What the OAC network is NOT for

[Keith Hart]

Here are some don’ts that the team of administrators propose for discussion by members.

No flaming, insults or hate speech
Discussion of fundamental issues is likely to get heated at times. But personal attacks, insults, malicious behavior, bullying or taunting are incompatible with our shared life as a community. Personal disputes may be carried out in private; and, if these cannot be resolved, you are free to block any member. Incitement to hatred is banned, but not discussion of hate speech itself.

No spamming
Spamming links, images and malicious content or repeatedly posting nonsense will discourage others from participating in our public discussions. Content of this sort will be removed after a warning. We would also ask you to refrain from excessive promotion of your other sites, company or personal brand.

No pornography or solicitation
There is some room for debate over what constitutes an “explicit” image, but we will not allow pornographic material to be posted on the site. We also ban the use of the OAC for “adult dating services”.

Ning terms of service
Registering as a member of Ning requires your acceptance of the Ning Terms of Service. Violation of the Terms of Service is a personal matter outside the purview of the OAC.

Sanctions
The Admins team will contact anyone we think might be in violation of this code and ask for an explanation. If we are not satisfied, a warning will be issued. Penalties for repeated or extreme behavior could include deletion of material and banning from the network. All such cases will be reported to the Members for discussion.

[Keith Hart]

Thanks, Stacey.

I am not sure at what point in this process members need to be involved. But your point that it is worth discussing is taken.

We were just making it clear that we do not mediate between individual members and Ning. Maybe that is worth saying, maybe not.

Stacie Gilmore said:

The Admins team will contact anyone we think might be in violation of this code and ask for an explanation. If we are not satisfied, a warning will be issued. Penalties for repeated or extreme behavior could include deletion of material and banning from the network. All such cases will be reported to the Members for discussion.

[Philip Carl SALZMAN]

For my part, I like the reference to Ning Terms of Service. I am guilty, as perhaps many others are, of clicking through "terms of service" on various sites, without considering the terms carefully. It is not a bad idea to remind folks what they have agreed to. It is even more important for OAC to say that t-o-s are a matter between the individual and the site.

I wonder if every word of warning to an individual should be open to all members. There is a question of privacy. And I am not sure that "name and shame" is where we want to go. Furthermore, if every warning is public, then perhaps our administrators will hesitate to warn when they should, leading inadvertantly to greater violations and more serious steps required. So I would say, no. warnings should be private between the administrators and the individuals.

Pace: Stacie.

[Keith Hart]

Thanks, Philip. I think that was what we had in mind. But it is always good to get a variety of opinions.

Philip Carl SALZMAN said:

I wonder if every word of warning to an individual should be open to all members. There is a question of privacy. And I am not sure that "name and shame" is where we want to go. Furthermore, if every warning is public, then perhaps our administrators will hesitate to warn when they should, leading inadvertantly to greater violations and more serious steps required. So I would say, no. warnings should be private between the administrators and the individuals.