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Posted by BlogCatalog • 3/02/08 • Subscribe to this Discussion [RSS] • Report This Topic

Welcome to the BlogCatalog Discussions.

The BlogCatalog community believes very passionately in free speech. We also want to provide as many members as possible a beneficial and safe, non-disparaging experience.

In order to meet both these objectives, we ask you to please read and abide by the following community guidelines:

The following types of posts do not facilitate healthy discussion and will be removed:

Personal Attacks
Posts demeaning or attacking another member will be removed & subject you to having your membership removed.

Advertising
Advertisements for a service or product will be removed.

Mean Spirited Attacks
Mean spirited attacks against another BlogCatalog member will be removed and subject you to having your membership reviewed and removed.

Link Requests / Exchanges
Exchange requests & link requests of any type aren't allowed in the discussions. You can however join Groups that have been set up for exchange and link requests at www.blogcatalog.com/groups/popular/

Posts with Links and nothing else.
If all your post says is "Click this link to learn about something" whatever that something is, your post will be removed since it isn't designed to initiate a conversation.

You can link to your blog or another website, however it needs to be as a reference, not as the primary purpose of the post.

The best way to determine if your post is going to be removed is ask yourself the question, "is this post primarily designed to get clicks to my site?" If the answer is yes, then there is a very good chance that your post will be removed.

Pornography & Swearing
Foul language or porn will result in your posts being removed

Inflammatory Discussions
If a discussion becomes inflammatory, the posts in the thread will be removed.

Member Removal
If a member doesn't follow these guidelines, admin will warn them. If after being warned the member continues to engage in the behavior then the member will be banned for a period of time. If the member is banned 3 times, they will be permanently removed from BlogCatalog.

These guidelines are about creating a respectful place for everyone to enjoy.

User Comments

3/02/08

markstoneman

Thank you for posting these.

[reply]
1. 6/06/08
  
  Idiotboxcars
  
  I don't actually read stuffs like these when I try to join any online discussions. But, after reading these guidelines it all makes sense to me now. Does a warning option before removal of account applies here? I personally hate spammers which usually floods the discussions with massive & very annoying links. These guidelines are quite strict but I am totally agree with it. Thanks.
2. 7/20/08
  
  navuta
  
  comment removed by the community.
3. 7/28/08
  
  bladeaxe4
  
  i agree and offer thanks !
3/02/08

MeghnaK

Good. But how do you force all to read this?
I remember such guidelines were there earlier too! Thank you.

[reply]
1. 3/02/08
  
  markstoneman
  
  Perhaps the color of the text could be different? Bold is good, but perhaps bold red would be better?
2. 3/03/08
  
  suburbqueen
  
  Bold, red, blinking text...
3. 3/03/08
  
  laughoutloudadmin
  
  Blinking may be a tab irritating for some...
4. 16 days ago
  
  LillyMouse
  
  @lola - but then spamming can get a tad irritating...
  
  but i have a question. I've often seen "please digg me, stumble me, etc request" from long time members. Yesterday I posted a thread asking for comments on and stumbling on a friends article posted on my blog (if liked).
  
  Today my thread seems removed. Did I do bad?
5. 16 days ago
  
  timethief
  
  @lillymouse
  If you scroll up to the OP you will find this:
  Link Requests / Exchanges
  Exchange requests & link requests of any type aren't allowed in the discussions. You can however join Groups that have been set up for exchange and link requests at www.blogcatalog.com/groups/popular/
6. 16 days ago
  
  LillyMouse
  
  @timethief
  see where you're coming from TT. but it wasn't a request for links (unless I'm not understanding the term 'links'?)... not sure. It was for people to look at an article and comment on it if they liked it, or stumble it.
  
  I've truly seen very similar threads coming specifically from Pointless Banter and Anok (both are friends of mine so not pointing fingers, just looking for clarity).
  
