* Rules

OK, I think we're done, latest version is below.
The wordy legal bit (otherwise known as small print)

Talk Photography is owned and operated by tpmedia Ltd.

This page and any subsequent and/or additional pages form the Terms and Conditions ("Rules") of accessing any part of this website (Talk Photography). By registering and/or using the Site, you agree that you have both read and agreed to these Terms and Conditions. We may modify these Terms and Conditions at any time without notice.

All our rules apply to any content created by you ("Content") and submitted to Talk Photography ("posted") either directly or indirectly. "Content" includes, but is not limited to :

• Registrations, usernames, forum threads and posts, private messages, signatures, profile data, events, photographs or any other information created via our website or associated services (for example, our Facebook page).

You agree that by submitting content to Talk Photography, either via the website, email or any other method, that you grant (Talk Photography) and/or its agents non-exclusive, irrevocable permission to store, reproduce, backup and/or re-present in public, worldwide, via any media, and/or modify (for editorial purposes only) that content. You retain copyright to that content.

All photographs submitted to Talk Photography will remain copyright of their respective author. However, when you submit a photograph to Talk Photography for an event, competition or such activity, you grant Talk Photography and/or its agents irrevocable permission to store, reproduce, backup and/or represent in public, worldwide, via any media, and/or modify (for editorial or aesthetic/display purposes only) that content, but only relative to the event to which it was submitted.

General

• You may not directly copy any part of this website for inclusion in any other publication, in any form whatsoever.
• You may not post any content (including but not limited to photographs) that does not belong to you and to which you do not own the copyright, you may however post links to that content.
• Respect - Always act respectfully and politely towards everyone else. Speak to them as you would speak to your own grandmother.
• The objective of Talk Photography is to build community around a love of photography. Please use this forum with that attitude.
• Feel free to politely disagree with opinions expressed by other members, but don’t attack those members. In other words, kick the ball, not the person who kicked the ball.
• Common sense - Apply it, use it, and be guided by it.

Registration

• One account only. Your username may be changed upon request
• Accounts may be deleted upon request.
• You must have a valid email at all times.

Conduct and behaviour

• Don't swear. Don't be offensive. Be polite. Don't bore everyone with drivel.
• Don't threaten anyone, don’t be racist, sexist or homophobic and don’t post anything libellous or anything that's likely to offend other people.
• Anything else that could be deemed as socially unacceptable, contrary to the spirit of our community and/or that creates or increases any risk of harm.
• Post in English.
• Do not in any way alter or edit your posts in a disruptive manner, for example do not remove or replace images or text if doing so disrupts the flow of the thread.
• If you think someone needs to be reminded of the rules, report it to the mods and leave them to deal with it. If you retaliate, then you'll be treated as an offender, regardless of who started it.
• If a moderator posts with an instruction, that instruction must be obeyed and must not be commented upon, argued with or disregarded. Expect a very harsh response if you do.
• Teensy bit rude? Shouldn't be viewed by kids or anyone at work? Use the "NSFW" thread prefix.

Prohibited content

• Piracy (of the internet kind), anything naughty or criminal. Market research, surveys etc.
• Anything that makes you money (or goods) from our community, for example, referral links.
• Anything else that just isn't nice.

Signature

• Keep it clean, non-commercial (if target customer base is photographers), and not in-your-face.

Avatar

• Clean and non-animated, thanks.

Private Conversations

• Same rules as everywhere else.

Staff CANNOT read them (unless they're part of the conversation or unless a participant copies and reports the conversation to the staff).

Don't post them publicly unless all parties agree.

Posting photographs

• That's good, keep doing it!
• Only one thread per subject, please

Editing other members' photos

• If they haven't ticked their 'Yes' box in their profile, don't do it!
• If they have, then you go nuts, but don't ruin it or post it anywhere else but the same thread.
• Don't post images in other people's threads unless invited, or it's an "Open to all" thread

Nudity

• Only in the Nude and Glamour forum please
• Nothing overly or graphically sexual
• Nothing that focuses on genitalia
• Nothing that looks like porn. That's just tacky. We're not Reader's Wives!

Comments on photographs

• Constructive comments are welcome
• Restrict critique to the image as presented (not the subject, the equipment, the photographer)
• Don't comment on the appearance of the subject or model

Commercial activity and representation.

• A resounding no, unless you've already asked, and we have said yes, and you've paid our advertiser fees.
• This includes usernames, avatars, signatures, posts and more. If in doubt, ask first.

Dealing with advertisers on Talk Photography

• Apply due diligence and use your common sense. It's your responsibility to check them out before you hand over your money!

Administrators and moderators: Although moderating decisions cannot be challenged or discussed, they can be reported. Contact the Moderation Team privately using the Contact Us link below.

Please note: The spirit of the rules will always override the literal wording.