What the Moderation Playbook Generator actually produces

{ "platform": "Discord", "automodRules": [ { "category": "Hate Speech & Slurs", "trigger": "Regex pattern matching known slurs + ethnic/religious epithets", "pattern": "(?i)(\\bn-word variants\\b|f-slur variants\\b|common ethnic slurs list)", "action": "Auto-remove + escalate to human review", "threshold": "1 occurrence", "exceptions": "None — slurs in discussion of slurs require context review post-removal", "documentation": "Log message ID, user ID, full context, timestamp to moderation log channel" }, { "category": "Spam", "trigger": "Identical or near-identical messages within 60 seconds OR >3 messages in #general within 2 minutes", "pattern": "Levenshtein distance <90% match OR burst >3 in channel within 120s", "action": "Auto-mute user for 10 minutes + remove messages", "threshold": "Cumulative per user per hour", "exceptions": "Legitimate rapid responses in #showcase during feedback threads (whitelist channel)", "documentation": "Auto-logged by Discord AutoMod" }, { "category": "Unsolicited Self-Promotion", "trigger": "Discord invite links, external game links, or 'check out my game' outside #showcase, #promote-here, #portfolio", "pattern": "discord\\.gg/|discord\\.com/invite/|itch\\.io|gumroad\\.com/|patreon\\.com/ OR ('check out my game'|'play my game'|'download my') in non-designated channels", "action": "Auto-remove message + DM user with rule clarification", "threshold": "1st occurrence = removal only; 2nd within 30 days = warning tier", "exceptions": "Links in replies to direct questions ('what engine do you use?'; 'where's your portfolio?') require human review", "documentation": "Incident logged with message content + channel context" }, { "category": "Spoilers Without Tags", "trigger": "Narrative/story spoilers posted in #feedback and #game-discussion without spoiler tags", "pattern": "Manual review trigger: posts containing 'spoiler' or 'major plot' or specific game title + narrative keywords (e.g., 'dies', 'ending', 'twist')", "action": "Auto-remove + template DM with spoiler tagging instructions", "threshold": "Contextual (1st offense = auto-remove only; repeat = warning)", "exceptions": "Spoiler discussion in #spoiler-zone is auto-allowed; old games (>2 years) in #general may not require tags (human judgment)", "documentation": "Log post, game title, reason code" }, { "category": "Unconstructive Criticism", "trigger": "Posts containing 'your game sucks', 'this is trash', 'you're bad at coding' without explanation OR pure insult with no feedback", "pattern": "Keyword match ('sucks'|'trash'|'garbage') + no supporting detail, OR isolated insult words (regex: (\\byou're bad\\b|\\byou suck\\b|\\bstupid game\\b)) + <20 chars post length", "action": "Flag for human review (do not auto-remove)", "threshold": "Context-dependent", "exceptions": "Sarcastic praise ('oh yeah, 10/10 game') is satire; harsh but detailed critique is allowed", "documentation": "Queue to mod channel for human triage within 4 hours" } ], "channelRules": { "#showcase": "Self-promotion encouraged; all game links allowed. Feedback must remain constructive.", "#feedback": "Critique threads only. All feedback must include at least one specific, actionable point.", "#general": "Off-topic discussion allowed within reason. No unsolicited promotion. No spoilers.", "#promote-here": "Self-promotion only; limited to 2 posts per member per week.", "#spoiler-zone": "Spoiler tags not required; assume all discussion may contain spoilers." } }

[ { "tier": 1, "name": "Automated Removal + DM Clarification", "triggeredBy": [ "First unsolicited self-promotion outside designated channels", "Spoilers without tags", "Obvious spam (duplicate/burst messages)", "Legitimate false positives (auto-flagged but benign)" ], "execution": "Automated (Discord AutoMod)", "action": [ "Remove message silently", "Send template DM to user with rule clarification and where to repost correctly" ], "template": "Hey! We removed your message from #[channel] — looks like [reason: unsolicited link/spoiler/spam]. No worries! You can [repost in #[correct-channel] / add a spoiler tag and repost / check out #promote-here for promo guidelines]. Let us know if you have questions!", "documentation": "Auto-logged; no manual entry required", "escalation": "If user repeats within 30 days → Tier 2" }, { "tier": 2, "name": "Warning + 24-Hour Mute", "triggeredBy": [ "2nd self-promotion violation within 30 days", "Repeat spam after Tier 1", "First instance of unconstructive criticism (harsh insult + no detail)", "Borderline hate speech (requires human judgment; not auto-removed)" ], "execution": "Manual (moderator in mod channel reviews + executes)", "action": [ "Mute user for 24 hours in community channels (keep DMs open)", "Send formal warning DM explaining the rule, why it matters to the community, and next