Humans need air, water, food, shelter, and interaction with other humans to survive and remain healthy. From the most fundamental relationship of mother and child to the most complex social interactions we are all governed by rules whether we are aware of them or not. When there are no rules established and enforced by a fair-minded coalition or community then might makes right and bullies force their own 'rules' on the playground. There are not a lot of rules here, and those few are simple. Please read them, below:

 

1. To be a member here you must have either met someone on this board, or have concrete plans to do so in a reasonable length of time. This is an important element in establishing and maintaining trust in the community as a whole and in your fellow members as individuals. We are all real people here, not two dimensional internet 'personas.'

2. Trust is fundamental to lasting relationships. Integrity and honor are extremely important in this respect. What is posted on this board, stays on this board, and goes no further. This is non-negotiable.

3. Civility is a mainstay of comfortable and enduring relationships. There are probably millions of boards where flaming, insulting, and berating other posters is endured. If that is what you value in internet relationships you will become quickly bored at this community. Here you will be expected to treat fellow members with the same courtesy and respect with which you would wish to be treated in any face-to-face interaction.

4. Number four is more a suggestion than a rule. In order to maintain a reasonable level of trust in, and within, the community, those considered for membership here will be considered by the entire community not only the managers. You do not have to say whether you are comfortable or uncomfortable with every potential new member, but if you say nothing and are made to feel uncomfortable by a new inclusion you are depriving old members of your trust too. Is that fair to them?

5. Any changes to rules, or addition of new rules will be posted and open to discussion by the entire community. All expressed views are welcomed and will be taken under serious consideration, but the final decision will remain that of the board manager. As with rule 4, there is no requirement for you to be involved, but if your opinion didn't matter to people here, you never would have been invited.