Timeshare Consumer Group

[Jon]

These are the original forum rules from the last TCG forums. Basically they all still apply:

The Timeshare Consumer Group forums are inexorably bound to the organization itself and so we must uphold the same principles and policies as we would on the website proper. However, I also recognize that a forum should be a "forum," that is, a haven of free speech. That having been said, I've tried to organize these guidelines to tread the space between anarchy and authoritarianism. Most of the regular posters will have nothing to worry about; you've all been a great help with the launch of the site and your conversation has been both entertaining and enlightening. I've never had to boot anyone off the forum (except a few spammers) and I don't intend to start that unless situations turn inappropriate. These rules are primarily in effect so that if anyone violates what should be common sense but often isn't, I can refer to this document for security (in plain english: we told you not to do this, so just don't do it, ok? ).


- The CARDINAL Rule: There is to be NO messaging that in any way advertises or leads readers to an advertisement of a Timeshare, Timeshare Resale, Holiday/Vacation Club etc company! Discussion of any of these subjects is encouraged, but I would prefer it if companies were kept anonymous unless A) you are warning someone about a potential fraud or B) you offer the company name as an "answer" to someone's problem. Those wishing to capitalize on option B should "b" careful...oblique ads will get you booted off rather quickly.

- The second CARDINAL Rule: No messaging that in any way slanders a company or representative by name, unless you are posting in the "fraud" section. Frauds should be posted with extreme delicacy and only completed if you personally feel you have been cheated by a timeshare company. Forums have been shut down for libel before and I'd rather that this wasn't one of them.

- An additional note: If you are a representative from a timeshare company or an industry insider, post cautiously. I have studied the language of company reps on other similar forums for a long time (TUG, TS4MS) and can usually spot them from a mile away. I am not saying we don't want your opinion; timeshare insiders could provide us with extremely valuable information. I'm just saying we don't want your bias or your corporate agenda. If I feel you have one you will be booted off the forum without warning.


Other, less CARDINAL but still important rules:

- Snarky behavior should be kept in check. Everyone on this forum deserves the same amount of attention and right to speak, unless they violate one of these rules. Keep it above the belt, ok?

- I don't mind personal sidebars but as you can see there's no place for "off-topic" discussion at the moment. We're still a modest forum and to be honest I'm still learning how to properly run it. Help make my job easier by keeping posts relevant. As we get bigger I'll probably also begin turning to you original posters to help with moderation as well.

- And to go a little further, anyone who would like to start a new area for the forum that they feel should be there can pm or e-mail me. If I approve it, I'll post it up.

- To anyone posting questions about timeshares: please read the FAQ and articles over at www.timeshareconsumergroup.org first. We don't have a comprehensive database there yet but we're working on it, and a lot of small inquiries can be fielded easily by a perusal of the website.

- And finally, have fun. This is all spare time we're spending in here, right?


I'm not saying these rules are a legally binding contract but if you disagree with any of the points I've made than you should probably seek conversations elsewhere. I would be the first to admit that the TCG forums are really only for people who fit a very specific set of characteristics (namely, ones who own, have owned, will own, or know about owning timeshares), but aren't most forums? We're here to fill a small chink in a large wall -- not necessarily to appeal to the wall en masse. But those caught in the chink may find this a crucial source of information. If you have any comments or rules to add, please reply below and I'll amend as we go along. Thank you all again for your support.

[evicpin]

Hey, one of my messages got sent to "hell"!

[Jon]

[evicpin]

Yeah, I think I got it.

Don't "mod" us into the ground, now!...