I was just doing my regular daily 'ban a few spammers who the moderators have reported to the Global Moderators' and it struck me that it might be a good idea just to share a small incite into the huge job that is done by all, users and moderators to keep the forum clean. We often forget this, I know I do at times.

How does it all work?

• It all starts when a spam thread is reported to the moderators. 
• A local moderator usually cleans up (removes the spam).
• A Global Moderator bans/blocks the user, and checks to see that no posts are left visible.

Seems simple enough. However, we're talking about blatant spam here. Spam posted by users real humans from valid email addresses, who sign up just for this purpose, to spam you. I know we are not unique, but due to our size and activity, we get targeted a fair bit.

How much spam are we talking about?

It's hard to say, but I estimate from 10-15 users are banned each day for this kind of spam. Perhaps, each of these posts 3-5 posts that need to be cleaned up. Do the sums, and appreciate for a moment the amazing job that goes on 24/7 behind the scenes helping to keep the community clean. Hours and hours of work, just in this one area of the project.

So, next time, before blasting a moderator (as a user did to me today via PM) stop and think of the hard work that they do behind the scenes to keep the forum clean. Speaking for myself, at times I may come accross blunt and to the poitn when moderating, but keep in mind that some of us moderators/global moderators spend hours and hours EACH DAY keeping things clean.

How can we all help?

• If you see any spam, please report it to the moderators. It will take you less than 10 seconds.
• If you are able to, take the time to answer a few questions, or direct users to the relevant documentation. It's not a moderators 'job' (or anyone's for that matter) to answer people questions, but we often feel compelled due to the amount of time and activity we spend on the forum.
• Don't conclude if your threads/posts (not spam) are moderated that we are out to get you. I assure you this is not the case. Most of us are normal reasonable people (despite what you may think) just doing our best.
• Please read the rules and especially with regard to your forum signatures, check these are in line with the rules. This again saves moderating time on smaller issues such as this.

We're here to help you, help us help you, and if you are interested in helping out in a more direct way, there are plenty of opportunities. Get involved, leave your comments, help out, participate, make this your community as well.

Finally, don't forget to bookmark/subscribe this (and other) blog(s). This blog feed is: http://feeds.joomla.org/JoomlaForumModeratorBlog

If you have any relevant questions, please ask. Have a good weekend!