Mod Presence in Group Chat

Hey @michaelahelps I agree with you on this issue but we have discussed it once not the same, we discussed about member's saying that they feel "Mods are scary" but I think it's relevant. >>Here<<

I have seen many mods leave the chatroomsbecause member's say something like this "OH! Now I've to leave" as soon as a mod whom they dislike enters, other then that we have also seeing this as a growing trend that members change the chatrooms, they don't participate in chats where a mod is present and they say something like this "XX, will you move to WR with me."

I would suggest that we show empathy towards every member even in our warnings. As @Heather mentioned​early that framing a sencentce differently and a little bit politely​ can make a huge difference.

@Sarah @Jake @Heather What do you think we can do about this?

(Tags)@Resisti@Amobachata@EmmaGrace@OrunLeon@iWhiteFire@believeintheverybestchrissy @Lynnie @PoeticPuzzle @Pinkbluebells @Scarlet25@Caringcomfort70@Therapinto

Hmmm... I've never seen this happen when I enter a chatroom. It's usually after I give a warning that people call me mean and then proceed to say "I'm leaving". I am interested on other moderator's takes though.

It's a difficult topic to handle as a moderator, if we say the wrong thing in a chat room it can create a major issue. When someone expresses discomfort with me as a moderator, I try to remind them that I don't hold grudges against anyone and that i'mjust a listener who tries to keep the chat room peaceful and usually they respect that.

I think having genuine conversation while the chatroom isnt to hectic can help create a bond between moderator and member. Just chatting to them and letting them know youre not a robot and actually pretty relatable is the best thing you can do!

Just my take anyway

In general, I have received the opposite response where my presence is requested or even favored. I find it helps to participate in the conversation in a relatable way, and splice rules and redirection when necessary. This allows support without sacrificing professionalism. It is important to appear human as Listeners. As Moderators I think we sometimes feel immense pressure and forego the benefits of the wonderful volunteer work we do here. It is all about balance.

Great question @MichaelaHelps :)

Moderators hold a position of authority.Sometimes people do fear authority and it's not necessarilybecause of something you did or didn't do. The most important thing we can do as moderators is make a concious effort to bewarm, friendly and approachable at all times. Try to assume thebest from people and give warnings gently but firmly. Use empathy always!Additionally, you should only ever enforce rules that are written in the chat room rules. Adding other rules (no caps, no side conversations etc)for any reason can be confusing and upsetting for members.

I really think mods are necessary. Ive been in way too many chats where language and trigger subjects are brought up. Mods need to be there to keep it clean.

I've mostly been visiting the member chat rooms as just a listener. Most of the time members seem happy to chat but I too have noticed a growing distrust of mods. I thought maybe I was imagining it but this thread confirms my suspicions.