Moderation Rules
These rules are for users who want to become moderators and for those who already are. You must accept them before switching to moderator mode.
1. What a moderator does
Review reported content and make a decision. Nothing beyond that.
Moderator status is not for reading through posts, watching users, or using authority in your own dispute.
2. Decision options
| Decision | When |
|---|---|
| Dismiss the report | the content does not break the rules |
| Remove the content | a specific post or piece of advice clearly breaks a rule |
| Hide the post | the content is borderline; the discussion should not continue |
| Send a warning | a first and minor violation |
| Block the user | a repeated or severe violation |
The block duration must match the severity of the violation. Start with the shortest.
3. Unchangeable rules
Every decision is written to the log. Who decided what, and when — this record cannot be altered or deleted. It is kept for 24 months.
Internal notes do not go to the reporter. The note where you write the reason for your decision is visible only to moderators.
You cannot review your own case. A report involving you is handled by another moderator.
You can see the author of an anonymous post — this information may not be spread. Anonymity is for users. Seeing through it as a moderator is for the work, not for conversation.
There is a right to appeal. Your decision can be appealed and a more senior moderator can overturn it.
4. How to decide
- Read the reason for the report.
- Read the reported content in full — do not decide from the title.
- Look at the context: which post is the advice attached to?
- Look at the reporter's history. A reporter with low accuracy being wrong does not automatically make the report false — but it is worth extra care.
- When in doubt, choose the lightest decision.
Accuracy, not speed. A long queue is not a reason to review superficially.
5. How moderator status is lost
- If the accuracy of your decisions drops below a certain threshold
- If you consistently make decisions that get overturned
- If you use your authority for personal ends
- If you spread the names of anonymous authors
- If you stay inactive for a long time
Moderation is voluntary and can be revoked at any time. You may also step down whenever you wish.
6. When in doubt
If you are struggling with a decision, leave the report in the queue and pass it to a more experienced moderator. Being late is better than deciding wrongly.