Following are the official guidelines for the Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania (GSP) Gatherings forum applicable to its Board, members, users and posters.
Used effectively, engaging in the GSP Gatherings Forum can help drive potential members to the organization, enhance our reach and build our reputation online. Everyone who participates in the GSP Gatherings forum is expected to adhere to the guidelines outlined below to create a positive and productive online experience that helps protect GSP and its members reputation both on and offline.
As new online tools are introduced, this document will evolve over time. Please check back periodically as we will continue to update these procedures as new technologies and rules of engagement emerge.
If you have any questions about the following procedures, please contact Karen Ellingson at gatherings@genpa.org.
General Rules of Engagement for Participating in Conversations Online
Below are some general tips and recommendations on how to listen, any online community on behalf of or with GSP.
Be Transparent: When participating in any online forum, always disclose your identity and, when appropriate, company affiliation. Never post anonymously or create an alias for any reason. Be truthful and accurate in all communications. If you are not sure about the accuracy of a statement, confirm the information with the appropriate resource prior to posting.
Stick to What You Know: Provide meaningful content focused on your areas of expertise. We encourage all members to provide their own unique, engaging and relevant perspective.
Use Commonsense and Exercise Good Judgment: Never post comments that will cannibalize good will or be construed as racist, insensitive, disrespectful or generally malicious. Avoid personal attacks, arguments or other hostile communications.
Be Respectful: Common courtesy and good manners go a long way in diffusing a potentially volatile situation. When disagreeing with others’ opinions, keep your tone respectful and polite. Avoid being overly defensive or rude when handling a potentially antagonistic situation. If you feel a situation is escalating quickly, ask a superior how to proceed and determine the politest way to address it or appropriately disengage from the discussion.
Post Relevant, Valuable Content: Post content that adds value to your audience. Avoid posting spam or off- topic discussions or photos. Not sure? Ask yourself if your content improves people’s jobs, helps members understand our society, solves a problem or answers a relevant industry question. If so, it probably adds value.
Follow Copyright Laws and Trademarks: Seek and secure approval before posting anything that contains nonprofit logos and trademarks. Make sure you have the right to publish content before posting and always cite proper sources when using other people’s work.
What Happens in Vegas Stays on Google: Very simply: Think before you post. Google and Facebook can archive news for years even if it has been deleted, so consider your content carefully before posting.
Be Responsible: Please remember that you are ultimately responsible for what you post. Any communication sent from the nonprofit’s email or online assets implies that you are speaking on the organization’s behalf or as a member, so please ensure all content associated with you is in keeping with this society’s values and professional standards.
Everything is Linked: Keep in mind all online communications, whether personal or professional, are ultimately linked so use your best judgment when communicating online.
Fact Check: Ensure that all content, facts, figures and perspectives are accurate before posting online. If you find an error in something you posted online, be transparent about the mistake and correct it promptly.
Privacy & Confidentiality
Respect Your Fellow Members: We require that all members respect each other’s right to privacy, so seek permission before sharing anything about a colleague online. Examples of GSP Gatherings Forum disclosures that may compromise a member’s right to privacy include, but are not limited to, pictures, video or audio recorded and shared through this Forum without the permission of the member, the public disclosure of private facts or the disclosure of information gained through unreasonable intrusion.
Protect Confidential and Proprietary Info: Members have an obligation to protect the society’s proprietary and confidential information. Do not publish or disclose any proprietary information with a third party or online.
