Should Communities Allow Public Discussion of Moderation Decisions?

[Maya]

Do you allow public discussion of moderation decisions in your community? Does this build trust or create unnecessary conflict?

 

[Baw$e]

Sure. I've taken into consideraton of my community when conflict has happened on my forums. As long as I receive proof, or majority of my members think a certain user is toxic. I'll take action.

 

[cpvr]

Absolutely not.

Staff decisions should be private between the member and user.

 

[zappaDPJ]

In my experience if the decisions taken by staff are consistent, fair and explained, the occurrence of further discussion is rare. Occasionally I will pm a member if I feel it will help them understand why a particular action was taken which in itself tends to keep things out of the public gaze.

Conversely I have seen occasions where poor moderation decisions demands push back from members as happened recently on Xenforo's site when a staff member referred to a customer as a 'moron'.

 

[Ravenfreak]

Nah I think this information should be talked in private. If others start asking about someone being banned, then it's okay to explain why the member was banned. Other than that moderator and administrator decisions should be done in private.

 

[Page]

private all the way

 

[Baw$e]

Absolutely not.

Staff decisions should be private between the member and user.

I believe it’s different in a poker community, because certain players participate more than others, and their input is given significant consideration when I make moderation decisions.

 

[Shawn Gossman]

Do you allow public discussion of moderation decisions in your community? Does this build trust or create unnecessary conflict?

I think sharing information that could embarrass or otherwise put a bad outlook on another member (especially the disciplined member) will only invite retaliation and further problems.

IMO, treat it like a criminal investigation being performed by law enforcement. Keep it private and on a need-to-know basis.

Sharing the wrong kinds of information could get you accused of slander and potentially even sued.

 

[Nomad]

If the conflict arises between the staff and the esteemed members, I think you should make the decision public but for all other cases, it is better to keep private.