How to Moderate bbPress (aka bbPress Basics)

On Sept 1, 2016, the forums were upgraded to bbPressbbPress Free, open source software built on top of WordPress for easily creating forums on sites. https://bbpress.org. 2.x

This changed everything. Since bbPress 2 runs on WordPress, moderator powers are more closely managed as they give users powers to more aspects of the WordPress.orgWordPress.org The community site where WordPress code is created and shared by the users. This is where you can download the source code for WordPress core, plugins and themes as well as the central location for community conversations and organization. https://wordpress.org/ site.

This page is a work in progress! Links and directions are likely to change.

Forum roles

There are two elevated roles within the forums, Moderator and Keymaster.

If your moderator bit was removed as of September 1, 2016, this is because the Moderator role now is the equivalent to the Administrator role on bbPressbbPress Free, open source software built on top of WordPress for easily creating forums on sites. https://bbpress.org. 1. Subsequently, the Support Team voted to change the requirements. Please make sure you meet the current qualifications.

Moderators are tasked with keeping the forums tidy, they have the ability to archive and spam posts, as well as manage the spam and pending queues. They are expected to escalate any issues to the Keymasters if it is required.

Keymasters generally perform the same tasks as a Moderator. In addition to moderator powers, they can block users from posting, elevate new users, and delete posts. The Keymaster role is strictly regulated.

Both Moderators and Keymasters have access to the wp-admin Dashboard of the support forums, and will need it to manage the forums.

Users

User accounts cannot be deleted or renamed. Don’t even try.

User profiles are located at https://wordpress.org/support/users/USERNAME

Within that page are links to topics created, replies, favorites, subscriptions, and of course the edit window.

The majority of users are well behaved, however some people handle being upset better than others. If a user posts foul/colourful language once or twice, it’s worth editing their post and leaving a mod-note as to why.

If a user needs to be banned then a Keymaster will need to address this. Otherwise, Users should be Flagged. This will require all posts to be approved.

User Notes

Any time a user needs to be moderated, it’s best to leave a robust user note. Notes are saved with the date and the moderator who made them. They can be edited or deleted, but it’s best practice to leave them be unless they were placed in error.

You can do this in two places:

User Profile: Any moderator who visits a profile page will see a “User Notes” block at the bottom of the page: