Server Moderation Guide

Build a healthy community through fair, consistent, and effective moderation.

Moderation Philosophy

Good moderation isn't about punishment—it's about creating an environment where everyone can enjoy the game. The goal is to protect the community while being fair to individuals.

Protect

Keep players safe from harassment and abuse

Serve

Help players enjoy their experience

Communicate

Be clear about rules and decisions

Core Principles

Consistency

Apply rules the same way for everyone. Players notice when friends of staff get different treatment. Inconsistency destroys trust faster than strict rules.

Proportionality

Match punishment to offense severity. A first-time minor chat violation shouldn't receive the same penalty as repeated harassment or cheating.

Transparency

Players should understand why they were punished. Vague reasons like "inappropriate behavior" leave room for misunderstanding and resentment.

Documentation

Keep records of warnings, punishments, and context. This helps with appeals, repeat offenders, and staff coordination.

Handling Common Situations

Chat Violations

Mild (spam, caps, minor language):

  • • Verbal warning first
  • • Short mute (5-15 minutes)
  • • Longer mute if repeated

Severe (harassment, slurs, threats):

  • • Immediate mute or kick
  • • Temporary ban for serious cases
  • • Permanent ban for extreme cases

Cheating & Exploits

Cheating undermines fair play and frustrates legitimate players. Handle it firmly:

  • • Verify the violation before acting (don't rely solely on player reports)
  • • First offense: Temporary ban (duration depends on severity)
  • • Second offense: Extended ban or permanent
  • • Remove illegitimately obtained items or advantages

Player Disputes

When players conflict with each other:

  • • Listen to both sides before deciding
  • • Focus on facts, not emotions
  • • Don't take sides based on who you know better
  • • Sometimes both parties share responsibility
  • • Encourage players to use block/ignore features

Griefing & Theft

Protecting player builds and items:

  • • Use logging plugins to investigate claims
  • • Rollback damage when possible
  • • Warn or ban based on severity and intent
  • • Encourage players to use protection systems

Punishment Escalation

A typical escalation path for repeated offenses:

1st Offense
Verbal Warning
2nd Offense
Written Warning
3rd Offense
Temp Ban (1-7d)
4th Offense
Extended Ban
5th Offense
Permanent Ban

Note: Severe offenses can skip steps. Use judgment.

Staff Conduct

Do

  • • Stay calm in heated situations
  • • Admit when you make mistakes
  • • Consult other staff for difficult cases
  • • Take breaks when frustrated
  • • Lead by example
  • • Document your actions

Don't

  • • Argue publicly with players
  • • Use powers for personal benefit
  • • Punish when angry
  • • Share private player information
  • • Favorite friends or regulars
  • • Ignore reports from people you dislike

Handling Appeals

A fair appeals process builds trust, even when you uphold the original decision:

  1. 1Have a designated place for appeals (Discord channel, forum, form)
  2. 2Have someone other than the original moderator review
  3. 3Review the evidence and context objectively
  4. 4Respond with clear reasoning, whether approved or denied
  5. 5Set expectations about time limits for appeals

Staff Self-Care

Moderation is mentally taxing. Dealing with conflict, harassment, and difficult people takes a toll. Protect yourself:

  • Take breaks when feeling overwhelmed
  • Don't take insults personally
  • Talk to other staff about difficult cases
  • Remember it's okay to step back
  • Celebrate positive community moments
  • You don't owe 24/7 availability

Find Well-Moderated Servers

Discover servers with great communities to join or learn from.