A man or woman typically between the ages of 16-36 who essentially 'maintains' forums, chat rooms, games, and other forms of internet media. Depending on the
administrator's discretion, a
moderator is given special perks that allow them to gain power over normal users. Enforcing the rules and warning/kicking/banning users are among the most common perks given to
moderators. Unless it is a
moderator gap period, at least one of these people will be online consistently to monitor the activity within a given community.
Moderators range from super friendly to super strict and everywhere in between. Here are some of the most common types of moderators:
Mr. Whatever: This type of moderator doesn't really know how he/she even became a moderator in the first place, but they are one nonetheless. They mostly ignore their job unless in the presence of
higher-ups. Often looked down upon by the other moderators. Sometimes possesses traits similar to Sir Social.
Sir Social: This type of moderator is usually liked by the majority of the community. He/She often treats everyone as equals, and fully engages with everyone, even offering advice to struggling users if needed. Sir Social is known to be very
lenient.
The Rules Guy: The average moderator. A few warnings then punishments as needed. That's it. As long as you follow the rules, you won't be on his/her bad side.
(Continued in Example)
Example:
Mr. Popularity: This type of moderator is generally popular among
the community's high-end clique. He/she is usually a person who has been around for a long time, and only expresses genuine likeness among his/her friends and/or
sycophant users. Often hostile towards everyone else, especially new users. If Mr. Popularity is ever in an argument with an inferior member, members of
the clique will always back him/her up.
Mr. Smartass: This type of moderator will always go out of his/her way to correct everything you say and/or do. Even if it's none of their business. Sometimes pulls crazy statistics out of his/her ass; anything just to
mortify the opposition. Often possesses the same traits as Mr. Popularity and/or Mr. Ego.
Mr. Ego: This type of moderator literally has an oversized ego. Mr. Ego, being the typical narcissist that he/she is, will always act as if he/she is higher up than everyone else, even if it means bending the rules and/or abusing their power. Almost always shares the traits of Mr. Popularity and Mr. Smartass. Sometimes bad enough to be a Nazi Moderator.
Nazi Moderator: This is the strictest, most despised type of moderator around. Nazi moderators will not go easy, even on the most minor of infractions. They don't mess around, and they're certainly not afraid to use the ban
hammer on anyone. Act as if they are
holier than thou. In the most extreme cases, nazi moderators could ultimately wipe out the majority of a
website's user base.