# Moderator Code of Conduct **URL:** \ **Category:** About This Message Board\ **Created:** [July 15, 2016, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderator-code-of-conduct/759986 "2016-07-15T16:28:03Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Duckster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/duckster/32/1244_2.png) [@Duckster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duckster)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2016, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderator-code-of-conduct/759986/1 "2016-07-15T16:28:03Z")
In light of the [recent issue with this thread](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=798302), I propose there be a published Moderator Code of Conduct sticky here. It would reduce the ambiguity when a mod is posting as a mod in a thread or posting as an ordinary poster. More importantly, it would ensure a mod could not exercise their mod powers to self-censor / self-delete when they create an infraction in their own posting. ---
**Author:** ![Corner\_Case](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/corner_case/32/234_2.png) [@Corner\_Case](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Corner_Case)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2016, 5:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderator-code-of-conduct/759986/2 "2016-07-15T17:07:51Z")
There already is one: [FAQs - Please Read First - Rules, Guidelines, Etiquette, Technical Issues - About This Message Board - Straight Dope Message Board](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=562482). I don’t want to hold Moderator’s actions as posters different than other posters. I don’t want Moderators with unchecked powers. That does not appear to me to be happen present. What you may object to is the treatment of a Moderator in a recent incident. That is where a debate may be, not in whether there are is a code of conduct. The code is well stated. ---
**Author:** ![aldiboronti](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9fc348/32.png) [@aldiboronti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aldiboronti)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2016, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderator-code-of-conduct/759986/3 "2016-07-15T17:09:06Z")
Moderators work within the rules of the board. If there is any ambiguity or dispute, well that’s what ATMB is for. A code of conduct seems completely pointless to me. ---
**Author:** ![cochrane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cochrane/32/10441_2.png) [@cochrane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cochrane)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2016, 5:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderator-code-of-conduct/759986/4 "2016-07-15T17:28:25Z")
The only standard I believe moderators should be held to is “don’t be a jerk.” ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2016, 5:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderator-code-of-conduct/759986/5 "2016-07-15T17:35:48Z")
On my honor I will do my best To do my duty to God and my country And to obey the moderator Law; To help other people at all times; To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight. ---
**Author:** ![Musicat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/musicat/32/20189_2.png) [@Musicat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Musicat)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2016, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderator-code-of-conduct/759986/6 "2016-07-15T17:39:04Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > On my honor I will do my best > To do my duty to God and my country > And to obey the moderator Law; > To help other people at all times; > To keep myself physically strong, > mentally awake, and morally straight. Ooooh, _scary._ ---
**Author:** ![Borborygmi](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/borborygmi/32/217_2.png) [@Borborygmi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Borborygmi)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2016, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderator-code-of-conduct/759986/7 "2016-07-15T17:52:46Z")
This is my forum. There are many like it, but this one is mine. My forum is my best friend. It is my life. I must moderate it as I must moderate my life. Without me, my forum is useless. Without my forum, I am useless. I must moderate my forum true… ---
**Author:** ![Corner\_Case](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/corner_case/32/234_2.png) [@Corner\_Case](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Corner_Case)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2016, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderator-code-of-conduct/759986/8 "2016-07-15T17:54:56Z")
A Moderator is: Trussworthy Laudable Hopeful Fiendly Courtable Sapien Obligatory Cheers! (hic) Enterprising Brave Clinging and Revenant ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2016, 6:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderator-code-of-conduct/759986/9 "2016-07-15T18:02:12Z")
“With great power comes great responsibility” ---
**Author:** ![gnoitall](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/bb73d2/32.png) [@gnoitall](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gnoitall)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2016, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderator-code-of-conduct/759986/10 "2016-07-15T18:17:36Z")
> [@Borborygmi](#): > > This is my forum. There are many like it, but this one is mine. My forum is my best friend. It is my life. I must moderate it as I must moderate my life. Without me, my forum is useless. Without my forum, I am useless. I must moderate my forum true… This is my forum. This is my gun. This is for moderatin’; This is for fun. ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2016, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderator-code-of-conduct/759986/11 "2016-07-15T18:44:22Z")
