=]IMDHO[=

1) Need.
2) Normally a pool of candidates is thrown up for discussion. Obviously the current moderator(s) of the forum have to get along.
3) Those candidates are normally chosen from candidates who show they can self moderate and dampen flame wars on the whole. Kurkikhan is very good at stopping flame wars.
4) Mature enough to take responsibility for their own actions. Oops I threw Napalm on the flame war not Fire Fighting foam.
5) Have a thick skin and a good sense of humour. Rob the Bastard is a classic example, Gregoshi as well.
6) Relatively political moderate. Very hard thing to measure considering this is a world wide board.
7) Available fairly often.
8) Ready to find ways other then just upping warning levels.
9) Ready to punish offenders when you have to. Some people are just too nice. Personally I carry a pair of bricks to use on offenders as I find castration gets most peoples attention... 'What is the sound of two bricks clapping.'

The candidate is PMed and asked if they would like to be a Moderator. It is not done in the Forums.

As always all patrons are expected to moderate themselves. In the end of the day it would be a much better board if the AMs and Moderators where more tour guides then on a tour of duty.