If you've NEVER served as a moderator before, DU needs your help!

[Skinner]

The current two-month term for moderators is coming to an end, and we're looking for new volunteers to help us out for the next two months.

For whatever reason, the number of applications has steadily declined the last few times we've asked for volunteers to help. This time, we would really like to see a lot of NEW VOLUNTEERS who have never moderated before.

Our goal for the upcoming moderator term is to have at least 50% new moderators who have never served before.

- Your political ideology is not important... We need centrists and leftists and everyone in between to serve as moderators.
- We prefer people who have been members for a few months, and have made at least a couple hundred posts.
- You must be able to log on to DU regularly, and we'd prefer that you don't take any long vacations between now and mid-September.

Here's how to volunteer:

Send an email to [email protected] with the word "moderator" in the subject line. Include the following information:

- Your real name
- Your forum username
- Your address
- Your telephone number
- How much time you spend on Democratic Underground
- Which forums you'd like to moderate (if you have a preference)
- A brief statement which generally outlines your political views
- Have you read, and do you agree to follow, the Message Board Rules and the Moderator Guidelines?

We may also need moderators who *have* served before, so everyone interested should apply.

If you have applied to be a moderator before, but were not chosen, I strongly encourage you to apply again.

We hope to select a new group of moderators on Monday afternoon, July 14.

If you have any questions, please feel free to post them in this thread.

Skinner
DU Admin

[CatWoman]

1. two years?

[Skinner]

6. Whoops! I meant two months.

Good eye. That has been fixed.

[shugah]

2. question

The current two-month term for moderators is coming to an end, and we're looking for new volunteers to help us out for the next two years.

that's kind of a long commitment, isn't it? ;-)

[curse10]

3. It's supposed to be 2 months

:-)

[proud patriot]

4. Woo Hoo ...Nows your chance

please sign up . It's wonderful experience .

[AnnabelLee]

13. Proud patriot

would you be willing to post your reasons as to why you found it a wonderful experience?

Also, any other DUers who have served as mods, please help me out by posting your impressions.

I'm mulling it over.

[Maeve]

17. First, you will get a broader view of DU

I moderated the Lounge, but cruised the rest of the board as well, btw.
You will read all sides of the issues, not just what you might want to look at and discover how many wonderful thinkers there are around here. The restraint Admin insists on for moderators will become apparent and you WILL see how much goes on that the average DUer is clueless of. The behind-the-scenes discussions of how to answer specific problems alone is worth the two months time.

You also get the joy of being the one nuking the freepers, but that's a side benefit...

[AnnabelLee]

24. Thanks, Maeve n/t

[proud patriot]

25. Sure

I'm a homemaker who didn't even know how to copy and paste
before my first term as a moderator . Anyone can do it if I
can.

I quickly learned a lot .

I found that the bond made between those who moderate this board
is a strong friendship , regardless of differences.

It really feels good to give back to the DU board .

The milkshake machine in the mod forum is always open .

you get to :nuke: disruptors ...

I've learned a lot about topics I wouldn't normally read on my own.

You get to see all sides of an issue .. and read complaints
from all sides ....LOL

You get see how the board is run , and come to understand
exactly how FAIR Skinner Elad and EarlG are . All Angels IMHO

Wooowee you get to see all posts that are alerted on and get
to understand the importance of the job of Moderating .

Nightly Dance parties in the Mod forum

Did I mention How great the Mod forum is ...

All in All the Experience of DU through Mod eyes is something
I highly reccomend to All dedicated DUers.

[AnnabelLee]

28. Thanks, proud patriot n/t

[LynneSin]

29. The milkshake machine in the mod forum is always open????!!!!!

Where was that hidden? I've never seen it? Did they hide it behind that keg of Guiness??!!!

I was a moderator for about 5 terms right before the 2002 elections and I enjoyed it all the time, even when every once in awhile you'll get a poster who questions why you delete something or locked something. And even when you get that, the owners (Skinner, EarlG and Elad) will always step in and help you.

And after you're not moderatoring, you get a better appreciation and understanding of how this system is put together.

You can even request specific forums you prefer or even NOT prefer to be in, my personal favorite is Politics & Campaigns which I have served every single moderator term I've done.

And only as a moderator can you actually see the pictures of the owners at their weekly Male Review show. Skinner looks hot in that g-string!!!!

Lynne

[Maeve]

45. Banana milkshake, coming up!

[undergroundrailroad]

41. "Nightly Dance parties in the Mod forum"

OK Proud Patriot, let's show them how we REALLY party it in the mod forum!

And a one, and a two, and a one, two, three!





