Code of Conduct

In using this site, users agree to this code of conduct, both in terms of its letter and its spirit. Users also agree to abide by the administrators’ efforts and guidance in enforcing this code.

Three Rules

  • Please conduct yourself in a way that is fit for a large, diverse audience, including younger readers (think kids of school age who might get a kick out of reading some short poetry and wordsmithery at an online site).
  • Please be above averagely kind and respectful toward others.
  • Use the site for the purpose intended: publishing Quordle Poems. I.e., not a place to promote something or pursue other ambitions. If you have some thing you’d like to put on the site that does not fit this purpose, please ask the administrator first!

The above implies some limitations on language used and ways in which subject matters are explored. We ask those wanting different limits to please seek out other places/sites.

Goals

What this site exists to further:

  • creativity and expression through short-form Quordle poems.
  • kindly enjoying, appreciating, and emphasizing the participation of others

What this site does not exist to further:

  • hostility toward others, especially, but not limited to, hostility toward other users of the site

For purposes of this code, hostility will be partially defined as behaviors such as expressing threats, name-calling, and generally calling the worth and dignity of other persons into question. This is not an exhaustive list.

Handling differences in contentious times

Different opinions on matters of morality and foundational beliefs, etc., when expressed respectfully, are not hostility merely by being different or being in disagreement.

Assume that the way you express yourself should be how you’d express yourself to someone’s face when you are trying to get along with people.

The site wishes for conduct conforming to the older definition of tolerance, hinging on the liberty to express significant differences, but requiring that it be done respectfully and with a view to getting along with those with whom one disagrees. That definition of tolerance is perhaps counter to the tenor of our time, which is quick to read disagreement as hostility–a self-fulfilling dynamic. But so often, it is possible to disagree respectfully and even in a kind way. Participation here is premised on people aiming for respectful disagreement, should there be disagreement.

Aren’t there some types of expression that would have a very complicated status under the above rules/approach?

Yes. Do your best. Try very hard to 1. speak truthfully as you see it and 2. be kind and respectful while you do so.

Who is responsible for enforcing adherence to this code?

The administrators of this site. Make their task easy, please. They’ve got lives and would prefer not to have to intervene.

Does this code of conduct leave much undefined and unstated?

Yes. Do your best to act in a way that does not requires the careful articulations of a lay Hammurabi to make everything work.

What happens when conduct is judged as being outside the code?

For non-flagrant issues, an attempt will be made to dialog about the problem, but if that does not work, the administrators of the site have the authority to make final judgement calls. Flagrant violations can be dealt with much more swiftly. The administrators of the site judge what is flagrant. By participating on this site you submit to that judgement. Somebody has to call balls and strikes.

Administrators always have the right to take down content they deem offensive. The are expected to exercise this authority judiciously and with discretion, trying to maximize people’s ability to express themselves, while also keeping the site a place that isn’t about litigating contentions with each other.

If administrators, according to the exercise of their judgment, decide that a user is unwilling to conduct themselves according to the above standards, or is constantly pushing boundaries, the user will be deactivated on the site. Offensive content will be taken down, according to the judgment of the administrators.

However, if within a calendar year of deactivation, a person (who can prove their identity) requests their content and provides a valid email address, anyone who has been deactivated will be given an export of their content on the site, which will be emailed to them. Contact “daily quordle poem @ gmail . com”, removing spaces. I.e. disagreements over conduct should not lead to a user losing basic control over their content, at least in export form. Deactivated users can also request the deletion of all their content.

This is subject to the ability of volunteer administrators to keep up with such requests. Should that become not possible, a notice and change of rules will be posted.

What if I think your code of conduct stinks?

So noted. Blessings upon you, nonetheless. But please do get your own site, if you will not try to abide by this code of conduct. Then you shouldn’t stay here. That’s just basic integrity.

TL;DR

Please choose being here if you want to publish Quordle poems and and are willing to work at being kind to other people who may think about life differently than you do, even as you express your own viewpoint.