Forum Etiquette

[APA President]

Participants
Ø The APA welcomes any person who is trying to conceive, already pregnant, experiencing a pregnancy related loss, or early parenting to participate in the boards
Ø Are not discriminated against because of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or nationality. Anyone is invited to participate in the boards.

Users
Ø Should Register with only 1 user name-multiple user names could lead to banning.
Ø Pictures in signature, size
ØSignature content

Posts
ØPlease review the various categories and become familiar with each before making your initial posts
ØEvaluate your question and post it in the appropriate category
ØThreads not responded to may be automatically deleted in 30 days
ØThreads are the property of the poster and APA. Moderators may act as agents of APA to modify posts.

Pictures
ØPictures in signatures, Pics of the Week, or pictures in any posts are the sole property of the poster.
ØUsing another posters pictures is forbidden ØSignature pictures:"Your siggy has four lines.
The intent is for:
1 Text Line
1 Pic Line
2 Ticker lines
A siggy may only have 1 pic line. The pic line can have multiple pics in it going across, but it should not exceed 320 pixels high. This means those of you that have pics on top of each other will need to change them. Ticker lines may be substituted for Text. For example, you might have a name, DSO, and DD line and you might have a quote line.The primary focus of these guidelines is to focus on the use of pictures.
ØAlthough babies are adorable, please avoid posting bare pictures exposing genitals or a baby’s bottom. This is for your protection.

General Communication
ØVarious aspects of pregnancy deliver various emotions and opinions, post with respect
ØDifferences are expected and welcomed, but made with respect
ØLook at the original post request or question and reply or support that.

Posting Communication
ØNo harassing, insulting, or belittling of other users
ØNo flaming or slamming (This includes openly airing complaints against moderators as well as publicly calling out other members and starting new threads to complain about other threads or rooms on the boards)
ØNo offensive words, including masking
ØNo shouting (typing in all caps)
ØNo trolling, faking or spamming

Advertising or Marketing
ØNo marketing or advertising of services, products, organizations or other forums
ØNo hyperlinks to outside services, products, organizations or other forums
ØMember market is reserved for APA forum members and their own personal info.
ØMember markets may have outside advertising posted by designated members.
ØOffers, promotions or deals may be posted by APA in any relevant section

Moderators
ØLong standing forum members with first priority as being a forum participant
ØTeam members of APA, so representatives of APA
ØObjective is to provide a safe place for forum members to exchange information and get support
ØMembers are expected to respect the request of a moderator
ØRight to edit without warning. (explanation may be provided but not required)
ØModerator abuse or problems should be reported to the APA President
ØMembers are required to receive PMs from Moderators and admin

Reporting:
A. Spammers, Trolls, Pervs, etc.
ØReport to Moderators or Admin
B. Problems or abuse from forum members
ØFirst seek to resolve with member through PMs
ØReport to Moderators
ØUnresolved report to Admin
C. Problems or abuse from Moderators
ØReport to Admin
ØUnresolved report to APA President

Private or Personal Messages (PMs)
ØPMs are just that personal or private messages
ØForum etiquette rules still apply to PMs
ØPMs are not to be posted in APA forums or in any other public location
ØPMs may be shared with a Moderator or Admin for reporting purposes or to seek counsel on action to be taken
ØPMs may be shared with another member by request of the sender
ØPMs may be monitored for abuse
ØPMs are the property of the sender, the receiver and APA.

Member Markets
ØReserved for members with 50 or more posts and in good standing
ØMembers who sell something through APA and do not supply the purchased item are subject to suspension or banning.
ØThe Member Market is a convenience offered to members of the APA Forums. This is a personal transaction between members, and that APA is not able to monitor those personal transactions between members and cannot assume responsibility. Buyers and sellers should be cautious in their communications and transactions as they should with any transaction with someone unknown to them, and should respect all laws in regard to the purchase and sale of their goods. The sale or resale of prescription medication is illegal.

Freedom of Speech
ØThis board is not subject to any "freedom of speech" or rights related to that. The forums have their guidelines and rules of conduct, and anyone is free to join with the understanding that they comply with those rules and guidelines.
ØNo one has the freedom to write whatever they want in the daily newspaper; it is that editor's choice or (censorship). But every one has the freedom to create their own newspaper or their own magazine and say whatever they want. Similarly, everyone has the right to create their own forum, their own site and say whatever they want.
ØAPA has every right to censor this site. Our goal is not to police the topics, nor deter differences - but we will censor porn, derogatory slander, trolls and things that outright antagonize members. This is done as an investment in the members of this forum - as a protection of their right to come to a safe place to learn and receive support.
ØThreads that talk about homosexuality from a political or right/wrong perspective will not be allowed, due to controversial opinions.

Discipline or Correction
ØRequests from Moderators or Admin to edit or delete a post, monitor posting practices, or improve levels of respect or courtesy
ØWarnings from Moderators or Admin for inappropriate behavior
ØTemporary or permanent suspension
ØBlocking of IP
ØOutright harmful or abusive actions will lead to immediate suspension
ØSpammers, trolls, pervs will receive permanent suspension and blocking of IP and after banning, no new screen names are to be signed up created.
ØAction taken is at the sole discretion of APA Admin.