Ensuring the board remains on-topic . The best message boards stick to one or more specific topics. A major job of a good moderator is to review postings to ensure that they are of the same subject as the board. At the very least, off-topic threads should be discouraged quickly or gently moved to other, more appropriate arenas. Minimize flaming .
Flames are critical or derogatory remarks.
A flame war is kind of like a shouting match where insults are hurled between people until they all flee, exhausted and battered. Good moderators gently prod people into posting responsibly by discouraging flaming. Eject troublemakers and spammers . As moderators read through postings, it can become obvious very quickly that there is a troublemaker in the group. These troublemakers need to be handled - either by gentle persuasion or more harsh measures if necessary.