> [@Duckster](#): > > In light of the [recent issue with this thread](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=798302), I propose there be a published Moderator Code of Conduct sticky here. It would reduce the ambiguity when a mod is posting as a mod in a thread or posting as an ordinary poster. More importantly, it would ensure a mod could not exercise their mod powers to self-censor / self-delete when they create an infraction in their own posting. How about you take a shot at a first draft and then post it for critique? As soon as it’s revised to the point that we have a consensus we can implement it. ---
**Author:** ![Kiber](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kiber/32/317_2.png) [@Kiber](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kiber)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2016, 6:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderator-code-of-conduct/759986/12 "2016-07-15T18:56:11Z")
Yeah though I mod through the valley of the SDMB, I will fear no Cecil; for he is with me; his wit and his columns they comfort me. ---
**Author:** ![Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/qadgop_the_mercotan/32/83_2.png) [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2016, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderator-code-of-conduct/759986/13 "2016-07-15T20:53:08Z")
Go placidly amidst the noise and waste, and remember what comfort there may be in owning a piece thereof. Avoid quiet and passive persons, unless you are in need of sleep. Rotate your tires. Speak glowingly of those greater than yourself; and heed well their advice, even though they be turkeys. Know what to kiss - and when. Consider that two wrongs never make a right, but that three do. Wherever possible, put people on hold. Be comforted, that in the face of all irridity and disillusionment, and despite the changing fortunes of time, there is always a big future in computer maintenance. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2016, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderator-code-of-conduct/759986/14 "2016-07-15T20:56:13Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > “With great power comes great responsibility” With slight power comes slight responsibility. ---
**Author:** ![AncientHumanoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ancienthumanoid/32/278_2.png) [@AncientHumanoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AncientHumanoid)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2016, 9:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderator-code-of-conduct/759986/15 "2016-07-15T21:10:21Z")
I miss the Wally smiley ---
**Author:** ![Zeke\_N.Destroi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/4af34b/32.png) [@Zeke\_N.Destroi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zeke_N.Destroi)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2016, 9:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderator-code-of-conduct/759986/16 "2016-07-15T21:19:08Z")
> [@hajario](#): > > How about you take a shot at a first draft and then post it for critique? As soon as it’s revised to the point that we have a consensus we can implement it. 1. When a moderator posts as a member they are subject to the same treatment by other members and sanction by the other mods as any other member - this includes being pitted for non-mod actions. 2. Should a mod use his mod powers in such a way as to cover their tracks following an infraction it immediately constitutes a warnable infraction. Such infractions will be noted in an atmb sticky (assuming they can be added to after they are posted) 3. Members bitching about a mod action that does not violate #2 above does not warrant sanction. 4. Moderators will use their best efforts to avoid favouring fellow mods and be impartial in dealing with violations of #2 above. While there is room for disagreement regarding this, should the offending mod say they ought to be warned the fellow mods will defer to the offending mods judgement and warn them. This does not automatically mean that should a mod say they oughtn’t be warned that their judgement need necessarily be deferred to. 1. Should a moderator blatantly cross the line between member and mod they will be treated as any other member. 2. Moderators will, whether acting as moderator or poster, adhere to the prime directive of “Don’t be a jerk” - “jerk” being defined by the parameters set by longstanding practice as established by past moderations of poster infractions. 3. No different than other posters Mods will not be subject to endless harping on past mistakes in perpetuity (ie the paper towel roll decision.) 4. This code of conduct applies to egregious violations of mod/member trust - hereinafter referred to as the **Tom/Jon** standard and - explicitly - not disagreements about Mod actions that fall within the standard and long-standing practice of mods acting to retain the spirit and tone of the board. 5. Mods will do their - futile - best to allow us to tell another poster to “go fuck yourself” in The Pit. 6. I hate leaving things at odd numbers and numerologists might object to the list ending at the divine 9. There’s a template from which to start. Zeke ---
