About Bipolar Disorder has a rather large, extremely active and diverse community. We have members coming from many different countries with a wide range of personal experiences and backgrounds. This wonderful diversity provides an incredible resource to you, our members. However, it can also lead to misunderstandings and conflict, as can only be expected with any group of people. Therefore, we have compiled a set of rules and a few points of etiquette (Chatiquette) which we expect everyone to support. By logging into our chat rooms, you agree to abide by these rules, with the understanding that failure to do so may result in our Guides or Hosts kicking you from the room and banning your re-entrance.
RULES
Joining chat means you agree to obey these rules.
- No one under the age of 13 is permitted in the rooms.
- NO FLAMING. You may not make fun of another chatter's nickname, language or place of origin. You may not taunt another chatter for any reason or in any way. Teasing is permitted between friends. Please do not tease newcomers or anyone you do not know well, as your intent may be misunderstood. Be careful of sarcasm, as it is very easily misunderstood in the absence of tone of voice or expression cues.
- No obscene chat names or names that are mocking or obviously triggering. You will be asked to change your name. If you refuse, you will be kicked and banned.
- Abusive or obscene language or abuse of chatting options is grounds for immediate kick.
- If you are annoyed or harassed in private message by another chatter, use the Ignore feature - highlight the chatter's name and click the Ignore button. If a host or chat assistant is present, tell that person in a private message about the problem.
- If a chatter is annoying the room in public when no host is present, all other chatters should use the Ignore feature. Please note that our "emergency" chat email address has had to be shut down because of the overwhelming number of viruses it was receiving. The Ignore button is your best friend instead.
- HOSTS (and only HOSTS) have the right to expel chatters.
CHATIQUETTE
Logging into chat means you will follow these standards of chat room etiquette.
- Respect each other and hosts.
- Those in need and / or new to the room take precedence. Drop everything until they are assisted.
- Use a similar standard of language that you might hear on major network TV, on the radio, or in any other public forum.
- We discourage the use of age/sex/location (a/s/l). We urge you not to give your real name, location, address or phone number to anyone you meet in a chatroom. This is to protect your privacy and keep you safe.
- Do choose one nickname and try to stick with it. This IS the way we get to know each other.
- Give out your e-mail or website? Proceed at your own risk. We encourage you to be cautious.
- One more time - if you don't like what someone has to say, use the Ignore User button. It's the button with a picture of a man inside a box.
