As Think Artificial grows and garners exposure, there’ve unfortunately been incidents that convinced me that writing community guidelines is a good idea. The following few rules are mainly for new users (if you’ve been commenting here for a while without me bugging you, you can probably skip this.)

In essence, these are meant to (a) help new users orient themselves here and (b) ensure that regular readers’ experience here is kept high quality. A special Terms of Use page, (accessible through the main nav bar), has been created and will remain there indefinitely.

Specific wording may change in the following few days, but the gist will stay the same. If you have any suggestions or comments — or applause — this entry would be a great place for ‘em.

Terms of Use

We ask you, dearly devoted new user, to read the following carefully (print it out and preach to your colleagues and coworkers in the name of all that is Artificial).

• Respect your fellow community members - There’s nothing wrong with a heated debate. But keep your comments rational and free of slander or abuse.
• Quality writing - Readers of Think Artificial are an intelligent bunch. While I won’t usually interfere — be warned that poor grammar or spelling will probably make other readers think you’re a moron.
• No advertising or spam - Comments, addresses or nicknames intended as advertisements for commercial purposes, rather than providing information about the commenter, will be removed. The comments are for discussions, not for soliciting your site.
• This is not kindergarten (or America’s legal system) - Twisting the words of these terms will not get you out of a pinch. Let your common sense dictate your interpretation of them and you’ll be fine.
• If you’re uncertain about any of the above, or if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
• Think Artificial reserves the right to remove comments or even ban users that violate these terms.