This column is the work of the author. Methods, statements and opinions expressed are not to be construed as the official policy of or of any person appointed in a position of authority at AP. All actions are at the reader’s risk. All names shown in images are imaginary and bear no intentional resemblance (at the time of writing) to any AP name.
The Chatterbox
The Chatterbox is an open area and can be accessed by all ages. It is for this reason that
the Chatterbox is heavily regulated and monitored frequently by the Moderators.
The Chatterbox is G-rated or family rated. If you couldn’t or wouldn’t talk about it in front of any family, don’t do it here.
Chatterbox Conduct
What is not allowed (proscribed behaviour)
Swearing, profanity and asterisks -
Rather obvious and one of the most broken rules. Using gaps, misspellings and misdirection to get around the censor programme counts as just as bad as swearing since it cannot be counted as casual or unintentional. The moderators have no way of telling if a series of asterisks are swearing or merely asterisks so they are viewed as swearing. Getting Promotion of posted items, whether yours or of others.
Web addresses, URL’s, messenger and e-mail addresses
These are not allowed in open forum for the protection of the individual.
Promotion of posted items
Promotion is not allowed in the Chatterbox. The main reason for this is that it is a chatterbox and the room would be flooded with people asking for reads and comments which is very annoying. Limiting promotion encourages members to participate more by earning points and thus promotes positive interaction.
What is not allowed (implied policies)
Arguments involving vitriolic comments, harassment and threats. Derogatory comments aimed at other members.
Note that the Chatterbox is a transitory medium and therefore criticism of Allpoetry is allowed provided it does not turn into a witch-hunt as each member (including staff) have the right of reply and provided it does not cause dissention.
The ‘PERSONAL PROBLEMS AMONG POETS’ is a section dealing with conduct between members.
The relevant sections are:
‘we do not allow…. name calling, flaming, personal insults, etc’
Do not use AllPoetry as the venue for sustaining personal arguments with another poet, poets, or Allpoetry in general.
These policies can be deemed as applying to the Chatterbox as negative interaction causes problems. It would be absurd to assume that what is not allowed elsewhere should be allowed in the chatterbox.
Chatter of an explicit or disturbing nature
This is covered under the ‘g-rating’ rule. Clearly a warts-and-all discourse on subjects of a sexual or violent nature are out of order. Constant references to cutting, blood or matters of obvious bad taste constitute cumulative infringement.
Rule 15 states It is against site policy to engage in sexually explicit talk with children under the age of eighteen. It is also against policy to make explicit comments about them regarding their sexuality, desirability and or physical attributes including trying to encourage, lure or attempt to attract a child under 18 into private conversation that contains any sexual comments/discussion.
Age is an unknown quantity on the net and thus it can be inferred that anything greater than mild titillation can be construed, in the chatterbox, as forbidden
Trolling, sarcasm and sniping
Again, a cumulative offence. Isolated or infrequent examples are likely to be overlooked but systematic and prolonged episodes are likely to attract a ban. The purpose of the chatterbox is to chat, not to take pot-shots at others.
Grandstanding, soap-boxing and partial conduct
Trying to force your views on others and harping on and on about a single subject restricts chat and causes negativity. Any subject will quickly become annoying if belaboured and sensitive subjects such as religion and politics are likely to draw a negative response.
Prejudicial remarks
Racially offensive remarks, even in jest, are forbidden. Remarks aimed at denigrating a particular group, such as a religious sect or creed, are frowned upon and are likely to be seen as provocative.
Overview
The chatterbox will always attract the rebellious, the contrary and the contentious and thus it is a heavily monitored medium. The purpose of the Moderators is to try and keep the peace and to enforce the rules within the Chatterbox. Swearing, bickering, and the like will generally be overlooked as a one-off and the most likely result is an issued warning. Many of the actions taken by a Moderator (but not always because of the transient nature of the medium) stem from a direct complaint from a chatter. A chat ban is regarded as the last resort.
Once warning is issued, irrespective of whom it is issued to, a person who then infringes the warning is, in fact, provoking the Moderator and exacerbating the situation. Provided the warning is still on the page it is still readable by all and thus ignorance is no excuse. In these circumstances a second warning is normally issued but the member has no recourse is a chat ban ensues.
Moderators are concerned with restoring order. They are not primarily interested in blame. One person may indeed have started a row or argument but it takes two, or more, to tango and whilst one may be at the root, any other involved party who prolongs the situation or breaks a rule during a sensitive period can expect a ban.
This may not, in the overall context, seem fair but it does restore order very quickly. To continue an argument or worsen or prolong a situation when a Moderator is present is bound to be foolish. Let the Moderator do their job without complication. Moderator are not there to be specifically judgemental or to take sides, they are there to keep the peace.
The internet does not have a constitution and you have no ‘online’ rights. Allpoetry expects good, decent behaviour from its members and takes action against those that flout their responsibilities and infringe the rules. It is to their credit that an amount of latitude is allowed before banning action is applied.
Remember that the Chatterbox is a privilege and is provided gratis for the enjoyment of all. If you spoil that enjoyment, do not complain if action is taken. Happy chatting
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