COBI Moderation Policy

Messages group members send to discussion lists on the COBIFGUD site may be subject to moderation. Moderating allows project managers or approved moderators to approve, edit or reject emails sent by other members they are sent to the group as a whole.  

The City of Bainbridge intends to moderate the first few messages group members send to discussion lists on the COBIFGUD sites viewed by the public. The intent is not to censor, but to coach participants on appropriate use of discussion features, to stop inappropriate content, and improve member�s awareness of group policies. Moderation of smaller and private groups will occur at the request of group members or if issues arise, or if inappropriate content or use become a concern.  

What does the Moderator do?

The role of moderator/project manager is to keep discussions within the defined topic and to ensure that postings comply with the site Terms and Conditions and Acceptable Use Policy.  

Groups include a feature to allow moderators to monitor messages from new or existing members Inappropriate messages can be stopped and members can be made aware of group policies regarding email content. Moderation may be set to apply to all messages, individuals, or the first few messages from new members. Extra moderation can be placed on problem members, and trusted members can be allowed easier posting.  

The group moderator receives an email notification each time a member sends a message that has been configured for moderation. The moderator may approve, edit or reject the message. 

Management of Moderated Messages

The group moderator(s) receive email notifications each time a member sends a message that has been configured for moderation. The moderator may approve, edit or reject the message if the message content is inappropriate.

• Approved messages are forwarded to the group
• Edited messages will be noted as �edited under moderation� and posted
• The moderator may choose to review edits with the sender and suggest the author edit and resubmit
• Rejected messages are sent back to the author, noting that the content is unacceptable or does not conform to group policy

If messages are being moderated, only messages that have been approved or edited and then accepted are forwarded on to the group.