Moderator How-To

Here are some basic functions you as moderators can perform.

1. Edit – This lets you edit a topic. If you pick the edit button under a reply, you will only be editing the reply. If you pick the edit button under the initial topic, or the edit text link at the bottom of the thread, it edits the main topic. This is also how you move a topic. When you edit the main topic, you have the option of picking a different forum. When a topic is moved, the original author is automatically emailed.
2. Delete a topic or reply – The trashcan icon will delete the reply you are on. If you click this button under the main topic, it will delete the entire thread.
3. Lock a topic – You can lock the topic here, but I prefer that you post a reply explaining why the topic is being locked. You’ll notice that as a moderator, you have an additional checkbox on the reply form that allows you to lock the topic at the same time you post your reply.
4. Delete entire topic – This text link will delete the entire thread. Exercise only in extreme cases.

Some of these functions are also available from the forum topic list and the forum directory. There is also an archive function that we have never used. I’d like to hold off on implementation until the forum software is updated (hopefully in the next month).

If you have any other questions about forum functionality, post them as a reply and I’ll address them the best I can.

Jeff Hester aka “Mister BigBlueBall.com”