When to edit a message

• Contains profanity
  
• Contains off-topic content
  
• Violates the board rules in some other way (contains advertising, etc.)
  

Editing is always visible; whenever a message is edited, the date, time and edit author are shown within the message.

In general, it is preferable to edit a message rather than delete it entirely.

When to delete a topic or message

• Unacceptable behavior
  
• Completely off-topic discussion
  
• No part of the topic/message is salvageable by editing
  
• Illegal/defamatory statements
  

Basically, whenever there is no value to leaving the topic/message in place. It is good practice to e-mail the topic initiator to explain why it was deleted, unless the reason is totally obvious.

When to move a topic

• Off-topic discussion
  

When you move a topic, you have the choice to either leave a copy of the thread in the original forum, or completely move it to the new forum location. It is usually a good idea to leave a copy pointing to the new location so those returning can find it.

When to ban a member

• Repeated violation of the stated board rules or forum rules
  
• Offensive behavior (e.g., posting offensive material, harassing other members)
  
• Attempts at hacking or destroying the forum
  
• Repeated attempts to circumvent moderation or banning
  

Banning a member means that he/she can no longer post messages (it is not limited to a specific forum). Normally, unruly members are given a warning prior to actually being banned, since that is a fairly serious step. Banning is reversible if desired.

When to close a topic

• Discussion is heading off-topic, but does not merit deletion
  
• The initial message and replies contain valuable information, but further discussion is not desired
  
• The thread is becoming too lengthy
  

Sometimes it is difficult to decide whether to close a topic or delete it. In general, deference should be given to the members participating, and it�s better to close a topic than to delete it. (If there are individual messages in the thread that are offensive, they can be individually removed---just be careful that the remaining thread still makes sense.)

Please let me know if you have any questions on this.

Cheers

--------------------