Moderation allows messages sent to a LISTSERV list to be reviewed before they are distributed.

When moderation is enabled, messages are held and sent to a designated editor or list owner for approval.

Before You Start

• You must be a list owner.
• The person approving messages must be assigned as an Editor.

Steps to Enable Moderation

1. Assign an Editor

• Go to the list’s configuration settings.
• Under Administrators, assign the approver (for example, ) as Editor.

• Save your changes.

Editors can approve or reject messages held for moderation.

2. Configure the Send Key

• Navigate to Subscriptions.
• Set the Send option to Editor.
• Check the box for Hold.

• Save your changes.

This ensures that all messages sent to the list are held for review instead of being delivered immediately.

3. Set Default Moderation for New Subscribers

• Scroll to the Default Options field at the bottom of the subscriptions page.

• Add the Review option.

• Save your changes.

Any new subscribers added after this point will automatically have their messages sent for review.

4. Non-Member Senders

Non-member senders are also subject to Review.
Messages sent by non-members will be held for moderation and routed to the editor or list owner for approval.

5. Apply Moderation to Existing Subscribers

Existing subscribers are not affected by default settings. To moderate them:

• Go to Subscriber Reports.
• Select the subscribers you want to apply moderation to.
• Under Miscellaneous, check All Postings Sent to List Owner for Review.

• Save your changes.

Their future messages will now be held for moderation.

What Happens After Moderation Is Enabled

• Messages sent to the list are held for review.
• Editors or list owners receive moderation notices.
• Approved messages are distributed to the list.
• Rejected messages are not delivered.