Forum moderators are like the crossing guards of the message board. They keep community members within the “crosswalk” so that the board can fulfill its purpose. In some cases, the purpose of the board demands a very tight scrutiny.
Another job of the moderator is to stimulate conversation in the forum. By showing activity, you can actually increase the interest of the rest of the community. (After all, who wants to sit in an empty room?)
Generally, moderators have a threefold responsibility: to ensure that members are following the community rules, to assist new members, and to foster lively discussion. A good moderator ensures that his/her forum is inviting, active, and an asset to the community as a whole.
Of course, the purpose of the community will determine how strong the presence of the moderator should be. For example, in a message board provided for a teen audience, firm moderation may be necessary for the enjoyment of all members. If the message board is located on a company intranet, minimal supervision may be necessary to allow free professional discussions.
For forums with multiple moderators, the group of moderators should agree on general guidelines for editing/deleting/closing topics, as well as forum rules. It is best to present a consistent, united moderation team to the community. It’s also a good idea to select moderators from within the group of members, creating instant buy-in and empathy when the moderator must take action.
The moderators should always be familiar with the specific rules and regulations of their board.