Hiring moderators just for the content - Is it ethical or beneficial?

[Cedric]

It's becoming increasingly common to see new forums hire a large number of moderators, even when they may not necessarily need them. Some forum owners hire moderators purely for the purpose of generating content and activity on their site. But is this really ethical or beneficial in the long run?

Admittedly, I also hired moderators even though I didn't necessarily need them. At the time, I thought it would help increase activity on the forum, but in hindsight, I realized it may not have been the most ethical approach.

On one hand, having a team of moderators can help with the day-to-day management of a forum, such as enforcing rules and keeping discussions on topic. They can also contribute to generating content and engaging with members. However, hiring moderators solely for the purpose of generating content may not be the most ethical approach. It can be seen as exploiting volunteers for their content creation skills, rather than valuing them as valuable members of the community. I find it also off putting to see more staff than members.

Furthermore, having too many moderators can lead to a lack of focus and direction, as well as potential conflicts between moderators. It's important to carefully consider the need for moderators and select individuals who are truly passionate about the community and its goals.

So, what do you think about hiring moderators just for the content? Is it ethical? Is it beneficial in the long run? Let's discuss and share our experiences and insights.

 

[Cory]

I think if they're aware beforehand that content creation is their primary focus, then it is not necessarily unethical. But yes, hiring them for the sole purpose of content creation is somewhat unethical, I think. But, it also kind of comes as a packaged deal with being a moderator of a forum, they are expected to keep the content flowing in and engage with the community. Inactive staff members in terms of posting around are kind of a turn-off for members, I think, where there is no engagement between staff members and members, making it where members are the sole content creators.

 

[Mamberroi Jr]

I believe that occupying a position as a Community Moderator carries more than just a box marked as a Team Member and a color that differentiates from the rest. You must have knowledge to contribute ideas help those who need help give solutions provide support and have time and interest in the work employed.

 

[Naiwen]

Personally, I don’t think it’s wrong.

 

[Debashis]

A moderator is meant to enhance activity in the forum by default for which they have to come up with engaging topics to discuss on or insightful posts to make on those which are already posted, apart from the moderation related activities which will be minimal tbh. So, it is not really unethical imo. They will just be serving their duties as per the role they are given.

 

[SDL]

Despite having moderator as the title, like others said, the role involves more than simply moderating. You’re expected to interact with others and keeping the community alive. Obviously it would be unfair to expect them to create all of the content if you’re not contributing yourself though.

 

[JennyorAlice]

Despite having moderator as the title, like others said, the role involves more than simply moderating. You’re expected to interact with others and keeping the community alive. Obviously it would be unfair to expect them to create all of the content if you’re not contributing yourself though.

I agree with this.

I can understand asking them to help create a few posts throughout the week to help generate some of the content on your forum but I would not expect them to create all of the content while I'm doing nothing.

 

[Bluezone777]

This is one of the things that turns me off these days of even considering a moderation position anywhere is that the word gets so misused that it no longer means what it should mean. A moderator job is to keep order, enforce rules, and ensure the overall health of the community which the word health means far more then just the stats and how high and how quickly they go up. These days I feel that most people associate the word moderator with entertainer even if they aren't aware that is what they are doing. Making worthwhile topics and posts about a subject that you should be passionate about if you bother to join a forum on said subject should just come with the territory of being a member and not require you to gain some sort of title before you start doing it. I always found it amusing when some people suddenly increase their activity when they gain a title and see it drop the moment the title goes away.

 

[Ravenfreak]

On my first forum I made the mistake of promoting two other people to moderator. (My spouse and my best friend.) I only had a few members on the forum, so I had way too many moderators. I would also offer a promotion to any new member who joined when I shared the forum on Facebook. On a brand new forum, you only really need maybe one other admin to help you out and that's it. I say once the community starts to get really active you should hire more staff.

 

[Cedric]

This is one of the things that turns me off these days of even considering a moderation position anywhere is that the word gets so misused that it no longer means what it should mean. A moderator job is to keep order, enforce rules, and ensure the overall health of the community which the word health means far more then just the stats and how high and how quickly they go up. These days I feel that most people associate the word moderator with entertainer even if they aren't aware that is what they are doing. Making worthwhile topics and posts about a subject that you should be passionate about if you bother to join a forum on said subject should just come with the territory of being a member and not require you to gain some sort of title before you start doing it. I always found it amusing when some people suddenly increase their activity when they gain a title and see it drop the moment the title goes away.

Fully agree with you there. There’s also the mishap of being active while being a member and go inactive as soon as they earn the title. That too happens too often and if very frustrating to deal with.

 

[Spartan]

it’s definitely something you kinda expect from a staff member especially with newer forums, I think section moderator for sections they’re active most in is a good comprise.