It's time for forum rules, Read and Comment Please!!

[Tormahto]

#4 is not vague, to me.

I know people from other countries who do not want their real names to be posted on the internet, for safety reasons. We, generally, don't know how well we have it, here, in the USA.

[pondgardener]

#4 has been reworded a number of times to reflect changes. Based on feedback from members, Rajun has been updating various forums and posts throughout the site.

[Rajun Gardener]

#4 is not vague, to me.

I know people from other countries who do not want their real names to be posted on the internet, for safety reasons. We, generally, don't know how well we have it, here, in the USA.

Talk to me, I want it to be clear to everyone.

Make changes and post it, Please.

[bower]

The rules are looking really clear now - good job!

[ddsack]

As far as the charging of money for seeds, I think it was meant to keep people from using the forum as free advertising to make money for themselves with little control over quality or service. I don't have a problem with a separate section that lists the reputable sellers that members recommend and use, and sellers posting information there about special sales or new varieties available. I think it's great to support all the small seed companies.

I guess I would prefer to see the Seed Swap area limited to trades and SASE's, but I can see special circumstances like someone having extra plants that they might want to give away for the cost of shipping.

[imp]

I think this needs a sticky so it can be easily found.

[RIPGaryColeman]

I suggest number 1, 1A, 1-a, 1.1 should be "Don't be an *Bleep*" in capital letters

as the overriding theme for the rest of the corollaries.

Gerardo

[GoDawgs]

They look good to go for me.

[Shule]

To keep the site reasonably family-friendly, and to encourage civility, one thing I would love to see is a rule against foul language. I'm not saying we should set up an automatic censor or such, but just have a rule against foul language that relates to such as the following stuff (and warn offenders—not ban them, unless it's totally over-the-top, or people complain and they still keep doing it on purpose; the warning I think is primarily to teach correct behavior rather than to punish bad behavior, but I'm pretty sure it would be enough most of the time):

* sex (e.g. the f-word, prostitute-type words)
* private body parts (e.g. calling someone the name of a body part)
* religious stuff and cursing (using names of religious figures and places out of context)
* offensively calling people by words for animals
* name-calling generally

[Rajun Gardener]

I think that's covered in the registration agreement. Here's a quote
You agree not to post any abusive, obscene, vulgar, slanderous, hateful, threatening, sexually-orientated or any other material that may violate any laws(This needs to be changed to"any forum rules or laws) be it of your country, the country where “www.TomatoJunction.com” is hosted or International Law. Doing so may lead to you being immediately and permanently banned, with notification of your Internet Service Provider if deemed required by us. The IP address of all posts are recorded to aid in enforcing these conditions. You agree that “www.TomatoJunction.com” has the right to remove, edit, move or close any topic at any time should we see fit. As a user you agree to any information you have entered to being stored in a database. While this information will not be disclosed to any third party without your consent, neither “www.TomatoJunction.com” nor phpBB shall be held responsible for any hacking attempt that may lead to the data being compromised.


, we need to list the words to be censored. I've been waiting to get to these things, the system allows me to input the words as we please.

I guess a good list to start with would be "George Carlin - 7 Words You Can't Say On TV". Google that tittle, watch the video and go from there. He does speak the truth about the list always changing.....

[Shule]

If you want to auto-censor them instead, though, I guess that's great. Saves time and effort with moderation, and covers past posts without confusing people.

It might please the anti-censor crowd if you can make it so you can click to view the censored words. That probably wouldn't hurt anyone.

I'll PM you a list of words for you to review. It may not be comprehensive, though, and I'm sure others might have input, too.

[worth1]

Did you know that calling someone a Boomer is now considered derogatory?

The list constantly changes indeed.

[brownrexx]

You can't possibly think of every word that offends every person. Just censor the main stuff like swear words and sex words and leave the rest up to the mods.

[BarbamWy]

I would think we would use common sense. And if you would not want your 12 year old to see what you wrote, don't post it. I especially hate the WT! that I see in some forums. We are grown ups and ought to know better. I agree we should not share members personal information. But I would hate to see that we can't ask our members for opinions and support as we have in the past. We have helped each other through loss of family members, cancer diagnoses and tragedies. We became like family. Just my 2 cents worth.
Barb

[RIPGaryColeman]

I apologize for use of profanity. Nonetheless, in this instance, after the other site going down like a plane crash due to passengers firing weapons inside the fuselage, it is imperative we take the gloves off and state what needs to be stated... No dancing around, no euphemisms, clear rules. The main one as I suggested above.

Call it the first commandment/mitzvah/pillar of our site.

[RIPGaryColeman]

One more thing, I suggest a "feeling blue" section for all those who need a shrink, with links to suicide hotlines, depression sites, cancer support hotlines, and other support mechanisms for various diagnoses, etc.
It's beyond frustrating to read between the lines when someone's in trouble.

Let's get some links going for the stubborn. It's just life.

[MissS]

One more thing, I suggest a "feeling blue" section for all those who need a shrink, with links to suicide hotlines, depression sites, cancer support hotlines, and other support mechanisms for various diagnoses, etc.
It's beyond frustrating to read between the lines when someone's in trouble.

Let's get some links going for the stubborn. It's just life.

My suggestion is that we kick them off of the computer and throw them outside into the garden to throw some dirt and get in touch with their soul. Allow them to do some violent gardening. It always helps me.

[pondgardener]

Depression is a serious issue, both a physical and psychological condition, and suggesting even in jest, that someone go outside to essentially get over it is not a good suggestion. I personally know people who suffer from depression for a number of reasons, some controlled by medication and counseling, and they may face a lifetime getting over it, if ever.

But I don't see that mentioning a loss of someone or something, not feeling well or facing future health problems as it could pertain to the member not participating fully within the forum for a while, is a problem. But not having a separate section to address these concerns. And, if you feel someone is not at the top of their game, send them a PM, mentioning your concern.

[MissS]

I do have a daughter on medication for depression. So I do take it seriously. But I would not suggest that we give psychological/medical advise on a gardening forum other that to garden.

[RIPGaryColeman]

Depression is a serious issue, and that's why I'm suggesting we place the links within reach.

This type of endeavor attracts the crazies (myself included), let's just own it and place some training wheels on the site, in case someone starts to loose balance.

Violent gardening fixes most things, I agree.