.
If a member requests a legal ROM or Emulator in a thread on a forum, and a member has knowledge of a Web site when the member can download that ROM or Emulator, the member is expected to send a Private Message to the member requesting the ROM or Emulator with the Web address to the Web site that the requested ROM or Emulator is located at. Posting a link that directly leads to the source of the ROM or Emulator is not allowed.
Because of the nature of this rule, the member is required to check the specific forum rules for the forum that they are would like to post their request on.
Censor bypassing is when a member deliberately trys to fool the vBulletin Word Censor. The Word Censor is in place to censor obscene words that may not be acceptable to certain visitors. Remember, at nzboards.com Forums the Word Censor is in place to protect people that may be offended by obscene words.
Members/moderators bypass the Word Censor by using BB (Bulletin Board) codes to act as a wedge in between censored words, i.e. "fu[b][/b]ck". It is also possible to bypass the censor by using ALT-#### codes.
Members/moderators are allowed to use the following characters to obscure at least one character in a censored word, so the word is not completely censored and the viewer can still understand what the word is:
~ ! @ # $ % ^ & * ( ) _ + ` { } [ ] : " ; ' < > , . ? /
Censor bypassing is allowed on the following forums, under the forum's specific rules:
No forums.
A signature is a unique option that allows you to include various bits of information in a small section after a member/moderators' post. Signatures are subject to the same rules as posts, so, if something is not acceptable to post, then it is not acceptable for a signature.
Signatures are also subject to the following rules:
If you are asked by a moderator to change your signature, please do so immediately. Failure to do so will result in your signature being deleted. A repeat offense usually results in an account ban.
Forum Information Directory
There are two different routes that a forum suggestion may take before it actually becomes a forum. The route each suggestion takes depends on the decision made by an administrator. If you feel a forum should take a specific route, please be sure to explain why when you suggest that forum.
Rather than create a forum for a video game or topic of discussion immediately after it's suggested, there is a testing period forum certain forums. During the period of 15-20 days, a forum is made under the "[Experimentation Link]" section. If the forum gains 80+ posts, or 15-20 threads during that time frame, it is placed in it's respective category and becomes a permanent forum.
Below is a list of our upcoming "experimental" forums:
Current Roster
Next Roster
Some forums are skipped through the "experimental" process and created without testing. Those forums are either for popular games, or topics of discussion that are known to draw a lot of attention on our other forums.
Below is a list of forums that are going to be created soon:
Possible expansion of Games Forum to include subsections such as PC Games, NZB Arcade, PS2 Games etc.
There are several forums that are not visible to the general public here at nzboards.com Forums, they are the private moderators' forums. Each of those forums serve a different purpose. Their purpose is outlined below:
Forum Staff - The category in which all private moderators' forums are housed.
Moderator Information Directory
Moderators are subject to the same rules as members, and other guidelines used to help set an example for the members. This section outlines those guidelines, the tools moderators uses to efficiently moderate their forums, an explanation as to how new moderators are chosen, and a list of reasons why you could be removed as a moderator.
Private Moderators' Forum privacy - There are reasons why certain forums are viewable by members of the forum staff only. They contain sensitive forum information, and information that is not deemed "accessible" by the general population.
As a moderator with access to the "Forum Staff" category, you are trusted with the responsibility to not disclose anything posted in the Private Moderators' Forums. Failure to obide by this guideline may result in your immediate access removal to the Private Moderators' Forums, or your immediate removal as a moderator.
There are few exceptions to this rule. They are as follows:
Fair Judgement - As a moderator, it is your responsibility to execute fair judgement. It is important for you, as a moderator, to be able to make decisions regardless of personal interest, relationship, or benefit. If you are unable to do so, then, you are unable to do your job to it's fullest. A major part of moderating here at nzboards.com Forums is interacting with other members or the forum staff, and members. You are expected to treat all members of the forums staff, and general population the same. IF PERSONAL INTERESTS, RELATIONSHIPS, OR BENEFITS HINDER YOUR ABILITY TO MODERATE YOUR FORUMS TO YOUR FULLEST RESPONSIBILITY, YOU MAY BE SUBJECT TO A VETERAN MODERATOR GROUP INVESTIGATION, OR IMMEDIATE PUNISHMENT BY AN ADMINISTRATOR.
