ArtistsNelson

COMMUNITY GUIDELINES

Website: ArtistsNelson.com
Effective Date: September 29, 2025
Last Updated: September 29, 2025
Version: 1.0

1. PURPOSE AND VISION

These Community Guidelines help maintain a positive, respectful, and professional environment for all artists on ArtistsNelson.com. Our platform exists to celebrate and promote the diverse artistic talent in Nelson, BC, and to foster a supportive community where artists can showcase their work and connect with each other.

2. OUR VALUES

2.1 Respect

We treat all community members with dignity and courtesy, regardless of artistic style, experience level, or background.

2.2 Inclusivity

We welcome artists from all backgrounds and celebrate the diversity of artistic expression in our community.

2.3 Professionalism

We maintain professional standards in our interactions and content while fostering a friendly and approachable atmosphere.

2.4 Authenticity

We value genuine artistic expression and honest representation of our work and ourselves.

2.5 Community Support

We support fellow artists and contribute to a collaborative environment where everyone can thrive.

3. RESPECTFUL CONDUCT

3.1 Treat Others with Respect

  • Be courteous and considerate in all interactions with fellow artists, administrators, and visitors
  • Acknowledge and appreciate the work and perspectives of others
  • Disagree respectfully when opinions differ
  • Avoid personal attacks, insults, or derogatory comments

3.2 Support Fellow Artists

  • Celebrate the successes and achievements of other community members
  • Offer encouragement and constructive support
  • Foster a collaborative rather than competitive atmosphere
  • Share knowledge and experiences when appropriate

3.3 Provide Constructive Feedback

  • If offering feedback, ensure it is constructive, specific, and helpful
  • Focus on the work, not the person
  • Frame criticism in positive terms when possible
  • Remember that unsolicited criticism may not always be welcome

3.4 Respect Diverse Perspectives

  • Recognize that artistic styles and preferences vary widely
  • Avoid dismissing or denigrating art forms or styles you don’t personally prefer
  • Be open to learning about different artistic approaches and techniques
  • Appreciate the cultural and personal contexts that inform artistic expression

4. APPROPRIATE CONTENT STANDARDS

4.1 Artwork Guidelines

Artwork should be:

  • Suitable for public display and general audiences
  • Professionally presented (properly formatted, clear images)
  • Your original work or work you have explicit rights to display
  • Free from technical issues (excessive blur, distortion, watermarks that obscure the work)

Artwork should NOT contain:

  • Graphic violence, gore, or disturbing imagery
  • Hate speech, discriminatory symbols, or offensive content
  • Explicit sexual content or nudity (artistic nude studies may be considered on a case-by-case basis)
  • Copyrighted material you don’t have permission to use
  • Content that promotes illegal activities
  • Malicious code or attempts to compromise website security

4.2 Profile Information Standards

Profile content should be:

  • Accurate and truthful
  • Professional in tone and content
  • Relevant to your artistic practice and background
  • Free from commercial advertisements or spam

Profile content should NOT include:

  • False or misleading information
  • Offensive language or inappropriate content
  • Excessive self-promotion or spam
  • Contact information that violates others’ privacy
  • Links to malicious or inappropriate websites

4.3 Artist Name and Username

Your artist name and username should be:

  • Appropriate and professional
  • Your actual name or recognized artistic pseudonym
  • Free from offensive, harassing, or inappropriate language
  • Not impersonating another person or entity

5. PROHIBITED BEHAVIOR

5.1 Harassment and Bullying

Absolutely prohibited:

  • Harassment, intimidation, or bullying of any kind
  • Threats or violent language directed at others
  • Stalking or unwanted persistent contact
  • Doxing (sharing personal information without consent)
  • Creating a hostile environment for other users

5.2 Spam and Commercial Misuse

Not permitted:

  • Using the platform primarily for commercial advertising
  • Posting repetitive or unsolicited promotional content
  • Spamming other artists or administrators
  • Using the platform to solicit sales in an aggressive manner
  • Operating the platform as a commercial gallery without authorization

5.3 Impersonation and Deception

Strictly forbidden:

  • Impersonating other artists, administrators, or public figures
  • Creating fake profiles or multiple accounts to deceive others
  • Misrepresenting your identity, credentials, or artistic background
  • Claiming credit for work created by others

5.4 Privacy Violations

Not allowed:

  • Sharing others’ personal information without explicit consent
  • Publishing private communications without permission
  • Violating the privacy rights of individuals depicted in artwork
  • Accessing or attempting to access other users’ accounts

5.5 System Abuse

Prohibited actions:

  • Attempting to circumvent administrator decisions through technical means
  • Hacking, exploiting vulnerabilities, or disrupting platform operations
  • Using automated systems to scrape data or content
  • Creating accounts or uploading content that violates Terms of Service after being banned

6. CONTENT MODERATION

6.1 Administrator Review

All uploaded content is subject to administrator review before public display. Administrators reserve the right to:

  • Approve or reject content based on these guidelines
  • Request modifications before approval
  • Remove previously approved content if issues are discovered
  • Make final decisions on borderline cases

6.2 Removal Reasons

Content may be rejected or removed for:

