Apply to be a moderator

[Jeric 46,834]

UPDATE 8/9/15

 

Ok, Jeric made a big mistake and linked the old application. Please resubmit using the updated application below. Sorry all. 

 

 

Background
 
A little over a year ago we broke tradition and created a topic allowing members to apply to be a Moderator instead of targeted selection by Administration. Several current staff are actually from that initial run of applicants. While we still employ an invite process, the Mod application has been crucial in helping us find hidden talent who we may have otherwise missed. With that thought in mind, we are opening up moderation team applications again. 
 
I went through the original topic and I saw some questions that were asked that I want to address here, as well as some obvious points about the role. Forgive me if I come across is a bit honest here. I am in favor of some transparency regarding this process. 
 
 
*Is this app for Moderator?
 
It is not actually. MLP Forums has actually four roles it uses for management of the site. Administration, Team Leaders, Global Moderators, and Sectional Staff. To make this short here is how it breaks down. Admins are community & and staff managers. Team Leaders are responsible for the health of their designated section and the team assigned to them, Global Moderators are focus on one area, but are empowered to moderate the entire forum, and Sectionals who focus on (usually) one section of the forum. This application is actually for Sectional Moderation. A Wonderbolt if I were to go by the badges.
 
 
What does a Sectional Moderator do?
 
The simplest way to understand a Sectional is to think of them as the proactive arm of modding a site. They are the ones who lurk and move and merge. They hide posts and topics that may be contrary to the Global Rules. While they initiate a discussion by reporting rule violations, they do not usually participate in these discussions on how to respond. The exception would be MLPF (Q&A) who has the primary focus of answering and escalating member concerns about technical issues and enhancements.  It should be pointed out that Sectional is not always considered the stepping stone to Global Moderation. The role is very different and should never be considered a training ground for Global Moderation.
 
 
Is moderating difficult?
 
I can't answer that question directly. For years I have seen people mention that moderating is a difficult job, and they have eventually left staff. In all honesty, the task of handling the the technical aspects of the job not, on the surface, is not hard. Understanding the Global Rules is needed, but we do have routine discussions on those to make sure we keep calibrated. What people have struggled with are usually a few items - not working well as a team, not knowing their limits, general apathy, lack of communication, and disagreeing with the direction of the site and Administration. Most times, personal events outside of the individual's control requires them to vacate the position. If you are not a people person, have a hard time handling online stress, and can't pace yourself ... yeah moderation is hard. But if you can pace yourself, take criticism, and work harmoniously on a team, and can reasonably communicate, it really is not that difficult. 
 
Most importantly to me is this: if you consider yourself to be better than the general community ... that a staff member is more important or affords you a pedestal above the members here ... do not think about applying. 
 
 
 
Um .. is there anything good about this job?
 
Absolutely. If we didn't have fun with it we wouldn't be here. On the whole the camaraderie is amazing. The fact that you are giving something of yourself for something greater than yourself is a rewarding experience. As a member of staff your opinion is heard and taken into account as much as the most seasoned veteran. You will be involved in projects and discussions that will impact the community. 
 
 
 
How many people are you looking for?
 
We have no real number in mind. If we get one great applicant or 10 I would considering bringing them all on. Overworked and overburdened staff are not a good thing for MLPF. I would rather be overstaffed than understaffed. We have a focus of needing people in FiM (Pony section), Beyond Equestria, and RP (those characters don't approve themselves). 
 
 
Will my history hold me back?
 
It can, yes. Obviously a history of warnings or PM's about abuse and NSFW will speak to your general view of the rules, the staff, and frankly ... judgement. The way you interact with staff, the community, and your general activity will all play a role. Warnings are not in and of themselves something that will disqualify you though. We have a few staff members who have received PM's and actual warnings, and are considered trusted and valued peers. Time elapsed also goes a long way. If you took a bit to find your way here a year ago, but have since adjusted, that may speak volumes for your personal growth. 
 
 
Is age a factor?
 
Yes and no. We have had staff members as young as 13. Our head of PArc is fairly young as well. Guess what, maturity and age are not always synonymous. That said, there is a sense of us being uncomfortable in exposing minors to some of the more unsavory elements of the site that most of you miss as we go about our day. We certainly have young staff members, but you need to be extraordinarily mature. 
 
