PinoySource Forum Moderators' Handbook

Pinoy Source (PS) - "The Underground Pinoy Online Community”

www.pinoysource.co.nr

Moderators' Handbook Directory

• General

• Rules

• Moderator Information

• Member Information

• Administrative Information

• Frequently Asked Questions

General 5

General Directory

• Introduction

• Contact Information

Introduction 5

Thank you for taking the time to read the PinoySource Forum Moderators' Handbook. In this third installment, you will learn of the various changes PinoySource Forum has undergone, and will have at your disposal, a valuable reference material for moderating at these forums.

While this handbook is a valuable reference material, it is no substitute to experience and human interaction. If you are a new moderator, it is recomended that you seek the assistance of a "Moderator Mentor".

With that said, thank you again for taking the time to read this handbook, and good luck moderating at PinoySource Forum.

  - PinoySource Forum Staff

Contact Information 5

Listed below is the contact information for the administrators.

Administrators

Administrator(s)

• Name - John

• YM! - pinoysource@yahoo.com

• E-Mail - pinoysource@gmail.com

Rules 5

Rules Directory

• SPAM

• Flames

• Trolling

• Advertising

• Outside Links

• Signatures

SPAM 5

SPAM stands for Stupid Pointless Annoying Material/Message. Listed below are our definitions of "SPAM":

• Off-Topic Posts - Any post that is either irrelevant to the topic of discussion, or forum is classified as SPAM.

• Intentional Post Count Raising - Posting comments just to raise your post count is considered as SPAM. A common instance of this is replying to questions that have already been answered and repeating the answer (see; Bumping Dead Topics), or just posting nonsense that has absolutely nothing to do with that forum or discussion at hand.

• One-Word Replies - One-word replies are classified as SPAM, unless otherwise noted in that specific forum's rules.

• Bumping Dead Topics - Bumping a topic that has not been posted in in over a month is considered SPAM. If a specific forum's rules notes a different time frame for classifying a thread as "dead", that is the time frame that you are to follow. One month is the standard time frame for classifying threads as "dead".

• Personal Member-To-Member Threads - If you post a thread directed at a specific member, it may be classified as SPAM. Please use the Private Messaging function to contact members privately about personal matters, or discussions.

Off-topic posts are allowed on the following forums, under that forum's specific rules:

[Off Topics]

Flames 5

A flame is an insult or slur directed to a member. Listed below are our definitions of "flames":

• Insults - Any type of insult directed from one member to another member. Please remember that there is a big difference between "criticism" and "insulting".

• Homosexual Slurs - Any type of homosexual slur directed from one member to another member, whether it'd be false claims that the member being flamed is a homosexual, or mocking a homosexual member for their sexual preference.

• Sexual Slurs - Any type of sexual slur directed from one member to another member, whether it'd be describing explicit sexual behaviors involving the member being flamed, or typing sexually explicit slurs using the likeness of the member being flamed.

• Racial Slurs - Any type of slur directed from one member to another member or ethnic background insulting a specific ethnic background.

It is important to remember that it is the moderator's discretion as to what is classified as a "flame". If you would like a moderator to review something that you may feel is a flame, please feel free to contact them. If you are unable to contact a moderator, please contact a Global Moderator or member of the administration.

Trolling 5

Trolling is another common problem here at PinoySource Forum. The big difference between "trolling" and "flaming" is that a direct insult is not always the factor. It simply has to be a comment intended to antagonize another person.

Trolling is where a member provokes another member into an argument or flame war by means of flaming the member, or making a post when the member knows full-well that it will cause an argument or flame war.

A common example of "trolling" is when a member posts something that insults/provokes another group of members/moderators, i.e., posting a thread/post on the PlayStation 2 forum saying that X-Box is better.

Advertising 5

Advertising is when a member displays a link to a Web site not associated with PinoySource with the intent to draw visitors of PinoySource to their Web site. Advertising is usually done in threads or posts, but it's not uncommon to see advertising done in a member's viewable profile fields, such as their "Signature" or "Location".

Advertising is allowed on the following forum, under that forum's specific rules:

[Classifieds]

Outside Links 5

Outside linking is when a member links to a site outside of PinoySource or [Affiliates] without the intent of advertising the Web site he/she is linking to. Outside linking is usually done in threads or posts, or "Signatures". If a member is warned for having an outside link in their signature, they are required to remove it within 48 hours, or the signature will be completely removed by an administrator.

It is important to check with each forum's specific rules before posting a link that leads to a Web site outside of PinoySource or [Affiliates].

