ASQ Discussion Boards Moderators

Objective: The member leader/staff partnership provides a valuable link with the participants of the ASQ Discussion Boards. Moderators, both member and staff, play a critical role, serving as the eyes and ears of the members who participate in the ASQ Discussion Boards. The moderators facilitate open communications and build trust among the participants; ensuring members are able to participate in meaningful exchanges.

Criteria: To ensure the goals of the ASQ Discussion Boards are met (robust discussion, open communications, positive exchanges by all who wish to participate), the moderators will meet the following criteria:

• Consistently post in a positive and professional manner.
• Be ASQ Regular Members (Forum and Division Discussion Boards only require Forum/Division membership and the eSection Discussion Boards only require Associate membership).
• Be willing to familiarize themselves with ASQ and other quality resources.
• Be available to reply to posts within 2 business days if there are no responses to a thread of discussion.
• Be willing to professionally remind those who may be violating policies (be timely, firm) of the ASQ Discussion Boards Rules and Etiquette and ASQ Disclaimer and Legal Rules requirements.
• Have the ability, knowledge and experience to respond to a specific topic.
• Be willing to accept opinions of all participants.

Roles/Responsibilities:

• Reply within 2 business days (24 hours for staff if post is related to ASQ operations) to specific questions that have not received a response.
• Ensure dissenting points of view are heard and understood.
• Keep discussions on topic.
• Share knowledge and experiences.
• Monitor for trends (especially the potential for new ASQ Discussion Boards).
• Respond in an unbiased fashion.
• Inform ASQ of potentially libelous or otherwise inappropriate postings.
• When there is lack of discussion, post questions about a hot button topic.
• Provide FYI information if related to the specific ASQ Discussion Board (e.g., ASQ and other resources).
• Serve on a Moderator Advisory Team that meets periodically (via conference call) to discussion moderator issues, discussion board issues and improvements, and serve as a final decision point should a member violate discussion board rules, etiquette and/or legal rules.