The role of the computer conference moderator and suggestions for effective conference moderation are presented in this paper, which covers the following points: (1) opening statement; (2) agenda and topics to be discussed; (3) invitations to participants; (4) conference duration; (5) hands-on training for participants; (6) selection of participants; (7) necessary number of participants; (8) equipment availability; (9) network connections; (10) definition of "success" in a particular conference; (11) steering the conference; (12) stimulating discussion; (13) adding new topics to the agenda; (14) group decision making; (15) copyright; (16) financial constraints; (17) keeping on target; (18) troubleshooting; (19) comfort levels; and (20) managing censorship. These topics are divided into four loosely defined categories which reflect the life cycle of a conference--beginnings, introductory stages, the mature conference, and wrap-up. Roles identified for the moderator include organizer, goal-setter, discriminator of useful or useless ideas, host, pace setter, explainer, and entertainer. (MES)