When we created Critter Corner, we never in our wildest dreams thought it would get to this. But we also never imagined we would have a group of members who could not get along.  If this site becomes an unpleasant place for people, including myself, to visit...because of adults being unable to co-exist in peace despite their difference of opinions...then we will not hesitate to delete it. 

I believe we all have so much to offer one another.

Is it too much to ask for people to have respect for one another?  To treat others the way we, ourselves, would want to be treated?  And to not take offense at every thing that is said? 

We are here to educate, give advice and support.  If someone takes that advice great...if they don't...there isn't a dang thing we can do about it.  And if someone does give an opinion you don't like...it's just an opinion, take it or leave it...getting offended and lashing back doesn't help anyone.  It just makes matters worse.  

I would like to be able to trust that this is a group of MATURE ADULTS who can work out their differences peacefully, respect one another’s opinions, and speak to one another in a respectful manner.  

I had hoped it wouldn't come down to this. But I see no other choice.

Here are the new Critter Corner Message Board Policies.  I hope that I will not have to enforce them often.  If anyone here feels that they CANNOT follow these rules I ask that they remove their membership.  

Joe ~ Co-Founder and Manager of CC    and 

BOARD POLICIES

The following is a list of policies that all members must follow if they wish to post.  If you have any questions after reading them, please contact a manager or assistant manager.

Etiquette:
Respect your fellow members by treating them with courtesy (especially if you disagree with them). Avoid the use of foul language, flaming members, discrimination and spam. If you choose not to follow the etiquette rules/guidelines, your posts may be deleted without warning by the management. Warnings will be given if these guidelines are not followed. If warnings are not heeded, it could lead to a permanent ban depending on the severity.

• The use of foul language is offensive and will not be tolerated. Underage people will be viewing the information on the boards.

• Avoid direct insults to any member of the forums. Everyone should be treated with the same degree of respect. The goal should be to give constructive criticism with evidence to back up your opinions while using common sense, respect, and courtesy. Treat others as you would like to be treated.

• While forums are meant for debate, flaming or forcing your opinions on other members without regard to their feelings is uncalled for. This does not mean that you can't post sensitive issues or get into heated debates; it just means you have to use some common sense and courtesy when posting your opinions/views/debates. People intentionally posting to create flame wars will be dealt with by the management.

• Do not post in a thread until you have read through all of the posts thoroughly.  This will help ensure fewer misunderstandings.  Also so you do not post duplicate information. And this will also help ensure that you don’t ask a question which has already been answered in the thread.

Do not post a message until you have read  it over thoroughly to avoid misunderstandings and/or unintentionally offending another member.

• Discrimination against race, gender, ethnicity, religion, or of any other kind will not be tolerated on this forum.

•  If any issue is posted that the management feels is not appropriate for this forum or if the general consensus among board members is that the topic is too sensitive, the topic will be deleted with or without explanation. 


Privacy:
Do not post information not meant to be public, such as addresses, phone numbers, instant messenger logs, or anything else containing sensitive information. 


Editing/Deleting Posts:
If your post has been edited or deleted, there was a reason behind the change. If you choose to flame the manager for making a change to your post or thread, you may be warned or banned, depending on your posting history. 

Managers and Assistant ManagersTheir duties include keeping the peace as well as enforcing these policies.

Punishments (Warnings and Bans):
If any user does not follow the policies we’ve outlined, action will have to be taken by either the Assistant Managers or Manager. The first step will be a warning. A warning (which will include the reason for the warning) may be a reply in the offending thread, an email to the user or a private message to the user. If after the warning there is another problem, a ban will have to be enforced.  If you choose to register a new alias after being banned, you will be banned again.  If you post on behalf of someone who has been banned, you will receive a warning. If you continue posting for a banned member after being warned, you will be banned as well.