The Rules

Every place has rules. We need them to avoid anarchy. Please read these and abide them. You may want to come back periodically and check to see if there's anything new. We add new rules occasionally. Usually when someone does something stupid and forces us to write a new rule. That's just the way things go.

Please follow these guidelines when commenting on this site:

• People on this site have courageously told their stories using their real names ... if you're going to comment on these people we expect the same from you. In other words AngryBanker58 isn't going to be heard here.
• If you advertise or provide blatant false information on this site we will call you out on it and you will be banned if necessary. This site is to help people and if you have to dig too deeply to find a conscience you don't belong here.
• Bigotry, racism, homophobia, hetero-phobia, and blatant bashing for the sake of bashing of any kind is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Pointing out how ridiculous things are around it is different and acceptable.
• Religion is a dangerous topic, but unavoidable. Keep it civil and don't try to save anyones soul. Remember the topic of this website. If you find yourself becoming offended, enraged, sweaty, or nauseous get to your closest house of worship and calm down before posting something we'll all regret.
• Politics are a breeding ground for arguments. Sometimes the most egregious and blatant. Stay on topic and keep in mind that Shamethebanks is not aligned with any party nor do we want to be. Discussing the idiotic thing politicians do and say is what we're all about.
• This site does not adhere to the rules of a democracy. It is a benevolent oligarchy. The editors are allowed to bend, amend, delete, modify, or outright ignore any rule as they see fit, with no explanation to anyone other than his or her fellow staff members. Sorry, but there it is. We don’t hold hearings.

Mini-civics lesson: The First Amendment of the US Constitution restricts government, not private citizens, from infringing on your right to free speech. On this web site, your speech is a privilege. On your web page your speech is a right. Learn the distinction.

• Use a real language, preferably English. The kind they try to teach in schools. Don’t graffiti the site with IM speak and for the sake of Pete, use spell check—that’s what it’s there for. We’re not asking you to get a copy of Strunk and White or an AP Style Guide, but make an effort.
• Profanity should be kept to a minimum. Creatively and intelligently articulating why you think someone is an f-ing idiot for doing or thinking something is more entertaining and admirable to the rest of us than ignorantly swearing.
• To avoid possible vigilantism, people’s names, addresses, phone numbers, license plates, and identities should be protected. People who have had their name in print or in the news are fair game and probably asking for it.
• Respect fellow writers. This does not need to be spelled out. Just use common sense. Don't imply or state that someone is stupid, for example. If you call someones article stupid, explain why. Attack the argument, not the person.
• Religion: This is a highly sensitive topic and anyone insulting someones beliefs will be banned. There is one god on this site and he doesn't belong to any church. If you still need clarification on this topic read Ben Franklin's creed.

| Spread this article...