Moderation
Moderation
Section titled “Moderation”Moderation is the immune system of a community. Done well, it’s invisible — the community feels healthy without anyone noticing the work. Done poorly, it either suppresses healthy disagreement or allows toxicity to spread.
Principles
Section titled “Principles”- Standards before enforcement — Write down your expectations before you need to enforce them
- Behavior, not people — Moderate actions, not identities
- Proportional response — Match the intervention to the severity
- Consistent application — Rules apply to everyone, including leaders and founders
- Private first — Address problems privately before public action
Escalation Framework
Section titled “Escalation Framework”| Level | Behavior | Response |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Off-topic, minor tone issues | Gentle redirect in the moment |
| 2 | Repeated pattern, disruptive | Private message from moderator |
| 3 | Personal attacks, bad faith | Formal warning with specific expectations |
| 4 | Continued after warning | Temporary suspension |
| 5 | Severe violation (threats, doxxing) | Immediate removal |
Common Moderation Challenges
Section titled “Common Moderation Challenges”The brilliant jerk
Section titled “The brilliant jerk”They contribute great content but are consistently abrasive. The community tolerates them because of their expertise. Don’t. One toxic member drives away ten good ones.
The scope creep
Section titled “The scope creep”They keep bringing up topics outside the community’s focus. Redirect firmly: “That’s interesting but outside our scope. Have you considered [alternative venue]?”
The recruiter
Section titled “The recruiter”They join to sell or recruit, not to contribute. One warning, then removal.
The ghost
Section titled “The ghost”They’re technically members but never participate. After 3 months of inactivity, check in. If no response, consider them inactive and free up the seat.
Who Moderates?
Section titled “Who Moderates?”Options:
- Rotating moderator — Different person each meeting/week
- Dedicated moderator team — 2-3 people with enforcement authority
- Community self-moderation — Members call out violations; leaders intervene only when needed
For small groups (under 15), rotating works well. Larger communities benefit from a dedicated team.