Speech and Moderation Policy

Open Debate Stance

This policy applies to {Name of Community}.

Our Community Rules apply to those participating on this server or forum, whether remotely or locally. We are a bit more strict than some other servers because we want our community to be a safe space for people to discuss tough and sometimes controversial topics. It is hard to have a fair and productive conversation if people are being disrespectful to one another.

Additional rules may apply to forums or groups created by our community members or administrators.

The Community Member's Realm

Our software gives our community members a lot of control over their channel and the conversations that they start.

For example, the author of a post may turn off comments, or delete comments on their own top level posts.

In the case of a user-created forum, the creator of the forum has control over what posts and comments appear within their forum.

In this situation, the creator of a forum or the creator of a top level post may delete your post or comment for any reason or no reason at all. If you offend them in some way, they have the ability to delete your comment on their post and block you from interacting with their channel.

Their channel is their realm, and they have control over their realm.

This is in addition to the Community Moderators that enforce the Community Rules.

Community Moderators will not interfere with a community member's option to delete comments on their own posts.

Open Debate Moderation Stance

This community takes an open debate stance on moderation. This means we allow and encourage differing opinions, some of which may make you feel uncomfortable or offend you. You may be exposed to opinions you do not like, and people may make counter arguments against opinions that you like.

We apply the rules fairly and consistently, even when the person violating the rules is someone we like or who is part of our community or tribe.

We expect all of the members of our community to be on their best behavior, and to represent our community in a positive light.

We expect all participants to follow the Community Rules.

People who donate or make a purchase are not exempt from the rules and will not receive special treatment.

Controversial Topics Allowed

We allow controversial topics as long as it does not violate our Community Rules. Having a differing opinion is okay, even if most people disagree with it. But expect and be prepared for people to disagree with you. Their differing opinion is okay too.

However, threatening people, bullying people, encouraging violence, engaging in illegal activities, or any other violation of the Community Rules is always prohibited, regardless of whether you are the author of the original post, or are for or against the stance taken by the original poster (OP).

User-Created Groups & Forums

Our software, depending on how it is configured, may allow the creation of forums, also known as discussion boards or groups. Our server's Community Rules apply, even if the forum is private.

The creator of the forum may add additional forum rules, however, if they do, they must post it where all members of the forum and prospective forum members can see it. These additional forum rules must be consistent with our Community Rules.

Our Rules vs. Free Speech

We do support your right to free speech, but that does not exempt you from our Community Rules while participating on our servers. And thanks to decentralized social media, you have the choice to go elsewhere if you don't like our rules.

You have the option of creating an account on another server that has rules to your liking. Or you can run your own fediverse server, where you only have to comply with applicable laws and your web host's terms of service.

Thank you for understanding.