Internal Operating Rules (IOR) of Reefer’s Den
ARTICLE VIII – CODE OF CONDUCT
Section 1 Discipline and Conduct Paragraph 1. All group actions will be in accordance with the local law. Group membership may also be revoked by a majority vote by the ExeCom or 2/3 vote of active members. A warning system will be in place to track violations that occur. Please note that we do not allow for appeals on warnings. We have brief definitions of the warning listed below. The first (1st) violation results in a warning. The second (2nd) violation, a one (1) month moderation period where all posts made will have to be approved by a moderator (note that this will delay one’s posts by an undefined period of time). The third (3rd) violation, will result in account suspension and delisting as member of RD© . Paragraph 2 RD© is a family-oriented site with participation open to people of all ages, races, nationalities, religions, sexual orientations, political affiliations (etc.). Members of this site are expected to practice restraint when posting opinions that may be offensive to other members. Members are also expected to be tolerant of views and opinions posted by other and to refrain from use of derogatory terms, vulgar language or to otherwise incite arguments with other members. RD© ExeCom and moderators reserve the right to remove, relocate or edit any post that they feel may be illegal, immoral, disruptive or contrary to the mission and purpose of this site. Paragraph 3 Considering the real-time nature of this message board, it is impossible for us to review all post and messages or confirm the validity of information posted. Please remember that we do not actively monitor the contents of posted messages and are not responsible for any messages posted. We do not vouch for or warrant the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any message, and are not responsible for the contents of any message. The messages express the views of their author, not necessarily the views of RD© or any entity associated with RD©. Any user who feels that a posted message is objectionable is encouraged to contact ExeCom immediately. We have the ability to remove objectionable messages and we will make every effort to do so, within a reasonable time frame, if we determine that removal is necessary. This is a manual process, so please realize that we may not be able to remove or edit particular messages immediately. Paragraph 4 RD© online pages (FB, Official website, Fragsaction) uses moderators whose job it is to encourage the fruitful, respectful interaction of its members and to ensure that the pages rules and all applicable law are followed. From time to time, action may be taken editing, moving or removing posts, and may necessitate follow-on contact with the member by the moderating team. All contact by and with the moderating team in performing or responding to these actions shall be respectful. Egregious or repeated violations of this rule will be referred to the RD© ExeCom for review and action, and may result in a temporary suspension of posting privileges or banning from the group. Paragraph 5 Please keep in mind that text based conversations can lack the subtleties of voice or face-to-face communication. There are ways to add some of the subtleties of verbal and face-to-face communication into a text-based medium. The incorporation of textual and visual cues can help to convey your message in its intended tone. Some methods include the use of emoticons such as smilies to indicate humor, the use of tags to indicate your intentions i.e. /joke, or the use of ALL CAPS to indicate shouting. As with normal conversation, shouting is considered rude and should be avoided. Additionally, remember everyone here has different experience levels and comes from different walks of life. Please refrain from nitpicking or engaging in personal attacks. If you disagree with someone, by all means point out what you disagree with and clarify respectfully why you disagree. That is a constructive discussion. Calling someone names and stalking them is not constructive. Personal attacks and divulging any personal information is strictly prohibited and can result in sanctions being levied. Paragraph 6 Finally, please be considerate of the thread topic and do not divert the discussion. This is known as hijacking and is also considered to be rude behavior. The rules of etiquette are by no means exhaustive and are only strong suggestions. For egregious violations of these suggestions the moderators may delete posts, warn posters, or remove threads. Severe violations may result in suspension or revocation of access and/or termination of RD© membership. Section 2 Warning Definition List Paragraph 1 Swearing – a member who uses excessive profanity or the use of profanity in a derogatory and or inflammatory manner. Paragraph 2 Avatar/ Signature Abuse – Please note that we do not allow avatars or signatures of sexual content, racist remarks, or inflammatory text. Paragraph 3 Insubordination – Note that the above rules cannot cover every topic that might present itself. In a forum , social media, website and other online platform if ExeCom informs you to stop doing something, we ask that you comply. Paragraph 4 Spamming – For general purposes spamming is any post that does not add any worth to the forum, social media, website and other online platform. This will be left up to the ExeCom on a case by case basis. Paragraph 5 Harassment – The use of any RD© resource in a way that is intended to disturb, upset, or threaten others. The RD© maintains a zero tolerance policy towards harassment. Paragraph 6 Insulting - Do not send messages that are deliberately hostile and insulting to other users. Paragraph 7 Trading Insult - Do not trade insults with other members. If a posting offends you, take the matter up with the poster directly privately, or bring it to the attention of the ExeCom. Paragraph 8 No Flaming - There is a difference between voicing a legitimate concern or grievance and simply badmouthing or some other form of written abuse of someone or some service. These will be deleted upon discovery. Paragraph 9 Do not use the RD© FB page, chat room or website to discuss, raise or attack other similar reef keeping group for personal gain. Paragraph 10 Do not use offensive language Paragraph 11 Do not post unauthorized personal information (names, address, phone number, email etc.).Make sure you respect the confidentiality of others and do not disclose any non-public information or personal information without consent. Paragraph 12 You are responsible for the content you post. This includes information, text, photos, messages etc. If you didn’t create the content that you post, it is your responsibility to ensure you have the necessary consent. Paragraph 13 Respect other users. Set the tone for online conversations by being polite, open and respectful. It is not expected that you will agree with other users at all times but it is expected that you write your comments in a respectful way. Any abusive, offensive or inflammatory posts or any comments which personally attack any individual will not be tolerated and will be removed. Paragraph 14 Do not post materials or discussion that advocates illegal activity or discusses illegal activities with the intent to commit them. Paragraph 15 Always give credit where credit is due. Give proper attribution when using, quoting or basing your content on the work of others. In other words present quotes as quotes, link to original articles, give photo and illustration credit to the original creator etc. Paragraph 16 Do not use RD© s logos, trademarks or materials on your website/blog or in other online post or printable material unless it has been approved by the ExeCom Paragraph 17 Admit and correct your mistakes immediately. When an inaccuracy or error in your post is discovered by you or someone else, correct it immediately and announce that you have done so to ensure that those who base their opinions and other actions on the incorrect information have a chance to make corrections as well. It is your duty to uphold the truth and present fact even if that means admitting you were wrong. Paragraph 18 Sub chat rooms composed of members of RD© for the purpose of gossip mongering, rumor mongering, tell-tailing and character assassination is prohibited. If discovered, this will be referred to the RD© ExeCom for due process and action, and may result in a temporary suspension of posting privileges or removal from the group. |