Moderation isn’t about filtering away the opinions you don’t like. That drives people away. Moderation is ensuring everyone who has an opinion contributes it.
To contribute an opinion is to make an investment in the community.
The second a member says “I think…” or “I believe…” you can be certain they will return to your community again. You can be certain they will develop a relationship, positive or negative, with the people that reply to their opinion.
You can help by sending messages to people with similar opinions, or conflicting opinions. Invite them to contribute their views. It takes very little work to start intelligent discussions.
Agree with you on that, Richard. That's also the reason why some communities start to use the title "facilitator" instead of "moderator".
Posted by: AW | Tuesday, 23 June 2009 at 11:39
Just try and guide the conversation...don't direct it. If you are fighting a losing battle...lose.
Posted by: Stuart Foster | Tuesday, 23 June 2009 at 14:11