Undergroundrailroad

[proud patriot]

53. anda 1 anda 2 anda 3

[blm]

5. Wish I could help out...

but, I have a very active two year old.

[shugah]

is any of the personal information

of moderators made available to anyone other than admin? i went and read the moderator guidelines, and the links to names of the mods isn't working--i guess info that is stored in the old DU.

[Skinner]

10. Your personal information is only available to the admins.

The moderator information on the moderator info page is a little out of date. We never updated it this term.

[karlschneider]

7. I'd volunteer but my schedule is so crazy, never know when I'll have to

fly a charter and they last anywhere from a day to a week.
;'(

[buddhamama]

8. i've considered it in times past

i can follow the rules no problems there,but the fact that i am a computer idiot has stopped from applying.

:kick:

[DoveTurnedHawk]

9. The New Software

Has made moderating tasks much easier than before. Something to consider. :-)

DTH

[Skinner]

11. If you can post on DU...

then you probably have enough computer knowledge to serve as a moderator. The moderator functions are all pretty well integrated with the software.

[Maeve]

12. Don't let that stop you!

Moderating was a great job and technically easy--I'd do it again if I had time (assuming they would want to put up with me again! :D )

Seriously, it's as easy technically to mod as it is to post and you learn a lot about your fellow DUers.

[proud patriot]

26. Please Don't let that stop you buddamama

I'm a computer dunce ..If I can do it so can you .
Admins has made moderating very non tech friendly ...

[buddhamama]

31. i sent an e-mail

to the Admin-we'll see.

thanks everyone for the words of encouragement.

[DemExpat]

40. Good for you!

I was, and still am, a computer idiot in some areas.....

Moderating is a fabulous and fascinating job.....I've really loved it all in all.

:hi:
DemEx

[proud patriot]

54. YAY !

:bounce:

[Forkboy]

62. You'd be excellent!!!!

I'm sure of it :)

[ulysses]

75. much agreed!

:thumbsup:, 'mama!

[Sagan]

14. I would like more information, please..

Especially on how much time is expected from moderators.

Thanks!

I feel I've shirked this duty long enough, I suppose. I can't look Catwoman in the face until I've done it, I don't think. :)

[Skinner]

16. We expect moderators to check in once or twice a day.

But if you're covering GD, LBN, or the Lounge, we prefer moderators who can spend more time.

The minimum expectation is to check in once or twice a day. Check your email inbox for alerts. Swing through your forum(s) to spot-check for rule violations and other problems. Stop into the private moderator forum to participate in the discussions and provide your opinions.

Some mods on slower forums spend no more than 30 minutes a day. Some mods spend many hours. Just like our members.

We don't expect you do spend any more time on DU than you already do, unless you want to.

[Sagan]

18. Alright, I'm in.

I can't believe I'm paying you 10 bucks a month AND working for you!

:)

[prolesunited]

20. They're awfully good

aren't they? :evilgrin:

[Skinner]

21. LOL

Thanks!

[proud patriot]

27. YAY Sagan ....Woo Hoo

:hi:

[buddhamama]

15. okay

i'll apply, and with the Bush economy i won't be taking any vacations so i guess now is as good a time as any.

no hard feelings if i don't get chosen.

[THUNDER HANDS]

19. I'd be up for it

I've never been a mod before...and I crave power like Gollum.

:)

I'll send an email later. I'm at work right now.

[Interrobang]

22. I'll volunteer to mod next time!

Unfortunately, I AM going on a "long vacation" between now and mid-September...in about three weeks I am leaving to go to Pennsic, which I wouldn't miss for all the tea in China and Ceylon. ;-) I'll be there for two weeks, so I guess I will sit this one out, but keep me in mind, Skinner. :)

[midnitemoleman]

23. I will do anything to help the party & DU! count me in :)

Be cool and not a tool!

[newyawker99]

30. Everyone should apply. It is a great way to learn how

decisions are made and also a great way to give back to the site. Don't be shy....apply! DU needs you! :-)

[Terran]

32. Question about time

Skinner,

I've thought about applying to moderate many times before, but I'm not sure I have enough free time to devote to it...but then again, I have never asked how much time you would need. I work an 8-5 job and then I work part-time two evenings a week until 11. I do manage to log on a lot at both jobs, however. While I don't visit DU a lot on Saturdays, that can change. I have no plans for vacations the next two months, so that's not a problem.

Can you give me some idea of how much time is required? Say, a percentage of any 24 hours during which a single moderator should be available?

Dirk

[Skinner]

33. See my response here...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=104&topic_id=18806&mesg_id=19045&page=

[Terran]

36. LOL, like a good DUer

I didn't read the whole thread! Thanks Skinner--I'll give it a shot!

