How We Deal With Antisocial Behavior

[AgentPete]

Although antisocial behavior has been largely normalized on much of the ‘net, it is not normal – or tolerated – here.

We do understand that stress levels are probably close to an all-time high in today’s world. We also understand that things can be said in the heat of the moment that may be unconsidered, thoughtless and hurtful.

However, this is a community of, by and for writers. We should be sensitive to the impact that words can have, and particularly aware of their ability to cause pain and distress. As writers, we have a distinct responsibility to use words considerately here.

The Guardians are tasked with keeping the Colony a safe and supportive community, and they have a range of measures that they can use, if necessary, to keep things functioning smoothly.

THE "IGNORE" BUTTON​

Members can do this for themselves without recourse to the Guardians. On each member’s profile page you’ll see an “Ignore” button. You can also see the same button simply by floating your cursor over the member's name – see below:

Click on the “Ignore” button and you won’t see posts or threads from the member concerned! This is the easiest way to deal with minor irritations that don’t rise to the level of antisocial behavior… just ignore them!

USE THE STEAM ROOM​

Use The Steam Room for posts and threads that discuss controversial matters (e.g. politics) or simply... just to let off steam. It's private, you can delete your posts whenever you want, and we allow a greater degree of intensity of feeling. You are still bound by the Prime Directive, however - anything that contravenes our basic principles will be sanctioned.

THE WARNING SYSTEM​

The Colony uses a Warning system as explained below.

If a member posts material that breaches our basic principles then they will receive a warning point.

Warning points have a lifetime of three months and are then "discharged".

There is an escalating level of sanctions applied against members who exhibit antisocial behavior towards other members as follows:

• First Warning Point

Sanction: This is a symbolic warning that sends a message to the member concerned. It tells them that while their conduct may be acceptable or even normal in other parts of the net, it’s not OK here. It also explains that if they incur another warning point within the duration of this sanction, further sanctions will follow.

• Second Warning Point

Should the member incur a second warning point within the lifetime of the first warning point, further sanctions will be imposed.

Sanctions: If the member receives a second warning point certain privileges here will be withdrawn. They will no longer be able to:

• Start conversations
• Create a private thread
• Post new profile post
• Edit their signature
• View or use chat
• Upload attachments

Duration: Like all warning points, the second warning point lasts for three months. However, the sanctions as above will only last while the member has two warning points on their account. IE when the first warning point expires, they will only have one “live” warning point, so the sanctions will cease.

• Third Warning Point

Sanction: If the member receives a third warning point within the lifetime of the previous two points, they are issued with an automatic and immediate ban for ten days. They will not be able to log on here until the ban has been automatically lifted.

THE MODERATION QUEUE​

Occasionally, a member may be placed into a “moderation queue”. This means that they cannot post anything here in real time: all their posts will have to be first reviewed and approved by a Guardian, which clearly may take some time.

This is an uncommon sanction but may be used if the member needs to rebuild trust with other members and the Guardians.

BANNING​

This is a rare sanction but may be used in cases of flagrant disregard for our Terms and Conditions or when the member concerned displays egregiously bad behavior towards other members.