Community Guidelines

Keep it civil aka don’t be a jerk

Discussions may often entail topics that we all personally care a lot about and will passionately defend. In order for discussions to thrive here, we need to remember to criticize ideas, not people.

So, remember to avoid:

  • name-calling
  • ad hominem attacks
  • Responding to a post’s tone instead of its actual content.
  • knee-jerk contradiction

Comments that we find to be hateful, inflammatory, or harassing may be removed. If you don’t have something nice to say about another user, don’t say it. Treat others the way you’d like to be treated. Attack the topics and ideas, have strong opinions, be disgusting, just don’t be a jerk to your fellow member.

Always strive to add value to every interaction and discussion you participate in no matter how insane

There are a lot of discussions that happen every day on our community. Before joining in a discussion, browse through some of the most recent and active discussions happening in the community, especially if you’re new there. Get a feel for the madness.

If you are not sure your post adds to the conversation, think over what you want to say and try again later.

Keep it tidy

Help make moderators’ lives easier by taking a moment to ensure that what you’re about to post is in the right place. That means:

  • don’t post off-topic comments or discussions
  • don’t cross-post the same thing multiple times
  • check if another active discussion on your topic has already been posted

If you see something, say something

Moderators are at the forefront of combatting spam, mediating disputes and enforcing community guidelines and, so are you.

If you see an issue, contact the moderators if possible or flag any comments for review. If you believe someone has violated the Basic Rules, report it to us via Disqus by flagging the user’s profile.

Looking for the old Channel Rules?

No Self-promotion

A discussion or comment that contains only a link to your blog, a product, or your article on another site will almost always be removed. Keep doing it and your account banned.

Choose Your (Curse) Words Wisely

Comments that contain profanity are automatically held for moderator review before being posted. Depending on the context of the comment, it may be removed. Profanity used to insult, antagonize, or inflame will always be removed.

Don’t Be a Jerk

Personal attacks and harassment will not be tolerated. Sexist, racist, misogynist, homophobic, and broad, offensive generalizations about groups of people are simply not allowed. Comments or discussions written intentionally to provoke will also be removed.

Don’t Copy and Paste

If you didn’t write it, or haven’t properly cited the article you’re quoting, don’t post it. Exception being Al Bundy scoring 5 touchdowns including the game winner over Spare Tire Dixon. That is ALWAYS welcome. GO POLK HIGH!!

English Only

We currently only support English-only discussions here at Rotten Puppets. Non-English comments and discussions will be removed.