How do you avoid forum drama?

[Darth-Apple]

I'm asking largely for advice. I'm pre-emptively trying to take the best measures possible to prevent drama from becoming an issue at my community. We have not had this issue yet, but we've an increase of new members recently, so it's always good to check in with what other administrators are doing. You can never be too careful. 🙂

Of course, having a very clear set of rules on the community (and shutting down arguments on the open forums) is a very good starting point. We've also avoided adding a chat room (I've seen this turn out very badly in the past), and we work hard to enforce the rules fairly and equally. Staff favorites are something that turn everyone sour.

Being that FP is full of administrators with a wealth of experience, how do you guys handle (and prevent) drama on your communities? What are your "best practices" so to speak?

Regards,
-Darth Apple

 

[meetdilip]

Closing a thread temporarily ( 24 hours ) works most of the time.

 

[Katrina]

We've done cool down threads and having the members who cause strife talk to the Admins in our Member Admin Center but I think what's working the best is having one of our moderators act as mentor to them in helping them learn why their posts aren't very welcome and what would work so they can remain and not ban out. He's really good at his job. Don't steal him from me 🙂

 

[Darth-Apple]

We've done cool down threads and having the members who cause strife talk to the Admins in our Member Admin Center but I think what's working the best is having one of our moderators act as mentor to them in helping them learn why their posts aren't very welcome and what would work so they can remain and not ban out. He's really good at his job. Don't steal him from me 🙂

That's a good idea.

I was one of the admins on a forum many years back where we tried something similar to that. It generally worked well for us too. It didn't always work, but when it did, it was nice keeping things less formal and giving members the benefit of the doubt.

And don't worry. I won't steal anyone! 🙂

 

[catgirl]

Closing threads that get too heated (even just temporarily) is one way to get everyone to calm down and to discuss other things.

 

[sashab0]

A clear set of rules, as you mentioned, and shutting down topics, as others mentioned. I would also suggest making sure that you aren’t promoting a toxic culture in any way to begin with.