Online Communication Rules
Source Document | Adopted 7/7/2020
The Phoenix Arizona Chapter of The Piano Technicians Guild, Inc. ("we" or "our" or "Chapter") has established these Online Communication Rules ("Rules") to help maintain a friendly, positive, and welcoming discussion environment on the Online Communication Sites (e.g. online communities, groups, forums, email lists, websites, etc.) (collectively, "Sites") administered by the Chapter.
All Users (including our Webmasters, Administrators, Moderators, etc.) of these Sites are expected to abide by these Rules if they wish to maintain their Access Privileges. Non-members of the Chapter are our valued guests, but they also are expected to abide by the same Rules if they wish to participate.
Thank you in advance for your positive contributions to our online communities.
1. Follow the Code of Conduct
The Code of Conduct contains information about Inappropriate or Illegal Content (e.g. defamatory or copyrighted content) and Message Etiquette.
2. Be Respectful
Users' online communications should display the same manners and respect that they would expect if they were speaking to each other in person at Chapter meetings or events. It is okay to disagree or share different opinions, but it is not okay to use rudeness when responding to others. Disrespectful behavior, insults, threats and other abusive forms of communication will not be tolerated.
3. Be Helpful
Technical Sites can be a very valuable source of learning for technicians at every level, but especially for beginners. Please remember that everyone started out as a beginner, and seemingly obvious questions are not so obvious to those with less experience. Please make an effort to make newer technicians feel welcome, and remember that questions from new technicians often spark the most valuable discussions.
4. Be On Topic
Some discussions will occasionally stray from topic, but please make an effort to limit off-topic posts. When a large number of messages are posted that have no relevance to a group or topic, this makes the discussion less valuable to those who are trying to keep up with the relevant material. Before submitting any post, ask yourself, "Am I adding anything of value to this discussion?"
5. No Spamming or Advertising
Using these Sites for spamming or advertising products or services is prohibited. In technical discussions, the mention of products is inevitable, and it may be appropriate for a vendor to respond to a discussion to provide clarifying information, but vendors should use discretion in those communications to avoid using these Sites for promotional purposes.
6. Observe Antitrust Policies
All Users should be familiar with PTG's Antitrust Guidelines and abide by them when posting information.
7. Reporting a Violation
Violations of these Rules are taken seriously, and complaints will be investigated. Users may Report a Violation Online or report it directly to the Site Administrator, Chapter President, or Chapter Vice President. The reported Message will be reviewed in context. If it is found that the Author of the Message violated these Rules, the Author will be given a Written Warning. If the Author continues to violate these Rules, the Author will eventually be banned from our Site(s).
Disclaimer
The Chapter is not responsible for any opinions or information posted by others. We disclaim all warranties with regard to information posted on these Sites, whether posted by the Chapter or any third party; this disclaimer includes all implied warranties of merchantability and fitness. In no event shall the Chapter be liable for any special, indirect, or consequential damages or any damages whatsoever resulting from loss of use, data, or profits, arising out of or in connection with the use or performance of any information posted on these Sites.