In general, we know that our forum members are unlikely to cause any real problems. Following your own common sense means that 99% of the time you won’t even have to think about this page. For that occasional 1%, we’ve written down a few guidelines for usage of the forums.
Play nice and have fun.
No flames
If you must argue, or post personal criticisms do it in private email. Thoughtful debate is OK, but “flames” will be removed without notice. Messages contributing to or inciting flames might also be removed, especially if off-topic. Flamers might find themselves blocked from accessing the forums. What do we consider to be “flames”? Posts that are insulting, angry or argumentative beyond or without reason, or those intended to incite such a response from others. Flames are often off-topic. Attempts to disguise flames by posing them as “innocent questions”, etc. are often transparent and will be ignored.
No obscene language
There are better ways to make a point than the use of four-letter words. Many of these words will be blocked from the forum automatically. Any that slip through will be removed by the forum staff. Likewise, racist or prejudicial remarks do not belong in this forum. Slurs against Canon owners by Nikon owners will not be tolerated ;-)
Use of images
Forum members can upload images with a post. The idea is to let you post your photos for critique, or just to show off a great shot. Obscene or vulgar images will be deleted without notice, and may result in being blocked from the forums. If an image is in a “grey area”, a forum staff member may contact you about it before action is taken.
Copyrighted material
Dan’s Camera City is conscientious about protecting the rights of others. Copyright infringement will not be tolerated. Please do not post the work of other photographers in this forum. If you’d like to show us a photographer’s work, post a link to a website rather than posting a copy of a copyrighted image.
No advertising
Advertising is unwanted. If you join in the discussion, we likely don't mind if you post a link to your web site. However, messages posted with the intent of promoting a particular web site or service - free or otherwise - are not allowed and may be removed without notice.
Dealing with abuse
If someone does something bad, please don’t “fan the fire” by posting a reply in the forum. Instead, report the post to the forum staff so they can deal with it appropriately.
If it doesn’t seem fair
If it seems that forum rules have not been fairly applied, you might be right. Our forum staff work hard to be fair and equitable, but they are human and can make mistakes. By all means, feel free to contact the staff to take another look at the situation.