Code of Conduct

Write with respect.

GenerationStation is a place to celebrate life, remember family, and discover your heritage. We ask that contributors be respectful and remember these guidelines.

Above all, be nice.

You know what it means to be good, and we expect our members and contributors to use good judgment and behave accordingly.

If you’re not sure, leave it out.

Every life has an unflattering moment, and every family has multiple facets. At GenerationStation, we honor what you wish to remember, for now and for future generations. GenerationStation is not a historical reference – therefore it is OK to leave information out.

Tell the truth. Less can be more.

It’s OK not to mention Great Uncle Max’s dishonorable discharge from the navy, but don’t lie and say that he had an honorable discharge.

Describe people as they described themselves.

If Uncle Albert liked to refer to his life partner Charles as his “lifelong friend and companion,” then use those words. On the other hand, if he referred to Charles as his “husband,” then honor his wishes and do the same.

Give priority to the feelings of the living.

If your Cousin Sally never publicly acknowledged that as a teenager she gave up a baby for adoption that means this fact usually should not be included in her biography. However, if the fact is undisputed and her adult, living child wishes to be recognized, then the wishes of the living person could take precedence.

Give priority to the feelings of the family.

At GenerationStation, you don’t need to be a family member or even a friend to contribute to a biography. However, if any disagreement occurs over how a person is described, the wishes of the family should take precedence.

1. Negative or controversial information in biographies must be supported and cited by credible references.

1. A GenerationStation story is a personal reflection, and may include somewhat more controversial information or a recollection from the contributor’s own point of view.

‘Discuss’ your disagreements.

GenerationStation is a collaborative site. If you and another member disagree on how a person is described, use the discussion page to explore solutions. Members should be aware that they can resolve issues amongst themselves. Options include:

1. Edit the content, delete it, or revert to a previous version
2. Start a Discussion with the contributor to explore solutions

An “edit war” is when one contributor changes something, and then the first contributor changes it back again and back and forth etc. Do not edit war. Use the discussion page (or the telephone) to discuss disagreements.

 

Yes, if you’re really stuck, try picking up the telephone to talk about the issue. 

Be legal and appropriate.

Impersonation is pretending to be another person in order to deceive. Impersonation of a living or deceased person is prohibited.

 

GenerationStation Members are prohibited from posting:

1. Content that is obscene or inappropriate for minors
2. Content that violates copyright, trademark, or any other law
3. Advertising of any kind outside of the GenerationStation ‘Market Place’
4. Political content or social commentary if it goes beyond describing the activities of the subject of a biography
5. Impersonating another person, living or deceased, in order to deceive

 

In general, we allow the good, the bad, but not the ugly. As a member you have the freedom to add content without our judgment on whether or not it is favorable or unfavorable. However, we will not tolerate content that is offensive, hateful, or denigrating. Please do not engage in conduct unbecoming a respectful member of the GenerationStation community.

 

Any violation of the GenerationStation Code of Conduct will result in immediate and permanent account suspension.

 

We Have an Open Door Policy

 

Over time, we may run into something that isn’t covered in the Code of Conduct. You have a voice in our policy making as well. Please know that we have an open door policy and encourage you to make suggestions. We have the room to grow and change as our community (and the technology) grows and changes.

 

Last updated: January 2011