SharperIron Forum Comment Policy

Preface

At SI, we understand that violating a rule is the not the same thing as committing a sin. The rules below reflect a mix of biblical principles as well as practical and legal considerations. The rules are not all of equal importance and we try to handle violations with that in mind. We encourage you to read the underlying princples found here.

Qualifications and motivations

1.1 Do not post if you are not in agreement with our Doctrinal Statement.
1.2 Do not start a discussion unless you intend to continue it. If you cannot continue it, explain why you can’t.
1.3 Do not start threads simply to stir up controversies.
1.4 Do not create posts that ridicule other members.

Legal and ethical concerns

2.1 Do not post or upload words, documents, images, or other information in any manner that violates the copyrights, trademarks, or other intellectual property rights. Do not knowingly represent the words or thoughts of others as your own (credit sources).
2.2 Do not post any correspondence that was intended to be private without permission of the author.
2.3 Do not post what you know to be untrue or in a manner that impersonates others.
2.4 Do not promote or seek assistance for an unlawful activity or discuss an unlawful activity in a manner that indicates an intent to engage in it.

General demeanor in posts

3.1 Do not post (or link to) words, documents, images, etc., that are vulgar, obscene, graphically violent;  that harm or exploit minors in any way; or that depict harm or exploitation of minors.
3.2 Do not advocate harassment or unlawful violence against groups or individuals or engage in “hate speech.”
3.3 Do not engage in derogatory name-calling (“liar,” “heretic,” “idiot,” etc.).
3.4 Do not attack others’ motives, speculate about the genuineness their conversion or inject other ad hominem arguments into discussions (rather than attacking members’ spiritual maturity, education background, etc., respond to their ideas)
new! 3.5 Do not post criticism, analysis or speculation in death-related news threads or obituary threads.

Practical concerns

4.1 Do not post substantially the same text in more than one location at SI.
4.2 Do not disrupt or interfere with threads, forums, or other SI functions; post off-topic comments; or start threads in the wrong forum.
4.3 Do not post chain letters, pyramid schemes, etc.
4.4 Do not upload or link to any scripts, viruses, worms, trojans, or other forms of malware, spyware, or adware.
4.5 Do not use posts to advertise products and services or solicit on behalf of organizations or causes. (SI members may announce their own published books in the Christian Writers forum. Members may post information and links in response to other members’ questions and may include links to products and services in their signatures.)
new! 4.6 Do not publicly protest or argue against specific Moderator actions (e-mail and private messaging are appropriate avenues for redress).
 

rev. 5/11/09