When and how to moderate is a decision each administrator or moderator must make. Some forum administrators will not permit swearing and may modify a post or reprimand a member for foul language. Others do not permit verbal attacks on other members and will delete the post or reprimand the member.
Reprimands may be a public post warning the offending member, a personal message or even a ban from the forums.
To help members and staff be informed administrators can display rules in sticky topics, and their registration agreement. Sticky topics are be effective for rules of certain boards as they stay at the top of the board they are stickied in. The registration agreement will greet new members and force them to agree to abide by its contents before they can join. The registration agreement can be changed through the registration section of the administration center.
In many cases the most difficult part of moderating is attempting to be impartial and consistent.