  • Violation of Terms of Service or these Community Guidelines
  • Copyright or intellectual property concerns
  • Technical quality issues that affect display
  • Inappropriate or offensive subject matter
  • Any reason deemed necessary by administrators to maintain platform standards

6.3 Appeals Process

If your content is rejected or removed:

  • You will receive notification from administrators
  • You may request clarification on the reason for rejection
  • You may appeal the decision with additional context or explanation
  • Administrators will review appeals fairly and respond in a timely manner

7. REPORTING CONCERNS

7.1 How to Report

If you encounter content or behavior that violates these guidelines:

  • Contact the platform administrator immediately through the website contact form
  • Provide specific details about the violation (URLs, usernames, descriptions)
  • Include any relevant screenshots or documentation
  • Explain why you believe the content or behavior is problematic

7.2 What to Report

Report any instance of:

  • Harassment, bullying, or threatening behavior
  • Inappropriate or offensive content
  • Copyright infringement or stolen artwork
  • Spam or commercial abuse
  • Privacy violations
  • Technical security concerns
  • Impersonation or deceptive practices

7.3 Confidentiality

Reports will be handled confidentially. We will not disclose your identity as the reporter unless legally required or you give explicit permission.

7.4 False Reports

Making false or malicious reports to harm other users is a serious violation and may result in account suspension or termination.

8. CONSEQUENCES OF VIOLATIONS

8.1 Warning

First-time or minor violations may result in:

  • A formal warning from administrators
  • Request to remove or modify problematic content
  • Educational guidance on community standards

8.2 Temporary Suspension

More serious or repeated violations may result in:

  • Temporary account suspension (duration determined by severity)
  • Removal of violating content
  • Loss of upload privileges during suspension period

8.3 Permanent Termination

Severe or persistent violations may result in:

  • Permanent account termination
  • Removal of all content from the platform
  • Ban from creating new accounts
  • Reporting to legal authorities if applicable

8.4 Factors Considered

Administrators consider several factors when determining consequences:

  • Severity of the violation
  • Intent (accidental vs. deliberate)
  • History of previous violations
  • Impact on other community members
  • Willingness to acknowledge and correct behavior

9. ARTISTIC FREEDOM AND EXPRESSION

9.1 Balancing Expression and Community Standards

We value artistic freedom and recognize that art can be provocative, challenging, and push boundaries. However:

  • Artistic merit does not exempt work from community standards
  • Context and intent matter in evaluation decisions
  • Work that provokes thought is different from work that offends or harms
  • We strive to support bold artistic expression while maintaining a welcoming environment

9.2 Mature or Sensitive Content

If your work addresses mature or sensitive themes:

  • Ensure it meets our content standards (no graphic violence, explicit content, hate speech)
  • Consider how it will be perceived by a general audience
  • Be prepared to provide context or explanation if requested
  • Understand that some content, while artistically valid, may not be suitable for this platform

9.3 Cultural Sensitivity

Artists should be mindful of:

  • Cultural appropriation vs. cultural appreciation
  • Respectful representation of diverse communities
  • Avoiding stereotypes and harmful tropes
  • The impact of imagery on marginalized groups

10. BEST PRACTICES FOR ARTISTS

10.1 Creating Quality Content

  • Upload high-resolution images that showcase your work effectively
  • Write clear, engaging descriptions of your artwork
  • Keep your profile current and informative
  • Organize your gallery thoughtfully
  • Respond professionally to any feedback or inquiries

10.2 Engaging with the Community

  • Be generous with appreciation for fellow artists’ work
  • Participate authentically and consistently
  • Share your artistic process or insights when comfortable
  • Support platform events or initiatives
  • Help welcome new artists to the community

10.3 Protecting Your Work

  • Consider watermarking images if concerned about unauthorized use
  • Monitor how your work is displayed and used
  • Report any unauthorized use or copyright violations
  • Understand your rights under our Copyright Policy

10.4 Professional Development

  • Use the platform to build your artistic portfolio
  • Network with other local artists
  • Stay informed about updates and changes to the platform
  • Provide feedback to help improve the community

11. ADMINISTRATOR EXPECTATIONS

Artists can expect administrators to:

  • Review content and applications in a timely manner
  • Apply guidelines consistently and fairly
  • Communicate clearly about decisions and reasons
  • Be available for questions and support
  • Protect artist privacy and personal information
  • Continuously work to improve the platform

12. CHANGES TO THESE GUIDELINES

We may update these Community Guidelines periodically to:

  • Address emerging issues or concerns
  • Clarify existing standards
  • Improve community experience
  • Reflect community feedback

Changes will be:

  • Posted on the website with updated date
  • Communicated to artists via email when material
  • Effective immediately unless otherwise stated

13. QUESTIONS AND FEEDBACK

We welcome your questions, suggestions, and feedback about these Community Guidelines. Please contact the platform administrator through the website contact form.

Your input helps us maintain and improve our community standards.

14. ACKNOWLEDGMENT

By using ArtistsNelson.com, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to follow these Community Guidelines. Your participation in our community signifies your commitment to maintaining a positive, respectful, and supportive environment for all artists.

Thank you for being part of the ArtistsNelson.com community. Together, we celebrate and promote the incredible artistic talent in Nelson, BC!

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