Activity - As a moderator, you are required to be an active poster and visitor of the forum(s) you moderate, as well as a visible rule-enforcing figure. If it is discovered that you are lacking in any of the previously mentioned fields, you may be contacted a maximum of 3 times in regards to your performance. Following no response, or no shown improvement, you may be removed from the forum(s) that are are failing to meet requirements in, or you may be removed as a moderator. If you have not posted in 30 days, you are also subject to be removed as a moderator. Failing to inform the administration, and your co-moderators that you are going on a leave of absense may also result in your removal as a moderator of a specific forum, or completely.
Rules - As a moderator, you are subject to the same rules as the general population. However, because of your rank, your infractions are logged, and your punishments are more severe. For example, where a member of the general population may recieve a caution, you may recieve a logged warning. It is your responsibility to not only be an authority figure in your forums, but to also be an example in all of the forums you visit. The members emulate the way moderators post and carry themselves, because they figure that everything you do is within the rules. If you violate the rules, you set a bad example for the members, and you will be punished.
As a moderator here at nzboards.com Forums, there are several terms and abbreviations used that you may not know. This section covers most of those terms and abbreviations.
Closed - Member of the forum staff closes a thread.
Opened - Member of the forum staff opens a thread.
Moved - Member of the forum staff moves a thread. Destination or source forum is commonly used when announcing the movement of a thread.
Stuck - Member of the forum staff sticks a thread, adding a "Sticky:
" prefix to it.
Un-stuck - Member of the forum staff un-sticks a thread, removing the
"Sticky: " prefix.
Forum Drop - Member of the forum staff "drops" a forum, meaning they no longer moderate it.
Forum Pick-Up - Member of the forum staff "picks up" a forum, meaning they now moderate it.
Modless - The forum(s) being mentioned do not have any moderators.
LOA - Leave of Absense
ROA - Reduced Online Activity
Banned - Classification used for a member that is no longer permitted to post under their primary account.
BOS - Ban on Sight
De-mod - A former moderator that was removed as a moderator by the administration for breaking moderator guidelines.
Co-mod - Moderator that moderates a forum with you
Mod - Moderator
Smod - Super Moderator
Vmod - Veteran Moderator
VMG - Veteran Moderator Group
Admin - Administrator
C&S - Chats 'n Spats
"Candidates" are members of the general population that are going to be voted on to decide whether or not they are promoted to "Moderator" status, and become a member of the forum staff. To become a moderator, a candidate must meet the following requirements:
To recommend a candidate to moderate a forum, please complete the following steps:
It is possible for a moderator to moderate more than one forum. This is often done through a process called "picking up" forums...
New Forums - If a forum is new, and has no moderators, you may request to moderate it, and an administrator will add you to the moderating roster.
Experimental Forums - If a forum is currently being tried as an "Experimental" forum, you may request to moderate it pending the success of the forum. Your name will automatically be added to the roster by an administrator pending the forum's success.
Current Forums - If a moderator would like to moderate a forum that is already in existence, and already has a moderating roster, he/she must request the permission of the current moderating roster before he/she is added. All moderators of the forum must give their consent before the moderator is added to the forum.
"Modless" Forums - If a moderator would like to moderate a forum that is already in existence, but does not have a moderating roster, he/she may request to be added to the forum.
In the forum(s) you moderate you have the ability to use the "Admin Options" toolbar in every thread. Each option performs a different task, those tasks are explained in the following section:
The "Mod CP" is a valuable tool moderators have at their disposal. It allows you to do everything from looking up members, to adding announcements to your forum(s). This section covers how to use the functions in the mod CP, and their purposes.
Quick User Finder - Enter a username in the text box, and click "Find Now" to begin a member database search. All matching results will be displayed in alphabetical order.
PHP Function Lookup - This function is not necessary for moderating, and does not need to be used at any point in time.
MySQL Language Lookup - This function is not necessary for moderating, and does not need to be used at any point in time.
Announcements
- Add - Add an announcement to your forum(s). You can enter your announcement in the text box, chose whether or not to enable HTML, vB Code, or smilies in your announcement. The "Start Date" of your announcement is when you would like the announcement to begin display, and the "End Date" is when you would like the announcement to end display.
- Edit - Edit an already existing announcement. All of the functions found when you add new announcements can be used.
Moderation Lists
- New Posts - Posts that are invisible, and in need of moderation. You can chose whether or not to validate or delete posts in this section. If you chose for a thread to be invisible, you will need to validate it here to make it visible again.
- New Attachments - This function is not necessary for moderating, and does not need to be used at any point in time.
User Actions
- Ban - Search for users to ban from nzboards.com Forums. Only administrators may use this function.