steps", "Document in #mod-log with username, rule violated, and context" ], "template": "Hi [User]. We've noticed [specific behavior: repeated self-promotion/unconstructive posts] in our server. Our community guidelines require [brief rule restatement]. We've muted you for 24 hours to reset. After that, we're counting on you to follow our guidelines. If you're unsure about anything, ask us! Repeat violations may result in further action.", "documentation": "Mod-log entry: User ID, reason, message ID(s), date, moderator name, mute duration", "escalation": "If user repeats within 60 days after mute expires → Tier 3" }, { "tier": 3, "name": "Public Removal + Extended Mute (3–7 Days)", "triggeredBy": [ "3rd violation of same rule within 90 days", "First instance of clear hate speech (slurs, explicit dehumanizing language)", "Targeted harassment of another member (sustained, multiple posts)", "Brigading attempt from outside the community (coordinated disruption)" ], "execution": "Manual (lead moderator or community manager)", "action": [ "Remove all violating messages", "Mute user for 3–7 days depending on severity", "Post brief, neutral explanation in the channel or mod-log (if hate speech, mute in public channel to deter others)", "Send detailed DM explaining the violation, impact, and that further violations lead to ban", "Document in #mod-log with full context, decision rationale, and appeals process" ], "template": "We've removed [N] message(s) from [User] for [reason: hate speech / sustained harassment / brigading]. Our community is built on respect. We're muting them for [duration]. If you see similar behavior, report it. [User], you're muted for [duration]; we'll reevaluate after that.", "documentation": "Mod-log entry: User ID, all message IDs, full context (screenshots if necessary), moderator decision, rationale, mute duration, date set to auto-unmute", "escalation": "If user repeats post-unmute → Tier 4. If escalation involves threats or off-platform harassment → Escalate to Discord Trust & Safety immediately." }, { "tier": 4, "name": "Temporary Ban (7–30 Days) + Appeal Process", "triggeredBy": [ "4th violation of any rule within 180 days", "Severe hate speech (slurs + intent to demean, not discussion)", "Explicit threats or wishes of harm", "Member-on-member harassment campaign (multiple posts targeting one user)", "Evasion of previous mute with alt account" ], "execution": "Lead moderator or community manager only", "action": [ "Issue 7–30 day temporary ban (duration based on severity)", "Send ban notification DM with clear reason, rule cited, and appeals instructions", "Post to #mod-log (visible only to mod team) with full reasoning", "Document in external database (Google Sheet or similar) for pattern tracking", "Set calendar reminder for auto-review before ban expires" ], "template": "You've been temporarily banned from [Server] for [duration] due to [specific reason + rule citation]. This is a cooling-off period. We take [hate speech / harassment / threats] seriously. You can appeal this ban by replying to this message or DMing [Lead Mod Name] after [date]. An appeal requires: 1) acknowledgment of what you did, 2) why it violated our guidelines, 3) how you'll engage differently. We're serious about this community being safe for everyone.", "documentation": "Mod-log + external database: User ID, all relevant message IDs & screenshots, detailed reason, duration, ban date, scheduled review date, moderator name", "escalation": "If user attempts evasion (alt accounts, ban evasion) → Permanent ban. If harassment involves threats → Escalate to Discord Trust & Safety + document for legal escalation." }, { "tier": 5, "name": "Permanent Ban + Escalation", "triggeredBy": [ "Evasion of temporary ban using alt account", "Repeated severe violations across multiple accounts (coordinated harassment)", "Explicit threats of violence or harm (physical, sexual, doxxing)", "Illegal activity (phishing, malware distribution, solicitation of minors)", "Appeals process abuse (frivolous/harassment appeals)" ], "execution": "Community manager + lead moderator consultation; escalate to Discord Trust & Safety if applicable", "action": [ "Permanent ban issued", "All accounts linked to user banned if coordinated harassment detected", "No appeal process; decision is final", "Escalate to Discord Trust & Safety if threats or illegal activity involved", "Document everything for potential legal consultation" ], "template": "You have been permanently banned from [Server]. This is due to [reason: evasion of ban / repeated violations / threats / illegal activity]. We do not overturn permanent bans. If you believe this is an error, you can escalate to Discord Trust & Safety via [link].", "documentation": "Detailed case file: all usernames/IDs, all relevant messages, screenshots, timeline of violations, pattern analysis, decision rationale, Discord TSS escalation ticket #, legal consultation notes if applicable", "escalation": "To Discord Trust & Safety, law enforcement (if threats/doxxing), or legal counsel (if applicable)" } ]

