THE APPALACHIAN RETELLING PROJECT
Community Guidelines
Appalachia is not a monolith. As a collective storytelling project, we aim to share a diverse range of stories and perspectives that together create a collage of what it means to be from and live in the mountains. As such, it's only fair that we set guidelines as to what we will and will not accept on our platform so that many viewpoints can respectfully be heard. These guidelines apply to all the content that appears on our website, including guest posts, collaborations, and comments on any of our stories, as well as any comments on our social media channels. Frequent or serious violators of our community guidelines may be banned from commenting on our pages.
What can I do on The Appalachian Retelling Project?
Create a guest post, suggest a collaboration, or make a comment sharing your unique viewpoint or experience around a topic. The Appalachian Retelling Project is designed to share a wide range of perspectives on a variety of subjects. That means that some stories may contain viewpoints that conflict with others that we share. It also means that no content we publish necessarily reflects the views of The Appalachian Retelling Project. Everyone is encouraged to share their own stories, providing insight into the many ways that people live and think in the region.
Engage in kind and respectful debate. Because our content comes from so many differing perspectives, it's inevitable that you may come across an idea or opinion you disagree with. You are welcome to voice your disagreement and debate with others on our platforms, so long as that debate remains kind, thoughtful, and respectful at all times. Always assume that the person you're talking to has good intentions, and if it's clear that neither side will budge, agree to disagree and be on your way.
Make suggestions for new content and/or improvement. The Appalachian Retelling Project is truly meant to be a collective, community project. We are always open to ideas for new stories to tell, viewpoints to consider, or ways to improve. If you have an idea and would like to chat, our mailbox is always open at theappalachianretellingproject@gmail.com or on social media.
What can't I do on The Appalachian Retelling Project?
Disrespect, degrade, or use harmful language toward or about any person or group of people. We will not tolerate rudeness or abuse toward any other person or group on our platforms. Unacceptable offenses include name calling; disparaging others based on (but not limited to) their race, religion, gender, sexuality, or political affiliation; and pushing harmful or stereotypical narratives about any other person or group of people.
Use excessively derogatory or vulgar language or imagery. Slurs or sexual vulgarity of any kind will not be tolerated. We understand that sometimes strong language (i.e. curse words) may be necessary for a story or other work of art; we just ask that it's not excessive. We reserve the right to determine what kind of language and imagery is acceptable on a case-by-case basis.
Engage in political commentary or debate. We know, it's unheard of on the internet these days. While we believe strongly in the importance of the political process, we believe that The Appalachian Retelling Project is a place to discover ways we are all connected outside the political spectrum. Of course, some topics are inherently more political in nature than others; while you are welcome to discuss them, we ask that you focus on the topics themselves rather than partisan affiliations. (Our other guidelines about name calling and inappropriate language still apply.) Basically, if you're about to say The Democrats this or The Republicans that, we ask that you either reconsider your phrasing or kindly direct yourself to another comments section.