Question

I have seen all about the process to become an ambassador. However, is there a specific way you'd become a moderator? Are you selected, or do you apply and have an interview like for the ambassadors?

Answer 1

I am interested in knowing this too.
@thomaster @Preetha
They know

Answer 2

There is no formal application process for moderator. Moderators are selected - usually when an admin recognises a particular outstanding user, or when the mods get together and discuss whether a certain user should join the purple.

There is an interview. As in a real live telephone interview. In my day (i.e., when I was modded) my interview was conducted by cshavley - though he is not with the site anymore. Anyone with this much trust invested them has to have this conversation. And they discuss with the candidate mod the duties of modding, how it changes one's role from tutor to disciplinarian - and see if you are actually cut out for the job.

For whatever it's worth, I was modded shortly after my ambie application was turned down. I have a feeling, never confirmed, that my card was marked for modship at that time.

All that said, one purpose of our recent restructuring of the ambie program is to move it toward a training program in core skills (communication, conflict resolution, community ethos and site promotion) that we look for in the mods. We've had some mod fails in the past and we think that migrating the ambie program toward a training ground for (ahem, perhaps) perspective mods (among other higher level contributors - promotion interns, perhaps coding interns) to distinguish themselves and see if they really are suited for the role, we can prevent these. As well as structure a better community in the process.

Answer 3

Thanks @blues :D

Answer 4

Thank you. That was very helpful. @blues