Dirk

[LeftPeopleFinishFirst]

34. I still can't apply, can I?

:( Oh well, in a few more years then!

[Skinner]

35. Unfortunately, no.

I should have mentioned that moderators must be at least 18 years of age.

[JohnKleeb]

49. its ok you can be president of the kids cancus heh is there such thing

I made it up. You got my vote. In order to be a member you cant legally smoke. Sorry but anyone can be a honorable member. This is a joke but we can make something up and you'd be president. I was gonna trick lefty when I chatted with him online in to believing I was Mike Strank based on that picture but he responded. Man it'd been a riot. Him calling me chunky is just a joke if you didnt know but heh hes skinnier than my brother.

[LeftPeopleFinishFirst]

68. LOL

Sure, sure. I am president of all you young'ns. :D

[JohnKleeb]

74. we have to have an election first but you got my endorsement

hehe. You've been here the longest anyhow out of all of us so you deserve it and although I believe I have slightly more post you're more influential but I get to be food and beverage director right lol thats hotel. You deserve it.

[corarose]

37. What if you

Have been on here for 2 years and recently rejoined after you moved and you missplaced your other info but still know the screen name that you used.
I lost my old password so I rejoined.

Can you still be a moderator?:hi:

[Skinner]

38. Sure.

You can still be a moderator.

[corarose]

39. Thanks

I sent you an email.

[tinnypriv]

42. Do you have to be US-based?

I don't think I'll apply yet (because I don't think I've been here long enough, seems impolite), but do you have to be in the land of the free?

[Heddi]

43. No!!

I know one of our mods now lives in the netherlands, and I think another is in Australia....

Moderating, like love, knows no borders :)

[tinnypriv]

48. Great

Finally - a chance to lord over the colonies again :D :hi:

[LearnedHand]

70. Finally! The truth comes out! ; - )

n/t

[Skinner]

44. You don't have to be in the US.

We have had moderators from Canada, the UK, Holland, Australia, etc...

You should apply.

[tinnypriv]

47. Okay

I'll email :)

[VOX]

46. Skinner, I will volunteer for the term following the upcoming one...

My wife and I are moving into our house around September 1st, so things will be a little hairy before (and after) that date, especially the preparation for the move. I may even be unplugged for a week or so.

But I'd love to volunteer for a future term...

Thanks.

[patdem]

50. I would LOVE to help out....

I wake up everyday at about 5:00 AM...go back to sleep unless the previous day was a REAL newsmaker....I am up again by 6:30...first thing I do is cut on C-Span...awaiting Washington Journal...but almost always venture into the room with the computer...and go DIRECTLY to DU. If I can get C-Span going I click on that also..if it mucks my DU connection C-Span goes. I read down the right side of LBN and click on what interests me...then go to LBN to see what everyone is responding to. I then go to Editorials to see who has been trashing bush*.....then I meander over to GD...then look down at the clock and realize I will be late for work if I don't hurry.

Home again...I go DIRECTLY to the computer to see the news I have missed....then to Editorials then GD...then the LOUNGE!....

I spend about 6 hours per day....when I have other things to do...otherwise I spend about 12 hours .... I sometimes just hit refresh to see if there is something I have NOT read!

I would volunteer, I am a reader but not a very busy poster!

Edited cause I don't know my right from my left (in politics no prob!)

[Heddi]

51. if you're on DU that much anyways

DO IT!!

That's why i became a mod the first time---at my old job, I did NOTHING but surf DU all day, and the job didn't care. I was on here ALL the time and it's so much more fun modding!!!

you really get a true appreciation for the finely-tuned machine that DU is. the other mods are great to work with, there's such a comeraderie, and Admins are GREAT! Absolutely wonderful--I wish they were all my bosses in real life--i'd never retire :)

Modding is fun and you're helping a great cause and it's so insightful!!!

Everyone should be a mod at least once. I myself find it very addictive and hate when school comes between me and my modding :)

[oneighty]

52. Hey Skinner!

If I were not computer stupid I would be glad to help.

Ed--180

[proud patriot]

55. as Skinner said if you can post on DU you can Mod it's that easy

If I can do it , so could you , cause I'm a computer dunce too :dunce:

[ElsewheresDaughter]

56. i'm going away for 2/3 weeks in august...but will be available for

the next group of mods

[patdem]

57. If we volunteer...how will be be notified if we are chosen

and what reasons will be given if we are refused?

[DemExpat]

58. You receive an Email from Admins......

reasons are seldom given, I would think, except for the fact that there are usually more applicants than slots.....

