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The Braingler's Guide to WTB Moderation

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jarmihi

Snork.
Posts: 113

Posted: 07:38PM Dec 27, 2011

The Braingler's Guide to WTB Moderation
by Jarmihi

Hey, everyone! Jarmihi here with "How to Moderate a WTB Game Well". I write this in response to the large amount of lackluster moderation that has disgraced the WTB game. I'm an old member...things were better in the old days, days when most of the following were commonplace.

There are things that any good moderator (mod, stickler, overlord, etc.) does before the game even begins. First, a good mod encourages his or her players to post in Round 0. This accomplishes two tasks: it allows the moderator to make conversation with his or her players before the strict moderator-player relationship must begin, and it reminds the players that they signed up. People are more likely to do something they've done before!

Second, a good mod sets up how the entire game runs before it even starts. A good mod has a list of Psych questions ready to go before he or she (collectively, xe) must send the first one out. A good moderator has all of the challenges and special events for the players outlined and ready to go. All of this can (and should) be done in a private Talkbox which serves as the control center for the game.

Third, a good mod always posts first in every round, especially Round 0. This shows that the mod cares about the game. When I look for a game to play, if the moderator hasn't posted in Round 0, I walk away and don't look back. A good mod at least has the decency to greet his or her players.

Fourth, a good mod never abandons a game and never loses his or her membership with a game in registration. Life may indeed get in the way, but this should happen sparingly.

Fifth, a good mod entertains his or her players. Importing pictures and linking to music files that players can open in a new tab and listen to whilst playing are wonderful ways to entertain them. A good mod has a decent (or perhaps sick) sense of humor and tries to inject it in his or her speech throughout the game.

Sixth, a good mod refrains from changing the game too much. Variations can be wonderful games, but eventually so much variation makes a player question whether he or she is still playing Who's the Boss. A good moderator uses tact in making such decisions.

Seventh, a good mod is familiar with all the rules, including the ones he or she made/altered, and enforces them to a T. Sometimes this does entail kicking your best friend in the gonads. Remember that your relationship to your players is moderator-player, and what happens in the game shouldn't affect your personal relationships.

Eighth and finally, a good mod is even-tempered, organized, and active. These qualities are essential to running anything, from a WTB game to a megacorporation.

The good, old days...

---This message was edited on 07:45PM Dec 27, 2011---

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rolugomi

Posts: 391

Posted: 10:33PM Dec 27, 2011

Just wanted to say that I agree, and that this applies to WW as well. Luckily I join games with good mods, but I have seen some bad examples of modding and I think this is an excellent idea jarmihi.

You came back :)

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jarmihi

Snork.
Posts: 113

Posted: 04:31AM Dec 28, 2011

Thank you! Now I just need more people to see it!

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Mathgeek007

Pi Guy
Posts: 1422

Posted: 08:28PM Dec 29, 2011

Love it, Jarmihi!

Parents are supposed to "protect" their kids, but there's a real distinction between protection and unrealistically keeping children away from reality. - Life_Sucks --- One of my teasers was featured as the Teaser of the Day! :D Sept. 18 2011 :D YAY!

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