Welcome to the community - updated etiquette thread

Hello and welcome to the RSPB community. The blogs and forums are here for you to share enthusiasm and friendly discussion about all things nature. If we all  treat one another with the same respect and courtesy that you would wish to receive and keep things polite at all times then this should be a great place to be and it will mean less stick waving from the moderators, which we don't like doing.

Here is a quick refresher of the do's and don't when using the RSPB forums and blogs;

•  Please refrain from personal attacks. You may express disagreement with what someone says, or how he or she feels but don't call them names or make it personal.
• Don't spam! That is, don't repeatedly post the same advertisement for products or services. We have strict and specific rules about this. Recommending products for birds and wildlife is great, but not everyone wants knock-off designer shoes!
• Try to avoid duplicating posts, it is a possibility your question has been answered or the topic has all ready been started. Have a look around.
• Please avoid using Caps lock when addressing users it can come across as YELLING or SHOUTING!
• Remember that your posts are public. They can be read by anyone your partner, your children, your parents, or even your employer.
• Stay on-topic. Don't post about the footy in the “Where to watch wildlife” forum or about hair care in “Wildlife protection”! That’s why we have the Tea Rooms.
• Don't expect other people to always acknowledge you, its nothing personal. They may be busy looking at the Nuthatch on the feeder outside the kitchen window. Moderators will try to respond to posts that have got missed and we may move them to more suitable locations if neccessary.
• If someone is being abusive or you do not like what you see, let us know, you can report it by the 'flag abuse' option but we would also appreciate an email to wildlife@rspb.org.uk which will be picked up by the moderators. We will look at the posts and take what we deem as appropriate action. Please do not retaliate.
• If you are experiencing technical issues and cannot find a solution on the forums, please get in touch by sending a message direct to our web team at web.enquiries@rspb.org.uk 
• All posts are subject to moderation by the RSPB and we reserve the right to edit, adapt, move or delete any contribution.
• In terms of discipline for breaches of the terms and conditions, they will be dealt with by warnings or, as a last resort, bans from the forum. The moderating team will judge which course of action is most appropriate.
• You can read the full terms and conditions of use for the site here. Any questions about these or the above etiquette, please drop us an email on one of the above addresses.

We hope you enjoy your time here and enjoy discussing birds, bugs, beasts and any other nature, whether it begins with a 'b' or not. Enjoy!

Best wishes

The RSPB community moderating team