How does moderation work?

Question:

The various moderation options can be confusing.

Answer:

The General section of the control panel contains the "objectionable words" textbox. If this textbox has one or more entries, only new posts containing the listed words will be moderated - all other posts will become public immediately (with version 4.0+, each folder may have it's own custom Objectionable Word list).

Web Crossing, Inc. does not take a position on what constitutes an objectionable word, and does not have a sample list of words.

The sysop is a moderator only for areas where a host is not assigned. If a host is assigned, the sysop will not moderate messages in the host's area unless the user "sysop" is also explicitly designated a host in that area.

A user may have "moderated" status in some areas and "participant" (i.e. unmoderated) status in others - this is an issue of Access List management rather than moderation.