Hey Everyone, 

I am new to the blog part of Planet Minecraft as I mainly feature in buildings, However because I have had lots of requests to do it and especially this topic i thought i'd give it a go. Today I am going to be talking about how you can become a excellent moderator and this comes from personal experience as well as owning a server. Therefore I am going to be talking about what I look for in my staff applications and how you can present yourself in order to succeed in
securing the role.

Tip 1:  I would probably have to say is Do Not apply straight away. You have no idea how annoying it is when you see an application from someone who has been on the server for an hour. There are so many things in relation to this, the first being how can you know everything about the server within an hour, to me you can't. So when I reflect on an an application that I see you have been playing for one hour, I can't fully take it seriously. Understand what I mean?. This also ties in well with getting known, if the server does not know who you are then there will be conflict when you become mod. You need to make a solidified foundation on the server so when you become a moderator people will know who you are and respect you, otherwise people will just raise conflict as a 'random person' has become a moderator and therefore people are unable to respect that.

Tip 2 is  staying active, if you want to be a moderator you need to show you're dedicated. This is because Owners like me reflect upon people who are in it for the 'rank'. You need to be willing to put the time and effort into the server, and this is shown through being active. If you're going to vanish for about two weeks without any notice or anything then it is impossible for anyone to take you seriously, by coming on daily or every one to two days you are showing you are dedicated and your 'making your mark' which is so crucial when being a moderator on a server because it enables players to interact and know you better when they have problems.

Tip 3 having the right attitude, anyone can essentially click into a server and be rude hence most people saying 'this server is dumb' or 'the owner is never on. If you want to be a moderator you need to understand the right attitude, this includes being dedicated and being willing to answer any problems you can even if it seems difficult. Anyone is willing to take the easy route but as a server moderator you need to take any challenge that comes to you and overcome it so that you're personal and on-going performance an be at it's best, this will enable you to keep the users coming and to make them feel comfortable and part of a community.

Tip 4 absolutely NO LYING, I cannot say how badly this is used in our current society and on Minecraft servers. The one thing that is worse than griefers, hackers and everything else bad on a server is liars. These people will do anything to get what they want for example claim they are older than they are, claim they were VIP before the name change and even lie about other users. This is just ridiculous, although it will be impossible to minimise everyone from lying, you are responsible for you're own actions and if you feel good about lying. You're not suitable for the rule being honest is always the best policy and is one everyone should stick by.

Tip 5 Questions, even though so many people perceive it that questions are annoying, us as Owners actually expect mods to ask them. For example what will the role involve, what sections of the server are you covering. All these different questions show that you are seeking a real interest in the role and for an Owner like me that brings out the best in my day because it shows me that you're willing to go over hills for it and for me especially that is an opportunity that I could not miss out on at all. So the real motive on this tip is never be afraid to ask what you have to ask, because if you don't you might regret it or you might go wrong when the person you're trying to ask might be polite and friendly.

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Now that I have provided tips I am going to talk about the different processes that servers may have which can help you prepare for the upcoming adventure you may have to encounter. The best thing to do with any process in life is to give yourself a head start and be prepared which I hope this does for you.

The first process which is common on most servers is the following;

Application Form -> Interview -> Trial.

Although this is a great way for people to recruit, I believe it mainly focuses on what you have previously had to offer, and for new mods this may be difficult because if it is your first time then you're not going to have previous experience. This is where tip 1 and 2 come in. If you have got that awareness then people are able to be references as such for when you're applying and if the server is going to take you on seriously they will talk to these references and find out more. This normally results in a positive outcome as it shows you have helped, although not on a previous role but in general and it shows real promise to the server. 

Additionally this method also includes the interview stage. Now I know when I first applied for a server moderator this was nerve racking as it felt like a real life interview (for me anyway), the way you can conduct yourself with this is again prepare yourself, reflect back on your application form, familiarise yourself with the questions as commonly the interview  will include them and be honest with yourself. If your being honest with yourself I can guarantee you will come across confident and secure which will show promise and dedication to the server.

The third stage is trial, now this is the breaking point in the process. You are being given the chance to experience the role which I feel is very important. The term 'actions speak louder than words', is so true and this is where that is tested., it's okay for someone to put on their application. 'I've work on multiple servers' etc. But if you can't demonstrate them skills then, how do you expect anyone to go any further. This is why it is so crucial for you to be prepared and to show them what you got. Again always be honest with yourself, don't act the way your bring forced to because that's not who you are and you won't enjoy it. be yourself don't take the role to strictly or you won't have fun.

The second process people use is;

Application Form -> Trial

This process is one that is not really used but people prefer, it's the same as above but it removes the pressure of an interview which can be good and also bad. it can be good because it allows users to feel more confident about the process and therefore they may feel more dedicated and committed to go further. However it can also be bad because it;s cutting out that extra section where the Owners can find out more about the applicant that could help with the trial stage. Therefore as a server Owner myself I would use the first process because it offers more and it allows us to engage with you more and get you involved in more things during the Trial stage.

Overall these five tips along with some understand on the process should enable you to get through being a moderator on any server. If you feel like this doesn't quite meet the mark or I have left something out then please do not be afraid to let me know and I can see if I can help you further. Also if you would like to see more of these please; Diamond, Favourite and Subscribe!

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Kind Regards 
LinkxZ6 x