Zello Moderators Guidelines

This page describes the role and responsibility of channel owners and moderators.

Last Updated: MAY-1-2020

Zello’s public channels are for all of us. It’s the channel owners and moderators who make the difference between a fun and robust channel and one that pushes people away. Sometimes you have to take action to block users. Just be sure not to violate the community guidelines and arbitrarily remove users.

If you don’t want a public channel that everyone can access, you can create a password-protected channel to control who can join your channel.

Valid reasons to block users

The following are examples of reasons to block a user. You can refer to Zello Community Guidelines for details.

Bullying and harassment. Zello does not tolerate bullying or harassment. While we allow users to speak freely, we don’t allow abusive behavior directed at individuals. Repeatedly
targeting other users with unwanted contact requests or messages is harassment.
Violence and threats. No one in the Zello community may threaten to harm others or plan violent acts. Zello will remove any such content. If we believe there’s a risk of physical harm or a threat to public safety, Zello may report it to law enforcement. We also prohibit
promoting, planning, or celebrating any actions involving financial harm to others, including theft and vandalism.
Hate speech. Zello does not permit hate speech. Hate speech is when people attack people based on race, gender, religion, disability, age, origin, veteran status, and sexual orientation.
Identity and privacy. People use their identities to connect and share on Zello. This creates a culture of accountability and builds trust. Claiming to be another person, creating multiple accounts, or falsely representing an organization undermines the community.
Phishing and spam. We take the safety of our members seriously and work to prevent attempts to compromise their privacy or security. We also expect you to respect our members by not contacting them for commercial purposes without their consent.
Invalid reasons for blocking a user

The following are examples of reasons NOT to block a user.

Listening. Not everyone wants to participate in a conversation; some users prefer to just listen. Don’t block users just because they don’t participate in the conversation.
Free speech. We encourage you to challenge ideas, institutions, events, and practices. Don’t block users just because you don’t agree with what they say. (The only exceptions are the previously mentioned reasons for blocking.)
Cliques. Part of the fun of Zello is making new friends and connecting with people. Don’t block users just because they’re not part of your inner circle.
Trending channels for Moderators

If you want to grow your audience try these tips so your channel is available in the Trending list:

Update your channel profile with the primary language spoken. Only add English where
English is common on the channel and both the channel name and description are also in English.
Confirm the Promote box is checked (or uncheck to remove from trending). Password
channels are not shown in Trending. If you are having trouble with channel trolls consider trying the Zelect channel type.
If your channel would not be played over your local radio station then Check the 18+ box. When users flag the channel Zello may classify it for you or even disable access. Channels with inappropriate pictures or descriptions should be marked as 18+
Stay online as an active moderator or the channel won’t be displayed in Trending.
Channels will move up the trending list based on active conversations between real users. Fake accounts won’t help, those caught trying to game the system can have their channel suspended or lose ownership. Channels that don’t keep users won’t last on trending.
Channel ownership transfers

As a channel owner, you may transfer channel ownership to another user at any time. This user must also be a moderator in your channel. Transfers are permanent and cannot be reversed by Zello. Never give out your account password to other users or pass channels to other users on a temporary basis. Owners are responsible for all activity and consequences resulting from channel transfers. Zello will not consider any requests to intervene or change ownership back to the previous owner.