- View - View a members' profile, IP address, last activity time, last post time, and last visit time.
Thread Control
- Mass Move - Moderators do not have access to this function.
- Mass Prune - Moderators do not have access to this function.
Termination
Moderating at nzboards.com Forums is a job, and a responsibility. Like any other job, you can be terminated for violating the code of conduct, rules, or failing to fufill your responsibilities. This section outlines the most common issues that result in removal as a moderator.
Breaking nzboards.com Forums' Rules - Members of the general population are banned for repeatedly breaking nzboards.com Forums' rules, moderators are subject to removal as a moderator if they are proven guilty of breaking forum rules.
Violating Code of Conduct - Moderators that violate any section of the "Code of Conduct" are subject to an immediate removal as a moderator by an administrator, or a Veteran Moderator Group Investigation.
30 Days Without Posting - If a moderator does not post for a period of 30 days or more without providing a Leave of Absense notification, he/she will be terminated with no questions asked.
Leaking Private Moderators' Forum information - There is a reason that members of the general population cannot access the Private Moderators' Forums. As mentioned in the "Code of Conduct", information posted in the Private Moderators' Forums is deemed private unless otherwise noted by an administrator. If it is proven that you have leaked information from the Private Moderators' Forums, you are subject to an immediate Private Moderators' Forum access removal, immediate removal as a moderator, or Veteran Moderator Group Investigation.
Administrators' Discretion - If an administrator feels that a moderator does not meet the requirements necessary to successfully moderate his/her forums, an administrator can remove the moderator in question if valid reason accompanies the removal.
Resignation
You are free to resign from your position as a moderator here at nzboards.com Forums at any time, however, we request that you take care of the following before stepping down:
Member Information Directory
Members are the key to nzboards.com Forums' success, however, not all members come here are truly here for the experience of being a part of one of the largest gaming communities on the internet. Some members are troublesome, and are you are bound to encounter those types of members during your time as a moderator. This section is dedicated to explaining the various methods of disciplinary actions, and informing you of various other member-related functions, such as COPPA.
"COPPA" is an abbreviation for the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998. This act declares that United States residents under the age of 13 must submit a form containing express written consent by a parent or legal guardian that the said United States resident has permission to visit and utilize nzboards.com Forums. The following members have submitted COPPA forms, and are permitted to visit and utilize nzboards.com Forums despite their age:
[COPPA Users]
If a member openly admits to being under the age of 13, and does not appear on the above list, you are required to private message or e-mail the member and explain that if he/she is a United States resident, he/she must print up the COPPA form and submit it to the listed mailing address.
This act does not apply to members that are not residents of the United States. Please be sure to mention that in your e-mail or private message.
There are several different ways to handle situations with members. This sections covers all of the various disciplinary actions, in order of severity.
Caution - An informal warning that is not logged. Usually given to first-time offenders, new members, or members that are not known to have any major infractions against the rules.
Warning - A formal warning that may be logged by a moderator. Usually given to those that have refused to acknowledge a previous caution, or those that have committed an offense worth more than a caution. It is not common for members to have an account ban after 3-4 warnings.
Member Watch - A thread is posted in the main Moderators' forum informing the forum staff that a member has not heeded any given warnings, and that the member is on the verge of recieving serious action taken against their account.
Forum Access Removal (FAR) - A thread is posted in the main Moderators' forum requesting that a members' access to a specific forum is removed for a period of time, or permanently. The period of time is decided upon by the moderator posting the request.
Temporary Ban - A thread is posted in the main Moderators' forum requesting that a members' account is temporarily banned. The moderator requesting the ban is required to post again informing an administrator that the ban term is up, and is in need of removal.
Account (Permanent) Ban - A thread is posted in the main Moderators' forum reuqesting that a members' account be permanently banned. The member no longer has access to the said account, and is allowed to register a new account pending good behavior. If the member returns and continues to display disruptive behavior, then further action may be taken to prevent the member from registering other accounts.
Ban On Sight (BOS) Status - After 2-3 new accounts are created by a previously banned member with the intent to cause trouble, a member can be placed on "Ban On Sight" status. This means that if the member is identified under a new account, he/she can automatically be banned by notifying an administrator.
IP Ban - Members that are on a static IP address can be completely banned from registering by having their IP address logged and stored on a list of IP addresses that are not permitted to register accounts. Members on dynamic or proxy IP addresses cannot be IP banned, they are placed on Ban On Sight status as an alternative.
