Moderator Guidelines | Back to Moderator Page

First and foremost, thank you for your interest in becoming a FlyerTalk volunteer. Without your assistance and participation, there is no FlyerTalk.

Being a FlyerTalk Moderator is a huge responsibility and is not an easy job. The job requires:

Discipline -- You create the acceptable tolerance level of content in your forums.

Backbone -- Occasionally, you will need to discipline FlyerTalk citizens for stepping outside the rules.

Compliance -- We have very specific rules here at FlyerTalk, for very specific reasons. You're assigned to uphold not only the letter of the rules, but the spirit of the rules. Failure to adhere to the guidelines is a BIG no-no.

Commitment -- We suggest setting a schedule for yourself. Moderating at FlyerTalk will probably take up at least three hours of your time each week. We would like you to also be able to continue your normal interests and posting privileges on the board.

Independence -- The administrators should not have to moderate the moderators. While we certainly do not discourage contacting us if you need help, please make every effort to resolve issues on your own.

Here are some more guidelines that should help you understand the role you will play with FlyerTalk:

1. We believe that Moderators represent the best in FlyerTalk customer service. Make it your goal to help new members by answering questions and these efforts will be re-paid back to you.
   
   
2. We understand that you may have travel and many other things in your life and work. Those come first of course. If there is occasion that you will not be able to "work the board" for any length of time, simply let us know -- we are in this together.
   
   
3. Your most important responsibility as a Moderator volunteer is to help FlyerTalk citizens stay on topic. Occasionally they stray, and occasionally they post in the wrong forum. FlyerTalk is a very large community and it is much easier to navigate when forums stay on topic.
   
   
4. We strongly advocate helping one another. Along these lines, we have created a private "Moderator Only" forum where you can share insight, pass along tips to other moderators and seek advice. Use your resources.
   
   
5. Moderators must be very familiar with the FlyerTalk Rules. These guidelines apply to all members, and a member must agree to honor these rules before they can register to post. Of course, you will also be expected, by both FlyerTalk administration and by the FlyerTalkers themselves, to follow them without deviation. Moderators do not get special privileges and can certainly not ignore the same rules they are being asked to enforce.
   
   
6. Moderators should close/move/archive topics that are inappropriate to a particular forum, but may have merit if placed elsewhere on the board. For example, some topics in "MilesBuzz!" are better suited to "TravelBuzz!" DO NOT wait for Administrators to do this. We will when time permits, but this is not our primary function.

What You Can Expect From Us
While we realize that most people apply for the position of Moderator because of the rewarding nature of the job itself, there are certain perks to this volunteer position.

• Assorted FlyerTalk paraphernalia. You can expect to receive limited edition t-shirts and other things to wear and show off.
  
  
• Assorted non-FlyerTalk freebies. We have, on occasion, been able to negotiate special items from various frequent traveler programs, which we will gladly reward you with.
  
  
• Rights of first refusal when these Moderatorships become paid positions (in miles of course).
  
  
• Articles about you in the TalkMail newsletter.
  
  
• First notice of upcoming FlyerTalk features and additional WebFlyer Network sites, as well as the opportunity to participate.

"We want nothing but the best frequent flyer and travel information and the best customer service -- for and by our members," says Randy Petersen, FlyerTalk's Producer. "We hope to create an environment that will encourage members to participate, who in turn will continue to provide the substance (information) that gives FlyerTalk value. Our volunteer members are the backbone of this effort."

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