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.
All about the Chatterbox
The chatterbox is provided, free of membership considerations, so that poets of all ages, abilities and inclinations can socialise and mix freely.
It is the mix of ages and vulnerabilities that mean that the Chatterbox must be ‘G-rated’ (US) or ‘U-rated’ (UK)
The ‘G’ and ‘U’ ratings are a wider use of the classifications applied to films.
Extract from film classifications:
‘is suitable for general audiences.’
‘ should be suitable for audiences aged four years and over….should be set within a positive moral framework’
The white box is the TEXT box where you enter your text
The 
button is to enter that TEXT into the Chatterbox
The 
link refreshes the chat in the Chatterbox
The 
link will take you to the main Chatterbox screen. Note: the Chatterbox area to the right of the screen will remain even on the main Chatterbox screen. The Chatterbox page is an archive screen and will not move unless you refresh your screen from your browser. The link ONLY refreshes the chatterbox, not the chatterbox log page.
Swearing and Profanity
Swearing and profanity are forbidden on grounds of age.
Poets have a generally wider vocabulary than the general public and do not need to resort to swearing to get their point across.
Emphasis and ‘shock’ effect can still be achieved by use of words that are not profane.
Adult subjects and ‘cybering’
Again, the range of age forbids topics and conversations that are likely to cause offence and/or distress to younger members. That they may here crudity or swearing in the playground is no excuse to use it here.
Asterisks in Chatterbox are forbidden
The Chatterbox uses an automatic process to screen well-known swear words. The result of a swear word is to display that word as asterisks *
A moderator is unable to distinguish between asterisks that replace swear words and the ‘real’ thing i.e. typed asterisks. Using asterisks to replace letters in a swear word still counts as swearing.
It is the intention to swear (and the usually obvious result) that is frowned upon.
Promotion
Promotion In Chatterbox is forbidden
This includes:
Promoting your own work
Promoting the work of others
Showing URL’s (web-addresses)
Displaying any personal address details
The Chatterbox is a social area. All of us are poets or readers of poetry or we wouldn’t be here and promotion is available through the Feature box at a paltry cost.
Most of us write and post poems, columns and stories. A free-for-all of promotional pleas would cause chaos in the Chatterbox.
The forbidding of personal details is for YOUR safety. Take it to IM!
Adding your comment:
