In May 2011 our updated forum rules went into effect.
How are they working for you so far?
While have not had one complaint about a new rule or rule change, we’d like hear of any. Also, there are the rules and there is implementation of these rules by our volunteer forum managers. If you have any specific comments about how we’ve applied the new rules over the last few months, let us know as well.
These rules represent our freedom of assembly based our desire for strong civility and the use of real names.
Here is the verbatim summary from our full rules:
Rules Summary
- Real Names Required: Register and post with your real name and community.
- Right to Post and Reply: Sharing your knowledge and opinions with your fellow participants is a democratic right.
- Limits on Posting within a Forum’s Purpose: Two posts per day per member on most forums. Forum charters determine geographic or topical scope.
- Be Civil: No name-calling. Respect among people with differing views is our cornerstone.
- No Personal Attacks: This keeps the forums welcoming and safer.
- Private Stays Private: Don’t forward private communication without permission.
- Avoid Unsubstantiated Rumors: Asking for clarification of what you’ve heard in the community can be appropriate if issues-based. You alone are responsible for what you post.
- Items Not Allowed in Forums: No strong profanity, pornographic content, chain letters, unsolicited commercial advertising, etc. Forum charters may detail examples or exceptions including allowing commercial exchange and advice.
- Public Content and Use: You are sharing your content under the E-Democracy.org selected Creative Commons license unless you state an alternative copyright.
- Warnings and Suspensions: You may receive informal or official warnings. The volunteer Forum Manager is responsible for facilitation and enforcing rules. With your second official warning in one year, you are suspended for two weeks. You may appeal all warnings after a third warning that brings a six-month suspension.
- Forum Managers: Each forum has a manager with responsibilities and technical privileges to meet those responsibilities. Disputes with Forum Managers may be brought to E-Democracy.org through various mechanisms.