Setting Up Moderator Application Requests

[MihirR (Mihir)]

Is there a way for users to share a form or submit a request if they’re interested in becoming a moderator? I’m not specifically asking about Meta but more broadly for any platform that’s built on Discourse. I’d love to know if there’s an easy way to set this up, like allowing users to fill out an application or share their interest directly within the forum.

[ondrej]

The easiest way would be to just PM the admin. Other commons ways are google forms etc.

However, users should really not be asking to become a moderator. Admin(s) should pick users best suited for moderator on factors such as how long they’ve been a member, their contributions, are they trust worthy? etc.

[Ed_S]

I would think the answer is to message the mods - or the admin perhaps.

(I’ve said elsewhere that selecting the right moderators and maintaining the right moderator culture is incredibly important. For me, if more mods are needed, the mods will discuss that, and will agree on some candidate user to approach privately. Someone who is engaged, polite, helpful, never angry or rash.)

Edit: crossed in the post!

[Lilly]

Have you assembled a moderator team?

Hey guys, I am currently managing a Forum community and learning how to better oversee it. As the community continues to grow, more and more users are discussing issues on the Forum. Sometimes, I am unable to respond promptly, so I am considering forming a moderator team. I would like to learn from your experiences: Have you established any rules/guidelines to regulate the behavior of moderators? Do you have any management suggestions you can share? Thank you!

[tobiaseigen]

In addition, note that the trust level defaults are set up in such a way that over time active, contributing members are given moderator-like powers like the ability to edit titles and change the category, etc. So there is no need to ask for moderator privileges - you will get them over time automatically.

[MihirR (Mihir)]

Woah, I was actually wondering the same thing! I recently posted in the wrong category and saw someone fix it, but I noticed they weren’t a mod. I was gonna ask how they did it, but it totally slipped my mind.

[MihirR (Mihir)]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I’ll keep that in mind and will now let the admins and mods work their magic and stop the hunt.

[CocoQuark (Coconut Flavored Quark)]

This is a very well-presented and helpful reference to keep in bookmarks:

Trust Level Permissions Reference

This reference aims to be a comprehensive list of Discourse features, marked by Trust Level, and including the relevant admin settings which influence them. Trust Level Grid - Defaults TL = Trust Level dependant = Can be enabled or adjusted by an admin setting TL0 TL1 TL2 TL3 TL4 Category Moderator Moderator [1] Post Replies TL [2] Post Topic…

[JimPas]

@Ed_S

For me, if more mods are needed, the mods will discuss that, and will agree on some candidate user to approach privately. Someone who is engaged, polite, helpful, never angry or rash.

On another forum I moderate, we mods would discuss a likely candidate and then PM an administrator. They in turn would check out that person’s posts/replies and, usually, PM that person asking if they would like to be a moderator. That has worked out successfully so far.
I do like those 4 qualities for a prospective mod candidate.