"If liberty and equality, as is thought by some, are chiefly to be found in democracy, they will be best attained when all persons alike share in the government to the utmost." - Aristotle
Introduction
This treatise is designed to highlight the qualities a moderator should possess, whether Civitates or Staff are best suited to judge said traits and what effects voting upon the frontline moderator might incur.
On Defining Traits a Moderator Should Possesses
In order to choose a moderator, one must first understand what traits make a good frontline moderator and which ones can be ascertained a priori (before moderating) and which ones are established a posteriori (after moderating). As always with TWC, it is good to draw parallels with the Rome as we base much of our government on Roman values. Thusly, I submit to you the Via Romana transmogrified for our great Curia.
Auctoritas "Respectful of Authority"
A moderator should be deferential to superiors in matters of staff. For example, if a moderator does an action that his superiors ask him to discontinue; he should do so (with a presumption that the request is reasonable). This brings about stability within the staff and promotes other members to also demonstrate Auctoritas. This action is most often attributed a posteriori but occasionally is present a priori in forums such as the Consilium Publicum.
Comitas "Ease of manner"
Natural amiability is important for putting upset members at ease, lightening the mood of a conversation and dispelling anger directed at staff. It is an inherent trait that can be almost universally transmitted a priori and will rarely surface a posteriori. Even if it should demonstrate itself as such; it will most often be done so in a manner all Civitates can see.
Clementia "Gentle"
Gentleness refers to the likelihood of getting angry and issuing ad hominen attacks and it also deals with clemency, that of showing mercy to someone that has offended them or others they care about. This becomes an issue with moderating in that it prevents one from judging on personal bias and it ensures that justice not vengeance is carried out in punishments. This can be demonstrated both a priori and a posteriori but always the signs are present a priori to an insightful viewer.
Dignitas "Sense of self-worth"
High self-esteem is an important facet for moderating. It gives one confidence in their decision, a certain decisiveness of action and ensures that the possess a certain consistency when handling issues. This trait is always known a priori and can often be understood from the very first post.
Firmitas "Tenacious"
When one believes in something, they must fight for it and not waver even when others prevail against them. Standing firm against opposition is necessary when making important decisions and is especially important when making necessary but unpopular decisions.
Gravitas "Responsible"
Responsibility is a trait that due to the anonymity of the Internet is often discovered a posteriori. However, with positions such as Pro Curator, local moderators and in the creation of modifications for Total War. Possessing Gravitas is most important for the higher rungs of moderating and is of some import for frontline moderators as well.
Honestas "Respectable"
In order to command obedience, one must also command respect. Honestas is nearly universally transmitted a priori and is easily recognized. Rarely does someone without respectability gain it through moderation alone.
Humanitas "Cultured"
Refinement and intelligence define one who possesses Humanitas. Moderators represent the epitome of what TWC represents and as such must be held to the highest standard in regard to the content they present.
Industria "Hard working"
Like Firmitas, this one is most often demonstrated a posteriori except in cases again of Pro Curator and modifications.
Pietas "Devotion"
Devotion to the site. A moderator has a duty to the site and thus needs to possess a duty or commitment towards it. Length of time spent at the site, number of posts, the content of posts all can demonstrate Pietas. Again, this is usually and with good reason determined a priori.
Prudentia "Common Sense"
Prudence is necessary in order to ensure that all decisions one makes as a moderator have been thought out and are appropriate.
Salubritas "Wholesomeness"
Speaking without the censor bypass, being crass or rude are all aspects of Salubritas. A moderator sets the tone of the forum and that tone must be one of maturity.
Severitas "Self-control"
I would remind you to also never forget the words of the Delphi: "Meden Agan" (Nothing in Excess). Restraint prevents the other traits from being taken in excess and as such has to be judged in relation to every other trait. It isn't a priori or a posteriori but rather dependent on the individual trait being analyzed.
On Choosing a First Time Moderator
For the purpose of the frontline moderators; a posteriori traits can largely be dismissed save when the aspirant in question has previous moderating skills or possesses relevant experience such as being on a mod team. What then makes a member Senior Staff more capable of appointing a frontline moderator? Both have access to the same posts, so we can exclude that factor. Perhaps then it's on what traits a moderator must possess. However, these traits have existed for millennia yet they are still relevant and applicable today and require no moderatorship to determine. That leaves us with User Notes.
User notes are an oft cited reason for why a Civitates should not choose frontline moderators. Thus, I suggest that for the case of running in an election, that Candidates release their user notes for the purposes of evaluating. This would resolve the disparity between Staff and Civitates on the judging of whom best would serve as a frontline moderator. If this is deemed too sensitive then I suggest that the warnings be summarized with the number of warnings, the type of warning, the severity (as per the Handbook) and the dates be issued.
On Voting
When did the Civitates become incapable of anything more than voting based on popularity. These are not the Civitates I know. The Civitates I know possess many of the traits outlined above and care about this site. Sure, the occasional personal bias makes itself clear but Senior Staff is no less subject to personal bias. I submit that those who consider elections nothing more than a popularity contest should reevaluate your position towards your fellow Civitate. When I look at the Curia I see a meritocratic body of members who I would entrust with a both the choosing of moderators and the very providence of this site.
Practical Application of the Outlined Principles
Without historical precendence; it could be claimed that this treatise relies on the ideal and denies the practical. As such, I present to you the case of imb39. Prior to his appointment, he was well known for possessing the traits of Comitas, Clementia, Honestas, Humanitas, Prudentia and Salubritas. Though his time as Urbanis Legio was quite brief, he recieved nearly ninety percent of the vote and became Quaestor. A true example of the Curia being able to demonstrate the appropiate traits of Moderators. The recent results of the Most Helpful Staff award is further justification of this principle in practice.
Conclusion
I leave the conclusion, to my fellow man.