I get a PM asking how you can become a mod, or how I became a mod every other day.
Many people say that you have to report like crazy to become a mod, answer questions in the Q&A forum and have a completely clear record. I can say that all three of those are untrue.
In my three or so years on Gaia, I have never once reported anything. I have to say that prior to becoming a moderator, I was fairly ignorant of the entire moderating system altogether. I never really hung around places where there were a lot of obvious rule violations, and generally ignored them when I did see them. From memory, I don't think I have made any posts in the Q&A forum, and haven't gone out of my way to help anyone. I did not at any point set out to become a moderator or do anything that would garner attention from them or the admins. I thought about it once or twice, like when a friend, Kitsuta was made a mod - but at that point I decided that on the off-chance that I was ever asked I'd turn it down. I'm not a huge fan of responsibility or work, especially if I'm not going to be paid real money for it. What can I say, I'm a selfish b***h rofl My record is clean, although I know that that isn't neccessary to become a mod based on what others have said.
So if I haven't done anything in the least to prove myself, why the hell am I a mod? Good question xd It's one I've asked myself plenty of times since I became modded. I'm told I made some good posts in Site Feedback, although I only really stepped foot in there before when new things or events came out, to see other's opinions and because I'm attracted to the drama. I recall defending mods and admins at some points, although I think that was part defending the side I thought was right, and part just liking to be argumentative - with the majority of SF being negative that left me being positive xd
When I did get asked I felt much too flattered and honoured to react as selfishly as I imagined I would - this site has been such a huge part of my life since I joined, and it really does feel good to help out and be more involved in it in this way.
So that's my experience. Here's a few other related questions I get and their answers, FAQ style so you don't have to go through my rambling paragraphs!
Is there some kind of form or signup to become a mod?
Nope. To my knowledge (which isn't great, being relatively new to modding) mods are chosen by observation. This isn't a hand in your resume type job - you can imagine the number of people that would look good on paper but aren't so suited to the job in reality.
Do you have to have a clean record?
Nope. Although bear in mind that if you were warned for flaming or abuse or something it does indicate that you're a less patient person, which doesn't look good. Same if you've been warned or banned for a repeated mistake - it makes it look like you have trouble learning from mistakes and past experiences.
Do you have to be online all the time and post a lot? Cos I am!
Nope again - I know I'm not. If you post enough to be considered decently active, that's probably enough
What are good qualities for a mod to have?
Based on observations of mods I admire, I'd say patience, self control and clarity are the main things. Patience, because there are users on Gaia who are younger, or don't speak English fluently, or for a variety of other reasons might not 'get' things right away. Self control because its so damn tempting to flame people or make a snide remark sometimes, but you can't because that would reflect the Gaia staff as a whole if you're a mod. Clarity because you need to get messages across in a way that it can be understood properly and not misunderstood.
D'you think I'd make a good mod?
Do you have those qualities I just mentioned inherently? As in, you're not doing it just to become a mod? In that case, maybe. If not - well, still maybe razz
I wanna be a mod and help! How can I do that?!
I really think the best thing to do is be yourself. Forget about being a mod, just go about your way doing things the way you feel is right. If you have the right personality for the job, then maybe it'll happen. You don't have to be a mod or a helper to make a difference on Gaia - just by posting and participating in the community you are making a valuable contribution, and I think that that's worth plenty smile Just go with the flow, yo!
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