Community Rules - Ideas
I wonder what the best way is to emphasize the importance of community rules and make users understand that failing to follow them could result in being muted or banned.
What would be the most suitable place to permanently display this announcement? It could be in the registration form, in the 'Welcome' section, as a fixed link at the top of the page, or in a pinned post.
How do you address this issue, and what do you think is the most effective option?
I’ve been running communities since 2001. No matter what you write or where you post it, there will always be people who don’t follow the rules. But here’s what you can do:
- Create a rules reminder and pin it to the top of the community space.
- Include the rules in your Terms of Service and Terms of Sale.
- Don’t hesitate to exclude troublemakers.
- When someone is banned, make a quick announcement like: “Despite several reminders to respect the platform’s rules—which exist so everyone can enjoy this space—XXX has been excluded.”
(This sets an example. You can even create a fake account to illustrate the process.)
My first Group is "Getting Started." I add a site tour, a call to have people fill out their profile, and a place to introduce themselves. It's also a good place to post your rules. I also have them as part of the terms and other rules to review and agree with on registration.
There's the Welcome Banner option available. Why not use it for that exact reason? You might design a first steps guide, or even put some information into the banner decription, and so on. Have you tried it already and found it won't work? If so, what was the main reason from preventing you to use it?
Rules from the perspective of admin
Rules from the perspective of user receiving rules
Maybe a dedicated T&C page, with a link in the sidebar or pinned message? (multi-pinning would be nice for this) Wherever they're located, one can point/link to them as necessary. Like suggestion by William Beem of dedicated "Getting Started" group.