  That was a while ago tho, back in March, so perhaps things have changed?
7. 16 days ago
  
  timethief
  
  @lillymouse
  Groups for link exchange. This is the link provided in the OP for link exchanges. www.blogcatalog.com/groups/popular/
  By typing "digg" and "stumbleupon" into the Group Search box we discover these links to groups
  www.blogcatalog.com/group/stumble
  www.blogcatalog.com/group/digg-exchange
  www.blogcatalog.com/group/digg-it
  Note that the ToS of the particular social network may have contract terms that prohibit such exchanges being made.
  
  Re: posting a link drop thread and begging for comment exchanges - see the OP heading Posts with Links and nothing else.
  What I understand the guidelines to mean is that posts made to the General discussion forum ought to be made for the purpose of initiating discussion. IMO creating a thread that says here's my link, drop your link, visit my blog and comment, and I'll visit yours and comment too, amounts to creating a link drop thread that is not intended to initiate discussion.
  
  For definitive answers to such questions one ought to contact Admin www.blogcatalog.com/contact/
8. 15 days ago
  
  LillyMouse
  
  a really concise and clear answer, thanks! I think you're response should be inserted above into the list of rules...
3/03/08

rayearth2601

hmm ...
that's okay

[reply]
3/03/08

blackzedd

I believe affiliate links are also not allowed.

[reply]
1. 3/03/08
  
  markstoneman
  
  Good point. They're not. I suppose that's covered by saying we should only leave links as references. An affiliate link clearly has another purpose.
2. 3/03/08
  
  pointlessbanter
  
  WHY ARE YOU HURTING ME FROM DOING BUSINESS????
  
  My affiliate link to a product that cures male baldness, improves erections, and helps you refinance your home is relevant to all discussions.
3. 3/03/08
  
  markstoneman
  
  Will this pill take care of my student loans too? Where do I sign up?
4. 3/03/08
  
  pointlessbanter
  
  Damn straight they will
3/03/08

Mewie

These are awesome guidelines. Thank you!

[reply]
1. 9/10/08
  
  TaylormadeMann
  
  How do I get a face like all of you. All I've got is a silouette.
3/03/08

gosmelltheflowers

Cool, clean guidelines Bc - thanks!

[reply]
3/03/08

bnsullivan

Excellent! They're good guidelines -- not just for posting, but also to inform the community about exactly which kinds of behaviors are "reportable."

[reply]
1. 3/03/08
  
  BrokeInLisbon
  
  Mine seem to get pulled for no reason anyway.
2. 3/03/08
  
  TonyB
  
  Broken the admins do not remove posts for no reason.
3. 3/05/08
  
  Norski
  
  Not the worst use of double negative I've seen.
4. 3/13/08
  
  gosmelltheflowers
  
  Gotta watch out for the baddies! ;-)
5. 7/25/08
  
  mafila88
  
  Now we all know what kind of person you are...;)
3/03/08

lordlikely

Am I still allowed to get naked from time to time?

[reply]
3/03/08

rayearth2601

go go go

[reply]
3/04/08

inhisgloriousname

Questions

1) Has the religion or religious group been remove from the discussions where all other discussions are listed?

[reply]
1. 3/04/08
  
  TonyB
  
  religious topics were temporarily banned from here to allow us to come up with community guidelines. Now that the guidelines are done feel free to discuss religion and politics...
2. 3/04/08
  
  ghostytwofish
  
  *peeks over the battlements* ...
3. 3/04/08
  
  markstoneman
  
  Right there with you, Ghosty.
3/04/08

bobonism

Thanks for the info.

[reply]
3/04/08

iriegal

makes sense tome..coolrunnings mon

[reply]
3/05/08

hirfoanbhg12

nice info 2 remember

[reply]
3/05/08

wandadog13

Attention? I'd have the subject line - "click here for free traffic" lol.

[reply]
3/05/08

TonyB

That's Right!

[reply]
3/05/08

Sewdelish

Is that where one of my posts went to????

[reply]
3/05/08

reasonablerobinson

Good advice. Its a shame we can't expect civility, respect, courtesy, politeness, good hearty debate as a matter of course between intelligent human beings...

lawlessness (i.e. being without laws) sadly seems like a Utopian dream...

