Ning Code of Conduct

1. Be respectful: This is our most important and strictly enforced rule. Respect means showing regard and goodwill towards other members of the HPA. Personal attacks, flaming, or other inappropriate remarks will not be tolerated and can result in suspension from the Ning. We understand that not everybody will be able to agree all of the time, but we will enforce that members can be civil to each other all of the time. You don't have to respect everyone's opinion, but you DO have to respect their right to say it.

2. Respect privacy: Do not post anything that contains telephone numbers, addresses or any private information about any actor in the HP films, J.K. Rowling, or anyone who works on the HP franchise, outside of contact information they or their handlers have posted. Privacy rights extend to other Ning members. NEVER request nor give e-mail addresses, phone numbers, addresses, or other private information. Any post containing such information is subject to deletion. If a member is contacting you, and you do not feel comfortable, please contact your prefects.

3. Don't spam: Spam posts are defined as posts that are content-free or add nothing to the discussion at hand. This includes posts just to bump a thread to the top of the page. Topics that only call for one or two word replies may be deleted under this rule. Anything that qualifies as spam will be deleted upon sight.

4. Stay on-topic: Please keep forum discussion on topic. Responses that are off-topic will be deleted or moved. Additionally, please make sure that you are posting your topics in the correct discussion category. Any topics posted in the wrong board will be moved. If you are unsure where to post, contact your prefects.

5. Spelling, grammar and punctuation: Please use proper spelling, grammar, and punctuation in your posts. Though we do not expect perfection, it is important that your comments, blog posts, etc. are presented in a clear, coherent manner. Some things to avoid: alternating caps, no spaces, excessive punctuation, or lack of punctuation. Any post that does not follow these basic rules is subject to deletion.

6. Keep copies of your work: Although it is by no means a requirement, we strongly encourage you to save copies of your blogs and discussions to your personal computer. The HP Alliance will not be held responsible for items deleted, intentionally (i.e. by an admin) or otherwise.

7. Do not make duplicate threads: Before making a new thread, please make sure there isn't one for that topic already, as the new thread will be closed. Double posts are discouraged as well; please use the edit feature if you forgot to add something to your post.

8. Don't use Ning as a promotion tool: Advertising on the HPA Ning will not be tolerated. Any blogs or posts to the forum that incorporate commercial advertising, plugs for your website/fanfic/fan art/message board/survey/mailing list, etc., unless directly related to the subject matter of the blog or discussion, will be immediately deleted. Users are allowed to make one post each promoting personal projects on their blogs and personal profiles. Do not use the private messaging system to tell people to visit your site. Do not link to any sites with content exceeding the rating of PG-13, even in your profile. No solicitation of contact information, requests for members to join other forums, boards, or chats, or attempts to sell products or services will be tolerated. Failure to comply to these rules may result in suspension from the Ning.

9. No explicit or offensive material will be allowed: We do not condone the discussion, display or description of material that is above what most consider a PG-13 rating. Users are not allowed to use vulgar or coarse language, including efforts to get around a coarse language filter. No racial, religious, or sexually inflammatory language will be tolerated. Posts containing sexually charged imagery or descriptions will be deleted. Discussions of drugs, alcohol, or other controlled substances are not allowed. Anything in a post or profile that an administrator deems inappropriate will be deleted at the admin's discretion.

10. Photos and videos: Be aware that all photos and videos you post to Ning are visible to the entire HPA Ning community. It is absolutely required that all of your photos and videos relate either to the HP Alliance or to the Harry Potter fandom. Photos and videos of actors from the films, fan art, and pop-culture photos in general will be promptly deleted. Although this is a site for meeting other Harry Potter Alliance members, this is not a social networking site. Please do not post photos and videos of yourself unless they relate directly to HP Alliance campaigns.

11. Respect the decisions of House prefects: We chose our prefects and administrators carefully. They will never treat your problems lightly - in exchange you must understand that their decisions are final.

12. Regarding Politics: The HP Alliance is a nonpartisan organization. While we work on and encourage discussion around social and sociopolitical issues, no part of our organization is meant to serve as a forum in which to promote a specific political party or politician.

If you feel that the behavior of another Ning member does not live up to this Code of Conduct, please report them to a Ning prefect. Please note that deletion of offending material and suspension of accounts is up to the discretion of the HPA prefects and may occur for reasons not specifically outlined in this document.
Admin Emails:
allison@thehpalliance.org
ciara@thehpalliance.org