Australian Stage Online is Australia's Online Home for Performing Arts. As such, we seek to encourage discussion about all things to do with the performing arts industry, and of course we want you to enjoy your experience while participating. We've put together these guidelines to ensure that everyone has a fair go, and no-one gets hurt:
Keep it nice
People are passionate about art! Its possible we may get into a lot of heated discussions about what we've seen in the theatre, or our view of the arts industry – and that’s okay. Discussions might involve topics that we are personally invested in and will passionately defend. But in order for discussions to thrive here, we need to remember to criticise ideas, not people.
So, remember to avoid:
- name-calling
- ad hominem attacks
- responding to a post’s tone instead of its actual content
- knee-jerk contradiction
Personal attacks and harassment will not be tolerated. Any comments that we find to be hateful, inflammatory, or harassing will be removed. If you don’t have something nice to say about another user, don't say it. Treat others the way you’d like to be treated. Sexist, racist, misogynist, homophobic, and broad, offensive generalizations about groups of people are simply not allowed. Comments or discussions written intentionally to provoke will also be removed.
Always strive to add value to every interaction and discussion you participate in. Before joining in a discussion, browse through some of the most recent and active discussions happening in the community, especially if you’re new. If you are not sure your post adds to the conversation, think over what you want to say and try again later.
Keep it tidy
Help make moderators’ lives easier by taking a moment to ensure that what you’re about to post is in the right place. That means:
- don't ruin a show for others by giving away the ending – or anything else that would be better left as a surprise for the audience – no spoilers please!
- don’t post off-topic comments or discussions
- don’t cross-post the same thing multiple times
- periodically review these guidelines: they are subject to change
If you see something, say something
Moderators are at the forefront of combatting spam, mediating disputes and enforcing community guidelines and, so are you.
If you see an issue, contact the moderators if possible or flag any comments for review. If you believe someone has violated the Basic Rules, report it to Disqus by flagging the user's profile.
No serial flagging
Flagging is to be done only if the commenter has violated the Disqus Terms of Service, contains spam or offensive language. Flagging simply because you don't agree with someone is unacceptable.
No self-promotion
A discussion or comment that contains only a link to your blog, a product, or your article on another site will be removed.
No sock puppets
If you try to circumvent a ban by returning with a sock puppet or new account, you will be banned; no warning needed.
Choose your (curse) words wisely
Comments that contain profanity are automatically held for moderator review before being posted. Depending on the context of the comment, it may be removed. Profanity used to insult, antagonize, or inflame will always be removed.
Don’t just copy and paste
If you didn’t write it yourself, or haven’t properly acknowledged your source, don’t post it.
Disqus Basic Rules
Our comment system is provided by Disqus. We are therefore obligated by Disqus to abide by their Basic Rules. The following are not allowed on Disqus:
- Targeted harassment and encouraging others to do so
- Spam
- Impersonation
- Direct threat of harm
- Posting personally identifiable information
- Inappropriate profile content
Disqus currently only support English-only discussions. Non-English comments and discussions will be removed.
Thank you for taking the time to read these guidelines.