While we want all our programs,
forums, message boards, chats, etc. to be as open and free as
possible, as in all programs involving many people, some basic
guidelines are always a necessity. The following are some basic
rules that are required for participation in any and all of our
programs.
Goal and Purpose
First and most important is that our primary goal and purpose is
to provide support, love, understanding, advice, education and
encouragement for all our members and subscribers with COPD and
other related lung conditions, their caregivers and family
members. Open sharing, information and questions are encouraged.
You are free to sit back and watch, but all are welcome and
invited to participate in all discussions.
Advocacy and Politics
While these are extremely important topics, they have no place
here in our program. Our primary goal, as stated above, has no
room for these issues in our programs. There are many other Web
sites that focus on these particular agendas. However, we must
insist these issues not be discussed here.
Commercial and Open Selling
Is absolutely prohibited. While members/subscribers are free to
post any information and links about items they think may be of
value to others, no one may post anything to the group that
would provide a financial gain to the person posting. Posting by
business professionals seeking sales or profit are also
expressly prohibited.
Advertising
is not accepted for this website. Our funding is
strictly through donations and unrestricted educational grants.
Courtesy and Netiquette
As with any group, conflict and disagreements happen. It is
extremely important to keep a level head at all times. Medicine
is a science, as we all know, and what treatment works for one
individual may not work for another. All are welcome to share
opinions; however, outright nastiness, name calling, swearing
and so-called “flame” messages will not be tolerated.
If you think you may say something in anger, please think about
it first and wait until you have calmed down. If you still feel
a need to comment, decide whether it should be done openly or to
the group before sending. We are each entitled to our opinions,
and that right should be freely shared. However, we must all
agree to disagree when the need arises.
Spamming and flame messages will not be tolerated and can be
grounds for immediate removal from any and all of our programs,
per the decision of the Advisory Board.
We must also remember that in an international group, such as
ours, treatments available in one country may not be available
to others.
Controversial Topics
Among a large group of people with various backgrounds, some
subjects are extremely controversial, and should not be a part
of our programs. Discussions involving politics, advocacy, sex,
religion and jokes in questionable taste are to be avoided at
all times. We all have our own list of personal friends we can
share these items with, but this is not the place for them.
Remember, we are here to help and support each other, not hurt
each other.
Medical Disclaimer
It is extremely important that everyone realize that this is a
site created by and for those afflicted with COPD and their
caregivers. None of us are physicians or medically-trained
professionals. All information and advice shared is for
informational and educational purposes only. Please consult your
medical team for your personal medical needs and before making
any changes in your medical program.
For additional
information, please review our complete disclaimer.
Privacy Issues
All
information is kept in the strictest confidence. Our Lists
are never sold nor rented.
No personal information is ever made available to any outside
person or agency.
Please Note:
Posts to the message boards and Email lists should NEVER
include any personal information.
Our e-mail list(s) are closed lists. Therefore only
members/subscribers may post. As such, a degree of privacy is to
be expected. Postings are not to be taken from our list to other
lists, nor should postings from another list be posted here
without the author’s prior permission. Privately sent messages
from one subscriber to another should also not be posted to the
list, unless permission has been given.
For the Chat Guidelines - CLICK HERE
For the Posting Guidelines (message
boards and e-mail lists) - CLICK HERE