[reply]
1. 3/05/08
  
  Norski
  
  'Good fences make good neighbors' -
  
  I don't know about the 'sadly' part, myself. But then, I didn't think all that much of the tune out, etcetera, aspect of the sixties, either.
  
  On the positive side, laws (rules might be a better word), in my opinion, help people deal with each other, by defining how we may act.
  
  Remember, "civility" is a set of rules, too.
3/05/08

Norski

BlogCatalog admins, all,

Thanks for this relatively brief, and (fairly) clear set of rules.

We'll (I'll) be learning, perhaps by trial and error, what is, and what is not, "advertising."

[reply]
3/05/08

eshopcenter

ouch really helps! i will follow this guide from now on!

[reply]
3/05/08

kevingoodman

Are we some kind of social experiment?

[reply]
1. 3/05/08
  
  crpitt
  
  Yes you are part of my psychology degree
2. 3/05/08
  
  kevingoodman
  
  I think I kind of like you.
3. 3/05/08
  
  crpitt
  
  It's a phase I am sure it will pass.
4. 3/05/08
  
  kevingoodman
  
  arrrggghhh
3/05/08

inhisgloriousname

Time for a V8.

[reply]
3/06/08

momoftwingirls

Thank you. This reminds me of warning my twins about their behavior. I count to three or if I tell them up to three times about their behavior, I discipline then.

Yup, this type of 'parenting' works in any atmosphere.

Thanks BC!

[reply]
3/06/08

Rumourman

What if you f**ing swear all the effing time and use alternative spellings or different characters? is that effing allowed? ;0)

- I do not mean to offend, I am merely new to this, Ginger and am gifted / cursed with a potty-mouth.

[reply]
3/06/08

monkeytale

So...is leaving my #... with a message for a good time call... out of the question?

[reply]
3/06/08

bloggernoob

comment removed by the community.

[reply]
1. 7/25/08
  
  mafila88
  
  oh no! now you'll have me wondering to death what s/he said!! Dont do that!IF you'll remove a comment then take Everything out. Don't kill me with permanent curiosity. And to you-know-yourself...it's not a phase that will pass...
3/07/08

webrunner

I have a feeling the people that need to read this won't.
(Preaching to the converted)

[reply]
1. 3/07/08
  
  markstoneman
  
  In many cases, but there are a lot of people who will. And it gives us something to refer people too when they start behaving badly.
3/07/08

abhatnagar19

I am very happy that you have done this. I welcome this decision. Thanks a lot.

[reply]
3/07/08

VioletsVintage

Nice!

[reply]
3/08/08

whojaybe

Crap... "You can link to your blog or another website, however it needs to be as a reference, not as the primary purpose of the post."

Opps, sorry about that... I think I usually post a link as a reference but I was wrong on a couple occasions. I'll try to keep myself contained!

[reply]
1. 3/08/08
  
  MadameX
  
  Whojaybe, I think the problem came in that you posted three links in a pretty short thread, and the first two were to the same page, only a few posts apart.
3/08/08

eddyprasetyo

great...!

[reply]
3/08/08

MadameX

When this discussion was evolving several weeks ago, before the religion fiasco, I seem to recall a caution about sexual topics given that we have middle-schoolers in our midst. That didn't make it to the final guidelines, and there seems to be a proliferation of "talk about your sex life" topics on the main boards recently. Admin? What's the "rule" on the issue?

[reply]
1. 3/08/08
  
  markstoneman
  
  It has been getting out of hand.
2. 3/08/08
  
  BlogBadly
  
  Oh, don't let me spoil your fun.
3/08/08

TonyB

Please report them. They are out of hand. Any suggestions on how to phrase the guideline?

[reply]
1. 3/08/08
  
  BlogBadly
  
  Keep it PG-13 seems to be a common one for forums.
2. 3/08/08
  
  TonyB
  
  Money...right. That's the only guideline we need to add.
3. 3/08/08
  
  BlogBadly
3/09/08

blurem23

What do u mean by inflammatory discussion? just asking

[reply]
1. 3/09/08
  
  BlogBadly
  
  Discussions that literally set you on fire, duh.
  
