On Just Chat, I have the site rules and the terms of service on separate pages although I have the full text (rules and terms) in a disclaimer that people need to agree to before accessing certain areas of the site for legal reasons.

Some short simple rules with extended definitions and best practice?

This helps provide further education on board etiquette for those who desire it and still allows the lazier users to quickly assimilate the ground rules.

Michelle – I understand your concerns. I have a much longer ‘terms of service’ which users need to agree to before they can access the interactive sections of Just Chat.

Unfortunately there is little you can do to simplify these without losing some degree of legal protection. This is why it helps to have your rules not only included in your terms of service (where they can be missed), but also on their own separate page. This way you can keep clear, simple rules and not have them hidden away in a lengthy legal document.

Smiley – New moderators will always undergo an ‘on-the-job’ training period whereby they learn what is expected of them and how to behave. Similarly, it will take a while for your members to learn that behind each moderator is an individual who will have their own personality, and own interpretation of the site rules.

Cody – Terms of service and rules can be two distinct parts of your site; one offers you a degree of legal protection, and the other details solely how people are expected to behave. If your rules are hidden away in a lengthy terms of service document, consider giving your rules their own page – even better, list them on the chat pages themselves so they are always present and highly visible.

Ramana – I think you make a valid point that rules should be considered more of a fail-safe in case people misbehave. Of course, in an ideal world none of your members would ever cause problems – however, from time to time they will, hence the need for clear rules.

Mike – I agree; without liberty and a decent amount of free speech, a community will struggle to be successful.

Reena – I am glad you agree! An excessive number of rules can definitely discourage people from joining your community.

Bhumika – Thanks for your input. I agree that short bullet points are the way to go.

Brackets – I love the example you give, and completely agree with you! Excessive rules can definitely impede progress and creativity.

Andy – You make a good point; some communities will need more specific rules than others, depending on their subject.

Eva – I am glad you agree

Kevin – A focus on creating content is great, but make sure you have a few basic and simple rules for your members.

Roleplay – I am glad to hear it! I have no doubt that this is a contributor to the success of your community.

Nicole – You are bang on the money. Short, simple rules that people will read and understand are far more effective than long, complicated lists that people will skip straight over.

Soa – I am glad you agree! Thanks for your comment