Various conflict situations may arise practically in all the communities. This is somewhat rational thing as it is quite common for people to disagree in some questions and to share different opinions firmly sticking to their own point. The main thing about it is to prevent the constructive confrontation from breaking into the hubbub of arguing voices. The prevention of such situations is a basic responsibility of the community administrator.

The reasons for community conflicts may vary form inherent in its nature, such as personal misunderstandings, ill attitude towards administrative actions, dissatisfaction with alterations made to community and alike, to external ones including slanging match between rival communities, or, what is more, competitive fighting between business rivals.

1. The Rules Establishment
Each community must be governed by the well-established rules which cannot exist just as fables rehashed by one user to another. These rules must be well-defined and documentary available to public, thus constituting a sort of a community governing law. All the registered community members should be invariably considered as persons having accepted the community rules.

The well-established rules may allow preventing many conflict situations as well as serving administrator a strong argument in case of disputes settlement.

The so established rules are not recommended to be frequently changed; otherwise, community members might think that administrator adopts such changes for his own benefit.

2. The Creation of Moderator Groups
There is no way for a peaceful community without the entire group of moderators. First of all, single moderator will not be able to maintain proper order in the community. Besides, in case of a conflict, he is hardly able to oppose rebels alone. The effect will be quite different if rebels are opposed by the entire group of moderators (optimally consisting of 5-7 people).

3. The Creation of Inner Communities
Another way of the community conflicts prevention is the creation of club pools from among the most loyal users. Such “inner communities” are not only the main movers of the community activities, but also a perfect tool for resolving conflict situations in an early stage.

Conflict instigators typically use common dissatisfaction with the administration actions as a cover of their own ill will positioning their point as a riot of demos against the high and mighties’ impudence. In such a case the moderator is originally understood by the users as an opponent, that is why the support of “common members” is so extremely wanted in case of conflict situations . Thus, the well-timed “inner communities” creation is most likely to prevent many conflicts.

4. Continuous mood monitoring
The administrator should be in the know of the community members’ mood, and promptly respond to possible conflict situations. This statement is supported by saying: “Forewarned is forearmed.”

5. Administrator’s Position
The administrator should firmly stick to his point disregarding any outer opinions. To build up a good public image he also should be rather strict but fair. This statement may sound rather “upright” but only such administrator will be able to become a competent person for the whole community.

The most important element of conflict prevention is common atmosphere in the community. An affirmative and friendly spirit of the community unites its members and reasons rebellious attitudes. The creation of such atmosphere is the main task of the community manager.