Discussion Group Rules of Conduct
Below are the "Rules of Conduct" for "Posting". Please take a minute to acquaint yourself with these
rules.
In the internet world these rules are called "netiquette". Although many consider the internet to be
a place where you can "let it all hang out", our desire is to maintain a civilized
conversational forum for participants in our industry.
All are welcome here, but we request your compliance with our rules. Let's keep it professional and in the
best interest of all our visitors. Remember, the general public is watching this forum. Professionalism should be
our utimate goal.
| 1. Use of Company Names in Postings |
Company names may be used in the discussion group subject field. This rule
has been changed to comply with the recommendations of our internet
attorney. His recommendations are; IF a person is using their real name
they should reference their company name or initials so company liability
insurance will cover them in case of a slander suit.
(Need a clearer explanation? -- If you are posting, or reponding, to something non-related
to your company then the use of your company name is not appropiate. i.e. "I lost the key to my
car, how do I get the doors open?" On the other hand if someone asks "what is a good management system?"
the use of your company name should be used.)
Hopefully the following will clarify the rules.
The use of company names or phone numbers in the text/body of messages will
be allowed when:
1. Answering a specific question pertaining to their product or a solution using
their product or;
2. Answering a general question not concerning their product, but the use of your company
name/phone number will help solve a problem for the person/group asking the question;
3. The use of your company name will lend credibility to the post or response and will
benefit the readers of the post.
This rule change should not be construed to be an "open door" for
advertising or plugs in the discussion group, but instead an opportunity to
solve problems and further the industry.
Use of names/phone numbers will be at the discretion of the Webmaster and
any message that, in his opinion, violates the above rules will be removed.
Overuse of this privilege will result in
having your posts modified and/or removed.
If you're unsure of whether your response is appropriate, feel free to
email us. We will be happy to assist you in your
participation in the discussion group.
We do not allow libelous or slanderous statements on the Discussion Group.
There is legal precedent for web site owners to be held culpable for slanderous
and libelous statements placed on discussion pages.
A good-faith effort must be made to police the site, but nevertheless, liability still exists.
If we feel there is a post that puts us in a "precarious" position, we'll delete it. Period.
Additionally, I am not interested any arm-chair attorney’s opinion. If they want to make those posts
on another board, or allow them on their board, more power to them. They will not be allowed here.
| 3. Keep it Clean - No Name Calling |
This should be an obvious rule but I'll list what is not acceptable. Profanity, references to profanity,
references to body parts, words that make references to race, religion, or sex, OR generally anything you
wouldn't find appropiate at either your Grandmother's Thanksgiving Dinner or around a boardroom table
in a business setting.
Please do not name-call or otherwise degrade those who post. It's not professional and it's not how we
should treat our fellow human beings. A good rule to follow is "don't say anything on our discussion group
that you wouldn't say to a person's face."
For the most part let's keep the discussion going in the direction of improving communications
between shop owners and shop owners-vendors-data-providers-insurers.
| 5. No Advertising or Shameless Plugs |
The discussion forum is where those in the collision industry
can exchange ideas, tips, tricks, gossip or recent news with their peers. It’s NOT
designed to be a free advertising page. If you feel that Autobodyonline is such a
viable resource for your company, then become a Web Partner. We have extremely
reasonable rates and you are welcome to contact us for all the
possibilities that await you.
Remember what I said about believing in the free market system?
Well, this is OUR web site and we get to make the rules. To make it very clear - I run this board for the best
interest of the collision industry. I make the rules - if you don’t like them I invite you to go elsewhere.
Lastly, there is no "free-speech" per the first amendment, on this board.
Just like any good “parent”, we’ve established this rule for ourselves and our advertisers. If you should find an entry in Discussion Group that appears to be a
shameless plug email us and it will be considered for removal.
| 8. Proprietary Information |
Posts that ask for proprietary information from a company or individual
(i.e. you are asking for info. that is none your business), or those that
are intended to embarrass companies or individuals, will be removed.
Additionally, this site is not intended to "cross-examine" companies or
individuals. Those that post here, or companies/individuals from our
industry (insurers excluded) are not on trial here. For those of you that
disagree with this ruling, refer to rule #6 above.
If you have questions or problems or think you have a persuasive
argument against Rules 1 - 8, then feel free to contact us. Beware, the Rules of
Conduct also apply when you contact us. If you violate them, I’ll refer you to Rule 6.
Thank-you to all those who have made Discussion Group such a big success. We
appreciate all your entries and responses. It is our sincere hope that you will continue to
use this page as a way to communicate with your peers. If you have suggestions as to
how we can improve Discussion Group or Autobodyonline, please contact us.
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