New Moderated Forum for Arthritis and Autoimmune | Arthritis Information

 

I am a owner/moderator for several yahoo groups already and because of the issues going on in this forum,  I decided to start one for Arthritis and Autoimmune Disease Support.

This is a moderated group, every message posted will be screened before it is allowed on the forum. OT posts are allowed, but whether they get through or not will be based on whether or not they are considered hurtful or offensive. Owner/moderators also have the right to ban any member causing trouble on the forum. I have never had any problems on any of my other groups. All members are also screened and have to be approved before they can join.

This group is a place for healing, advice, support, and kindness. So if you are looking to spew hate, meanness, or venom, go elsewhere, you won't last long on my forum.

I invite anyone who would like to join to go to this link.
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/aadsupport/
Question:  (Preface: I own/admin boards as well .. private boards not yahoo groups  ETA: non moderated or admin'd except in rare instances) I am curious as to Who.. makes the decision about what is offensive?  

babs102008-10-26 11:44:33the link took me to a mpd support group  could you please make a direct link? There are 2 moderators at the moment,  as the group grows, more may be added, we've talked and decided "offensive" will be defined as anything that violates basic message board etiquette.

This forum uses basic etiquette rules for posting, if the moderators find that your post does not abide by these rules, you will be asked to edit you post before it is approved to be posted to the group.

Be supportive, you may not agree, but chose to voice your opinion in a way that is respectful of others opinions.

Be kind and honest
Don't issue personal attacks, use profanity, or post threatening, abusive, harassing, or otherwise offensive language or images. You also may not impersonate another individual or communicate under a name that you are not entitled to use.

Do not post chain letters or advertisements
Chain letters are never appreciated in the online community
Read the message board for a while before participating

Communicate clearly
Write clearly when you compose a message. Review your message carefully before clicking Send; typos are confusing. Remember, if your message can be misunderstood, it will be.

Refrain from using ALL CAPS
Typing in all capital letters is frowned upon; it's the equivalent of screaming at everyone. It also makes your message more difficult to read.

Take Personal Issues Off the Forums. Internet forums and message boards are for public discussions which bear relevance to more than a few people. If you have a personal issue with someone else, take it off the forums. If the message board offers a private message function, use it. If not, exchange e-mail addresses and continue the discussion in private.

Avoid Trolling. A troll is someone who posts topics on message boards with the sole purpose of instigating argument or debate. It is definitely an etiquette no-no and will earn you the disrespect of everyone on the forum. It is usually easy to identify a troll after they've been on the boards a few weeks, and you could easily wind up with a suspended account.

Don't Flame the Staff.If you have a legitimate complaint, post it with courtesy and decorum. If necessary, wait until you've calmed down to post a message about it in the forums. I see.  thank you.Jenn, would you give us a direct link?  I would love to join but cant seem to get that link to pull up.   Thanksthat is the direct link, it works for me, PM me with your Email and I will send an invite. 
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