Moderator playbook
Build a moderation practice around clear policy, evidence, proportional action, appeals, and team wellbeing.
Moderation protects people and the integrity of community work. It should be based on published policy, not personal preference.
A mature practice includes:
- visible conduct rules;
- clear reporting categories;
- urgent safety escalation;
- evidence preservation;
- conflict-of-interest handling;
- proportionate restrictions;
- notice and appeal where appropriate;
- recorded outcomes;
- periodic policy review.
Keep Mission verification challenges separate from general conduct cases. The same event may create both, but each needs its own decision and authority.
Support the moderators
Limit access to sensitive proof, rotate difficult queues, and provide escalation for uncertain or high-risk cases. Review decision consistency and reversal patterns without turning moderator metrics into speed pressure.
Never promise confidentiality beyond what the actual process can protect. Explain who may review a report and when information might need to be shared for safety or legal reasons.
Final conduct and appeals language requires product and legal review before public release.