[ { "edgeCase": "Sarcastic violations (e.g., 'oh wow, great game' posted sarcastically in feedback)", "triggers": "Post contains sarcasm markers (eye-roll emoji, 'yeah right', 'sure') OR obvious tone inversion + criticism buried", "decisionFramework": "Read full context + check user history. If user has pattern of constructive feedback, treat as one-off sarcasm and DM with tone guidance. If this is first post and purely sarcastic insult with no substance, treat as Tier 1 (flag for review, likely Tier 2 warning if pattern emerges). Default: assume good faith; ask for clarification before escalating.", "action": "If ambiguous: DM user asking them to clarify their feedback or rephrase constructively. If clearly sarcastic mockery with no value: Tier 2 warning." }, { "edgeCase": "Critique of game design that includes harsh language but is detailed and constructive (e.g., 'your UI is confusing as hell, but here's how to fix it')", "triggers": "Post contains swearing or 'harsh' words (sucks, terrible, etc.) + includes 3+ specific, actionable suggestions", "decisionFramework": "This is legitimate feedback, not unconstructive criticism. Swearing in the context of detailed critique is acceptable in a mature developer community. Do not escalate. If reporter complains, explain the distinction: 'harsh but helpful' ≠ 'insult without substance.'", "action": "No action. Leave post alone. If flagged by AutoMod, manually override with note in mod-log: 'Constructive critique; harsh language acceptable in context.'" }, { "edgeCase": "Spoiler discussion in #general where a user claims game is 'too old' to require tags, but others disagree (e.g., 5-year-old indie game still getting discovered)", "triggers": "Spoiler posted without tags + poster argues 'it's been out forever'; community pushes back", "decisionFramework": "No universal rule; context-dependent. If game is <2 years old OR still actively discussed in #feedback, require tags. If >5 years old and not a recent release focus, tags less critical but still appreciated. If conflict arises, mod should gently remind both parties: 'Older games still deserve spoiler tags if people are discovering them. Let's keep it safe for newcomers.' No punishment; just education.", "action": "Tier 1: Remove untagged spoiler + DM with context explanation. Do not escalate unless repeat offense." }, { "edgeCase": "Member-on-member harassment that's just below threshold (repeated, subtle insults directed at one person, but spread across multiple posts/days; each post individually borderline)", "triggers": "Pattern detection: same two users in conflict, 3+ posts from User A to User B in <7 days, each with a slightly insulting or dismissive tone; e.g., 'that's not how game dev works' or 'you clearly haven't shipped a game'", "decisionFramework": "This is harassment by pattern, not single posts. Tier 3 applies (extended mute + warning). Do not rely on AutoMod; human moderators must review chat history. Pull the conversation thread and assess cumulative impact. If User B feels targeted and tone is dismissive/condescending, escalate. Talk to both parties privately first; document everything.", "action": "Moderator reviews 7-day history, documents pattern with screenshots, issues Tier 2 warning to User A: 'We've noticed your recent posts toward [User B] have a dismissive tone. Even if unintended, this looks like targeting. Let's keep feedback constructive. If it continues, we'll escalate.' If User A repeats, escalate to Tier 3 (mute + warning)." }, { "edgeCase": "Brigading: external forum/Discord links to 'check out this bad game in the indie server' resulting in coordinated influx of negative posts from non-members", "triggers": "Sudden spike in new users posting in same thread, all with similar negative tone, all joined within 24 hours, referrable to external link", "decisionFramework": "This is coordinated disruption. Tier 3 or 4 applies depending on severity (hate speech vs. spam). Immediately: 1) Mute new users pending review, 2) Remove external recruitment posts, 3) Contact Discord Trust & Safety if hate speech involved, 4) Post community statement in #general: 'We welcome feedback, but coordinated harassment attempts will result in bans.' Do not overreact to one negative post; assess intentionality.", "action": "Moderators issue 7-day temporary mutes to coordinated new accounts (Tier 4). Escalate to Discord Trust & Safety if hate speech detected. Remove brigade-originating posts. Document all brigader IDs for potential permanent ban if pattern continues." }, { "edgeCase": "Self-promotion in DMs: new member joins and immediately pitches their game to moderators in DM (technically not in