  But seriously, it's when a discussion becomes really insulting to other members. This is called flaming.
3/09/08

blurem23

I see now.. Thanks for the info

[reply]
3/11/08

shoepaparazzi

Thank you for setting the guidelines out for us. We will follow.

[reply]
3/12/08

DrowseyMonkey

I like this, but I still do find the 'post with links' rule to be confusing. As I look thru just the first 2 pages of posts on the discussion board right now I see lots of posts that would seem to fall into this category ... the main purpose is to get people to go to their blog to read or do something.

I've often thought of starting a discussion, but I keep stopping myself because I'm still unclear as to the rules. Can anyone make this less fuzzy for me? Thanks!

[reply]
3/13/08

mygeotlin

comment removed by the community.

[reply]
1. 3/13/08
  
  whojaybe
  
  LOL! When people told you to STOP spamming and go read this post, it didn't mean for you to literally SPAM this post too!
3/13/08

Hazelnut01

Seems pretty straight forward to me. Just don't be offensive - there are other places to go to if that's all you're interested in.

[reply]
3/13/08

absolutelytrue

Kudos to the admin for putting together these guidelines that everyone should be happy about.

[reply]
3/14/08

markstoneman

Thought I'd add the most recent no signature threads here for future reference, since I'm still seeing link signatures now and again.
www.blogcatalog.com/discuss/entry/do-you-think-this-is-spamming
www.blogcatalog.com/discuss/entry/poll-should-signatures-be-allowed-in-disc...

[reply]
1. 3/14/08
  
  DrowseyMonkey
  
  I'm still confused ... lol. I guess I'll know when I do something wrong tho. Maybe it's my confustion but based on what I see on the discussion board, it seems random to me.
2. 3/14/08
  
  markstoneman
  
  That's because the boards aren't moderated in a traditional sense. They depend on our reports and then they make a judgement call based on these rules.
3/14/08

nhea4U

Its great that this is finally made clear

[reply]
3/15/08

andysplace

Is it ok to breath in here ? no the rules seem fair to me.

[reply]
1. 3/15/08
  
  acousticguitarist
  
  I think breathing is probably OK, but if you have eaten 5 cloves or more of raw garlic, it is assumed that you face an open window and others will not suffer. :-)
3/17/08

aispinay

Very well noted, thanks for the reminder..

[reply]
3/17/08

thajmode

Oops,, it posted a discussion about ptc websites,, I guess thats not allowed,, I tought It might be itneresting for bloggers to join these,,,

[reply]
3/18/08

janetpaculanan

comment removed by the community.

[reply]
3/18/08

iheartyahoo

janetpaculanan, i'm really curios, but did you even read the topic starters post? Some of these people are just like, omg.

[reply]
3/25/08

cdeering

Thanks for the clarification about how to comment or join a discussion. Appreciate it.

[reply]
3/25/08

gelene

okiedokie..

[reply]
3/28/08

nanogeektech

thanks for the info...

[reply]
3/29/08

pundeerd

This is in fact a great decision to keep things in right perspective.

[reply]
3/31/08

umesh

I find many comments where at the end of the comment the user has given link to their blog and this link no way adds value to the subject/topic of the discussion.This links are not removed.And the links which are really helpful and related to the what is asked for in the discussion , are removed.
Please explain.

[reply]
3/31/08

umesh

Adding following to my earlier comment.
Please check www.blogcatalog.com/discuss/entry/is-america-exceptional
The first comment in this blog has a link to one blog , does this blog is related to discussion "Is America exceptional?". Please note that i am not complaining against any blogger.
Blogcatalog guidelines tell "You can link to your blog or another website, however it needs to be as a reference, not as the primary purpose of the post."
Now in many discussions there are link to blogs at the end of the comment which are not related or reference for the discussion topic.Those are just links wrapped in few words, and not related to discussion.

Why this links are not removed?

I request BC Admins to explain.