Signatures 5

A signature is a unique option that allows you to include various bits of information in a small section after a member/moderators' post. Signatures are subject to the same rules as posts, so, if something is not acceptable to post, then it is not acceptable for a signature.

Signatures are also subject to the following rules:

• Heght - Signatures Image may not exceed to 120px

• Width - Signatures Image may not exceed to 420px

• Max Character -

If you are asked by a moderator to change your signature, please do so immediately. Failure to do so will result in your signature being deleted. A repeat offense usually results in an account ban.

Moderator Information 5

Moderator Information Directory

• Introduction

• Code of Conduct

• Terms and Abbreviations

• Candidates

• "Admin Options" Toolbar [Threads]

• Mod CP

• Termination & Resignation

Introduction 5

Moderators are subject to the same rules as members, and other guidelines used to help set an example for the members. This section outlines those guidelines, the tools moderators uses to efficiently moderate their forums, an explanation as to how new moderators are chosen, and a list of reasons why you could be removed as a moderator.

Code of Conduct 5

Fair Judgement - As a moderator, it is your responsibility to execute fair judgement. It is important for you, as a moderator, to be able to make decisions regardless of personal interest, relationship, or benefit. If you are unable to do so, then, you are unable to do your job to it's fullest. A major part of moderating here at PinoySource Forum is interacting with other members or the forum staff, and members. You are expected to treat all members of the forums staff, and registered user the same. IF PERSONAL INTERESTS, RELATIONSHIPS, OR BENEFITS HINDER YOUR ABILITY TO MODERATE YOUR FORUMS TO YOUR FULLEST RESPONSIBILITY, YOU MAY BE SUBJECT TO A GLOBAL MODERATOR GROUP, OR IMMEDIATE PUNISHMENT BY AN ADMINISTRATOR.

Activity - As a moderator, you are required to be an active poster and visitor of the forum(s) you moderate, as well as a visible rule-enforcing figure. If it is discovered that you are lacking in any of the previously mentioned fields, you may be contacted a maximum of 3 times in regards to your performance. Following no response, or no shown improvement, you may be removed from the forum(s) that are are failing to meet requirements in, or you may be removed as a moderator. If you have not posted in 20 days, you are also subject to be removed as a moderator. Failing to inform the administration, and your co-moderators that you are going on a leave of absense may also result in your removal as a moderator of a specific forum, or completely.

Rules - As a moderator, you are subject to the same rules as the registered user. However, because of your rank, your infractions are logged, and your punishments are more severe. For example, where a member of the registered user may recieve a caution, you may recieve a logged warning. It is your responsibility to not only be an authority figure in your forums, but to also be an example in all of the forums you visit. The members emulate the way moderators post and carry themselves, because they figure that everything you do is within the rules. If you violate the rules, you set a bad example for the members, and you will be punished.

Terms and Abbreviations 5

As a moderator here at PinoySource Forum, there are several terms and abbreviations used that you may not know. This section covers most of those terms and abbreviations.

Closed - Member of the forum staff closes a thread.
Opened - Member of the forum staff opens a thread.
Moved - Member of the forum staff moves a thread. Destination or source forum is commonly used when announcing the movement of a thread.
Sticky - Member of the forum staff sticks a thread, adding a "Important: " prefix to it.
Forum Drop - Member of the forum staff "drops" a forum, meaning they no longer moderate it.
Forum Pick-Up - Member of the forum staff "picks up" a forum, meaning they now moderate it.
Modless - The forum(s) being mentioned do not have any moderators.
LOA - Leave of Absense
ROA - Reduced Online Activity
Banned - Classification used for a member that is no longer permitted to post under their primary account.
BOS - Ban on Sight
De-mod - A former moderator that was removed as a moderator by the administration for breaking moderator guidelines.
Mod - Moderator
Gmod - Global Moderator
Fmod - Forum Moderator
PS - PinoySouce
Admin - Administrator

Candidates 5

"Candidates" are members of the registered user that are going to be voted on to decide whether or not they are promoted to "Moderator" status, and become a member of the forum staff. To become a moderator, a candidate must meet the following requirements:

• Mature - A candidate must be at least 16 years of age, or mature enough so age is not questioned. If a candidate is over the age of 16, but lacks the necessary maturity to handle situations in an adult and responsible manner, he/she may be denied the ability to be a candidate for a moderator position.

• Post Count - A candidate must have at least 300 posts in order to be considered a candidate for a moderator position. It is true that post count does not affect one's ability or likeliness of becoming a moderator, however, it must be evident that the candidate is an active contributer to the forums.

• Active - A candidate is required to be an active contributer in the forum that he/she is recommended to be a candidate to moderate.

