Rules
	by Tav

"The only rule is don't be boring and dress cute wherever you go.", Paris Hilton Celebrity, singer, actress, and model

Ah no wrong quote...

"The only rule is that there are no rules.", Del Close, Improv guru and founder of the ImprovOlympic

...well slightly better.

Unwritten and implied rules have been in place on the 'agenda since 2004, and its now, four years on, I have now decided to write them down! They haven't changed or become more important, it's just that now I have decided to create this page I wanted something 'in it' rather than leave it blank. So I won't be offended it you don't bother reading this since I'm only writing it down to fill in the page. Also don't be offended that you are reading this I have already conned you into reading this drivel without getting down to the matter at hand. Hey, look up I've already filled a good portion of the page up to here.

Anonymity
On the 'agenda it's OK to be who you are. You will be remembered for the things you say and do, not for what and who you are, although we are a friendly bunch and we would like to get to know you. Even though the 'agenda isn't a downstairs bar in downtown Boston, it is a place where everyone knows your name (doesn't that give you a nice warm feeling inside?).

Whether you comment anonymously or not if you don't provide a gravatar (see help) a gravatar will be assigned to you (all part of the service). To avoid confusion an anonymous gravatar will 'stick' to the IP address used. An IP address is a unique 'serial number' that stays with a computer/Internet connection.

If you are a saint and you don't want to talk about your 'charity work' or conversely you're a rogue and you want to keep a low profile (or any other reason) leave a handle (nickname). If you can't think of a handle, a handle will be assigned to you (still part of the service at no extra cost!).

Spelling and grammar
I'm such a kind person that I generally put all comments through a grammar and spell checker, and I correct grammar and spelling to all comments as long as it doesn't defer the context of the message. Any acronyms are handled appropriately (e.g. WFDC) and abbreviations are generally un-abbreviated. Any slang or spoken words are usually shown with an apostrophe at the end (e.g. ya'), and quotes are italicised.

Off topic
Despite what trolls will tell you debate is where a specific issue is raised in an agenda (in the 'agenda in this case) and people with any interest in the issue raise points for or against or state their position for or against. We don't just turn up and blag on about whatever takes our fancy and see what falls out. No, I raise an issue in a blog and blurfers comment if they so wish. You don't have to rely on me to blog about an issue, anyone can raise a blog (see 'Raise a blog', below). All I ask is that you keep it to an issue related (as best you can) to the Wyre Forest district, because that's the 'agenda's genre.

However, you can get an exception to the rule, and if you want to raise something that is perhaps off-topic or going off in a tangent say so in your comment inside square '[]' brackets, and I will adjust (usually separate into another blog). I do this automatically anyway if I feel more than one topic is being pursued.

Raise a blog
On empty blogs it states, "Do you have some news about Wyre Forest? What to write a blog for the Wyre Forest Agenda? Want to raise an issue you feel strongly about? Tell me about it.". Click on the comment link and write a blog for the agenda (try to keep within the Wyre Forest genre). A blog can be anything from an annoyance, an announcement, a question, or a commendation (or criticism), just as long as it's generally kept within the 'Wyre Forest' genre. It will come up (eventually) accredited to you. You can response to it (press the comment link) if you wish, but you don't have to.

Name dropping
Unless the person is question has already contributed to the blog please keep names of people private and refer to job title/position applicable to the context. In cases where the person in question is a public figure, like a councillor, then using their names is OK, I'll even add their representation and political party in square brackers '[' after the first reference.

If you cannot resist the urge and do name a non-public figure, then your comment will be edited. If you do name a public figure that I believe is probably not aware of the 'agenda or the blog in question then the person will be contacted (usually emailed) to allow the right to rebut. Go on try it, write a comment, 'Colonel Gaddafi is a buffoon'. Colonel Gaddafi will then be contacted and informed of the comment. On second thoughts, don't try this.

Libel and copyright
You are responsible for your comments, if you write something that you are unsure of the facts, try and re-word it to explain so. If you have already posted, post again with instructions on removing/altering the comment. I will accommodate. If you write something you know is untrue or write something to imply a lie, then don't post it. I may publish (unwittingly) on the 'agenda. If you read a comment and you consider it libellous, contact me on tavis.pitt@wfa.org.uk. I have a procedure to deal with such cases. I usually remove the comment from the public first then process the claim afterwards.

If you post text or images (yes you can!) try your best to get permission from the owner. If you can't get permission say so (in square '[]' brackets) and I will assist. Don't plagiarise with text and images. Of course the same goes for a blogs written by me and blogs written by other people.

Abuse and Defamation
Don't post a comment that is derogatory to a person or organisation or that is offensive, I will remove the comment immediately. If your comment is removed don't try and re-post or re-word with the same content, I'll ban the IP address. If you want to swear that's fine but treat it like salt, a little adds flavour, too much makes you puke. If I'm in the mood I may alter the original comment with euphemisms but I rarely do this unless the result turns out witty.

Sensitivity and misunderstandings
Sometimes on the 'agenda we discuss issues that can be sensitive to people or groups of people and it could be that something is said that others feel attacks their reputation, character or good name. You should always respect the sensitivities of other individuals and groups of people. If you have upset someone on the 'agenda then it is best to apologise; and/or retract your statement; and/or explain any misunderstanding or misinterpretations. The same goes for your host, that's me, so in any such situation please accept the following apology...

I offer a full and unreserved apology to any individuals or groups of people who upon reading anything written in The Wyre Forest Agenda, by me or blurfers, that feel that they have been defamed, offended, or upset. I also apologise in full and unreservedly for publishing inadvertently any comments from blurfers that would be construed as being defamatory, offensive, or upsetting in any possible way.

That's it really, I cannot think of anything else. It's filled up a page hasn't it! If I alter anything on this page I'll blog about it on the day I change it.