Discussion Forum Rules and Etiquette

• Forum members must not use inappropriate language, make insulting or inappropriate comments (including comments that could be considered harmful, threatening, vulgar, abusive, sexually explicit, obscene, defamatory or offensive) or use any language which would be considered discriminatory.
• Forum members must not make slanderous statements or violate another person’s privacy.
• The IEMA discussion fora must not be used to transmit material that contravenes, intentionally or otherwise, any local, national or international laws or regulations.
• The discussion fora must not be used for fraudulent activity. Forum members must not offer to sell or buy products, services or activities through the discussion fora.
• The discussion fora must not be used to transmit any material that infringes copyright, trademark, patent, or other proprietary rights of any third party. Where prior permission to distribute or use material subject to copyright has been gained, this should be provided to the IEMA.
• The discussion fora must not be used for commercial solicitation (website links, advertising etc). This type of activity is strictly prohibited. If you would like to advertise on the IEMA website please see advertising.
• Products, services and activities must not be promoted through the discussion fora. The mention of a product and service will only be permitted where it is absolutely necessary in the course of the discussion.
• Specialist Interest Group members must not threaten or harass other users.
• Do not post topics that are of a controversial nature that may offend other users.
• The decision of the IEMA moderator(s) is final.

If you are unsure whether or not an action is appropriate please contact info@iema.net before posting.

Any participant posting inappropriate information will have their access rights removed without warning. The IEMA moderates all forums and any inappropriate information will be removed immediately.

General Guidance

• When writing a response to an item or using the discussion forum please observe the same courtesy you would use when speaking with someone face to face.
• When responding to a discussion point, comment on the content rather than the person who has made the statement or comment.
• For the discussion fora to be effective it is essential that SIG members stay on topic.  It is also important that topics aren't duplicated - check that the discussion isn't happening already or that it hasn't happened previously.
• SIG members are advised not to include personal contact information on any messages posted.
• It is expected that SIG members will disagree, debate, have differing opinions and question other SIG members' facts and information.  This is expected and it is envisaged that through a consensus process agreements can be reached on good practice for other SIG members and IEMA members to share.
• Don't shout!  Please use lower case in messages as capitalisation can be interpreted as shouting and considered impolite.
• If you have a comment or complaint relating to IEMA membership or services this should be put in writing to IEMA, St Nicholas House, 70 Newport, Lincoln, LN1 3DP and not posted on the discussion forum area of the website.