Moderator recruitment

[Chilipeppers]

To those that run their own forums, I'm interested to know what methods you use for recruiting new moderaters. Usually I find that "perfect candidates" are few and far between and good moderaters are like gold dust. I always do the normal thing of keeping an eye out for level headed, non aggressive people knowledgable on the subject matter but I do find that often the ideal candidates are not interested in such a job. Conversely, people who send messages requesting to be a moderater are usually doing it for the wrong reasons.

Another method I am currently trying is I made a post stating that we are seeking moderaters but not taking direct applications. Anyone interested in the position is requested to use the report feature to report any posts which they feel need action. This acts as a trial run and gives a good idea of the potential mods idea of how the job should be done and has the benefit of getting bad threads you might have missed reported more quickly.

How do you recruit?

[Klaas_Koopman]

I'd say only get moderators when you have a busy forum.

If the forum is busy, then there are always a few regurlar posters, if not get them, cause they are the foundation of your forum. If all goes well, those people would be the best to have as a moderator, so you could ask them through a PM!

I hope this helps! And good luck with it!

[Apocalypsse]

If you are in need of moderators get people that are regular posters and know a fair bit about the topic of the board. Quite often people just pick up people that have no idea or very little knowledge about what the forum is about. Its also a plus if they have had previous mod experience and know how to use the mod options on the board.

[Klaas_Koopman]

Originally Posted by Apocalypsse

If you are in need of moderators get people that are regular posters and know a fair bit about the topic of the board. Quite often people just pick up people that have no idea or very little knowledge about what the forum is about. Its also a plus if they have had previous mod experience and know how to use the mod options on the board.

I agree it is very very important that the mods that you do hire, that they should know enough about the subject, so they can be as much help as possible!

[lozzie]

I am currently am an admin at a forum. The way we do it is just how you do it. Comb the forums, look for the best of the best, and talk to the current staff about the choice. If everyone agrees, PM the person, offer the job, and take it from there.