Apply to be a Moderator
Interested in contributing to the r/UFOs subreddit? We are continually looking for new additions to the mod team. No previous experience is required and there are no minimum requirements of time. Join a group of dedicated UFO-enthusiasts collaborating to elevate discourse surrounding the greatest mystery of our time.
How to Apply
To apply you need to join our Moderator Discord and fill out the application provided there. We rely on Discord to communicate, so having a Discord account is required.
What We Look For
Active in the Community
Post and comment history gives us insight into your past contributions and overall character.
Understanding of Ufology
We’re not all experts, but a level of experience above the average reader makes a difference.
Communication Skills
Good communication skills are essential for interacting well with users and other moderators.
What Modding Looks Like
Moderating on Reddit primarily involves working through a list of posts of comments (i.e. modqueue) which have recently been reported by users and then determining whether those reports are accurate or inaccurate. This video shows an walkthrough of what a standard session in the modqueue looks like.
Technical Requirements
No technical or moderating experience is necessary to become a moderator. We will train you on how best to moderate and use the necessary tools and extensions we use to collaborate. The use of specific tools and platforms are still required for you to effectively collaborate with other moderators.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I have to join a Discord Server?
The Moderation team relies on Discord to communicate, as Reddit does not provide moderators with the tools to sufficently correspond in real-time, so we require you to have a Discord account. Integrating the application process into Discord has streamlined this process and makes it far easier for us to track and evaluate the large amont of ongoing applications.
How much time is required to be a moderator?
We have no requirements for minimum amounts of time or actions. If you go inactive for an extended period we may choose to limit your permissions as a moderator, but not without reaching out to you first.
What all does being a moderator entail?
1. You will help enforce Reddit’s site-wide rules and the Subreddit Rules.
2. You will be expected to familiarize yourself with our Moderation Guide. It will familiarize you with our tools, rules, and how moderating works.
3. Duties range from approving or removing posts, reviewing comments for spam or abuse, to responding to modmail.
4. You will need to install the Toolbox browser extension to help you moderate and view specific information shared only between moderators. You will be allowed to view and add usernotes for users at your discretion. Usernotes are notes attached to users which are only visible to moderators and allow us to create custom contexts for past user interactions (positive and negative).
5. You’ll be required to join the r/UFOs Moderator Discord so you can participate in discussions there, ask questions, and we can keep in touch.
6. You’ll be expected to be able to interact with users in comments on behalf of the moderation team. You’ll need to distinguish (this option appears when you become a moderator) your comments whenever you are commenting in a moderator capacity.
7. You’ll need to be capable of remaining impartial and considerate when dealing with people at their worst.
8. You’ll require a degree of maturity and self-motivation. We’re all volunteers here. The ability to be resourceful and self-sufficient helps everyone on the team.
9. You will not be expected to perform a specific number of moderator actions per week or moderate on a specific schedule. We all live normal lives and are volunteers. Actions are logged automatically and will be easily viewable by yourself and other mods at any time. We may remove comment moderators who remain inactive for extended periods of time without warning, but not before reaching out first.
Can I remain anonymous?
You will not be required or expected to disclose your personal identity to users or other moderators. Although, we do inquire about general details at a later stage of the interview process, as these help us evaluate who you are and your background.
Do moderators get paid?
Subreddit moderators are all volunteers. Reddit admins do get paid, but they do not collaborate directly with subreddit moderators and only intervene when necessary.