Building Your Moderators [Mod Perspective]

Being in this "Mod Business" makes you realize not every channel is the same. There are always different rules from another, one channel may accept the trolls to train them to be a better person which is where time outs come in, and then there's other channels the ban hammer comes out faster than you can say anything horrible in their stream.

The question I usually see is, how do I choose my moderators? Where do you find perfect moderators?

There's really no one perfect but skilled in their craft. Here's some pointers as I have worked in sorts of teammates in different streams.

1. Know when to separate your friendship and your business

There is nothing wrong with be-friending your moderators. I have plenty of streamers that I moderate or have moderated where we became the closest friends. The thing is, I had to remember their stream is... get this... THEIR STREAM. It didn't mean some ideas I had were dumb or stupid, but they made it clear on what they wanted. Did it frustrate me sometimes? Yes, but the results of what they chose was right because they seen it clear better then I could. They knew when to be the streamer when need to be, and other times be that friend. If you're too afraid to say "no" sometimes to your team, it will no longer be your actual stream anymore, just a disorganized mess.

2. Be clear on where your stream is going (Have some type of plan)

I have moderated streams in the past where they had no idea where their stream was going. I had questions like, hey, what do you think about this for your stream? Their answers were always I have no idea, I'm just winging it. Clearly their plans wasn't always working for me because they expected me to be there but, their schedules were everywhere. Now, I understand, there are some that really can't have a set schedule but, be clear on how your channel is going to run.

3. Figure out strengths and weaknesses on each person you moderate.

I admit there is a lot of things I find very hard to do sometimes, considering me being an introvert, people can be draining, and, not to sound harsh, but I don't always want to talk to people, just moderate in the shadows and be on my way. Luckily, I have teammates that do love to talk and covers that side for me when I have my moments. Don't expect your moderators to be the same, with one of my streamers, he has mods for specific strengths, the mod who is the encourager, the mod who connects better in your games, the mod who works specifically in discord, etc. Find your moderators strengths and utilize them.

Please note these are from personal experiences and I am no way shape or form an expert.

Questions? Respond with comments below!