 
What about all these horrible events from trolls we hear about?
 
Reality check here. Though a troll account is a daily thing on MLPF, them posting the kind of material that will make you consider bleaching your eyes is not that common. It happens (and usually in waves) but this is not a daily thing. That said, you might want to ask yourself if you can deal with that sort of imagery. Sectionals and members see that crap first. :/
 
 
Ok, you are back to the difficult stuff again. I don't know ...
 
Here have a pony hugging a kitty. 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SOLD! I just applied, what happens next?
 
Cool. Well your application goes to a special place visible only to MLPF Staff. This is strictly confidential. We basically talk about you behind your back for a bit. At this time a decision to decline or proceed to an interview is made. If we decided to speak with you at length for a Skype interview you will be contacted by a Team Leader or Administrator to find a convenient time. Expect to lose an hour or two from your life. Sorry, it's mines. After the interview process a discussion on acceptance or placement is had by all staff. At that time your application is taken away to the super secret Admin Lair where a final decision is reached.
 
If you are denied at any point you will be contacted within a week by Mailmare. Should you so desire you will be given some reasons as to why you were not selected, and if applicable some steps on how to improve your opportunity in the future. DO NOT TAKE THIS PERSONALLY.
 
Also if you submit a joke application I will personally change your display name to Flash Sentry and make you wear a Flash Sentry avatar and signature until I no longer find it funny. 
 
 
I hold a position elsewhere in Poniverse, can I apply here?
 
We will accept applicants from other departments, yes.  There would likely be a discussion centered around your ability to do both roles that will need to be had, but being a member in another department will not disqualify you. 
 
 
When does this close?
 
When we feel like we reached a point when we have a decent amount of applications and great candidates. 
 
 
APPLY TO BE A MLPF SECTIONAL MODERATOR*

 

UPDATED UP ABOVE. PLEASE COMPLETE. 
 
 
 
*The tone of this post should give you an indication of the personality we are looking for. The ability to take this position and community seriously is just as important in having a sense of humor and fun. We are a Pony board after all.

Edited August 10, 2015 by Jeric
Jeric made a goof

[Lightwing 12,955]

I am the living proof that this system works. Apply while you can, because they won't be nice 24/7/365 </3

But now in a more serious and less sarcastic tone, I wish good luck to people that applies to be a moderator.

 

 

Also if you submit a joke application I will personally change your display name to Flash Sentry and make you wear a Flash Sentry avatar and signature until I no longer find it funny. 

I'm sending another one just because of this. 

[KatieBelle 302]

Also if you submit a joke application I will personally change your display name to Flash Sentry and make you wear a Flash Sentry avatar and signature until I no longer find it funny.

 

Don't hate on Flash!!

 

 

Anywho. I probably won't apply, as I haven't been on this site in quite a while and fear that I wouldn't be able to commit- due to school and general life-having.

 

So just posted to say...

"Hi, Jeric!!!!"

 

Okay, I'm done. Best of luck to the applicants!

[Jeric 46,834]

@KatieBelle, Hi right back

[mars 4,861]

because they won't be nice 24/7/365

 

we're never nice. 

 

Guys, I wish you all the best when you apply! I can't wait to see your applications!   

If you're shy, but really want to apply... Just go for it!  The worst that can happen is that you're denied. 

But even if you are, you tried and that's all that matters. 

[Chip Circuit 1,842]

I have a question as to how much time this eats up of your daily life? Like can it be managed with a full time job as well?

[Boyevyye De 243]

@KatieBelle, Hi right back

HAHA! IM GOING TO BE THE BEST MOD EVER! 

[1111 1,284]

If i'm not sure what things should go in what section most of the time should I even apply?

[Jeric 46,834]

I have a question as to how much time this eats up of your daily life? Like can it be managed with a full time job as well?

That is the question. The point of having a larger staff is so no one burns out. I can tell you that several of our Mods and Sectionals have been able to put in an some time without sacrificing work or school ... which let's face it ... MORE IMPORTANT.

