Volunteer Position: TalkModerator

FlyerTalk is growing and we need your help. We are looking for volunteer moderators who can assist us in fostering the friendly and informative atmosphere that has defined FlyerTalk since it was first introduced in 1998.

What Does a TalkModerator Do?
The main objective of a volunteer moderator is to facilitate the steady flow of information throughout the FlyerTalk community. This is accomplished in a number of ways, including assisting members who are new to FlyerTalk, clarifying and resolving points of confusion, and keeping the forums free of disruptive posts. In short, a moderator supervises the debates. The moderator has the ability to edit/delete messages, to nominate members who abuse the FlyerTalk forums for deactivation and to nominate members serving a suspension for reactivation.

1. Lend support to the FlyerTalk host. When the TalkModerator volunteers spot items that may not be in the best interest of the forum members, they relay the information on to the FlyerTalk host for a decision.
   
   
2. Monitor forums to help keep discussions "on topic."
   
   
3. Monitor forums for abusive posts, unauthorized spam/advertisements, copyright infringements or any other violations of FlyerTalk's guidelines. All moderators can edit and delete messages that violate these guidelines. Moderators can also nominate any member who abuses the message boards and/or chat rooms or who significantly deviates from the posted FlyerTalk "House Rules" to be banned.

Qualifications and Skills:
Ideally, a TalkModerator would:

• Be familiar with the common FlyerTalk forum functions (such as posting a message, editing a post, registering, and using the Technical Help and FAQ links).
• Possess a broad interest in frequent traveler programs.
• Demonstrate a friendly and helpful nature.
• Have a high comfort level with FlyerTalk, the topics and the personalities of members.
• Be fluent in English (since that's the common language here).
• Be a longstanding member of FlyerTalk (greater than 1 year).
• Be familiar with, and a supporter of, the current moderation criteria.
• Have the flexibility to check into FlyerTalk frequently. Moderation typically only takes a few minutes, but it's good to be able to check three or four times during the day to see what's being asked and said.
• Be a traveler of some experience and knowledge.
• Be willing to work for minimal miles/points while taking abuse from users :).

Each specific moderated forum may have other qualifications. Moderator volunteers are FlyerTalk members who volunteer time, knowledge, and talent to the community and are appreciated for such.

Ready to Become a Moderator?
If you are interested in serving as a moderator, follow the instructions below:

STEP ONE: Read the Moderator Guidelines to find out exactly what we expect from you, and what you can expect from us.

STEP TWO: Complete the TalkModerator Application Form. Be sure to provide all the requested information on your application, including the forum that you wish to moderate, your phone numbers, emails and other contact information and your profile form information.

STEP THREE: After you have completed the application form, we will contact you within a couple of weeks by phone or email to confirm your registration. We will not accept moderators with generic and anonymous emails such as yahoo.com, wanadoo.com, hotmail.com, etc., unless we are able to clearly establish your identity. Once your identity is well established, we will offer to provide you with a "moderator" user handle.

Would You Like to Be a Moderator (Maybe)?
If the idea of becoming a moderator sounds intriguing, but you're not quite ready to commit, that's ok. At some point, FlyerTalk may need an extra moderator or two to help with forum administration, especially during the USA overnight period. If you'd consider being in a pool of names for future moderation opportunities, let us know.

Thank You!
As a FlyerTalk moderator, you will be an integral part of the best, and most active, information resource site for frequent travelers. You will also be doing a great deal of good for the entire FlyerTalk community, and will have the undying gratitude of our overworked Director!