TheSite.org's guide to modding

TheSite.org reactively moderates these discussion boards. What this means is that any registered user is able to post replies to threads and create their own threads without these messages being checked before publication.

As a community that aims to provide advice, support and information to users (through users and moderators) whenever they may have problems, we don’t think it’s appropriate to delay messages being posted. This can sometimes mean that posts go live that aren’t brilliant, and it can leads to some afternoons when there’s lots of spam, but ultimately we believe the benefits outweigh the problems.

Interaction with users

TheSite.org moderators interact with the community in a variety of ways which are outlined below.

1. We respond to problem posts as we are made aware of them. In the top right hand corner of each user’s post there is a red and white ‘report post’ link that users can click to send a message to moderators to notify them about a potential problem. We urge our members to use this feature to make us aware of issues which may go against our rules and guidelines (e.g. something offensive, or a personal attack on another user) or to notify us if you believe a fellow member isn’t getting any support for a serious problem. Users should feel free to err on the side of caution so if you aren’t certain whether to report something or not - then report it. We’d always rather hear about something that might not be a problem than not be told about something that is serious.

2. We will, when necessary, remove some postings from our boards. If a contribution to TheSite.org is perceived as breaking the rules, then it will often be deleted. To be honest we don't like doing it, but we believe it is the best way to maintain a welcoming environment for the majority of people who visit. Sometimes threads that go against the rules may be left up, but the problems with these posts will be highlighted by moderators and they will be left as examples of how our rules are interpreted.

3. When only part of a post or comment is causing an issue, we will sometimes remove the troublesome chunk while leaving the rest of the comment or post intact. We will never edit a post to change the meaning, spelling, or anything else intended by the user. We will only do this if removing the whole comment would seem heavy-handed, and when we do, the moderator will leave a marker to show that something has been removed. You’ll most often see this when someone might have accidentally linked to something inappropriate in an otherwise fine post, where the moderator will cut out the link but leave the rest alone.

4. Sometimes, when a comment or post is removed, it’s necessary to delete subsequent messages which refer to explicitly or quote from the original (deleted) comment. This may also happen because a later comment quotes directly the problematic bits of the original comment, which just perpetuates the problem.

5. Participants who seriously, persistently or willfully ignore the rules and good manners guide will be banned from using TheSite.org boards. This is not an action that we take lightly, or arbitrarily. However, we are aiming to create and maintain an online experience in line with TheSite.org values, and we reserve the right to make decisions which we feel support that. Bans from TheSite.org are traditionally for life. We don’t feel it’s that useful for posters to receive weekly or monthly bans, and these bans usually follow long discussions with the poster involved (Well unless you’re posting spam, in which case you’ll be lucky if the door doesn’t hit you on the ass on the way out…).

There have been very rare and exceptional times where a banned user has been allowed to return to TheSite.org discussion boards. This almost never happens and usually happens because a previously banned user has shown they have an understanding of what led to their previous removal and have demonstrated a new attitude to this community. When a banned user returns, moderators maintain a close watch on their behavior and any return to previous problems will result in another immediate ban.

This is entirely at the discretion of the moderators.

6. From time to time it is necessary for moderators to close threads. This might happen when someone posts in an old thread. The first reason is because the person might be dragging up someone’s old problem which is likely to have been resolved, or might bring back unhappy memories for them. The second reason is because the person posting is likely to get a better response if they start a new thread. A thread is also likely to be closed if it descends into arguments and is no longer on-topic. In this case, a moderator will usually warn users before the thread is closed to give them an opportunity to get the discussion back on track.

7. Threads are likely to be moved if they aren’t posted in the appropriate section. The boards are divided up into different topics to help everyone find things they want, so be a dear and post in the right place. It’s not the end of the world if you don’t but it’s not polite and dumping everything into ‘Anything Goes’ won’t guarantee a good response.

It’s worth reading through the introduction to each different section on the boards before posting there. This will give you an insight into what fits there and how certain rules may be interpreted for a particular sub-forum.

8. Moderation is more than just dealing with problems. Sometimes we'll post in a thread to help focus the discussion. We’ll also use the forums to let you know about other community activities such as upcoming chat sessions, surveys or competitions.

We’ll also post in threads to offer support and links to additional resources that may be able to help with problems.

In short, our overarching aim is never to curtail conversation, but to create and maintain a pleasant, supportive and welcoming environment for everyone.

The registration rules

The good manners guide