**Author:** ![Penfeather](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/penfeather/32/384_2.png) [@Penfeather](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Penfeather)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2016, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderator-code-of-conduct/759986/17 "2016-07-15T21:39:10Z")
[You’re next, punk!](https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/70/a9/9a/70a99a0f09a07cd764f4b1339ac52aa2.jpg) or possibly [Biggest collection of oddballs I’ve ever seen!](http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PkC38vfDCiw/UzFlj5ejGsI/AAAAAAAACZc/aO0r0ICQxuI/s1600/390.jpg) 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Alan\_Smithee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/2acd7d/32.png) [@Alan\_Smithee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alan_Smithee)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2016, 9:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderator-code-of-conduct/759986/18 "2016-07-15T21:48:42Z")
In brightest day and darkest night No trolling shall escape my sight. Let all who tolerate ignorance’s blight Beware my power: My post is my cite! ---
**Author:** ![Penfeather](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/penfeather/32/384_2.png) [@Penfeather](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Penfeather)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2016, 10:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderator-code-of-conduct/759986/19 "2016-07-15T22:45:45Z")
[This here’s MY court!](http://www.tcj.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/tcjoneill1.1.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![splatterpunk](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/3be4f8/32.png) [@splatterpunk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/splatterpunk)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2016, 1:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderator-code-of-conduct/759986/20 "2016-07-16T01:19:26Z")
> [@Zeke\_N.Destroi](#): > > 1. When a moderator posts as a member they are subject to the same treatment by other members and sanction by the other mods as any other member - this includes being pitted for non-mod actions. This is already understood, and well-documented in the existing rules. > [@](#): > > 1. Should a mod use his mod powers in such a way as to cover their tracks following an infraction it immediately constitutes a warnable infraction. Such infractions will be noted in an atmb sticky (assuming they can be added to after they are posted) Why should it be in a sticky in ATMB? Should there also be a sticky documenting warnings of all other users? > [@](#): > > 1. Members bitching about a mod action that does not violate #2 above does not warrant sanction. Um, what? So no offense committed by a mod “warrants sanction” unless said offense is exactly as described in item 2 above? So mods are free to say, threaten users with harm, or sue the SDMB, and they’re free from sanction? You might want to rethink that one. > [@](#): > > 1. Moderators will use their best efforts to avoid favouring fellow mods and be impartial in dealing with violations of #2 above. Again, mods should strive to be objective only in the above situation? Any other mod violations can be safely ignored/swept under the rug by other mods? I’m not sure I agree with you a hundred percent on your police work there, Lou. > [@](#): > > While there is room for disagreement regarding this, should the offending mod say they ought to be warned the fellow mods will defer to the offending mods judgement and warn them. > > This does not automatically mean that should a mod say they oughtn’t be warned that their judgement need necessarily be deferred to. So as long is the situation is not exactly as described, the mod has veto power over being warned for other infractions? I’m gonna take a stab in the dark and say you’re new at this rule-writing thing. > [@](#): > > 1. Should a moderator blatantly cross the line between member and mod they will be treated as any other member. Who makes these decisions as to whether or not a mod has crossed the line? > [@](#): > > 1. Moderators will, whether acting as moderator or poster, adhere to the prime directive of “Don’t be a jerk” - “jerk” being defined by the parameters set by longstanding practice as established by past moderations of poster infractions. This is perhaps the only useful item in this entire list. It covers everything that needs to be said, and has been said since this debacle started. > [@](#): > > 1. No different than other posters Mods will not be subject to endless harping on past mistakes in perpetuity (ie the paper towel roll decision.) This is a useless platitude based on a false premise. The paper towel tube thing was a special case. Lots of users are subject to endless harping on past mistakes (ask **SkyWatcher** about bunnies sometime). > [@](#): > > 1. This code of conduct applies to egregious violations of mod/member trust - hereinafter referred to as the **Tom/Jon** standard and - explicitly - not disagreements about Mod actions that fall within the standard and long-standing practice of mods acting to retain the spirit and tone of the board. Another useless platitude. > [@](#): > > 1. Mods will do their - futile - best to allow us to tell another poster to “go fuck yourself” in The Pit. Ain’t gonna happen. > [@](#): > > 1. I hate leaving things at odd numbers and numerologists might object to the list ending at the divine 9. … > [@](#): > > There’s a template from which to start. > > Zeke Back to the drawing board. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moderator-code-of-conduct/759986.md?page=2)