Chat Rooms--How to handle different situations----

As a moderator, I tend to see how the discussion is taking place. If someone briefly mentions something, such as religion, I will not hound them with the rules. Authoritarian moderating is never effective, likewise with authoritarian parenting(Developmental Psych forya)

If someone briefly mentions they believe in God, or lackthereof, I scan to make sure it's more of a side note rather than the main focus or subject matter. If a light conversation arises then I stay focused to ensure it's all good. Any sense of tension and the conversation is switched.

With sex. If someone briefly mentions sex, such as "This depression is so bad, I am not even able to have sex!" then I wouldn't tackle the issue. If the discussion gets graphic, which violates our rules, then I will intervene. Usually I give a friendly warning at that point. Likewise with cursing. If someone use a vulgar word and it's censored, I will not say anything. If it continues, or others join in, then I intervene.

*MOST* of the time, it settles itself or withers before escalating. I am not a supporter of jumping down peoples'throats. We have rules to enforce, but overdoing it will actually negatively impact the chatroom. If I give a warning, it's to the chatroom to chill out with whatever rule I am addressing. From there, if it continues, I will either ask the person to PM me if it occurs again or will mute them if they're excessively violating.

It's a case by case scenario. Some others have different moderating methods so this is just my style. It's somewhat a relaxed-approached, but requires undivided attention.