[pachyderm]

I have not seen any guidelines for "social groups", or how they differ, if they differ, from those for regular forums. Are there such guidelines? Do guidelines for private social groups, those that do not appear to all the membership, differ from guidelines for open social groups?

[pegasus]

I think the guidelines are the same for the social groups as they are for all the forums. I'm not a mod or admin though, so don't take my word for it.

[sabby]

All social groups, whether private or public are covered by the same guidelines for the forums and chat. The only difference with the social groups is that you are allowed to discuss religion and/or politics, unlike on the forums or in chat.

[pachyderm]

Originally Posted by _sabby_

The only difference with the social groups is that you are allowed to discuss religion and/or politics, unlike on the forums or in chat.

Is that spelled out in the guidelines anywhere?

[DocJohn]

Why would it need to be spelled out in the guidelines anywhere? The Community Guidelines apply to ALL aspects of the community -- everything you do here. Chat, PM, visitor messages, social groups, photo sharing, photo comments, you name it.

The only exception -- and it's an informal exception -- is that we are more lax with topics discussed in social groups. So you'll see some of these groups discussing religion or politics, two topics that are pretty limited on the forums.

I hope that makes it perfectly clear.

DocJohn

[pachyderm]

Originally Posted by DocJohn

The only exception -- and it's an informal exception -- is that we are more lax with topics discussed in social groups. So you'll see some of these groups discussing religion or politics, two topics that are pretty limited on the forums.

I hope that makes it perfectly clear.

DocJohn

It was not clear to me. Now you can take that to mean I was at fault. I think it might be valuable to be more explicit in the guidelines. I am not sure an "informal" statement is sufficient. Other people may get caught in the same hurt in the future, with this and other parts of the guidelines.

[pegasus]

(((((( pachyderm ))))))

I don't know what happened, but maybe a PM to DocJohn would clarify things better for you.

[DocJohn]

We understand that, pachyderm, but at this time, we're comfortable with the way the guidelines stand as written.

Sorry you felt hurt by them.

[pachyderm]

Deleted.

[Perna]

I figure guidelines are guide lines; it's not a sobriety test with the police. If you color outside the box too far, "they" will tell you. But that's all that will happen; you'll be "guided" back toward where the community is (unless you willfully decide to scribble on the page and refuse or are unable to be guided :-)

[nonightowl]

Originally Posted by pachyderm

It was not clear to me. Now you can take that to mean I was at fault. I think it might be valuable to be more explicit in the guidelines. I am not sure an "informal" statement is sufficient. Other people may get caught in the same hurt in the future, with this and other parts of the guidelines.

((((((Pachy))))))))

I understand!! Not always clear to me either.