• Approval from all forum moderators - A candidate must be approved by majority of the moderators of the forum that the candidate is being recommended for. Please consult all of your co-moderators before recommending a member to be a candidate to moderate a forum. If no forum moderators are present, an administrator must approve the nomination.

• Decent Past - A candidate must not have a troublesome past as a member. If a member is known to have behavior problems, he/she will be denied the ability to be a candidate for a moderator position.

There are also some behaviors we do not allow candidates to display during their vote, or waiting period before their vote. There are as follows:

• Campaigning - Candidates that "campaign" to get moderators to vote in favor of their vote are looked down upon. If a member is caught campaigning, their vote may be canceled (and automatically failed). Campaigning is usually characterized as candidates including in signature, or profile fields pleas to "VOTE YES FOR ME".

• "Pre-moderating" - Some candidates often jump the gun when it comes to moderating, and begin attempting to enforce rules and punish members before their vote is completed and they are informed as to whether or not they've passed or failed.

To recommend a candidate to moderate a forum, please complete the following steps:

1.) Post a thread in the main Moderators' forum recommending the candidate for a specific forum. Be sure to include the candidate's EXACT username, a link to the candidate's profile, and a link to the forum that the candidate is being recommended to moderate. This information is used in the voting process and must be included before a vote begins.
2.) Have your co-moderators (if applicable) post their agreement.
3.) Post a link to the candidate's nomination thread in [Link To Nomination Log] thread.

"Admin Options" Toolbar [Threads] 5

In the forum(s) you moderate you have the ability to use the "Admin Options" toolbar in every thread. Each option performs a different task, those tasks are explained in the following section:

• Open / Close Thread - If you use this option on an open thread, it locks it to prevent any further replies from the registered user. Moderators of the forum, and administrators can still reply to the thread even though it is closed. Using this on a closed thread re-opens the thread, allowing the registered user to post again.

• Move / Copy Thread - Using this option allows you to move a thread to a different forum, or make a copy of it in another forum. Choosing to leave a redirect when moving a thread leaves a link in the source forum. DO NOT LEAVE A REDIRECT UNLESS YOU ARE CERTAIN YOU WANT IT TO BE THERE.

• Edit Thread - This option allows you to edit the thread's title that appears in the forum index, the thread's post icon that appears in the forum index, or close the thread.

• Delete Thread / Posts - This option allows you to delete individual posts from the thread, or to delete the entire thread.

• Merge Threads - This option allows you to merge two threads together. Copy the exact URL of the thread you would like to merge with into the "Thread to merge with:" field, and click "Merge threads". The URL of the new merged thread will be the same as the thread that you accessed the "Merge Threads" option from.

• Split Thread - This option is used to reduce load times in threads. At 90-100 posts, moderators are required to split threads. To do this, access the "Split Thread" screen, and select "No" on the first post, and the last 3-5 posts. You can uncheck "No" on any other posts that may be needed. Doing this directs you to the "trash" thread after you split the thread. After accessing the "trash" thread, please close it.

• Sticky / Unsticky Thread - This option allows you to add a "Important: " prefix to the thread's title on the forum index, and "sticks" it to the top of the forum right under the forum's announcements. Using this action on a thread that's already stuck removes the "Important: " prefix.

Mod CP 5

The "Mod CP" is a valuable tool moderators have at their disposal. It allows you to do everything from looking up members, to adding announcements to your forum(s). This section covers how to use the functions in the mod CP, and their purposes.

Moderation Lists
  - New Posts - Posts that are invisible, and in need of moderation. You can chose whether or not to validate or delete posts in this section. If you chose for a thread to be invisible, you will need to validate it here to make it visible again.
  - New Attachments - This function is not necessary for moderating, and does not need to be used at any point in time.

User Actions
  - Ban - Search for users to ban from PinoySource Forum. Only administrators may use this function.
  - View - View a members' profile, IP address, last activity time, last post time, and last visit time.

Thread Control
  - Mass Move - Moderators do not have access to this function.
  - Mass Prune - Moderators do not have access to this function.

Termination & Resignation 5

Termination

Moderating at PinoySource Forum is a job, and a responsibility. Like any other job, you can be terminated for violating the code of conduct, rules, or failing to fufill your responsibilities. This section outlines the most common issues that result in removal as a moderator.

