Music Stream Moderation (DRAFT)

I wanted to lay out not simply the mechanical aspects of modding a music stream, but really to clarify a philosophy and approach. What are the objectives, assumptions, etc. For a music stream in particular, where the streamer is often busy playing music — it’s all the more important for moderators to be there and attentive to chat.

First assumption is that you are moderating a stream because you love the streamer and the channel, and want to be helpful. IMO this is probably the most important assumption to clarify — you may be a good/capable/responsible mod, but if you don’t actually want to be in the stream on an ongoing/consistent basis, then the model of moderation I’m going to lay out is probably less useful.

But saying that convinces me that there’s a need to modularize and set levels of intensity. Not only are there separable aspects to moderation on a music channel, but there are levels of engagement — from you own it all, to a kind of “best effort.”

One of the best ways to think about it IMO is that there are logical requirements, but those can all be handled by one person if they focus. But as the stream grows, different mods can take on and perhaps specialize around specific areas.

Objectives

1. Traditional “moderation.” It probably goes without saying that the first and most important role a moderator plays is that of a moderator. Keeping the tone of chat in line with the streamer, banning spammers/trolls, and otherwise enforcing rules of behavior that make the channel a welcoming place for all who want to participate in an appropriate way. But this can/should be a post all on its own.
2. Letting the streamer focus. Beyond that (hopefully baseline) goal, should be letting the streamer focus on streaming. It’s hard enough for a music streamer to play, sing, catch up on chat between songs. If they have to do too many other things, it starts to be less fun for them, they’re not going to be to do it all effectively, and the stream will be less fun as a result.
3. Setting the tone of chat. Most streamers who are worth watching IMO are able to set a tone in their streams that people in chat appreciate/like, and vibe along with. But that’s something that can/should be reinforced by the moderator. For small streamers, the mods can help get people engaged. In larger streams with more people chatting, they can nudge things toward/away from topics/areas as appropriate
4. Stream advocacy. This can be promoting the stream, but also increasing retention. (more to come)

Song List Management

IMO this is first priority for a music stream — because doing this is how you increase engagement in a way that I’ve found to be very effective — especially in terms of retention during stream, but also between streams.

Song List Feeding

That first priority is not important if there’s nothing in the song list.

Raid Management

Probably one of the most fun, but also most stressful points of any stream — especially when it happens during a song, and the streamer will want to focus on continuing to play/sing.

Shoutouts

Music streams, more than most, are really about community, and good music streamers supporting other music streamers.

Greeter

Streamer’s busy. Help them say hello — it also helps remind them to do it when they see you do it in chat.

Goodbye

Streamer’s busy. Help them say goodbye— it also helps remind them to do it when they see you do it in chat.