User Guidelines

Otherwise known as the ‘Community Guidelines’ or ‘House Rules’ these are a simplified version of your Terms of Service. They are intended to be brief (to the point), easier to digest and provide a friendlier positive tone than that found in your Terms of Service.

Often the first document your users will read, your user guidelines provide an introduction, and welcome them to the community. They help orientate them and aid their understanding on what kinds of participation are valued in the community, helping to set a positive, constructive tone. 

Your user guidelines should provide the basic ‘do’s’ and ‘don’ts’ of the community, focusing on the ‘do’s’ and cover these 5 basic items…

1. Be respectful
2. Be relevant
3. Keep your word
4. Protect your privacy and others’
5. Remember this is user-generated content; use at your own risk

Tips:

• The guidelines should include a direct link to the terms of service. 
• add extension to community URL ‘/t5/user/UserTermsOfServicePage’
• It’s normal for terms of service to include things not found in guidelines, but guidelines should not include things not found in the terms of service. 
• It may be helpful to include an “elastic clause” that says “Community managers or moderators may provide additional direction as needed to maintain a safe and welcoming environment for our members.”