having elements or qualities mixed in proper or suitable proportions; especially, made less severe. Contrasted with harsh.
Mailing lists can be moderated, meaning someone or some automated procedure assures the messages sent to the list are on topic. Mailing lists can also be partially moderated or unmoderated like Usenet newsgroups. This leads to a lot of unnecessary and undesirable postings as anyone who has read many newsgroups can attest. (8/97)
A newsgroup is said to be Moderated when there is a `moderator', a person who must approve all message before posting. The process will appear the same to you, but will explain why it might take some time before your message appears in a newsgroup. The idea is that a moderated is likely to have more useful content, devoid of spam and useless, off-topic posts.
having elements or qualities mixed in proper or suitable proportions; especially made less severe; "justice moderated with mercy"
When a majordomo mailing list is moderated, all messages sent to the list are forwarded to the list owner for approval before being sent to all list members.
Forums and chat sessions are moderated so that postings can be screened for suitability and adherence to standards.
All messages posted must be approved by the forum administrator/owner before being visible to other users.
A discussion list in which a human being (the moderator) must approve messages before they are distributed to the list. This is usually to prevent spam or off-topic posts.
New groups or forum checked by an individual with the authority to censor messages.