ISP Notification - Members that are a constant problem can be reported to their Internet Service Provider for violating the Terms of Service for their Provider, and this Web site. This can result in the Internet Service Provider canceling the members' Internet Service.
Administrative Information Directory
There are three levels to the administration here at nzboards.com Forums, they are the Moderators, Veteran Moderator Group, and Administrators. Each group has their own responsibilities, powers, and limitations. This section outlines those responsibilities, powers, and limitations so that you can work together more efficiently.
This section describes the general purpose of each of the three levels of the administration.
Moderators - Moderators are basically the police of the forums. Their job is to oversee the forums and keep order. They require the assistance of the Administrators to handle any major disciplinary issues, but are independent as far as rule-enforcement goes.
Veteran Moderator Group - The Veteran Moderator Group act as normal moderators, but, they have the ability to handle disciplinary issues regarding moderators, as well as those with members. They still require the assistance of the Administrators to handle any major disciplinary issues for both members and moderators, but, they also act as an advisory panel that helps the Administrators decide on various issues regarding the members, moderators, and forums. This is outlined in the next section.
Administrators - The Administrators are responsible for governing the members, moderators, and Veteran Moderator Group, as well as handling all of the other administrative tasks, such as forum management. Administrators can choose to work together with the Veteran Moderator Group to handle various forum issues, or at their discretion, an issue may be important enough to be handled independently without Veteran Moderator Group involvement.
Each level of the Administration has various powers. This section outlines what each group can and cannot execute in the forums they moderate.
Moderators
Veteran Moderator Group
Administrators
Frequently Asked Questions Directory
How do I split a thread?
Go to the drop down "Admin Options" menu at the bottom of the page, and choose 'Split Thread'. You now have a screen with all the posts listed and 'Yes' or 'No' radial buttons beside each post. Selecting 'Yes' will put those posts in a new thread (with a new URL). Selecting 'No' will cause the posts to stay in the thread (same URL). Use your judgement on how it would be better to split out the unwanted posts. (For example, if you are updating a topic that people post in frequently, it is often better to say 'No' to the posts you want to keep so people do not have to change their bookmarks or thread subscriptions.) Make your choices and click 'Submit'. You have just split a thread. You will be taken to the 'new' thread. Make sure to close the one you no longer want people to post in.
How do I merge a thread?
Choose which thread you want to be the 'main' thread. Copy the URL for the secondary thread. Go into the main thread. Go to the drop down "Admin Options" menbu at the bottom of the page and choose 'Merge Threads'. Use the 'new subject' box to change the thread title if you wish. Paste the URL you copied earlier into the "Thread to merge with" field. All posts from this thread will be merged into the main thread in order by post time/date. Click "Merge Threads".
How do I request a ban?
If a member is causing problems in your or any other forum, you can request action be taken. Post a thread in the mod forum with the subject containing the member's name and that you want a ban (for example: Ban Request on ~Isis~). Be sure to provide links or the admins may not ban this person! Keep in mind that we also have 'spam bans' and post count resets that may be a more fitting punishment for the offender.
What if I need to take a break from here?
If you need to take a vacation from the forums or have anything that will cause you not to be able to post for a while, please let us know. Post first in the LOA topic to let us know you'll be gone and for how long if possible. If you'd like to make a thread in the mod forum as well, feel free. Just please be sure to post in the LOA topic as any mod who does not post for a month and has not posted a LOA will be demodded.
What if I see a moderator breaking the rules?
If you see a mod breaking the rules you should report it immediately to a VMG or Admin. You may 'informally' warn or caution the mod to stop if you wish. If it is a VMG member breaking the rules, report it immediately to an Admin.
A member is trying to tell me that they have Private Moderators' Forum information, what should I do?
Talk to the member. Try and find out how they came to have the info. Especially try to find out what mod gave it to them or if they are logging in to a mod's account. You can then contact an Admin or VMG with what you have learned (screenshots, conversations, and any other proof are very helpful). You can also post it in the mod forum if you wish, but it may be better that the 'leaking mod' doesn't know about it right away.
~Isis~ deleted my only forum, what do I do?
You are now a mod-in-waiting. You have 30 days to pick up a new forum or you will be demodded. Check the 'Modless Forums' topic or ask around for a forum that needs help. When you find a forum, simply post to be added to that forum.
I have a question that isn't covered here, what do I do?
You can contact one of our Super Moderators or an Admin. Any of these people will be glad to help you.