What is the goal of mods?
- Improve the user trust in Manifold by ensuring markets are resolved quickly, clarifying ambiguous markets, banning spam, and defusing conflict.
- Set a good example for other users to follow. We want to put more emphasis on this part of the role than other sites do.
- Be a trusted source of information and help for new users.
Mod behaviour expectations
- Be a welcoming and friendly figure, who is there to improve the experience of other users.
- A lot of moderating on Manifold is nuanced and will often upset at least some people. Trying to be open-minded and willing to admit a mistake is therefore an important quality of being a mod.
- Not only adheres to the guidelines but goes above and beyond without attempting to take advantage of any technicality or oversight.
- Willing to work with the Manifold team and other mods to make Manifold a better place.
- Is an active user on Manifold who is willing to spend some amount of time helping others.
- At a minimum, this should mean occasionally skimming through #mod-help in Discord.
How are new mods chosen?
Once a month, during the mod call, we will decide if we think new mods are needed and discuss the best candidates. Candidates should exceed the criteria outlined in mod expectations.
There will be a casual poll on candidates to allow existing mods to vouch or express concerns. Manifold’s community manager, David, will then make a final decision and send out the mod onboarding form to select users.
Losing mod status
Historically, it has been a “big deal” to lose one’s trustworthyish/mod badge, a problem exacerbated by the associated markets.
Going forward, mods should expect to lose and regain their badges. This isn’t a poor reflection on the person. There may be several reasons we might decide to remove a mod badge which we will discuss individually with the mod before removing their badge. We will try and provide each mod with an opportunity to prove themselves and keep it if there is no severe offense.