A big thanks goes out to all of those who commented on our draft rules update over the summer.
We've incorporated many of your suggestions. There is a rules summary (below) and we've clarified a few items that you found confusing. Because these forums are about public life, concerns related to being quoted by the media or names being found in search engines don't connect with our open and public approach - although our public archives keep your e-mail addresses off of the web which is very important. We've made the tone a bit more upbeat, but they are still rules. They are not fun, but the are "real" in that they aren't written by lawyers. The major change is that we've shortened the term for a first suspension (after two official warnings within one year) to only two weeks instead of six months. Three warnings will result in a six month suspension, and if you manage to receive four official warnings within one year, despite being suspended for over six months, you will be suspended for five years. To review the updated draft rules, go to: http://e-democracy.org/rules (You can also see the previous comments.) Final public input should go straight the Board before our final approval on Friday, Nov. 12: http://www.e-democracy.org/comments.html Thank you for being a parting of E-Democracy.Org. Steven Clift Board Chair, E-Democracy.Org Rules Summary 1. Sign Posts - Use your real name and city or neighborhood. 2. Limits on Posting - Two per member per day in most forum charters. 3. Keep Topics within Forum Purpose - Local issues on a local forum for example. 4. Be Civil - This is a public forum with real people. Respect among citizens with differing views is our cornerstone. 5. No Attacks or Threats - This keeps the forums safe. If content is illegal it will be forwarded to the proper legal authorities. 6. Private Stays Private - Don't forward private replies without permission. 7. Avoid False Rumors - Asking for clarification of what you've heard in the community can be appropriate if issues-based. You alone are responsible for what you post. 8. Right to Post and Reply - Sharing your opinion with your fellow citizens is a democratic right. 9. Items Not Allowed in Forums - No attachments, etc. 10. Public Content and Use - You are sharing your content, but retain your copyright. 11. Warnings - You may receive informal or official warnings from the Forum Manager. 12. Suspension - With your second official warning in one year, you are suspended for two weeks. It goes up from there. 13. Appeals Process - You can appeal a warning(s) once you receive a third warning and six month removal. About 1 in 1500 forum members each year have appealed a six month removal in past years. ^ ^ ^ ^ Steven L. Clift - - - W: http://publicus.net Minneapolis - - - - E: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Minnesota - - - - - - T: +1.612.822.8667 USA - - - - - MSN/Y!/AIM: netclift Join my Democracies Online Newswire: http://dowire.org EDem's Election 2004 Links: http://e-democracy.org/us _____________________________________________ To Join: St. Paul Issues Forum Rules Discussion Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] _____________________________________________ St. Paul Topics - This Week: Light Rail http://www.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/stpaul-topics _____________________________________________ NEW ADDRESS FOR LIST: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe, modify subscription, or get your password - visit: http://www.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/stpaul Archive Address: http://www.mnforum.org/mailman/private/stpaul/