[reply]
3/31/08

steveffeo

Glad I read this post, fair enough:)

[reply]
4/02/08

aunjar

I guess it's safe to assume that since I no longer see my disscussion post, I violated the policy... Sorry about that, now I know...:-)

[reply]
1. 6/04/08
  
  kat822
  
  Sam I like you...... message me baby
4/03/08

samfreedom

I've already demonstrated that these rules have virtually no meaning. It seems, when one makes a joke about another that goes a bit awry and is misunderstood by some regular community members, that somehow they get a free pass when it comes to attacking the original poster.

Either it's applied across the board or not. Mob mentality might be a great comfort for the paranoid, insecure types amongst us but, over the long haul, it prevents any real high level discussions from taking place because the right atmosphere for true learning is not where one has to walk on eggshells.

So here's a reminder to the weak and insecure who find solace in attacking by numbers even for light misunderstandings, if you don't like a thread then stay the **** out of it. Chances are, without your cowardly pile-on attack, the thread will die. If you jump in as some heroic defender of someone who, quite likely, never asked for your meager protection in the first place, then the one thing you can be assured of is that it will continue.

And if that kind of justification for the very same illicit behavior described in the original post is not addressed then, underneath all the polite, ceremonious sticky-posts, no one will really be able to trust what is promised around here.

[reply]
1. 4/03/08
  
  offendedblogger
  
  Oh no, who let you back in?
2. 4/04/08
  
  samfreedom
  
  That's an attack. I want justice!
3. 4/04/08
  
  offendedblogger
  
  I can offer you a gift certificate for free tacos at my local taco truck, if that isn't justice well...
4. 6/04/08
  
  kat822
  
  sam send me a link to your blog...leave it in my c box or email me
4/03/08

timethief

@offendedblogger
Sheesh ... perhaps I'm thin skinned but I find the post above yours to be offensive.

scattergun approach
broad sweeping generalizations
unsubstantiated by facts or links
accusations
innuendos
slurs

[reply]
1. 4/03/08
  
  offendedblogger
  
  Yes, that is Sam Freedom's forte' and he and I already butted heads once. He enjoyed it so much, he came back for more hehe.
2. 4/04/08
  
  samfreedom
  
  Oh please, grow a spine and stop characterizing every little thing that doesn't sound like a children's poem to be offensive. How are you ever going to learn anything if you're so quick to bury your head in the sand and scream for help?
3. 4/04/08
  
  markstoneman
  
  @Timethief: Sam thinks the only way to get attention and be relevant is to be rude and stir the pot. He doesn't accept any of the premises of the rules here. Notice how he mischaracterized your reaction in a further attempt to bait. On some forums this passes as dialog, but those aren't places I want to frequent.
  
  I have no idea why he's back only a month after starting a major flame war and getting the boot. Maybe someone at the BC switchboard was asleep.
4. 4/04/08
  
  samfreedom
  
  comment removed by the community.
5. 4/04/08
  
  ThriftShopRomantic
  
  He learned "passive-aggressive" from an earlier thread. It's been a vocabulary expanding day.
4/03/08

CelebrateLD

Interesting.

[reply]
4/04/08

RioTheYorkiePoo

Very interesting. Great guidelines!

But...
Can I still get visits to my cool website? :-)
I guess so...
Yeah!!! - BlogCatalog.com rocks!!!
Rio
"The lil one with a BIG heart"

[reply]
4/04/08

hanxiansheng

I totally agree with that.

[reply]
4/04/08

KemMoseley

I nod in agreement!

[reply]
4/05/08

cutekhartz

Ok...I agree!

[reply]
1. 4/07/08
  
  Angelus
  
  agreed...
4/08/08

cil

ok thanks now i understand. ty

[reply]
4/08/08

nardeeisms

I like. I really like!!

[reply]
4/10/08

mopaper

The rules are great. Blog Catalog gets some really good search engine juice that won't last if it turns into a place for bottom feeders. It will turn into a bad neighborhood and quality sites won't link.

[reply]
4/10/08

trips262

comment removed by the community.

[reply]
1. 4/10/08
  
  MadameX
  
  Wait...wait...
  
