IDigBio Community Code of Conduct

Introduction

We celebrate online conversation because it embraces frank and open conversation. Frankness should not enable a lack of civility. We present iDigBio’s Online Community Code of Conduct in the hope that it helps create a culture that encourages both personal expression and constructive conversation. This Code of Conduct is subject to change at any time, at iDigBio's sole discretion.

General Policy

1. We take responsibility for our own words, and for the comments posted in discussion threads, Wiki pages, and other content channels.
2. We are committed to the "Civility Enforced" standard. We will not post unacceptable content, and we will delete comments that contain unacceptable content.
3. We define unacceptable content as anything including, or linked to, that:
   • Is being used to abuse, harass, stalk, or threaten others
   • Is libelous, knowingly false, ad-hominem, or misrepresents another person
   • Infringes upon a copyright or trademark
   • Violates an obligation of confidentiality
   • Violates the privacy of others
   • Includes profanity, indecent language or indecent imagery
4. We define and regulate "unacceptable content" on a case-by-case basis, and our definitions are not limited to this list. If we delete a comment or link, we will say so and explain why.
5. We will not write anything online that we would not say in person.
6. When conflicts exist, we connect privately before we respond publicly.
7. When we encounter conflicts and misrepresentation in the community, we make every effort to talk privately and directly to the person(s) involved before we publish any posts or comments about the issue.
8. When we believe someone is unfairly attacking another, we take action.
9. We do not allow anonymous comments or anonymous content contribution.
10. We require contributors to supply a valid email address before they can contribute content. We do allow contributors to identify themselves with an alias, rather than their real name.
11. We encourage and welcome constructive criticism and feedback, but prefer not to respond to unconstructive negative comments about iDigBio or our community, as long as they do not veer into abuse or libel.
12. Spam is not tolerated within the iDigBio online community. Content that is Spam will be deleted, the contributor will be contacted, and the contributor’s account may be deleted.
13. We welcome vendors and manufacturers to discuss the merits and advantages of various hardware and software offerings that support digitization of biological specimens. We do not permit links to sales portals for these products. Links to product data sheets that provide greater detail of the product’s features and capabilities are allowed.