Breaking PinoySource Forum' Rules - Members of the registered user are banned for repeatedly breaking PinoySource Forum' rules, moderators are subject to removal as a moderator if they are proven guilty of breaking forum rules.
Violating Code of Conduct - Moderators that violate any section of the "Code of Conduct" are subject to an immediate removal as a moderator by an administrator, or a Global Moderator Group Investigation.
20 Days Without Posting - If a moderator does not post for a period of 20 days or more without providing a Leave of Absense notification, he/she will be terminated with no questions asked. Leaking Private Moderators' Forum information - There is a reason that members of the registered user cannot access the Private Moderators' Forums. As mentioned in the "Code of Conduct", information posted in the Private Moderators' Forums is deemed private unless otherwise noted by an administrator. If it is proven that you have leaked information from the Private Moderators' Forums, you are subject to an immediate Private Moderators' Forum access removal, immediate removal as a moderator, or Global Moderator Group Investigation.
Administrators' Discretion - If an administrator feels that a moderator does not meet the requirements necessary to successfully moderate his/her forums, an administrator can remove the moderator in question if valid reason accompanies the removal.

Resignation

You are free to resign from your position as a moderator here at GameWinnners.com Forums at any time, however, we request that you take care of the following before stepping down:

• Replacements - It is important that you and your co-moderators have a replacement for you selected. This is especially important if you moderate a high-traffic forum. If your replacement is a member that would need to be voted on, you and your co-moderators should select a temporary moderator.

• Inform The Administration - After chosing your replacement, please inform the administration that you are resigning so that they can remove you as a moderator.

• Return After Resignation - If you resign as a moderator, and chose to become a moderator again later on down the line, you are permitted one vote. If you resign for a second time, you will be able to appeal to the administrators to recieve a second vote.

Member Information 5

Member Information Directory

• Introduction

• Disciplinary Actions

Introduction 5

Members are the key to PinoySource Forum' success, however, not all members come here are truly here for the experience of being a part of one of the largest gaming communities on the internet. Some members are troublesome, and are you are bound to encounter those types of members during your time as a moderator. This section is dedicated to explaining the various methods of disciplinary actions, and informing you of various other member-related functions, such as COPPA.

Disciplinary Actions 5

There are several different ways to handle situations with members. This sections covers all of the various disciplinary actions, in order of severity.

Caution - An informal warning that is not logged. Usually given to first-time offenders, new members, or members that are not known to have any major infractions against the rules.

Warning - A formal warning that may be logged by a moderator. Usually given to those that have refused to acknowledge a previous caution, or those that have committed an offense worth more than a caution. It is not common for members to have an account ban after 3-4 warnings.

Member Watch - A thread is posted in the main Moderators' forum informing the forum staff that a member has not heeded any given warnings, and that the member is on the verge of recieving serious action taken against their account.

Forum Access Removal (FAR) - A thread is posted in the main Moderators' forum requesting that a members' access to a specific forum is removed for a period of time, or permanently. The period of time is decided upon by the moderator posting the request.

Temporary Ban - A thread is posted in the main Moderators' forum requesting that a members' account is temporarily banned. The moderator requesting the ban is required to post again informing an administrator that the ban term is up, and is in need of removal.

Account (Permanent) Ban - A thread is posted in the main Moderators' forum reuqesting that a members' account be permanently banned. The member no longer has access to the said account, and is allowed to register a new account pending good behavior. If the member returns and continues to display disruptive behavior, then further action may be taken to prevent the member from registering other accounts.

Ban On Sight (BOS) Status - After 2-3 new accounts are created by a previously banned member with the intent to cause trouble, a member can be placed on "Ban On Sight" status. This means that if the member is identified under a new account, he/she can automatically be banned by notifying an administrator.

IP Ban - Members that are on a static IP address can be completely banned from registering by having their IP address logged and stored on a list of IP addresses that are not permitted to register accounts. Members on dynamic or proxy IP addresses cannot be IP banned, they are placed on Ban On Sight status as an alternative.

ISP Notification - Members that are a constant problem can be reported to their Internet Service Provider for violating the Terms of Service for their Provider, and this Web site. This can result in the Internet Service Provider canceling the members' Internet Service.

Administrative Information 5

Administrative Information Directory

• Introduction

• Administrative Groups

• Administrative Groups' Powers

Introduction 5

There are three levels to the administration here at PinoySource Forum, they are the Moderators, Global Moderator Group, and Administrators. Each group has their own responsibilities, powers, and limitations. This section outlines those responsibilities, powers, and limitations so that you can work together more efficiently.

Administrative Groups 5

This section describes the general purpose of each of the three levels of the administration.

Forum Moderators - Moderators are basically the police of the forums. Their job is to oversee the forums and keep order. They require the assistance of the Administrators to handle any major disciplinary issues, but are independent as far as rule-enforcement goes.