  You're spamming the thread about not spamming the threads?
  
  That's too funny. I almost hate to report this one.
2. 4/10/08
  
  Norski
  
  Amazing, isn't it?
  
  To my mild regret, I didn't get here in time to see the anti-spam spammed.
4/10/08

Norski

Standards.

Online.

What a concept!!

[reply]
4/10/08

timethief

@madame X and norski
*lol*

[reply]
4/10/08

markstoneman

I just noticed I had to check a box saying I'd read these things before posting my thread. Not a bad idea.

[reply]
1. 4/14/08
  
  thegoodknife
  
  I'm not sure it's actually working though. have you noticed any less violators in the last week?
2. 4/14/08
  
  crkian
  
  Its one of those boxes that people tend to ignore and just tick the box. Perhaps if it could be forced for your first 3 posts or something and then disappear after that.
3. 4/15/08
  
  thegoodknife
  
  well in theory since we do track who has read a discussion, we could enforce that this discussion must be viewed by the user before they are allowed to post for the first time. But that still doesnt ensure that they actually read it.
4. 4/15/08
  
  MadameX
  
  I think it needs another line. Something like I UNDERSTAND THAT IF I VIOLATE THESE RULES, MY ACCOUNT MAY BE DELETED.
  
  So, you know, people might have some inclination to actually find out what it said.
5. 4/15/08
  
  thegoodknife
  
  that's not a bad idea.
6. 4/15/08
  
  MeghnaK
  
  Can we have something like 'digg':
  
  When we submit a new thread, a page showing some 10 threads mentioning similar discussions, so that we can make sure it is a new discussion?
4/11/08

hepp2

These are clear and sesible rules!

[reply]
4/11/08

inhisgloriousname

Hey what is reach all about anyway?

[reply]
4/13/08

kwksdvmsl013

Thank you for your guide. Happy surfing!

[reply]
4/13/08

lvlaLanG

Good rules.. easy to follow and easy to understand why they have been set up .. nice, I am already loving blogcatalog!

[reply]
4/20/08

ramdani

Cool, clean guidelines BC - thanks!

[reply]
4/20/08

Jeunelle

I have read the rules. Thank you for posting them.

[reply]
4/21/08

natzxiiii

comment removed by the community.

[reply]
4/21/08

hoagrawal

I had created a group "Lifestyle and Health" very recently and wanted to see the guidelines to be followed.Thanks I have found the guidelines.I beleive that following the rules/guidelines is very important.

[reply]
4/24/08

wares4life

Great idea for posting these. Inbox was filling up with lots of useless banter.

[reply]
4/24/08

bharath876

Is posting of the links to the blogs that we own at the end of a reply to a post illegal?

[reply]
1. 4/25/08
  
  crkian
  
  If it is in relation to the topic it isnt that bad. But its when it gets added to everything someone posts it gets pulled up
2. 4/29/08
  
  shugh8
  
  Handball in the box....bleh.
3. 4/29/08
  
  crkian
  
  I was on about posting links to relevant content
4/26/08

timethief

@bharath876 and crkian
I do not want to see blocks of signature links at the end of our responses to BC general discussion forum posts. Forums are for dialog and I consider signature blocks to be spam.

IMO it's fine to post urls to specific blog posts, provided they are directly related to the topic being discussed into the threads. And, of course, we can always use the username link to locate the blogs if we choose to. That's fine with me. However, if we were allowed to attach a signature block of blog links at the end of each comment we make on general discussion posts it would deter me from posting to them at all.

My bottom line is I hate being spammed. The bloggers who do this to me on my blog are blogging for bucks. They make pseudo-comments on my posts just to drop their links to unrelated blogs and that IMO that SUCKS!

If I receive comments on my posts that have a signature block at the end of them I delete them all. Every blogger who comments on my posts already gets a username link to one blog and I have posted a comments policy that clarifies this "no unrelated link dropping" on my blog but the ill mannered, manipulative and opportunistic are slow learners. onecoolsite.wordpress.com/about/contact/