Usage Rules and Community Chat Moderation

Like our reading lists, we model our approach to moderation after finding some inspiration from them. A shortcut to what's allowed is to skim through the 3 major rules (International, Golden and Internet) found on major articles and significant story book chapters. As of August 2024, the tentative rules for the website are:

• Standard EU and US rules of etiquette apply. That means no discrimination of any sort.
• Lawyering, jestering or interrogating is FORBIDDEN. Unexplained jokes won't land on an international audience. They grew up in different lands.
• Avoid ambiguity and vague statements. Be direct.
• The International Rule: Consider the audience. They're wide and diverse. Communicate explicitly and clearly with written intentions and conclusions.
• Give out a kind energy and receive the same energy in reciprocation.
• The Kindness Rule: Don't be a jerk. Be kind. Give and take in equal measure.
• Algorithm-curated contents from contemporary sources like Facebook and Instagram are FORBIDDEN.
• News-curated contents from contemporary mediums like podcasts and video shorts are FORBIDDEN.
• The Internet Rule: If it's already published in every news outlet and social media, don't share or post it here.

Given the website's humanitarian position, I am aware that it is far easier to browse and discuss viral issues in places where it is appropriate to discuss them. Indeed, there are many place to debate current events among like-minded communities that are active and vibrant. Unfortunately, this website will not participate in any viral or sensational trends because it remains committed to humanitarian causes that are unbiased, unique and selfless.

Consequently, the rules are not meant to deter nor change behavior, but moderation will nonetheless make an effort to push contemporary "noise" out. If you're unsatisfied with how moderation works, you are more than welcome to publish your comments elsewhere.

Humanitarian Education is an international website with no national boundaries. Creator Addie Gauthier holds responsibility over its jurisdiction and administration. Writings produced by the creator or her contributing authors may not be distributed for profit. Nonetheless, all materials are free and creative works are meant to spur humanitarian involvement. Any profit-venture from any of the materials published are FORBIDDEN.

Ghost.org has also published a similar changelog for international publications. You can learn more about Ghost's statement here.