Consumer Discussions: Guidelines
These guidelines set the basic ground rules for taking part in consumer.org.nz discussions.
Our discussions are designed primarily as a place for members to share and exchange ideas on current topics of consumer interest.
Consumer staff will review discussions, and moderate where necessary to maintain focus, assist with references to our information, and to ensure that our guidelines are respected.
However, our staff is not able to engage in extended debates with members. We encourage in-depth exploration of important consumer issues among members, and our experts may join in occasionally to add new information and perspective. But their heavy responsibilities as testers, writers, and editors limit their availability for extended dialogue.
We reserve the right to remove or edit any post that we believe breaches our guidelines, and to remove member access rights to our discussions where necessary. See our Terms & Conditions for more information.
Discussion rules
Show respect to others
Be polite and respect different points of view. No swearing, or use of insulting or offensive language, in posts, replies or user names. Be aware that what you consider ironic or witty may not always seem so to other members.
Personal attacks on members, moderators or staff will not be tolerated.
Stay on the topic
Please ensure that your posts are relevant to the topic under discussion
No commercial promotion
You are welcome to post your views on specific products and services. However, don't use the discussions to promote or advertise products and services for your own gain, or on behalf of your employer. .
If you have a commercial or financial interest in a product or service under discussion, you should disclose this as part of any post you make.
Use your own good judgement
We can't vouch for the accuracy, quality or good sense of messages posted in our discussions. You must use your own judgement to assess the usefulness of what you read here.
No copyright materials
Post only material that is yours, or where you have the express permission of the copyright owner.
Safety
Posts that promote unsafe practices or information are not permitted.
No spamming or malicious links
The same or similar message posted more than once may be considered spam and removed. Don't post links to objectionable or irrelevant sites, or malicious code.
Reporting abuse
If you see a message you believe breaches these guidelines, please notify us via the "Report abuse" email link. Alternatively, email discussions@consumer.org.nz
Privacy & legal matters
Privacy
We don't publicly display any personal information, apart from your discussions username. We strongly advise that you do not post your email address, home address, or phone number as part of discussions. See Your Privacy for more information.
Use of your posts
The messages you post in discussions may be used by Consumer as part of our research and publication, and we reserve the right to copy or quote them here or in other media.
New Zealand laws apply.
New Zealand laws apply to these discussions. Do not suggest or encourage illegal activity.
These Guidelines may be changed or updated without notice.