June 2018 Chat Policy Update

[Dev]

Hello all!

 

With all that's changed in regard to chat lately, we've adjusted our policies (some of them long-standing) in response to new member expectations, current trends within chat, and adapting for future survivability.  These notes are intended to let you all know what's changed.

 

• While some topics are restricted to #mtf, #ftm, or #off-topic, if any one conversation dominates a channel at a time when someone is trying to get support or information related to being trans or suicidal, that conversation will be moved to a different channel.  If you're asked to move, it's not a disciplinary thing - it's just a request to help keep chat focused on the helpful purpose of the site.

 

• The rules in #verification have been amended slightly for clarity.  Moderators still have discretion to respond to issues that aren't covered there as the situation warrants, because it's impossible for any list of rules to cover every possible thing that might happen.

 

• Language restrictions have been somewhat relaxed.  Common, everyday words that may or may not have some relationship to suicide or self-harm are no longer forbidden, as long as they're used in proper conversational context.  Further, speaking in general about your struggles with suicidal feelings or self-harm is now okay in public chat, but you still may not go into detail about injuries or the results of attempts.  Discussing the "merits" of various methods for attempting suicide or harming yourself is also not allowed.

 

• All members are expected to follow the rules when in chat.  They will be applied and enforced equally, taking into consideration your behavior in chat only. 

 

Recently, we've seen a trend with members responding to moderator requests and rules they don't like by "complying" with those rules in ways that are exaggerated and clearly intended to violate some rule or other.  This is childish and will no longer be tolerated.

 

If you have any questions, please raise them privately with an administrator for clarification.

 

Thanks for being patient as we grow!

[Dev]

Comment to clear from the widget.

[Regn]

On 6/4/2018 at 8:06 AM, Dev said:

All members are expected to follow the rules when in chat.  They will be applied and enforced equally, taking into consideration your behavior in chat only. 

 

Is there not an exception for repeatedly rude and aggressive members with disabilities, even though they have caused multiple people to leave the community?

[Dev]

For some time we've considered people's circumstances in regard to their behavior.  That has stopped.  If it's unacceptable, it's unacceptable from everyone.  The big condition of receiving the help we offer and participating in the community is that people follow the rules and don't antagonize others.

[Regn]

Good to hear