channel, but clearly spam/unsolicited)", "triggers": "User sends DM to mod team with game link + pitch shortly after joining", "decisionFramework": "This is off-platform self-promotion spam. Not a bannable offense (user isn't violating on-server rules), but respond with a single, friendly boundary-setting message. Direct them to #promote-here or #showcase and explain the structure. If they DM multiple mods or repeat after first message, block and note for pattern tracking.", "action": "One-time response: 'Hey! We're not the right audience for pitches in DM. Check out #promote-here or #showcase if you'd like to share your game with the community.' If user repeats across multiple mods or gets aggressive, add them to a 'spam DM' tracking list and consider banning from future DMs (do not mute in server)." }, { "edgeCase": "False positive: AutoMod flags a legitimate discussion of offensive language (e.g., 'How do I respectfully include [sensitive topic] in my narrative game?' with a slur in the question itself for context)", "triggers": "AutoMod removes post with slur or hate speech trigger; post is actually educational or meta-discussion about representation", "decisionFramework": "Slurs discussing slurs require human review before removal is final. If post is clearly academic or discussing how to handle sensitive topics *respectfully*, overrule AutoMod immediately and restore. DM user: 'Your post was auto-flagged for a sensitive word, but we can see it's a thoughtful discussion. We've restored it. Thanks for thinking carefully about representation.' Do not create a full exception rule (too easy to abuse); just restore individually.", "action": "Moderator reviews within 2 hours, restores if legitimate, DMs explanation. If abused (user posting slurs and claiming 'academic discussion'), Tier 2 warning on 2nd offense." }, { "edgeCase": "Power user with large following makes a critical post that's harsh but merited; community members report it as unconstructive; reporter has history of frivolous reports", "triggers": "Established community member (1000+ messages, respected) posts sharp critique; newer member reports as 'toxic'; mod history shows reporter files 5+ reports/week", "decisionFramework": "Reputation matters, but so does fairness. Review the post on merit, not reporter status. If critique is detailed and specific, it's legitimate—do not escalate. If it's insulting without substance, enforce equally regardless of user status. Address reporter privately: 'We review every report, but this critique was constructive. Filing 5+ reports weekly suggests you may be flag-happy. We appreciate vigilance, but aim for genuine violations.'", "action": "No action on flagged post. DM reporter with tone-setting message about frivolous reports. If reporter continues excessive flagging, mute them from the report function for 30 days (if Discord supports; otherwise, manual tracking)." }, { "edgeCase": "Heated debate about game design philosophy (two experienced devs arguing vehemently, e.g., 'your approach is fundamentally flawed') that escalates in tone but remains on-topic", "triggers": "Long exchange, raised voices (caps, ! or ? spam), personal frustration visible ('you're not listening'), but no slurs, threats, or off-topic attacks", "decisionFramework": "This is passionate discussion, not harassment. Do not intervene unless personal attacks emerge ('you're incompetent', 'you're bad at your job'). If tone is purely about disagreement on design, let it continue. If it crosses into personal insult, Tier 1: remove personal attack + DM both parties asking them to 'keep it about the design, not the person.' No mute needed unless pattern emerges.", "action": "Monitor but do not mute unless personal attacks occur. If needed, reply in thread: 'Love the design debate! Let's keep it focused on the ideas, not the people.' Then escalate only if personal attacks continue." }, { "edgeCase": "Appeal of Tier 3+ ban that seems legitimate and remorseful, but moderator team is split on whether to accept it", "triggers": "Banned user submits appeal acknowledging violation, expressing understanding, and proposing conditional return", "decisionFramework": "Require consensus from 3/4 moderators before overturning bans of Tier 3+. Lead moderator makes final call if split remains. If appeal is accepted, reduce to Tier 2 (mute with probation) rather than immediate return; monitor user for 30 days post-return. If rejected, provide written feedback on what would be required for future appeal (usually a 30-day wait + demonstrated behavioral change elsewhere).", "action": "Lead mod collects votes from team within 48 hours. If 3+ approve: convert to Tier 2 (mute 7 days, then conditional return with probation notice). If 2 or fewer approve: reject appeal with clear criteria for reapplication in 30 days. Document decision and vote count in mod-log." } ]