martinibuster - 3:14 pm on Aug 10, 2012 (gmt 0)

And what is in it for the moderator?

It relates to positive Community Citizenship. Many forum administrators do not understand the concept of Community Citizenship and their moderator choices reflect that.

Ideally, a moderator participates as a way of giving back to the community. The ideal moderator candidate is a member who has exhibited an appreciation for the community and wants to be an active participant in helping the community continue being a good place to visit. Those are the only people I choose, members who care about the community, promote the positive aspects of community citizenship and exhibit traits of wanting to help.