The Community Code: Official Rules and Guidelines
Welcome to ReptileCommunity.com! We are dedicated to providing a supportive, accurate, and safe environment for all reptile keepers. To ensure this, we ask that all members follow these simple, mandatory guidelines. By participating here, you agree to abide by this code.
1. The Foundation: Respect and Conduct
Our community thrives on helpfulness, but we must be able to have constructive debates without resorting to attacks.
-
Be Respectful: Treat every member with courtesy, even when you disagree. There is zero tolerance for personal attacks, harassment, bullying, threats, or hate speech toward any user based on race, gender, religion, orientation, or background.
-
Keep it Constructive: When you disagree with a post, address the content, not the user. For example, instead of saying, “You’re a terrible keeper for using that substrate,” say, “That substrate can cause impaction; a safer option would be X, because…”
-
No Trolling or Spam: Do not intentionally derail threads, post repeated junk messages, or create conflict for attention.
-
Language: Keep content generally PG-13. Avoid excessive profanity, explicit content, or other inappropriate materials.
2. Content and Animal Welfare Rules
These rules specifically govern the posts you create about your reptiles and care practices.
-
Avoid Illegal & Unsafe Practices: Do not post about, promote, or encourage the keeping of illegal, highly invasive, or endangered species where prohibited. We also prohibit the promotion of practices that constitute animal cruelty or severe neglect.
-
Health Disclaimer: Forum advice is not a substitute for veterinary care. Always consult a qualified exotic veterinarian immediately for severe health issues. Our members offer opinions, not professional medical diagnoses.
-
Prohibited Images: Do not post images of severely neglected, critically injured, or deceased animals. Use discretion when posting any graphic content.
3. Advertising and Sales Rules
To prevent scams and maintain focus, we have strict rules regarding money and business promotion:
-
No Direct Sales: You may not post direct sale offers or “wanted” ads outside of the dedicated marketplace sub-forums. This includes linking to external sales pages in signatures or regular posts.
-
Approved Vendors (coming shortly): If you are a breeder or vendor, you must contact an administrator to inquire about our approved vendor program before advertising your business, products, or services.
-
No Solicitation: Do not use Private Messages (PMs) or public threads to solicit funds or donations.
4. Moderation and Enforcement
Our goal is always to educate and redirect before resorting to punitive measures.
-
Moderator Decision is Final: Moderators will review reported content based on these guidelines. If an admin intervenes, their decision regarding warnings, edits, or removals is final.
-
The Three-Strike Policy (Standard):
-
First Violation: Private warning/educational message.
-
Second Violation: Temporary suspension of posting privileges (ban).
-
Third Violation: Permanent ban from the community.
-
-
Immediate Ban: Severe violations (e.g., hate speech, doxxing, severe harassment) may result in an immediate, permanent ban without prior warning.
By understanding and following this Community Code, you help us maintain the best place online for reptile lovers. Thank you for your cooperation!