1. DO treat each other with respect:
Our community team only reads messages which are reported to it. We rely on our members to be civil to each other and refrain from personal attacks.
2. DO report messages which you believe break our Terms of Service:
You can do this via the 'Report this message link' at the bottom of every post. This service is confidential and reported messages are investigated, and removed if necessary, as soon as possible within normal office hours.
3. DON'T forget the lurkers:
As well as those actively taking part in discussions on our message boards, tens of thousands more people read them so avoid posting information which could identify you or people you know.
4. DO remember that men use this website too:
Although the information provided by iVillage is primarily for women, men are also welcome to read articles on the site and take part in our communities.
5. DON'T post highly personal information:
We've said it once but it's worth repeating. Avoid posting information which may lead to the identification of friends, family or work colleagues. Do not post information about where you live, your phone number or email address.
6. DO exercise your right to ignore:
If you do not get on with another board user you can opt to 'ignore' their posts. To do this click on their member name where it appears on a board then click Ignore Posts. Future posts by that member will then appear deleted to you.
7. DO respect our CLs:
iVillage's CLs are volunteers. While they have a passion for their boards they are not experts or specialists in the subjects they cover. They are not obliged to answer every post or enter into off-line email conversations with iVillage members.
8. DO report posts by TV researchers or journalists:
As we are not able to verify their requests, TV, newspaper and magazine journalists - and people conducting research studies - are not permitted to post on iVillage looking for volunteers or paid contributors. Please report any messages of this nature immediately.
9. DON'T post links to other community sites:
Messages which contain links to alternative community sites will be removed, (unless they are approved by iVillage) as will messages containing links to sites selling products or services, ebay sales, get rich quick and pyramid schemes.
10. DON'T get banned!:
If a member violates our Terms Of Service they will receive an official warning. On receipt of the third official warning the member will be automatically banned. Banned members are not entitled to rejoin iVillage or take part in our communities. We also reserve the right to exclude a member without warning if it is felt appropriate.
Warnings may be issued for the following reasons; personal attacks, inappropriate post, board disruption (continuing an argument, deliberately posting disruptive messages), spam, vulgarity, copyright infringement, journalist or research requests. What constitutes the above remains at iVillage's discretion.
11. DO remember that iVillage may close, remove or edit messages/whole discussions at any time and without warning or explanation.
12. DON'T type in text talk or CAPITALS:
You may find that more people respond to your posts if you do not post in capitals (this is considered to be shouting) or text talk (lots of people find it difficult to read and annoying). Dividing your message into paragraphs will also make it easier for people to read, especially if it is long.