 

When people are on and 'working' I have seen about an hour ... two at most. Unless you are like some of us that are on while we work. We throw the curve.

[Chip Circuit 1,842]

That is the question. The point of having a larger staff is so no one burns out. I can tell you that several of our Mods and Sectionals have been able to put in an some time without sacrificing work or school ... which let's face it ... MORE IMPORTANT. 

 

When people are one ... and 'working' I have seen about an hour ... two at most. Unless you are like some of us that are on while we work. We throw the curve.

 

Okay that's good to know because I'm on pretty much whenever I'm not working as well as I usually check in at work.

[Jeric 46,834]

If i'm not sure what things should go in what section most of the time should I even apply?

 

Categorizing is a big part of the position and I would familiarize yourself first. Once you feel comfortable ... shoot us an application. 

HAHA! IM GOING TO BE THE BEST MOD EVER! 

 

Mailmare is best mod ever!

[Lightwing 12,955]

I have a question as to how much time this eats up of your daily life? Like can it be managed with a full time job as well?

Telling you from personal experience. Normally depends of the tasks that you get assigned. Most of the time it can be managed without problems, one or two hours being a fair enought time to dedicate to your tasks here on normal hours, while also balancing with other real life things like job, studies, etc...

 

Before applying thought, think that you will have to know that you'll have enought time to dedicate to the community in a way or another.

[碇 シンジン 27,427]

If I apply and I somehow got the position will I be guided on how to do my tasks and how the moderation team works here in this site, I never had any previous experience in any kind of leading or partly leading position?

[Jeric 46,834]

If I apply and I somehow got the position will I be guided on how to do my tasks and how the moderation team works here in this site, I never had any previous experience in any kind of leading or partly leading position?

Absolutely. Here's the deal. In the past there was no real formal training established. Not this time. There will be an established training system to cover policy, tools, and responsibilities.

 

In the end that part is not that difficult. But nobody is ever announced until they are comfortable. Some need more time than others. We can accommodate.

[Guest]

@@Jeric,

 

Done, shot an application your ways.

 

omgcantwaittogetresponse 

[Moved to Elsewhere 11,328]

I would be interested in applying. I would love to do more work than what I currently do on staff to make the forums a better place.

[Grepper 3,192]

 This position isn't for me, but I hope that MLP Forums will find some more quality sectional mods!

 

Also if you submit a joke application I will personally change your display name to Flash Sentry and make you wear a Flash Sentry avatar and signature until I no longer find it funny.

 

I'll just get out my popcorn and wait to see who'll be the smartass.

[Shadow Beam 1,179]

Mmph. I may consider giving a try to this. After all, I would be able to be around during Summer Vacations while many others would be riddled with their everyday tasks, furthermore the hispanic community could use one of their peers to achieve a closer bond with the staff.

Naturally, I won't apply if the staff doesn't consider what has been said as truly relevant, neither if there's need of a consistent presence, which I certainly won't be able to keep up with.
 
Oh based @Jeric, tell me what to do in these moments of turmoil.

Edited August 9, 2015 by Shadow Beam

[King 5,625]

Good to see a healthy amount of people throwing their coin into the fountain so to speak. Just a friendly tip to those still considering applying, remember to take your time with the application and fill it out as if you were applying for any other job. First impressions are still important!

[Kivil 1,721]

Finally my chance has came!!!! I have signed up before and I will do it again!!!! I hope I get in this time!

[Jeric 46,834]

 

 

remember to take your time with the application and fill it out as if you were applying for any other job. First impressions are still important!

 

+1 Advice fillies and gentlecolts.

[ShumpireMadness77 40]

So if I sign up for it, you guys will choose who will be the moderator??

[Kyoshi Frost Wolf 40,201]

Good luck to the applicants. :3 I was debating on applying as well to see where that would lead, but who knows, it's always possible. If not then no matter, any position in Poniverse is an awesome one.

 

The best part though? This means more people to give Poniverse branded muffin flavored muffins to!

 

*waits in anticipation with muffins*

[Flamestreak1990 1,172]

I'm thinking about doing a joke application to see if @@Jeric will actually do it.

[CosmicSpark 2,120]

I will apply for one of these spots