• Remember to respect the tone of the forums. They are for everybody's use, so please refrain from using profane words or expletives.
• Although we work hard to ensure our forums are as safe as possible, it is sensible to NOT post personal details about yourself as these can be read by anybody using the site. For example, don't post your email address, your telephone number or address. Please refer to our identity theft advice on the home page.
• Post clearly and concisely, this includes non-text speak and shouting in capital letters. Posting in English is recommended, unless it is otherwise appropriate, as it is difficult for us to moderate.
• Topic titles should be descriptive, 'Read this' or 'Please help' will result in less people reading your discussion. Moderators may occasionally edit titles if this is appropriate.
• Try to keep in line with the topic, holding unrelated conversations can be annoying to other members. This is your community - let us or your fellow posters know if you feel things are getting off-topic or inappropriate to the subject of that forum area.
• Do not spam the site with duplicate topics, only post one topic in one forum - duplicate topics will be deleted.
• Private messages should not be reproduced in the forums without permission of the author.
• Cross-Posting is not allowed here. Cross-posting refers to posting new duplicate threads or posts, or the linking to threads or posts already started by the member with the intention of gaining exposure.
• Please do not dominate the forums by posting multiple topics all in one go, as this can be off-putting for members who wish to contribute.
• Whilst it is not a crime to post in the wrong forum, please try to post in the correct area, as this will help ensure that you receive the relevant response.
• Regular members should set an example by being tolerant of new members, try to welcome newbies to the site as we all have to start somewhere.
• It is important to be considerate to your fellow users, so please remember to exercise respect of others' views, gender, lifestyle, background and religion. Disagreeing with the idea of another community member is different from attacking that individual.
• Please do not insult or try to belittle another Zone member. It is very easy for others to be upset by insults online and misinterpret what you say. Instead, if you have an opinion, please be constructively critical in your post.
• It is not acceptable to post content which is likely to instigate an unnecessary argument or cause others to respond in a way that is out of character, ie flame-baiting or deliberately disrupting a discussion. Do not get drawn into a slanging match, it is best to ignore the offending comment and report to the Host. If necessary after further investigations, both parties will be issued a warning if there continues to be ongoing disruption on the forums.
• Trolling is prohibited - Trolling is the word used to describe a post that is deliberately designed for the purpose of offending and winding up the members of the forum community. Posts of this nature are disruptive and do not convey a friendly attitude. It is advised to ignore these types of post and report to the Host for further action, 'Do not feed the trolls'.
• Only one account per person is accepted on the site. Multiple identities are not permitted. This also includes closing one account and creating a new false identity. Any member who has been found in contempt of this may be removed from the site by the Host.
• Avatars/user pictures/images submitted to the Saga Zone site, should not contain images of a pornographic/sexual nature, or contain offensive/foul language. This rule also applies to profile display names. If reported avatars are deemed to be offensive, you will be asked to remove or edit the displayed picture - this will be at the Host's discretion.
• Do NOT advertise or promote any commerical or non-commerical businesses or external website addresses, unless agreed by the Host. This includes using logos for pictures, web addresses in profiles, posts or blogs. It is not acceptable for members to join the site primarily to use the forums for market research, advert requests, surveys or project information purposes.
• Do NOT post any comments regarding ongoing or pending trials or legal action as you and Saga could be in Contempt of Court.
• Do NOT post anything libellous - remember that this is a public arena and you can be held accountable for the comments you submit.
• Do NOT post anything which you do not hold the copyright or have the permission to reproduce, this also includes chain emails that you have received externally. Content posted under Fair Use is acceptable.
• Please do not use the reporting mechanism for tale-telling, we are not mediators or counsellors and we are only responsible for the forum and its content. Should you bring your personal grudges and vendettas with you into the forum, you will lose forum privileges.
  
  We will not intervene in personality squabbles. If you are having excessive trouble with members of the community on a consistent basis, we recommend that you look at what you may be doing to cause or add to the problems and try to sort this out privately. Step away from the keyboard when you find yourself overheating.
  
  However, we do encourage you to contact us with legitimate complaints of offensive posts or harassment by other members but do not come to us with the equivalent of reporting each other for playground behaviour.
• Do NOT flame the Hosts. They will have the final say. They try to please everyone they can, but ultimately, they are given the duty of making this community as enjoyable for as many people as they possibly can. They cannot always be right, nor can they please everyone with the decisions made, but they are doing their "jobs" and hopefully you agree they are doing their best. If you feel that an egregious oversight has been made, then pm the Host. Discussions between the Host should remain private - complaints or grievances aired on the public forums may lead to a further warning or possible ban.

Warnings and Suspensions

We like to think that we are one big virtual community. We may not always agree with each other's opinions, but we should respect one another. Deliberately starting arguments, or becoming offensive, will lead to a warning by the Host.

The Host will give members a warning if they continue to break the rules. If you continue to ignore the rules, three strikes and you are out or temporary ban will be imposed. The rules are not set in stone so the Host's decision is at their discretion. If you have sent a message to the Host, we are not obliged to send you a reply, however any notifications reported will be acted upon if deemed necessary.

We appreciate everyone's co-operation in keeping with our guidelines and if you require any advice or clarification, please contact the Host or use the Contact Us button.