The Hummer Network Forums

[Bob]

Within about a week of the creation of the HML, it was decided by members to keep it "G" rated, free of profanity and obscenity. This has been the policy here ever since, as the HML has grown into the Hummer Network. You are asked to respect this policy.

This includes the posting of images which may be considered obscene, pornographic or otherwise offensive. If something is borderline, it could lead to a few taking it as a "green light" to post images which are increasingly offensive, so even the mildest "porn" is not acceptable.

Profanity that is disguised by using alternate characters, while still clearly intended to be profanity, is not acceptable.

Some object to foul language and obscenity on religious and/or moral grounds. Please respect the religious beliefs and moral convictions of others.

For the record, this policy was decided by, and is still supported by, the vast majority of members. The admin/founder of this forum did not even suggest it originally, but will act in accordance with the wishes of this community if/when it becomes necessary to do so.

This long-standing tradition has had an added benefit. It created a civil, friendly atmosphere which has remained, as a rule, to this day. When people start hurling profanity at one another on a forum, things can get very ugly very quickly. Fortunately, that does not happen here. The Hummer Network (aka HML) has been a very valuable resource as a result.

Another consideration is that the Hummer forums are linked to mailing lists, a fact that is too often overlooked. Everything posted to any of the Hummer Forums (H1, H2 or H3) goes out over the associated mailing list to mailing list users via e-mail. Some mailing list users have ISPs that maintain content filters on incoming e-mail. If there was much off-color language going out over the mailing list, those ISPs could start blocking the mailing lists on that basis. It's hard enough to convince them that mailing lists are not "spam" without this added complication.

I can't believe I actually have to put this next part in writing in the 21st century, but it has, unfortunately, become necessary to do so: Racism is offensive, VERY offensive. There is absolutely no place for it here. Racial and ethnic slurs are not tolerated.

The Hummer Network, aka the HML, has been an extremely valuable informational resource since 1996. The intent is to keep it that way. Think of it like a support forum for a piece of computer software, a place to find answers to questions and solutions to problems. It's not the place for off-color, offensive or racist material. Find another outlet for that.

Please remember that this is a large and diverse community with thousands of members. People of all ages, genders, races and nationalities participate. Don't assume that everyone shares your values and attitudes.