Greetings from Las Vegas, Home of Thursday's vpFREE Lunch:
We're going to a fully moderated status soon, to keep messages
on topic, and to ensure that all posts adhere to vpFREE Rules,
Policies, and Posting Guidelines. Moderation isn't intended to
stifle differing opinions, but rather to foster civility in a
non-disruptive environment.
Public or private feedback is invited on this first draft of the
guidelines that VM's will be using.
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VM Full Moderation SOP
Off Topic
REJECT any off topic post by returning it to the writer with "Post
Rejected - Off Topic" or something similar in the subject line.
Uncivil or Demeaning
REJECT any uncivil or demeaning type post by returning it to writer
with "Post Rejected - Uncivil" or something similar in the subject
line.
FAQ - DataBase - Glossary
REJECT routine type questions that are answered on vpFREE Resource
Pages, by returning it to the writer with "Post Rejected - See vpFREE
DataBase" or something similar in the subject line. Try to include
the applicable url link in the body of your reply message, and a
number reference if the answer is in the FAQ.
If a message contains a routine question(s) plus other on topic
content, answer the routine question(s) and ask the writer to
resubmit the balance of their message.
Counter-Productive Threads
If a thread becomes, or shows signs of becoming counter-productive,
post a message announcing that "This thread has become
counter-productive - No additional messages will be approved" or
something similar.
Fluff
REJECT or APPROVE Fluff type messages (messages with no positive, on
topic contribution, such as "me too" messages and gratuitous
comments) as the spirit moves you, based on whether they have any
redeeming value, or not. If you opt to REJECT, return to the writer
with "Post Rejected - No Positive Content" or something similar in
the subject line.
Excessive Quoting
REJECT messages that include excessive quotes or aren't cleaned up,
or APPROVE them after editing and cleaning them up yourself, as you
prefer. If you opt to reject, return message to the writer with "Post
Rejected - Excessive Quoting - Please clean up and re-post" or
something similar in the subject line.
If you opt to clean the message up yourself, do so and APPROVE, and
also return message to the writer with "Message Approved and Posted,
after removing debris and/or excessive quotes" or something similar
in the subject line.
Rename Subject Line
Edit and rename the subject line thread on any message where the
current subject isn't descriptive of the message content.
Notes
When beginning a VM session, check to make sure that the group is in
"Moderation" mode. At the end of your session, switch back to "New
Members" mode (unless conditions dictate otherwise), if there will be
a gap in coverage before another VM takes over. The Moderation mode
can be changed by going to the "Management" section and then to the
"Group Settings" - "Messages" section.
When the "REJECT" mode is selected, quote symbols are automatically
interposed onto the original message. If it's desireable to return
the original message to the writer, cutting and pasting before
entering Reject mode is usually the best course of action.
In order to maintain any desired anonymity, all of your moderating
actions should be done while logged into a special Moderator ID
account.
All VM's are encouraged to moderate any message awaiting approval, at
any time, even if you're not the on-duty VM.
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Here's a link to the moderation guidelines:
http://www.lvcm.com/tomesims/VP/MOD.html
<a href="http://www.lvcm.com/tomesims/VP/MOD.html">
http://www.lvcm.com/tomesims/VP/MOD.html</a>