If one performs their mod duties just right, the work is virtually invisable most times. Many times issues get addressed behind the scenes before most folks even have an idea something was amiss. Many times its a thankless job, but it has its perks as well.
The main and most important thing accepting a position as a moderator, is accept the position for the right reasons. Only you know what your reasons are, but the truth will be visable to many before long.
Moderators do not control the boards, but rather they nudge the board into the best possible direction or in a direction desired by the administraor. A heavy hand is usually never the solution.
In a nutshell:
Moderator = taking out the trash + referee + no pay + no 401K + long hours + hated by a few + making hard decisions correctly + being tactful + being told to F off sometimes + being a team player + you get the picture
