What is moderation?

. . .

the governance mechanisms that structure participation in a community to facilitate cooperation and prevent abuse. (Grimmelmann 2015, p. 47)

[it helps] communities walk the tightrope between the chaos of too much freedom and the sterility of too much control (Grimmelmann 2015, p. 42)

Moderation vs Free Speech

Holmes later softened in Abrams (1919); overturned by Brandenburg (1969, imminently lawless)

Grammar

ex. Taxonomy Table

1. Divide into three groups.
2. See “Moderation Table” in our Google Docs.
3. Fill out table according to Grimmelmann’s taxonomy
   • Use Wikipedia and then choose one or more of your own.
   • Does your community have an example or counter-example?
   • Come up with two discussion questions as well.
4. Present and facilitate discussion of your case; other students can ask questions.

Front Porch Forum’s “local logic”

• Technology — centralized
• Revenue model — varied, but advertising is promising
• Ideology — social media organized around local communities
• Governance — varied; typically requires proof of real identity
• Affordances — varied (ZuckermanRajendra-Nicolucci 2020)

Front Porch Forum affordances/tactics?

. . .

• small
• strong moderation
• slow (24 hours for post to appear) (ZuckermanRajendra-Nicolucci 2020)

“Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?”

The Roman poet Juvenal asked “Who will watch the watchmen?”

Wrap up

Overwatch moderation

Which techniques are they using?

Is there a one-size fits all moderation policy for all sites?

. . .

No. Consider: topic, size, tech affordances and facility… ▶