# When mods mess up **URL:** \ **Category:** About This Message Board\ **Created:** [July 18, 2016, 3:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-mods-mess-up/760182 "2016-07-18T03:08:00Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 1\ **Showing post:** 1
**Author:** ![Ed\_Zotti](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/fbc32d/32.png) [@Ed\_Zotti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ed_Zotti)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2016, 3:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-mods-mess-up/760182/1 "2016-07-18T03:08:00Z")
In light of the controversy in [this thread](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=798302), there appears to be uncertainty about what’s supposed to happen when an SDMB moderator violates the board’s rules. The following is intended to clarify things: 1. The mods are expected to abide by SDMB rules just like all other members. We also have internal staff rules, policies and procedures. These aren’t for general distribution but they’re what you’d expect. Suffice it to say mods aren’t supposed to use their mod powers to give themselves special treatment. No harm was meant in the present case but it looked unfair and we want to avoid that. 2. It’s not the responsibility of one mod to chastise another. When a mod violates the rules or otherwise behaves problematically, that’s a matter for me to deal with as site administrator. I’m supposed to be alerted promptly when issues of this kind arise. There was a brief delay in the present case. 3. Dealings between the mods and me are a private matter. They’re volunteers and I’m not about to rebuke them in public. That’s not to say nothing happens when mistakes are made. Sometimes after a controversy I have discussions with the mods, either individually or as a group, to clarify policies and procedures. Sometimes after one of these discussions I post a note to clear the air and make sure all SDMB members understand how things are supposed to work. This is such a note. Considerable care goes into the selection of mods - I’m continually impressed with their diligence, sound judgment and most of all their patience and good humor under trying conditions. They make this board what it is and I’m grateful for their efforts. Everybody messes up once in a while; we learn from the experience and move on. Having gone over this with the mods, I’m confident that’s the case here. --- _[View the full topic](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-mods-mess-up/760182)._