Internet Guidelines

Two young radio operatorsThe RSGB provides forums, lists and reflectors, web forms and online questionnaires for those who are genuinely interested in developing and furthering amateur radio or a specialist thread of it, to allow them to comment, share views and explore ideas

The vast majority of those using these facilities do so in the spirit intended.

However, a small minority seem to need guidance to explain what is and is not acceptable conduct.

That is the purpose of the following guide notes, which will ensure that our online facilities are enjoyable to use, that people show respect to each other and that for newcomers they serve their original intended role of promoting the hobby that we all enjoy so much.

The following general guidelines apply to all RSGB interactive forums, lists or reflectors, web-forms, forums and questionnaires.

A separate set of guidelines for RSGB social media outlets are also posted below.

Identities

The RSGB’s preference is that people identify themselves with their name and call sign (if one is held).

Current practice or setup on some forums and lists is that this is not possible.

In these cases a username might not be accepted if it:

  • Appears to impersonate someone else
  • Contains swear words or is otherwise objectionable
  • Appears to be a replica of an existing identity, unless good reason is given for the duplicate identity

Message content

The RSGB reserves the right to refuse to accept messages.

In the case of moderated forums or lists or reflectors, moderators may amend or reject postings and, in the cases of repeated abuse, ban or remove the person from the forum or list.

The following message contents fall outside the ethos of the Society and would be unacceptable:

  • Comments that are considered likely to disrupt, provoke, attack, impersonate or offend others.  For the avoidance of doubt this includes comments that contain swear words or language that might offend, or content that is racist, sexist, sexually explicit or abusive.
  • Off-topic content in relation to the topic in the forum, list or questionnaire unless there is a clear request, such as in “Have Your Say” to invite comments of a broad nature.  Off-topic content includes spam, which is also sometimes characterised by repeated postings.
  • Statements that are thought to break the law or condone or encourage unlawful activity.  This includes breach of copyright, defamation and contempt of court.
  • Comments that describe or encourage activities which could endanger the safety or well-being of others.

 

RSGB social media guidelines

We’ve set out a few guidelines below for using the Facebook page or our Twitter profile.

There aren’t many, so please have a quick read and help to make it a positive experience for everyone.

What we welcome—

  • Do like the page or a post, or favourite a tweet
  • Share posts with your friends or retweet our tweets or comment on them
  • Post success stories on Facebook, such as passing your amateur radio exams
  • Encourage people to attend amateur radio events you’re involved with
  • Ask questions about where to find out RSGB information, or for help from the RSGB generally
  • Tell us the type of information you’d like to see on the Facebook Page or our Twitter profile
  • Get involved in our #Twitter campaigns

But please don’t—

  • Use bad language
  • Insult anyone—we are all entitled to our opinions and beliefs
  • On our Facebook Page:
    • Post personal ads for buying or selling equipment
    • Post an advertisement if you’re an amateur radio supplier or other organisation
    • Post fundraising or charity requests

The Facebook Page and our Twitter profile aren’t the same as forums where you can chat to other amateur radio enthusiasts, but they are both great ways to see news, get up-to-date information about Membership offers, keep in touch with what is going on and join our conversations.