Jo’s Trust forum protocols

[Robert Music]

Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust forum protocols
These rules are aimed to protect all users by ensuring that the forums are safe and supportive for everyone who wants to use them, so they can post freely about their condition and be treated with respect and sensitivity.

Moderators
The Forum is moderated and reviewed daily. Any postings or messages that are deemed contrary to the rules will be removed. If an offensive or inappropriate message has been removed, the author of that message may be contacted by a member of the moderating team for a clear explanation as to why it has been removed.

We always want to see healthy discussion/debate and removing a post is a final option to prevent things getting out of hand for whatever the reason.

At all times, the moderators have the final word. Apart from the Director and Service Development Manager, other moderators are volunteers who have given up their own time to ensure the forums are safe places to go to for support and information.

If you have a post removed, please contact one of the moderators for an explanation – do not post again on the forum as that may inflame things further.


Rules for posting on the Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust Forum

1. No offensive content
This includes, but is not limited to, comments which are:
unlawful, harassing, defamatory, abusive, threatening, harmful, obscene, profane, sexually oriented, racially offensive or otherwise objectionable.

Always be aware of the thoughts and feelings of others, what might be acceptable to you could offend someone else.

You must try to select a username that is not offensive or inappropriate for our community. We reserve the right to refuse or amend an inappropriate screen name. For example, your username should ideally not contain reference to children or words that are "mom" synonymous out of courtesy for members grieving the loss of their womb. We would also ask you to be aware of what you choose to put as your signature. Again, we ask you not to write about children as this could appear insensitive at a time when you are intending to be supportive.

2. No flaming
Under no circumstances should a user respond to an offensive remark made by another user. The matter should be reported to the Moderators for action. Provoking a troublemaker or nuisance takes control of the situation away from the Moderators and makes their role more difficult.

3. No swearing
Avoid using bad language at all times.

4. No illegal content
You may not post any defamatory or illegal material of any nature. This includes text, graphics, video, programs or audio. Posting a message with the intention of committing an illegal act is strictly prohibited.

Only post materials to which you have the copyright or other permission to distribute electronically. You may not violate, plagiarise or infringe on the rights of third parties including copyright, trademark, trade secret, privacy, personal, publicity, or proprietary rights.

5. No advertising, spamming or scams.
Commercial advertising is not permitted.
.

Ensuring your post is read on the message forum
You need to be very specific about the topic of your post in the title, otherwise it might not be read. It is impossible for users to read them all and you may lose out on potential responses from those who have experience in a specific area.

It is equally as important to guide others users who may not wish to read about certain topics. For example, some treatments may cause infertility. For those who are experiencing problems, they may not choose to read about those who wish to share their own news about pregnancy. Another example is for those who are going through a hard time themselves, they might find it harrowing to hear of someone else experiencing problems and may not be able to cope.

Please use the following as a guide
1] If you want information on something specific such as IVF, chemotherapy, hysterectomy etc, include this in the title.
2] If you are posting good news please include what it is about, such as new job, getting married.
3] If you are posting about pregnancy, not infertility, please put pg in the title
4] If you are feeling low or in pain then put feeling low, or bad day at work, pain really bad in the title


Failure to comply with the Rules
In the first instance, you will be formally warned by email or private message. This warning may include a temporary suspension of your ability to participate in the Forum depending on the severity of the posting.

If, after this warning, you continue to breach the Rules, you will be prohibited from using the Forums. The decision of the Moderators is final.

Reporting any abuse
Users are asked to report any offensive posts by clicking on emailing the Director at robert@jotrust.co.uk or sending a private message clearly explaining which message has been hurtful or abusive.

Data Protection
Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust will not publish or provide your email address to anyone.

Please remember
These guidelines are designed to help you to get the most out of your use of the Forum.

1] Remember to read your posts and messages before you submit them. It is not the same as having a verbal conversation and you should be aware that a written comment might not come across in the same way that you intended and could unintentionally cause offence.

2] Please use clear and understandable language – it is very important that those who wish to help have a clear idea of what your problem and needs are.

3] Please be patient there are users of all ages and abilities using the Forum.

4] Never reveal any personal information about yourself (for example your telephone number, email, or home address).

5] Please do not reveal your hospital name or consultant/GP/healthcare professional. This protects both you and them.

5] The Forum is read by many different people, from young women, the media, MPs and potential funders of the charity and you need to ensure your message is appropriate for anyone to read.

Most of all, try to be yourself, use your common sense and treat others with understanding and respect.