Political Forum Decorum

(General Rules & Guidelines)

The following are the general rules, conditions and guidelines that are applicable to the Google Group, Political Forum.  By joining the Google Group, Political Forum, we ask that you follow the rules and the guidelines as listed below:

Rules

1.          There is but one “rule” here in Political Forum, “Govern yourself with dignity, and be respectful of each and every member”. 

General Guidelines

The Purpose of the Google Group, Political Forum is to provide a forum for the free exchange of ideas.  All members are encouraged to share and discuss their viewpoints on a broad spectrum of subject matter, to include, (but not limited to) American Politics, International Politics, Political Issues, Politicians, religious influences, economic policy and current events.  The Moderators and Administrators of Political Forum encourage all of our members to respect the diversity of views without resorting to personal attacks of other members.  There are times where controversial topics can and do become “heated”….In other words, there are times where participants will need to exert their patience, and rely upon their “thick skin”. 

Stating Opinions: If you are stating something as your opinion, make it clear that it is only your opinion, and explain why you hold the position that you do.

“Hit and Run” Posting:  If you decide to participate in a thread, don't just “post and run”, without being prepared to back up what you have said, when others respond.

Choose Your Words Carefully: Try to remember that our members are real people, with real feelings!! You will find that our members are for the most part, a very friendly lot, and tend to read your posts!  No matter how heated the conversation or debate gets, try and use  respect at all times!

Baiting; or “Trolling”: Don’t do it!!  A "Forum Troll" is someone who inspires flaming rhetoric.  An individual who purposely attempts to provoke and “bait” folks into a name calling, internet slugfest. By example, placing voodoo curses on a member or his family, or attempting to dance on another member’s grave, is a good example of “trolling”.  Your moderators are not amused by such behavior! 

Spamming: Is not allowed in Political Forum.  This includes posts that are repetitious or messages that are posted in numerous threads.  In general, Political Forum does not allow for posts which advertise commercial products or services.   If there is some product, service, or some event or meeting that you wish the Group Members to be aware of or participate in, then by all means contact your Moderator, and we will allow you to get your message out to the group!  Unless allowed by a written or verbal agreement, members may not post or transmit advertising or commercial solicitation to the Group.

 Spelling And Grammar: Does not count here in Political Forum!   In general, a message is more effective and clearly conveyed  when one utilizes proper capitalization and punctuation, but perfection is not required.  Keep in mind that Political Forum consists of members from all around the world, some of which English is a second language.  We encourage these members to post and to express their points of view!

When Discussing Pornography:  and asked to describe what constitutes “pornography”, Justice Potter Stewart replied, “I Know It When I See It”. The same guideline applies here in Political Forum; your moderators “know it’ when a message, thread or specific converstation is improper or is getting out of hand. Unlike algebra, calculus, accounting, or any other science, moderation on a board like Political Forum sometimes requires making subjective calls.  Your Moderators are without a doubt, the most kindly, astute, brilliant, good looking people that you have ever met, and they will always attempt to be fair!  Nevertheless, any content or media posted by members of Political Forum which is deemed inappropriate, unbefitting, vexatious, harrassing, incendiary or in any way discordant or unsuitable to the Group is subject to removal, without notice.   Any member of Political Forum who is deemed to be unbefitting to the Group Political Forum, is  subject to  removal from the Group, without notice. 

Questions, Comments, Bitches, Gripes & Compliments:  If there has been some action by the Moderators of Political Forum that you do not understand or question, and/or if there is a post or comment that you find offensive by another member or if there are any questions or comments, please feel free to contact the Moderators of Political Forum.  If you believe that Political Forum has used your intellectual property improperly and/or without credit, once again, do not hesitate to contact the Moderators of Political Forum!

The Use Of Posted Material & Copyright:  Political Forum authorizes you to view, copy, and print a single copy of material which has been posted on to the Group, solely for your personal, non-commercial use. Specific rules may apply to the use of certain media and other items which are posted to the group by its members.  For A more thorough explanation of Political Forum’s “Use Of Material & Copyright Policy, See Political Forum’s “Important Information And Legal Disclaimer Regarding File Sharing Sites And Copyrighted Materials”.  

In Conclusion: Political Forum shall not be utilized in a manner inconsistent with all applicable local, State and federal laws and regulations. No material shall be stored or transmitted which infringes or violates the rights of others, which is unlawful, obscene, profane, indecent or otherwise objectionable, threatening, defamatory, or invasive of privacy or publicity rights. Political Forum prohibits conduct that might constitute a criminal offense, gives rise to civil liability or otherwise violates any law. Any activity that restricts or inhibits any other member from using the services of Political Forum is also prohibited.

Disclaimer:  All messages submitted to Political Forum express the views of the authors, and the moderators of Political Forum cannot nor will they be held responsible for the content of any message.   Political Forum, its Owners, Administrators and Moderators express or imply no warranty as to the accuracy or correctness of any content or media posted to the Group, to include the Political Forum files, pages or Message Board, and no liability, expressed or implied, will not be incurred by the Google Group Political Forum, its Owners, Moderators or Administrators.  The Google Group Political Forum firmly believes in the concept of free speech and cannot be held responsible for anything promulgated, posted, displayed, demonstrated or exhibited  by the Google Group, Political Forum’s Owners, Administrators, Moderators, or Members.