1.) Three strikes and you’re out. When a member receives three warnings from the moderator, their membership will be locked and they will be blocked from taking out new memberships. Warnings will be given for the following:

• Inappropriate language or content - This forum is intended for jewelry artists of all ages. Swearing and crude language will not be tolerated. Please note that implied swearing is equally unacceptable. Adding asterisks or using abbreviations does not disguise the intent behind the word(s).

• Negative, antagonistic comments - This includes name-calling and deliberately instigating conflict. It also includes rude, unconstructive criticism. Please keep in mind that words do not translate as well in writing as they do spoken face-to-face — be careful using sarcasm.

• Posting personal e-mails on the forum - If you are experiencing an off-forum conflict with another member, keep it off the forum. An exception to this is spam e-mails sent via the forum. One example may be posted as a warning so that other members know to delete it.

2.) Keep discussions on topic. We realize that people will make comments about their personal lives in the course of talking about jewelry. This is perfectly acceptable as long as such comments adhere to the other forum rules of appropriate behavior. However, it is against the rules to deliberately start a thread that has no relation to jewelry. If you want to discuss your pets, your recent dinner party, or the new movie you want to see, please do so via e-mail or an instant messaging service. Repeatedly posting off-topic threads will result in a warning.

3.) Posting advertisements is not permitted. Posting advertisements will result in a warning and/or membership deletion. Some exceptions that may be permitted are:

• Members looking for a specific item - If your store/business carries the specific item that another member is looking for, you may reply with a link or information on how you can be contacted.

• If you're posting an introduction in “Meet the community,” you may, within reasonable limits, post some information about your company, products, and/or services.

• As an active member of the forum helping out other members, you may provide a link back to your Web site within your signature.

In general, we will not permit solicitation from companies, distributors, or private individuals, except for the exceptions listed above.