Never go to
a war without bringing bullets. You may take six guns with you but you can’t
still win the fight without the bullets.
The same
through with moderating a live chat room; you cannot start moderating without
creating a list of “Dos and Don’ts”. In creating chat room rules, here is a
list of questions you must consider.
1 Should
you allow political issues, religious issues and taboos to be included in the
list of topics in the room? Your members
can always suggest a topic to talk about. Your job is to pick the right topics.
For sure, some will throw topics like these:
“What is the correct religion?”
“Does God exist?”
“Wanna recommend a porn site?”
“Should Obama resign now?”
Go
back to the nature of your chat room. If you have created the rooms for such
“religious” talks then approve the topics. Generally, “religious” topics may
lead to unmanaged conversations. Members are too diverse when it comes to
religion/politics/taboos. They argue basing on their principles, prejudices and
stereotypes.
2.
Should
you allow messages in all capital letters? Seriously, messages in all caps are “shouting”
messages! Members may send words in all-caps to emphasize the message. However,
reading a message in all capital letters is not friendly to eye. Read this
friendly-toned message:
HI ALL OF YOU. I WOULD LIKE TO INVITE
EVERYON. MY BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION TOMORROW HERE AT THE HOUSE! WHY NOT COME WITH
YOUR FRIENDS! WE WILL BE HAVING SOME BOOZE AND SOME FUN ALSO. MY MOTHER IS ALSO
GOING TO GET MARRIED NEXT MONTH TO HIS BOYFRIEND SO IF YOU CAN COME, DROP BY.
HOPE TO HEAR FROM YOU.
You
can moderate messages in all-bold letters and in unusual fonts. What do you
think of this message?
HI ALL OF YOU.
I WOULD LIKE TO INVITE EVERYON. MY BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION TOMORROW HERE AT THE
HOUSE! WHY NOT COME WITH YOUR FRIENDS! WE WILL BE HAVING SOME BOOZE AND SOME
FUN ALSO. MY MOTHER IS ALSO GOING TO GET MARRIED NEXT MONTH TO HIS BOYFRIEND SO
IF YOU CAN COME, DROP BY. HOPE TO HEAR FROM YOU.
3.
How
can members contact you if they seek for a specific action? When members like
to complain about a misbehaving member, they should not post the message on the
public room. It will just create more chaos, discomfort and embarrassment. The
best thing is for the members to send you a private IM or email. Then respond
immediately.
When
notifying a member who is about to be kicked out, you must also do it via IM or
chat.
Reporting
of an incident and notifying a candidate for a ban are two delicate issues.
These should not be reflected on the public chat room.
