Welcome to Pets Gazette!

Before participating in our community, we urge you to carefully review the rules below. These guidelines are designed to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all members. Adherence to these rules is mandatory, and failure to comply may result in disciplinary action.

Community Conduct

• Respect and Civility: Our community thrives on respect. Disrespectful behavior, intentional instigation of drama, or disruptive conduct will not be tolerated. This includes inappropriate use of emojis, reactions, and/or images. Initial infractions will be met with a formal warning, while repeated offenses may lead to suspension or permanent expulsion from the forum.
• Privacy and Safety: Do not disclose personal information in public posts. Utilize private messages to share sensitive details when necessary. Any post that includes personal information may be edited or removed to protect your privacy. While sharing photos is permitted, please exercise caution and respect the privacy of others depicted in your images.
• Handling Disagreements and Reports: If you encounter objectionable content or behavior, use the report button ("!") to notify moderators. For ongoing issues, contact a moderator or administrator with details.
• Interactions with Moderators and Authority: Respect the authority of moderators and administrators who maintain forum order. Abuse of roles or challenging decisions without just cause may result in penalties.
• Accessibility and Inclusivity: Engage respectfully and inclusively, recognizing the diversity of our community. Discriminatory behavior will not be tolerated.

Posting Guidelines

• Relevance and Content: Posts should be relevant to the section's theme and contribute meaningfully to the discussion. Avoid overly brief communications, like simple greetings, or excessively lengthy diatribes that could derail discussion threads.
• Prohibited Content: Advertising, self-promotion, and solicitation through fundraising or campaigns like GoFundMe are strictly prohibited unless pre-approved by an administrator. Content must be free from unsolicited promotions.
• Promotional Links: You may post links to products within the Deals & Discounts section provided they are not affiliated with your account or any business you represent. All links should be non-monetized and non-affiliate to prevent conflicts of interest.
• User-Generated Content and Citing Sources: Valuable contributions such as tutorials and guides are encouraged. Cite reliable sources to enhance the credibility of your information.
• Language and Communication: Maintain clarity and readability in your posts, using English. Slang and jargon are acceptable but should not obscure the message.
• Intellectual Property Rights: Share and attribute content appropriately. Avoid posting copyrighted material without proper authorization.

Moderation and Enforcement

• Three-Strike Policy: We employ a three-strike system for rule violations. Upon your third warning, we may impose restrictions on your account, which could include temporary suspension or, in cases of severe violations, permanent banishment.
• Guidelines per Section: Different forum sections may have specific rules, especially to maintain the focus and integrity of discussions. For instance, the Cat Gallery is dedicated to cat-related images and should not be used for off-topic content or discussions.
• Reporting Mechanisms: Use the "!" report button for specific issues. For broader concerns, contact moderators directly.

Health and Pet Advice

• Non-Professional Advice: While our community is a valuable resource for sharing experiences and knowledge, always verify information independently and consult professionals for serious health concerns. The forum is not an appropriate venue for urgent pet health emergencies.

Account and Access

• Registration Requirements: An active and verified email address is required to create and maintain your forum account. While guests may view content, active participation requires a registered account.
• Password Security: Ensure your password is robust, using a combination of at least six characters, including letters, numbers, and symbols to enhance security.

Content Standards

• Age and Content Appropriateness: Content should generally be suitable for users aged 16 and above. We strictly prohibit any NSFW (Not Safe For Work) materials to maintain a family-friendly environment.
• Event Participation Etiquette: Engage in events with a spirit of fun and sportsmanship. Continuous opportunities are provided for all to win and enjoy.
• Commercial Activities: Generally, selling or promoting commercial activities is not allowed. Exceptions are rare and must be approved by an administrator.

Leadership Roles and Promotion Criteria

• Earning Leadership Positions: Holding a leadership role in another group, such as moderator, administrator, or owner, does not automatically grant you the same status here. All members must earn their rank based on their contributions and behavior within this community.
• Moderator Application Process: To apply for a moderator role, you must be a registered user with a verified email address and have created at least 10-20 high-quality threads with significant engagement. If you meet these criteria, you can submit your application in the Applications section of the Staff Lounge. Your application should include a detailed statement explaining why you are suited to be a moderator, what you can contribute to the forum, and any other relevant details. Applications are typically reviewed within 24-72 hours, and you will be informed if you are accepted, denied, or if further information is needed. Misuse of your title or authority will lead to immediate revocation of your moderator status.
• Administrator Application Process: Advancement to an administrator requires current status as a moderator. Eligible candidates must have created at least 50 engaging threads across the forum, possess reputable knowledge and expertise in one or more animal-related subjects, and demonstrate exemplary conduct. As an administrator, you are expected to manage the forum responsibly. Any abuse of power will result in immediate removal from the administrative role and potential demotion from the moderator position as well. Additionally, this title requires active participation and engagement with the community. All significant actions, such as imposing bans, must be agreed upon by other administrators to ensure fairness and avoid misuse of authority. Unauthorized unilateral decisions are considered abuses of power. It is also imperative that administrators refrain from entering, and especially making unauthorized changes in the Admin Control Panel (ACP). Only the site owner or explicitly authorized personnel may make changes to the site settings.

Thank you for being a part of Pets Gazette. By following these guidelines, you help maintain a welcoming and safe community for all pet lovers. Remember, the moderators are here to assist you, and we encourage open and respectful communication to foster a vibrant community.