Ask your questions standards, participation guidelines and moderation aims
The aim of this page is to help you, our valued students, to understand our goals for lively and considered discussion in the Ask your question community, and the steps we take to create an inclusive and safe environment.
We operate on one guiding principle: although we welcome student opinion and discussion, we have take a ‘zero tolerance’ view of any comments which we feel could be considered harmful.
We understand there are differing views of what constitutes offensive or insulting comments. We understand there are concerns that society has become too focused on political correctness. Likewise, others feel that still not enough care is given to stamp out insensitive or hateful comments.
We cannot please everyone, all the time.
We urge participants to flag (via the menu next to the offending comment) or email us (via our contact page) about a potentially inappropriate comment for review, whether out of concern for others or as a result of personal offence.
We will gauge the merits of an observed or reported comment at our discretion, by our own internal standards, often through internal discussion. Any decision is both final and non-negotiable. However, where appropriate, and as time and circumstance allows, we will discuss a decision with the affected parties – for so long as the exchange remains reasonable, balanced and calm.
COMMUNITY STANDARDS
Tone and attitude
Heated discussion and debate is welcome, but any comments that include a personal attack or hurtful words – against either a Ask your question writer or a participant in the discussion – is not acceptable.
We will not tolerate racism, sexism, homophobia or other forms of hate-speech, or contributions that could be interpreted as such.
Our goal is to ensure an inviting space for discussion. For this reason, we will at our own discretion distinguish between intelligent – be it calm or heated – and abusive, provocative discussion.
We ask that you respect the rights of others to their own views, beliefs and preferences, and keep discussion ‘on topic’.
Likewise, if we determine that your comments and interaction with other students is consistently negative or petty, adding nothing of value to the discourse, this may also lead to a suspension or ban.
Again, we have no obligation to enter into discussion with you, in the event that you are penalised in this way.
MODERATION: We reserve the right to caution participants openly so that all can see the intent to redirect the flow of discussion, and we likewise reserve the right to remove offending comments and the posting privileges of any participants involved.
This may occur without warning or discussion, however we will make contact with involved participants where we deem it appropriate and worthy.
Clarity and intent
Be mindful that you may be misunderstood if you are not clear in your meaning. Review the content of your question before posting, to best ensure your message will be taken as intended.
Without knowing the others involved in a discussion, it is not always possible to ensure your intention will be clear. You have an obligation, however, to make a clear and obvious effort.
Remember that text is not always an ideal medium for discussion. The tone of your comment – be it serious, sarcastic or light-hearted – will not always be obvious. (
MODERATION:
If a comment is removed, related comments may also be removed – whether offensive or not – so as to avoid a series of nonsensical ‘leftover’ comments.
As noted, we will not always enter into discussion with every user affected by moderation, be it a deleted comment or a banned user.
‘Shouting’ and other forms of attention-seeking
Online, the composing of entire words, sentences or posts in capital letters is generally considered ‘shouting’ and, in most communities, is frowned upon. Here, it is regarded as inappropriate conduct.
Likewise, the use of HTML tags intended for appropriate emphasis – such as <b> and <i> – to change the appearance of an entire paragraph or post rather than a small handful of words, is also not accepted.
In the same vein, the changing of font styles and colours will not be tolerated, and the overuse of ’emoji’ characters will also lead to moderation.
These behaviours are considered an attempt to have one’s comment stand out from those of other participants, as they can surely serve no other obvious purpose than to speak over your fellow commenters.
MODERATION: Offending posts will be removed, repeat offenders may be banned.
WHO MODERATES DISCUSSION?
The monitoring and moderation of discussion on Ask your question is a responsibility shared by our editorial team, along with a small group of trusted community members who help to moderate comments, in consultation with our editorial team, which also provides guidance as needed.
NOTE: These guidelines may be revised or updated at any time, without notice.
