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Giving Feedback

Feedback is a moderation tool that allows moderators to communicate with content authors without archiving their content. It's designed for constructive guidance rather than punishment.

What is Feedback?​

Feedback is a special type of comment that:

  • Appears from your moderation profile (not your username)
  • Is visually distinct from regular comments
  • Notifies the content author
  • Remains visible to the community

When to Use Feedback​

Feedback is appropriate for:

SituationExample
Minor issues"Please add a source for this claim"
Clarification requests"Could you clarify what you mean by X?"
Guidance"This would be more appropriate in the #general channel"
Warnings"This comment is close to violating our civility rules"
Encouragement"Great discussion! Consider adding tags for visibility"

When NOT to Use Feedback​

Use other actions instead when:

  • Content clearly violates rules → Archive
  • Repeated offenses → Archive and Suspend
  • Spam or obvious trolling → Archive
  • Illegal content → Report and escalate

How to Give Feedback​

On Discussions​

  1. Navigate to the discussion
  2. Click the action menu (three dots)
  3. Select Give Feedback
  4. Write your feedback message
  5. Click Submit

On Comments​

  1. Hover over the comment
  2. Click the action menu
  3. Select Give Feedback
  4. Write your feedback
  5. Submit

On Events​

  1. Open the event
  2. Click the action menu
  3. Select Give Feedback
  4. Enter your message
  5. Submit

Feedback Visibility​

Feedback comments are visible to:

  • The content author (receives notification)
  • All users viewing the content
  • Other moderators

Writing Effective Feedback​

Be Specific​

Good: "Please edit your comment to remove the personal attack in the second paragraph."

Bad: "This is inappropriate."

Be Constructive​

Good: "This claim needs a source. Consider linking to the original study."

Bad: "You're wrong."

Be Neutral​

Good: "The word choice in this sentence may come across as confrontational."

Bad: "You're being rude."

Be Actionable​

Good: "Please move this discussion to the #off-topic channel as it's not related to the channel topic."

Bad: "This doesn't belong here."

Feedback Templates​

Consider using consistent templates:

Rule Reminder​

Hi! Just a reminder that [specific rule]. Please edit your post to [specific action]. Thanks!

Source Request​

Thanks for contributing! Could you add a source for the claim about [topic]? This helps other readers verify the information.

Channel Redirect​

This post would be a better fit for #[channel-name]. Consider cross-posting there for more relevant discussion.

Civility Warning​

Please keep the discussion civil. While disagreement is welcome, personal attacks are not. Consider rephrasing your point.

Permission Requirements​

To give feedback, you need the canGiveFeedback permission, which is granted by:

  • Default mod role (all authenticated users)
  • Elevated mod role
  • Channel owner status

Feedback vs. Regular Comments​

FeatureFeedbackRegular Comment
IdentityModeration profileUsername
Visual styleDistinct mod stylingStandard comment
PurposeModeration guidanceDiscussion
NotificationFeedback notificationReply notification

Follow-Up Actions​

After giving feedback:

  1. Monitor the response: Check if the author addresses your feedback
  2. Escalate if needed: If feedback is ignored, consider archiving
  3. Close the loop: Acknowledge when the issue is resolved

Best Practices​

Timing​

  • Give feedback promptly after noticing an issue
  • Don't wait until problems escalate
  • Consider time zones when expecting responses

Tone​

  • Professional but approachable
  • Firm but fair
  • Helpful, not punitive

Documentation​

  • Be clear about which rule or guideline applies
  • Reference specific content
  • Explain the impact of the issue

Consistency​

  • Apply the same standards to all users
  • Coordinate with other moderators
  • Follow established channel norms