Post by Artificial on Aug 27, 2015 20:08:34 GMT
Disclaimer: Please note that Live Another Day is a forum dedicated to the discussion of mental health; we can only provide a friendly, non-judgemental environment where members can share their experiences with regard to mental health struggles, discuss which coping methods have helped them in the past, and seek ways to achieve a healthier lifestyle. Any advice you take away from here should NOT replace professional support and advice. Please also be aware that it is highly likely that you will come across suicide/self-harm related content, and I urge you that for the safety of yourself and others, you read the rules below before posting.
I. Controversial Content:
These forums, undoubtedly, will contain controversial topics which could potentially lead to heated arguments and serious conflict among members. Topics with such potential may include content related to suicide, self-harm, death, eating disorders, freedom of speech, drug legalisation and privacy among others not listed here. Although the risk is moderately high, such topics are not prohibited, instead staff will closely monitor threads containing any of the listed topics highlighted above in bold.
Creating a potentially controversial thread:
If you are uncertain about creating a potentially controversial thread, it's best to do a small evaluation to see whether the risks outweigh the benefits, and vice versa. Unsure how to determine the most probable outcome of the content of a thread? Ask a member of staff or follow this simple guide on how to minimise the probability of things going wrong.
- Warn members of the potentially controversial/triggering context of the thread by placing a 'Warning' label*'.
- Avoid passively-aggressively voicing your opinions.
- Criticise ideas, not individuals.
- Commit to learning, not debating. Comment in order to share information, not to persuade.
- Avoid blame, speculation, and inflammatory language.
*Currently we have 3 global labels which can be applied when creating your thread.
1. Mild cussing 2. Controversial topic 3. Triggering content.
How to apply labels to thread?
Instructions are as follows. 1) Upon creating a thread, click the '' icon. 2) Select the first option 'Labels'. 3) Select which label best suits your thread content.
When things go out of hand...
So you notice your thread or perhaps someone else's thread has erupted in a heated argument which has gotten out of hand...what do you do? Report it to a member of staff - they will either try to diffuse the situation or lock and remove the thread altogether.
II. Sensitive Information:
It is common for individuals, on any online community, to overshare information. Reason for it being that they may feel a false protection when sitting behind a screen; not paying any attention or very little attention to potential threats that they can place themselves in. Most of the time, the individual is unaware of the danger that even a small overshared detail can have on their health; this is particularly true when dealing with vulnerable adults and teenagers. It is in our best interests to keep this from happening, or at least minimise the risks that can come from over sharing information. It is important that you read the following "do's and don't's" when posting content on our forums.
What you can post:
• First name
• If you are over 16 you may freely state your age.
• Which country you come from or reside in
• Account username or nickname
• Photos of your pets
• Sharing your own personal struggles (though be wary of how much detail you share)
• Your art, creative writing, photography...
What you cannot post:
• Middle and last name (or full name)
• If you are under 16, please do not expose your age unless you trust the person.
• Any line of your address (street name, town, county/state).
• Account details such as password, email, phone number...
• Photos of friends/family/yourself
• Sharing your loved ones issues, which should ultimately be shared by themselves.
• Linking to your personal social media accounts
• Personal conversations
If you would like to share information which does not fall into any of these 'can and cannot' points, please ask a member of staff to clarify if it's allowed. If a member of staff is unsure, they will discuss the potential risks with the rest of the team, or most importantly the Head Administrator (myself).
III. Urgent Emotional Support:
If you have strong suicidal thoughts or an intent to harm yourself or others, talk to a professional:
– in the United Kingdom call the Samaritans on 116123 (available 24 hours a day). You can also email the Samaritans if you prefer at jo@samaritans.org
– in the USA call The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Both are free, 24/7 confidential services that can provide people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress, or those around them, with support, information, and local resources.
IV. Advertising and sharing links
Whilst registering on our forums solely for the purpose of advertising is straight up rude; regularly-visiting members are allowed and even encouraged to share links to outside communities and resource pages. These can range from art programs and hosting websites such as DeviantART, Chicken Smoothie, etc. Physical and mental health resources and guides to healthier life styles. As well as child friendly material. Please note that all links must be within our Rules and Guidelines, which means none must contain: graphic content, intent or encouragement of self-harm or suicide, sexual/explicit or offensive material and any violation of the laws. Links containing such content will be promptly removed and the member who advertised or provided the link will be strictly contacted to discuss further actions.
V. Mild swearing is allowed
Swearing is used here to express one's thoughts and feelings; a way to get their emotions across. Such language is used regularly not only by our members but also by our staff for the innocent reason of 'acting as an outlet for intense emotions'. However, there is a fine line between trying to express yourself and trying to insult someone. Swearing with the intent to hurt or cause upset, as well as excessive cussing is not permitted and will be removed.
VI. English only
As harsh and restricting as this rule may seem, it is genuinely for a good cause. Members of staff cannot assure safety of our users if they do not understand whether a rule has been broken or not. due to the language barrier. Whilst yes, a few of our staff (like myself) are bilingual, this does not mean we're 1) fluent or 2) able to explain in that native language why we think you broke a particular rule. No matter how innocent some content may look, it may have been customised that way to fool users, often putting them at risk; this is especially difficult to moderate when the content is written in another language. Considering this, please note that any thread or post contain languages other than English will be removed accordingly.
VII. Read the guidelines before posting
At the top of every main board is a guideline roughly informing you of what content is and isn't allowed in the board as well as its sub-boards. Before posting in any please take your time to read each Guideline Thread (Pinned at the top) before taking to posting.
VIII. Spamming and excessive thread bumping
VIII. Spamming and excessive thread bumping
This includes (but is not limited to):
• Posting the same thread/subject across multiple boards
• Threads or posts containing meaningless content or offensive/graphic material
• Posting the same 'copy and paste' response in multiple threads
• Posting solely to increase post count!
Overall: Members are asked to avoid posting content which is intended to cause distress, arguments or drama. (This includes singling out users; picking on race, gender, disability etc; vague comments and rumours)
Thank you for taking your time to read through our rules carefully, enjoy your time posting!
Thank you for taking your time to read through our rules carefully, enjoy your time posting!