By using the PTG online discussion forums, you are agreeing to
abide by the Guidelines for Online Participation outlined below. These rules
will be enforced in order to maintain a friendly, positive and welcoming
discussion environment.
Guidelines for Online Participation:
1. Follow the Code of Conduct:
The PTG Code of Conduct includes more specific information about what
is considered appropriate when posting on PTG discussion forums. Non Members
are our valued guests, but will also be expected to abide by the same standards.
All subscribers must agree to uphold the Code of Conduct and these Guidelines
for Online Participation in order to participate.
2. Be Respectful:
Our online communications should display the same manners and
respect that we would expect if we were speaking to each other in person at
chapter meetings or events. It is okay to disagree or share different opinions,
but it is not okay to use rudeness when responding to others. Disrespectful
behavior, insults, threats and other abusive forms of communication will not be
tolerated.
3. Be Helpful:
PTG’s technical forums can be a very valuable source of learning
for technicians at every level, but especially for beginners. Please remember
that everyone started out as a beginner, and seemingly obvious questions are
not so obvious to those with less experience. Please make an effort to make
newer technicians feel welcome, and remember that questions from new
technicians often spark the most valuable discussions.
4. Be On Topic:
Some discussions will occasionally stray from topic, but please
make an effort to limit off-topic posts. When a large number of messages are
posted that have no relevance to the forum or topic, this makes the discussion
less valuable to those who are trying to keep up with the relevant material.
Before submitting any post, it’s best to ask the question, “Am I adding
anything of value to this discussion?”
5. No Spamming:
Using the forums for advertising products or services is
prohibited. In technical discussions, the mention of products is inevitable,
and it may be appropriate for a vendor to respond to a discussion to provide
clarifying information, but vendors should use discretion in those communications
to avoid using the forum for promotional purposes.
6. Observe Antitrust Policies:
All members should be familiar with PTG's
Antitrust Guidelines and abide by them when posting information.
7. Reporting a Violation:
Use of the "Mark as Inappropriate" button is taken
seriously, and the complaint will be investigated. While it is your right, it
is also your responsibility to use the system appropriately. If a posted
message violates the Guidelines for Online Participation, users can notify the
IT department by clicking the "Mark as Inappropriate" button. The
message will be reviewed in context, and if the rules appear to be intentionally
violated by the author, that individual will be given a warning. Continued
offenses will result in a suspension of access to the forums.