:hi:
DemEx

[Terwilliger]

59. How about me?

...

...

on second thought :D

[Forkboy]

63. lmao

you and me both buddy :)

[davsand]

60. I applied this time.

I've always felt bad that I'd never given time to DU as a moderator. I spend so much time here, and derive such pleasure from this community--it always felt wrong not to do something to help out. This seemed like a great time to offer my services!

Laura

[umcwb]

67. Yep, me too....

They finally got me to apply this time. Hell, I spend so much time here anyways. Good Luck, Laura!

Will

[burr]

61. Why every two months?

Why not make the moderator rotation period longer?

Is it considered right to ask former moderators how they would handle a particular scenerio, or is it wrong to involve another DUer in a judgement that might best be left between the moderator and moderated?

And how does being a moderator limit the manner of postings of the individual who is serving?

[Skinner]

66. We have a two-month term

because many people can't make a longer committment than that.

Also, we feel that the two-month term sends a good message about the position of the moderators relative to the rest of the members. It helps keep any moderators from becoming too "intrenched" in their position. Moderators are not appointed to lifetime appointments. Instead, they can serve for a limited amount of time, and then return to being a regular member of the board. They are "citizen-moderators".

Also, it gives people a face-saving way to take a break if they get tired of the job. And it can get pretty tiring sometimes.

It is not appropriate to ask former moderators how they would handle a particular scenario. Except, perhaps, in a very general sense. Moderators are not supposed to be discussing moderator business with non-moderators.

Being a moderator severely limits the manner of posting of the individual serving. Moderators are expected to seriously avoid controversy, flaming, or any other potential problems. Moderators are supposed to set an example for productive participation. They should be solving problems, not creating them.

[Name removed]

64. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Name removed]

65. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[northzax]

69. WORST PERIOD OF MY TIME ON DU

was the week AFTER I stopped being a moderator. (didn't mean to scare anyone :) ) You get such an insider's view of what's going on, and can watch posters across fora. You really do get to 'know' people and recognize people simply by the writing, even when they are reincarnated. I kept seeing patterns after I stopped, and couldn't do anything about it. frustrating to lose the insider info, but it makes you realize how cool it was to do.

do it, you really will learn alot about this board, other people, and your own level of tolerance for idiots and assholes.

[LearnedHand]

71. Skinner, I'm really new...

...and when I've put in enough time, I'd LOVE to moderate. I think I don't have enough postings, yet, so will you consider me for the next 2-month term?

[Skinner]

72. We certainly would consider you next term.

No guarantees, of course. But once you've been here for a while we'd definitely consider you to be a mod.

[LearnedHand]

73. Thanks!

I'll get busy replying EVEN MORE!

[indigo11153]

76. Well I

Finally got my membership and password up dated. I think I am ready for anything! :)

[VolcanoJen]

77. I would encourage Democrats and Liberals of all stripes...

... to give moderating a try. It's been educational, fun, maddening, fascinating, time-consuming, and rewarding, all at the same time.

It's a fantastic experience. I do hope many of you will apply!!

VolcanoJen (Jennifer :-))

[shatoga]

78. deleted message III

same as it ever was..

[Skinner]

82. ?

I don't understand this post.

[JCMach1]

79. I would like to mod next round

after I am firmly moved to the UAE...

Besides it will be safer :)

[freeforall]

80. Would love to do this

...but will have to wait until the next time. Will be away for a few weeks in August.

[MuseRider]

81. I have been feeling guilty

about not doing this for a while. I seem to live on this site some days and others there just isn't time. That is my question. The nature of my work does not provide me with a reliable schedule. Are there certain forums that would allow for that? I would always be able to check in long enough I think but I am just not sure. I would love to do this actually. Unable this session, next session would be a possibility however. Let me know if this could work. Thanks, I love this place.

[Skinner]

83. I guess it depends how unreliable your schedule is.

If there are long stretches when you can't log on, then I don't think you can be a moderator.

[Ksec]

84. I would but

the guys in the lounge called me a freeper because I thought that mens golf should remain mens golf.

I was really hurt because Ive been a solid Democrat for twenty years and for that to happen to me was mind blowing. It was like a feeding frenzy once a few troublemakers started . I left for a few months and just retuirned hoping that this kind of behavior was quelled.

[Ksec]

85. Sorry about the whining

I guess I had it coming . But if you ask me it seems that some people on here jump the gun pretty quickly. Im sure it drives people away and Im also sure the administration isnt to fond of that.

OK Im done .

[Skinner]

86. It's against the rules to call someone a freeper.

Next time that happens, you should hit the alert link.