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| Forums Infraction System |
Introduction Whilst the AFA Forums provide near-unlimited freedom of expression, there are a number of responsibilities that the forum members will need to adopt to ensure that their activities do not negatively impact the forum environment. Occasionally, some can confuse "freedom of speech / expression" with "freedom of access to a specific audience". These are two entirely different things. There are many systems in place on the “internets” which address the rules and responsibilities of those who post on forums. Some are effective and some are not. The key comes down to the community itself and what culture it champions within itself. This system described below is designed with the protection and propagation of this culture as we move forward. The vast majority of members will see little difference as their own posting activities do not warrant any actions. You may however notice that the very occasional troublemaker will seem to disappear for a day or so in increasing lengths. This is the result of infraction points accumulating. The concept of utilising an “infraction” system as opposed to a “banning” system is simple. It is far more objective in its process. This infraction system will automatically attribute a point value for each "infraction". These points will accumulate until they expire at a specific number of days. Infractions may or may not have been preceded by an official warning. Our AFA Forum infraction system will be structured like this. We have determined that there are three core categories of activities we wish to have moderated. They are, Procedural: This category is where there is simply a rule in place as a standard procedure regarding how you engage in your posting activities.
Conversational: This category deals primarily with how we engage with each other.
Cultural: In my opinion, this is by far the most important category. It is the culture of a forum that gives it a “feel”, a sense of belonging, an environment of support, a safe haven, a home. It is this class of infraction which are the most serious as they have the greatest impact of the freedoms, fun and safety of others. We need to all be vigilant to protect the culture of the forum.
As with most systems of this type, as new conditions arise, the system may be modified to accommodate these conditions / instances. Infraction points Moderators will have the ability to attribute “infraction points” against a particular post. When this occurs, the member responsible will receive a notification of the infraction. These points have an expiry period. As points accumulate, they may breach one of the infraction point suspension thresholds. Only the greater threshold will take effect in the event of multiple thresholds being breached. Suspensions result in a restriction on ability to post on the forum for the prescribed period of time. The completion of a suspension is independent of the infraction point expiry date. As such, a suspension can occur and be served and on return, another minor infraction can cause the member to pass another infraction threshold resulting in another (usually longer) suspension. This system is designed to penalise those who are not acting as good community citizens in a consistent manner. Please note: A single post can result in multiple infractions which have an accumulated point value. All infractions are the result of consultation of multiple moderators. A single moderator will not infract in isolation except under unusual circumstances and this infraction will then be discussed with other moderators once they become available. Supermod and admin consultation can result in higher prescribed infraction point penalties where they are deemed appropriate. Infraction point suspension thresholds The following are the infraction point accumulation thresholds and their associated suspension periods. There are two broad categories,
Warnings Moderators, in the capacity of their role have the option to issue a “warning” to a member. Warnings have no infractions points attributed to them but should still be considered serious. It means that if you fail to take their direction and continue to proceed on your expected course, you will potentially receive one of more infractions. Dispute resolution process. In cases where an infraction is given and the member disputes the merit of the infraction, simply Click the contact us button at the bottom of the forum. An email is sent to forum.admin@atheistfoundation.org.au AFA Forum Administration and Moderation Teams |
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