Like any other project, online communities must have one person who has the power to make sure everything runs smoothly. In this case, that job falls on the shoulders of the moderator.
Online communities have called this person by other names, such as administrator, director or other names users call them when they don’t get their way. But their functions are all the same: To keep the community functioning and a viable place for users.
Depending on the size of your community, the moderator can have any level of involvement and spend a varying amount of time on the site. Smaller sites tend to have one person, maybe you or someone else on a part-time basis. Other sites are large enough that they need more than one person, perhaps even working full-time.
What does the moderator do? Again, depending on the size of the online community, the moderator serve a number of functions. But one universal duty is the monitor the site for any technical issues or any inappropriate behavior by users.
Essentially, moderators serve as the adult in the room, and it is crucial for them to, from the outset, lay the ground rules for the community. That way, there is no confusion when sanctions are handed out.
You may also ask your moderator to work on other tasks for the online community, the easiest of which is posting new topics to possibly jump-start the conversation. They can also be called upon to write up site-related announcements as well.
Beyond that, depending on their ability levels, moderators can be asked the assist you with writing and developing new site content, create e-mail marketing for your users or establish and maintain the community’s social media presence.
This position isn’t for everyone, though. Because of the power they have on the overall community, it’s important that the moderator possesses a soft touch when it comes to dealing with site issues. Plus, it has to be someone you can work with.
When you get the right person, it makes all the difference and will allow you to concentrate on making your online community successful.
