1. How would you deal with a user who produced a steady stream of valuable answers, but tends to generate a large number of arguments/flags from comments?

First, discuss with other moderators to see if we are in agreement that user has an issue. Then make use of private messaging (repeatedly) and progress through the steps (warning, warning, warning (?)/ suspension, progressively longer suspensions if needed. I think the schedule for suspensions is perhaps unduly harsh; I think the Fibonacci sequence is nice.

2. How would you handle a situation where another mod closed/deleted/etc. a question that you feel shouldn’t have been?

Discuss with the other moderator. If I felt strongly about the principles involved, discuss with other moderator as well. Come to a consensus/compromise, or (of course) drop the issue if it's just me.

3. In your opinion, what do moderators do?

Mostly handle flags, honestly. However I think it's also an important part of our job to provide a welcoming space, to encourage familiarity and compliance with site guidelines and culture, and to delete spam on contact.

4. A diamond will be attached to everything you say and have said in the past, including questions, answers and comments. Everything you will do will be seen under a different light. How do you feel about that?

Awkward, because I'm imperfect.

5. In what way do you feel that being a moderator will make you more effective as opposed to simply reaching 10k or 20k rep?

I can delete spam on contact, and move comments to a chat room if appropriate.

6. If someone answers an off-topic question before you see it, would you still close the question?

That depends on how far off-topic the question is. For example, if someone is clearly asking for medical advice, and a user makes a firm-sounding diagnosis over the internet when the correct answer should be "see your doctor", then yes, I would close the question. If it's marginally off topic, I would probably let it stand. When in doubt, consult another mod!

7. As Parenting has a fairly small community of regular answerers, it is common for moderators to answer questions that they then have to moderate. How would you address moderating a question you answered?

It is unseemly to moderate on such a question; refer to another mod.

8. Parenting is way less objective than other topics. Different users follow different parenting styles and have different sets of values. Disagreements have the potential for flaring up, especially if they are based on cultural or philosophical differences.

   How would you deal with such a conflict? How do you ensure your own objectivity?

This is a real and difficult issue, and we have had disagreements aplenty with certain issues like spanking and authoritative parenting styles. I believe in being respectful of people and other cultures, and with regard to flare ups, that's what moving comments to chat rooms is for. With respect to objectivity, if in doubt, consult another moderator or let a different moderate address the issue (if there is one.)

1. How would you deal with a user who produced a steady stream of valuable answers, but tends to generate a large number of arguments/flags from comments?

If the comments are offensive, or hurting other members in any way, I would send official warning to the user, explaining they can't keep doing that. In case they keep doing it, another warning, then suspension. Nobody is above the law.

However, if it's only my own time that is being consumed it's not so bad, I'll just handle the flags and take the hit, so that the user can keep producing valuable answers.

2. How would you handle a situation where another mod closed/deleted/etc. a question that you feel shouldn’t have been?

I'll take the extreme case of a question I really care about and totally disagree with the other mod. I will contact the other mod in private via a private chat room, asking why they closed/deleted the question. I will also show my own side. In case we don't reach agreement, and I still strongly believe the other mod was wrong, I will reach out to Community Manager, but won't overrule the other mod action on my own, and wait for the CM reply.

3. In your opinion, what do moderators do?

• Keep the site clean and civil.

• Weed out low quality questions and answers.

• Listening to the community and what they have to say. (On the meta site.)

4. A diamond will be attached to everything you say and have said in the past, including questions, answers and comments. Everything you will do will be seen under a different light. How do you feel about that?

Some of the posts I have here are quite personal but I am fine with it, I have nothing to hide, and don't think it can be used against me. Some of my questions were closed and/or deleted and it might be tempting to reopen/undelete them but I'm well aware it's better not to abuse my power. :)

5. In what way do you feel that being a moderator will make you more effective as opposed to simply reaching 10k or 20k rep?

Mainly with closing/deleting questions that should be closed and/or deleted, 10k/20k user can't do that on their own. Also being able to remove spammers/offensive users is very useful and important.

6. If someone answers an off-topic question before you see it, would you still close the question?

Yes, this is not relevant to the question being off topic. However, in case the answer got any upvotes, I'll think twice before deleting the question, so that the user won't lose the reputation.

7. As Parenting has a fairly small community of regular answerers, it is common for moderators to answer questions that they then have to moderate. How would you address moderating a question you answered?

I would not treat it in different way. If the community, or other mods, find the question off topic at later point I will accept it and won't reopen.

8. Parenting is way less objective than other topics. Different users follow different parenting styles and have different sets of values. Disagreements have the potential for flaring up, especially if they are based on cultural or philosophical differences.

   How would you deal with such a conflict? How do you ensure your own objectivity?

I will consult with other mod(s) before taking action or writing something important. If this is something that touch me personally for some reason and makes my mind be in turmoil I will either let the other mods handle it, if possible, or wait until I feel better. I will not act, or write something, while my mind isn't clear about it.