Choosing new mods

created by SolariaHues on 21/09/2019 at 15:46 UTC*

13 upvotes, 1 top-level comments (showing 1)

How do you choose a mod?

You can try r/needamod, or make a post in your sub asking for applications. Be clear what you are looking for and expect from your mods.

Their interests - do they fit with the sub concept.
Where they mod already/their experience (but newbie mods can be fantastic so don't discount them).
Do they understand what a mod does?
Their skill set - what can they add to your mod team?
Their reason for wanting to be a mod (sometime people want to mod for the wrong reasons).
Can they compartmentalize? For example a good mod of r/EwwGrossPics[1] can also be a good mod of r/FluffyKitties[2] if they can understand each sub's core concept.
Making a very active submitter a mod can be hit or miss. They might have their own ideas about the sub's direction and undermine your original idea.
Make sure they are active on reddit and have the time to commit.
Timezone coverage - especially if your sub is really active, having mods from around the world means there'll always be someone on hand to deal with any problems.
What roles you need covered (post mod, help with css, etc).

Make sure you let them know whether your rules are cast-in-stone or are malleable, dependent on the situation.
You can add several potential mods at once and keep your eye on them. Keep those that do well and are active, lose those who aren't - but thank them for their time.
Make sure they know not to abuse the distinguish button and to get approval before making announcements or sticky posts.
Have a trial period and make sure they know at the beginning.
Hold interviews.
Avoid power mods (post coming on those).
Only give mod permissions you are comfortable with. Though there are edit histories and some ways to reverse any changes made, and if you are head mod no one can remove you but yourself.
Read reddit's guide on recruiting mods[3] | training new mods[4]

^(Thanks:) u/one_giant_nostril ^(who answered a question for me years ago, and) u/no-elf-and-safety^(.)

1 upvotes, 0 direct replies

r/modhelp thread: How do you trust who add as moderator[1]
r/modsupport: Friday Thread! How Do You Do What You Do? Creesch's comment on their hiring method[2]
Siouxsie's tips for choosing new mods[3]
r/needamod advice on hiring mods[4]

Also see https://www.reddit.com/r/modguide/wiki/index#wiki%5C_mods[7][8] for mod training, mod editing, etc