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===== Welcome =====

We operate under a community-moderated model and expect our members to speak up when they observe others not interacting according to the rules and principles outlined [[http://wiki.skeptiforum.org/wiki/Facebook_Rules_%26_Principles|here]]. These serve as a general idea of the culture we promote in our forums. If there is ever any doubt, you can ask a moderator. Our current network of groups and projects can be found [[http://www.skeptiforum.org/sf-network/|here]].

The [[https://www.facebook.com/groups/SkeptiForum/|main Skepti-Forum group]] serves as our hub where we can collaborate between the various sub-groups and is also a place where the general audience can ask questions in a calmer, more patient environment. It’s a good group to start in. The subgroups are more focused on adding information to the knowledge-base and debating more advanced topics. In our subgroups, we want to advance the conversation. Since we save many of our discussions and resources in dedicated threads, those can be explored and/or new information added on subjects that have been discussed in our forums previously.

===== Sidebar Threads =====

To add depth to our discussions, and help people feel more welcome and less overwhelmed, we have a “sidebar threads” option. Any member may request a sidebar thread with another member for a one-to-one discussion without interference from others (except moderators if need be). You may ask a moderator for help setting up and managing a sidebar thread.

  * Example and tutorial of a Sidebar thread:

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If a member makes an inflammatory post (pro or anti), a sidebar may be started immediately. Another alternative is to wait and see how the community handles it. If waiting is chosen, then a sidebar should be started when it looks like the thread is getting out of hand (i.e. disrespectful comments, dogpiling, etc), but timing is important because it needs to be started before the OP leaves the conversation. The sidebar is initiated by starting a new post (make sure to tag the member who is being engaged) and saying something like this:

SIDEBAR THREAD BETWEEN KERRI BURSON AND JOHN DOE

John - I am starting this thread in order to discuss your concerns and issues one on one. This option is a way to help people feel more welcome and less overwhelmed. Let's start with this claim X that you made and, once we find common ground on that, we will move on to the next one.

Other members - This is a one on one thread. Comments from anyone other than the two participants, and anyone who they tag in as needed, will be deleted. Thank you.

If a non-mod starts the sidebar, then a mod will need to help with deleting comments. Go to the pinned thread, put a link to the sidebar, and ask the mods to assist with deleting comments from members who should not be participating. Or, tag the mods directly in the sidebar thread and ask for their assistance.

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===== Posting Guidelines =====

  - If posting a link, it is best to provide some context. Explain on what you would like the community to focus. Would you like the material debunked? Do you think the link provides a strong argument?
  - Since Skepti-Forum is a discussion focused community, we look for in depth discussions. Moderators are strict with people who do drive-by machine-gun postings and have no interest in discussion.

===== Rules =====

==== Be awesome to each other ====

  * By being awesome to each other, you should not only be respectful, but also help other members.

==== Obey Mod Notes ====

  * On Facebook, we rely almost entirely on community moderation. Official moderation will typically only occur at the request of members and, if requested, members must comply immediately.
  * There are three ways to contact a moderator for intervention:

  - Tag one or more of the forum mods in the thread where moderation is needed.
  - Copy/paste link to the thread in the Helpline post pinned at the top of the page.
  - PM one or more of the mods and explain the issue that needs to be addressed.

==== Dedicated Threads ====

  * Dedicated threads are to be used as resources and may only be designated by moderators.
  * These threads will be heavily moderated in order to maintain a high level of discussion and adherence to the rules and principles.

==== No abuse or harassment ====

  * We encourage members to criticise ideas, opinions, and beliefs; however, no one should make personal attacks on other members. Name-calling is unacceptable.

==== Claims must be supported by evidence when asked ====

  * Everyone has the right to request evidence in support of a claim and the onus for evidence is on the person making the claim.

==== No deleting threads or comments ====

  * If you want to delete a thread where discussion has already begun, you must obtain permission from a moderator.
  * If a post is made inadvertently, it may be deleted right away without notifying a mod.

==== No spamming, solicitation, or flooding ====

  * No advertising products, services, events, organisations, communities, or anything without first gaining permission from a moderator.

==== Images and videos are the exception, not the norm. No Image Macros or image "memes" ====

  * Image Memes such as [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image_macro|Image Macros]] and other images should only be posted if they are necessary for discussion or if they need to be debunked and critically evaluated. Moderators may delete irrelevant or unnecessary images without warning.

==== No trolling ====

  * Our community appreciates discussing controversial ideas; however, we do not welcome posts seeking to simply inflame or instigate. Do not begin a thread with [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loaded_question|loaded questions]].

==== Refrain from derailing threads and gish gallop. ====

  * Try to stay on the topic of the specific thread.
  * What is gish gallop? Gish gallop is the debating technique of drowning the opponent in a torrent of half-truths, lies, and straw-man arguments that the opponent cannot possibly answer in real time.
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