Global Moderator Group - The Global Moderator Group act as normal moderators, but, they have the ability to handle disciplinary issues regarding moderators, as well as those with members. They still require the assistance of the Administrators to handle any major disciplinary issues for both members and moderators, but, they also act as an advisory panel that helps the Administrators decide on various issues regarding the members, moderators, and forums. This is outlined in the next section.

Administrators - The Administrators are responsible for governing the members, moderators, and Global Moderator Group, as well as handling all of the other administrative tasks, such as forum management. Administrators can choose to work together with the Global Moderator Group to handle various forum issues, or at their discretion, an issue may be important enough to be handled independently without Global Moderator Group involvement.

Administrative Groups' Powers 5

Each level of the Administration has various powers. This section outlines what each group can and cannot execute in the forums they moderate.

Forum Moderators

Caution Members - YES
Caution Moderators - YES
Warn Members - YES
Warn Moderators - NO
Issue Member Watches - YES
Request Forum Access Removals - YES
Request Temporary Bans - YES
Request Account (Permanent) Bans - YES
Request Ban On Sight Status - YES
Request IP Bans - YES
Request ISP Notification – NO

Global Moderator Group

Caution Members - YES
Caution Moderators - YES
Warn Members - YES
Warn Moderators - YES
Issue Member Watches - YES
Request Forum Access Removals - YES
Request Temporary Bans - YES
Request Account (Permanent) Bans - YES
Request Ban On Sight Status - YES
Request IP Bans - YES
Request ISP Notification - NO

Administrators

Caution Members - YES
Caution Moderators - YES
Warn Members - YES
Warn Moderators - YES
Issue Member Watches - YES
Execute Forum Access Removals - YES
Execute Temporary Bans - YES
Execute Account (Permanent) Bans - YES
Execute Ban On Sight Status - YES
Execute IP Bans - YES
Request ISP Notification - YES
Create Global Moderator Group Investigations - YES

Frequently Asked Questions 5

Frequently Asked Questions Directory

• How do I split a thread?

• How do I merge a thread?

• How do I request a ban?

• What if I need to take a break from here?

• What if I see a moderator breaking the rules?

• I have a question that isn't covered here...

How do I split a thread? 5

How do I split a thread?

Go to the drop down "Admin Options" menu at the bottom of the page, and choose 'Split Thread'. You now have a screen with all the posts listed and 'Yes' or 'No' radial buttons beside each post. Selecting 'Yes' will put those posts in a new thread (with a new URL). Selecting 'No' will cause the posts to stay in the thread (same URL). Use your judgement on how it would be better to split out the unwanted posts. (For example, if you are updating a topic that people post in frequently, it is often better to say 'No' to the posts you want to keep so people do not have to change their bookmarks or thread subscriptions.) Make your choices and click 'Submit'. You have just split a thread. You will be taken to the 'new' thread. Make sure to close the one you no longer want people to post in.

How do I merge a thread? 5

How do I merge a thread?

Choose which thread you want to be the 'main' thread. Copy the URL for the secondary thread. Go into the main thread. Go to the drop down "Admin Options" menbu at the bottom of the page and choose 'Merge Threads'. Use the 'new subject' box to change the thread title if you wish. Paste the URL you copied earlier into the "Thread to merge with" field. All posts from this thread will be merged into the main thread in order by post time/date. Click "Merge Threads".

How do I request a ban? 5

How do I request a ban?

If a member is causing problems in your or any other forum, you can request action be taken. Post a thread in the mod forum with the subject containing the member's name and that you want a ban (for example: Ban Request on ~Isis~). Be sure to provide links or the admins may not ban this person! Keep in mind that we also have 'spam bans' and post count resets that may be a more fitting punishment for the offender.

What if I need to take a break from here? 5

What if I need to take a break from here?

If you need to take a vacation from the forums or have anything that will cause you not to be able to post for a while, please let us know. Post first in the LOA topic to let us know you'll be gone and for how long if possible. If you'd like to make a thread in the mod forum as well, feel free. Just please be sure to post in the LOA topic as any mod who does not post for a month and has not posted a LOA will be demodded.

What if I see a moderator breaking the rules? 5

What if I see a moderator breaking the rules?

If you see a mod breaking the rules you should report it immediately to a Global Moderator or Admin. You may 'informally' warn or caution the mod to stop if you wish. If it is a Global Moderator member breaking the rules, report it immediately to an Admin.

I have a question that isn't covered here... 5

I have a question that isn't covered here, what do I do?

You can contact one of our Moderator Mentors, a Global Moderator member (names listed on the forum “The Team” page), or an Admin. Any of these people will be glad to help you.

© 2008 PinoySource.co.nr